Skip to main content

4 Year Old M/W/F - The Benefits of Having Big Buddies

During our morning circle, I let the children know that our big buddies from Dixon School were going to be arriving shortly and was pleasantly surprised by their excited response - considering they have only connected with their buddies once before.

I wondered what it was about this friendship that allows it to blossom so well, and so quickly.

Upon the arrival of the big buddies, though, I realized what it was that makes this relationship so unique, and I would like to share with you some of the special moments I observed in class.


  Sofie decorates a gingerbread cookie with her big buddy.


After she writes her name, Sophie’s big buddy decorates it, adding silver candy balls.This little special touch makes Sophie feel unique.


Tia is decorating the Christmas tree and her big buddies are happy to help.


As I watched Jack walking around the classroom, not quite sure where to be or what to play with, I saw how the big buddies took a leadership role and started to play with snap together blocks, intriguing Jack's interest.

As Daniella played with geometric shapes and boards, I observed how the big buddies knelt down to her level so they could be engaged in the activity together.

I understand now how quickly this special friendship develops, as the little buddies are made to feel cared for and connected with their big buddies. The little buddies are learning to trust and feel safe with their big buddies, who are in turn learning to take on a more responsible role.


The children are learning co-operative play as they hold hands and begin to sing Ring Around the Roses, walking around  in a circle and jumping to the ground while holding onto each other's hands (and also welcoming new friends to join in the fun!)




Wishing all our families a relaxing winter break, looking forward to seeing you in the New Year!

Until next post,

~Jess





Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The River - 4 Hour Class

We went out to the park to play and something caught our eyes. There was something new and different. One of the paths in the park was flooded with water. The children quickly gravitated towards it and decided to walk in the water. Chloe said that they were crossing a river. Andrew noted that they can walk in the water because they are wearing their boots. Sara replied with “our feet won't get wet”. Adonis was watching the other children walk in the water. I knew how badly he wanted to do it as well. But he was not wearing his boots. He went around the playground and saw a big branch and started dragging it. I wondered what he would do with the branch.       Adonis brought it to “the river” and started tossing it in the water. Alvis saw what he was doing and quickly joined in. Adonis threw the branch in the water and Alvis got it in “the river” for him. Alvis was wearing his boots so he was able to be in “the river”. They speculated about the size of the splash on

Oil, Water & Food Colouring - 4 Year Old Class

The children experimented with oil, water, food colouring and pipettes this morning. They squeezed drops of coloured water into a layer of oil and were engaged for a very long while. This is a simple activity with an intriguing effect.  Irena gently and carefully shook the tray back and forth, blending colours.   Roan watched a small drop rolling up and down the pipette.   Daniel said “The circle drop is getting bigger and darker. It's dark green and red and purple.”   Charlie seemed intrigued while watching water move up and down the pipette as he squeezes the bottom. Lucas thoughtfully puts the strips of paper from a weaving activity in order, and then begins threading the strips through. A very time consuming activity.     While Lucas was having snack, Tiffany and Cara decide to take over where he left off. Lucas comes over to check out the progress. Lucas, while looking at the completed activity said “Cool, the g