Our Mission:
We use a child-directed model of pedagogy to impart a creative-based, socially, culturally and environmentally conscious curriculum. We encourage children to explore and appreciate themselves, others and the world around them.
WE STRIVE TO SEE THE WORLD FROM A KIDS-EYE-VIEW
Bellwoods Playschool uses a child-centred, socially conscious pedagogy to engage young children in social and artistic thought and action. Using what the city has to offer, we empower our students with the knowledge to be socially and environmentally responsible citizens while they develop into explorers of their urban landscape.
WE THINK OF THE CITY AS OUR CLASSROOM
A valuable aspect of the Bellwoods Playschool program is to empower children as navigators of their city. We journey on regular excursions, by foot and by public transportation, to art galleries, museums and cultural events, as well as markets, parks and city landmarks.
WE KNOW ITS TAKES A VILLAGE
Our Playschool runs on a model that links a range of artists together to engage and inspire children. We like to bring in different perspectives and actively pursue a diverse teaching staff. As such, professional educators and artists trade chalkboards for personal anecdotes and textbooks for real life experiences. Together, they create an atmosphere that is at once intellectually stimulating and deeply personalized.
To celebrate Lunar New Year we spent the day in Chinatown taking in the sights to mark the beginning of the year of the Snake. We ended our day by eating delicious dumplings and other tasty treats at Mother's Dumplings!
During our trip to Fort York, we found the oldest kitchen in all of Ontario!
Tiny doorways that lead to money vaults!
We attended the 'Poppin', Lockin' and Breakin' performance by Jade's Hip Hop Academy at the Canadian Opera Company. Was an amazing and inspiring time! The youngest Bgirl was 8 years old and we cheered extra loud for her! What could be better than an afternoon of breakin', hip hop and community!
When it gets chilly outside, get cozy inside! Baking is such a wonderful way to work together and share tasty results! We made cookies this month and can't wait to start our next project; making bread!
AGO! AGO! AGO! Such a beautiful and inspiring space and wonderfully curated! We can't seem to get enough!
Inuit sculptures made from ivory were our favourites! Such beautiful detail and craftsmanship!
Evan Penny exhibit!
How does Evan make these amazing sculptures??! We know it's not as simple as 7 steps, but we appreciated the breakdown! Wow. An absolutely amazing artist!
Learning how walnut cakes are made during our visit to Korea town.
The labyrinth at Christie Pits Park
Self Portraits with chalk
Warming up with a bowl of miso soup in Kensington Market
Remembrance Day thoughts...
Will this origami boat float or sink? We experimented ...
We slowly added lego figures to see how much weight the boat could hold. It held a lot and stayed a float for a whole minute!
MOVEMBER!
Our new friend, Patric McGroarty stopped by and did some song writing with us. We learned about rhythm and how to make up a funny verse and chorus! Listen to a part of our song "things you shouldn't eat" here:
http://totesmcgroats.com/index.php
Making guacamole
We ended the month the same way we began, by visiting the Frida Khalo & Diego Rivera exhibit at the AGO!! The Lion Wolves were completely enthralled by the story of their magnificent, colourful and courageous lives and artistic styles.
Distance & Perspective
Painting on photographs in the style of Frida Khalo's father!
Making progress! Our solar system is almost complete!!
