Lately I have noticed that the children at my centre have a real interest in all things super hero. The children love to dress up as super heroes, act like super heroes, and colour in cartoons of super heroes.
Today a group of older children came up and asked me if they could colour in some super hero pictures they found in a colouring in book, the pictures were of super man and bat man. The children and I photo copied the drawings and then selected the colours they wanted to use for their pictures. Whilst they were completing their pictures one of the children asked if they could cut out their picture for their parents to put on the fridge. I replied that it would be a great idea and suggested that they could make their own super hero fridge magnets to take home; the children thought this was a wonderful idea and quickly got to work on completing their pictures. Once the children had finished colouring in their picture they then helped set up the laminator and retrieve the pouches. The children watched as I explained that the laminator need to heat up before they could use it, the children watched with anticipation for the green light to appear and when it did they shouted “Aunty look the laminator is ready”
Child A was the first to laminate his picture. I demonstrated how to place his picture into the pouch and feed it into the machine; I then stood back and observed as he attempted to laminate his picture. Child A stated that he was having trouble placing the paper into the pouch and asked for assistance. After I assisted him in putting the paper into the laminator and it began to move through I showed him that if he walked around to the other side of the table he could watch his picture come out the other side. When it was finished he held it up and said “Aunty this is awesome, my Dad loves batman”
Child B and C were then next to laminate their pictures, they each took turns in placing their paper into the pouch and putting it through the laminator and then sitting on the other side of the table watching the paper roll through.
Child D, E and F also took turns at laminating their pictures. Child E found it difficult to place his into the laminator so child A offered to help.
The children were amazed that the laminator could ‘melt’ onto the paper to keep the picture safe. I explained that the laminator uses heat and lots of pressure as it rolls through the machine to effectively press and seal the picture in side the pouch. After discussing the laminator the children then added the magnets and placed them on the whiteboard for all their friends and family to see.
Through this activity the children had the opportunity to experience a new piece of technological equipment and create something tangible that they could take home and share with their families. Knowledge of a laminator and how to use it was also gained as the children posed questions and problem solved with one another in order to create their product. I feel that the experience was more meaningful for the children because it was initiated and lead by them. Ministry of Education, (1996) agrees stating that “children learn through collaboration with adults and peers through guided participation and observation of others, as well as through individual exploration and reflection” (p. 9).
I believe that the laminator is a great tool that both teachers and children can use to further enhance their creativity. This piece of technology allows children to create magnets, posters, name tags, pictures etc and seal them within a protective case so that their work won’t be destroyed. Kids love to express their creativity and a laminator provides another outlet for this” (Article Base, 2011).
Reference List:
Article Base, (2011) Fun with laminators for kids. Retrieved 14th of April 2011 from http://www.articlesbase.com/presentation-articles/fun-with-laminators-for-kids-4334761.html#ixzz1JI2JAyzz.
Ministry of Education, (1996). Te Whāriki. He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa: Early childhood curriculum. Wellington: New Zealand: Learning Media.
This was a great experience that spontaneously evolved for the children. Children remember things like this.It is great to watch other children helping their peers. Little glimpses of leadership developing. I wonder how much children would do without adult support. Would they have come to the same end products?
ReplyDeleteI have very little artwork from my children's pre-school days. I love the idea in Jeff McRitchie's article that you referred to, about making place mats out of the children's art work. A wonderful gift for parents.
At our centre our Manager was very reluctant to purchase a laminator. I think it is a wonderful piece of technology. She felt that laminating wasn't environmental friendly. Do we laminate too much?
Hi Nic,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way of using the children's interest in a process of activities where they created work, that was continuously involving technology tools. Each child created their own super hero magnet to take home with pride and share with their family. This activity would have been a great and fun day for the children and yourself, and created individual meaning.
The laminater is a great piece of technology for children to investigate with support. It can take a simple drawing on paper, protect it in a shiny clear coat and return as a snazzy piece of art ready to be hung at home.
I personally think the children could laminate with no assistance as they watch intently learning all the time, and are fascinated by the laminating process. The main safety concern, of course, is the heat which is why you were there to support and guide them.
In Hester's comment she said her Manager felt that laminating wasn't environmentally friendly and unfortunately like a lot of things of properly isn't.
Laminating however does provide a tool where a special drawing can be saved for family and laminated pictures and name tags can become daily tools for a child to associate symbols as letters with their name and picture.
PS: Children's homemade place mats look Awesome!