Over the past few months, our after-school group has demonstrated a strong interest in our Friday floor colouring experiences. This weekly activity has evolved into a meaningful and engaging routine where a small group of children are invited to select colouring materials, while either DJ Sam or DJ Harper contributes to the atmosphere through music. This intentional combination of creative expression and music helps to foster a calm, inclusive, and responsive environment that supports children’s well-being and sense of belonging.

As educators, we position ourselves alongside the children during this experience, engaging in shared conversations about their day, personal interests, and upcoming events. As shown in the image. These interactions support the development of responsive relationships and align with the foundations of How Does Learning Happen?, particularly Belonging and Well-Being, as children feel heard, valued, and emotionally supported within the group. The relaxed nature of the activity also encourages children to express themselves openly, strengthening their social-emotional competence and communication skills.

From a developmental perspective, this experience supports the growth of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, as children practice control and precision while colouring within defined spaces. The introduction of a variety of materials, including the markers brought in by Sam, has further enriched the experience by promoting exploration, creativity, and engagement, aligning with the Engagement foundation of How Does Learning Happen?. Children demonstrate sustained focus, make independent choices, and take pride in their work, which reflects emerging self-regulation and confidence.

Additionally, this experience creates opportunities for pedagogical documentation, as educators observe children’s preferences, skill development, and peer interactions. These observations inform future planning and allow us to build on the children’s interests in a responsive and intentional way.

This month, the Preschool children at RisingOaks Early Learning | St. Patrick showed great interest playing with the cars and trucks. So, we Introduced the activities based on their interest. They were engaged in a variety of rich, hands-on experiences that supported their creativity, curiosity, and learning across multiple developmental areas.

Outdoor Painting with cars:

We took advantage of pleasant weather this month by bringing our car painting activity outdoors. During outdoor play, the children explored painting using toy trains, cars, wheels, colourful paint, and mud. They dipped the cars, trains or wheels into the paint and mud, then they rolled them down a ramp and observed how each car makes the tracks on the paper. They also raced them. They observed the different speeds and unique tracks. Some children also used their hands to explore the textures of mud and paint, enjoying the sensory experience while strengthening their fine motor skills.

Oobleck sensory bins:

The children also participated a fun sensory activity with Oobleck. They explored bins filled with materials such as seashells, rocks, trucks, cars, animals, and familiar character figures. As they scooped, squeezed, and manipulated the Oobleck, they noticed how it changed texture-becoming firm when pressed and runny when released. They filled their trucks with the Oobleck and dumped it back into the bin. They also ran their cars through the sensory bin, and noticed the tracks left behind. This encouraged scientific thinking, language development, and imaginative play.

Car ramps:

As our friends showed great interest in cars, the children and the educators worked together to build car ramps using wooden planks and blocks. They observed how fast or slow the cars moved and explored concepts like motion, gravity, and cause and effect. When challenges occurred, such as the ramp collapsing, the children showed teamwork and problem-solving by rebuilding it together. They also showed great sharing and turn taking skills.

Car washing station:

In another activity, the classroom was transformed into a car wash station. Roads were taped onto the tables. The children followed the path and driving their cars to the washing station. the children washed, dried, and raced their cars while practicing turn-taking and cooperation. They also explored number recognition and shared their real-life experiences, enhancing both social and communication skills.

This month in our classroom has been full of creativity, cultural exploration, and meaningful learning experiences. The children have been actively engaged in hands-on activities that supported their development while fostering kindness, curiosity, and a sense of community.

We began the month by celebrating International Pink Day, focusing on spreading love and kindness. The classroom was filled with excitement as children explored different art mediums using shades of pink. From painting to decorating with foam shapes, the children expressed their creativity in unique ways. Our sensory play experience with pink playdough was a highlight, where children rolled, shaped, and added glitter to their creations. During group discussions, children shared their ideas about the color pink—connecting it to personal items, clothing, and special occasions. Together, we reflected on how pink can represent love, happiness, and friendship, reinforcing the importance of being kind to one another.

We also explored the cultural celebration of Vaisakhi, providing children with an opportunity to learn about traditions from around the world. Through a read-aloud and group discussions, children were introduced to important concepts such as community, equality, and sharing. They learned about special terms like Bhangra, Gurdwara, and Langar. Music and movement played a big role in this experience as children listened to the beats of the Dhol, experimented with instruments, and practiced Bhangra dance steps. This joyful celebration encouraged children to appreciate diversity while expressing themselves through rhythm and movement.

Another exciting moment this month was our celebration of National Banana Day, where children participated in a hands-on food activity. After practicing proper hygiene, they learned how to peel and safely cut their bananas using child-friendly tools. They also enjoyed the process of turning bananas into yummy smoothie. This activity supported independence, fine motor development, and healthy eating habits. The children were proud of their efforts and enjoyed preparing and eating their own snack.

This month, the Toddlers at RisingOaks Early Learning | St. Patrick, engaged in a variety of Easter-themed sensory and creative experiences that supported their curiosity, exploration, and development.

During sensory play, the children explored a bin filled with crinkle paper, colourful eggs, tongs, and bowls. They were eager to play with the materials, reaching and grabbing the materials, building their sensory awareness and fine motor skills.

Robbie held and lifted up an egg and said, “egg,” with a big smile on his face while Owen identified one of the colours, saying “green.” Wyatt, Florence, and Dante practiced using tongs to transfer materials, while Zoey used her imagination to create a “bird’s nest” with crinkle paper and eggs. The children also explored colour recognition by opening and matching the eggs.

In a painting activity, the toddlers used eggs to stamp paint onto the white paper, discovering patterns and shapes. Some children noticed the “circle” shape, while others experimented with mixing the bright colours. They used words like “egg” and “painting” and shared their artwork with peers, strengthening both creativity and language skills.

A highlight of the month was a surprise Easter egg hunt after nap time. The toddlers slowly began to wake from their afternoon nap. The classroom was quiet at first, but something felt different. Slowly waking up, a whisper, “Egg?”

All around the room, colorful Easter eggs had appeared. They were scattered near the cubbies, beside the toy shelves, and even tucked gently near the play kitchen.

As more children woke up, the room filled with soft gasps and excited voices.
 “Look! Eggs!” “I see one!” picking up the eggs one by one. Some held them close, while others shook them gently, wondering what could be inside.

They began counting together as they collected them. “One… two… three!” When opened, the eggs revealed stickers, and the children joyfully shared, “I got a bunny!” and “Yellow chick!”

These experiences supported the children’s development in fine motor skills, sensory exploration, language, early math concepts, and creativity, while fostering joy, collaboration, and a sense of wonder through play.