The 4-6 kids have spent several weeks exploring the theme of ‘Stoff in Alltag’ (everyday materials) and, as a final project, the children set about producing their very own clothing, decorative items and other objects from recycled materials.
The teachers presented the kids with a variety of cool suggestions to choose from, or invited them to come up with their own ideas.
Textile crafts were a particularly popular option, with cushions, bags and even entirely new fashions created from old clothes and remnants of fabric.
Some of the kids made papier–mâché from recycled paper and cardboard, then used it to produce a range of beautiful items.
Others had even more unique ideas, such as turning a shoe box into a tabletop football game.
It just goes to show what amazing things can be done with everyday materials and plenty of imagination!
In addition, we have our very own garden – the so-called Ruhe Garten, or ‘quiet garden’ – where we do schoolwork or projects, have picnics, take part in gardening or simply relax.
Aurelia has prepared a video introduction to this wonderful outdoor space.
Continuing our current theme of ‘animals in winter‘ – and coinciding, too, with the gift-giving tradition of Nikolaus day – this week in Art the kids created a tasty snack for birds.
OK – perhaps it’s not the most obvious art project, but there’s definitely a certain artistry involved. And anyway, I think our feathered friends deserve a little extra nourishment during the harsh winter months.
The bird ‘cookies’ consisted of shaped, dried bread generously spread with peanut butter then topped with nutritious seeds. They looked good enough for anyone to eat, and a couple of the kids certainly had a nibble when they thought no one was looking.
Since, at the moment, we’re also focusing on recycling and zero waste, additional materials consisted of scrap paper and cardboard, while the bread itself was gifted by a local bakery because it was too dry to sell.
After preparing the treats, each child arranged them on a card, together with a personal message to the birds.
Although several kids wisely pointed out that birds can’t read (!), my aim was to see what everyone decided to write.
As expected, the messages were lovely; very sweet and often very funny:
Hi birds! Do you want bread? P.S. There’s no kids’ menu and no water. P.P.S. It’s vegetarian, and not for birds with nut allergies.
Dear birds, this message is for you. Although you can’t read this at all, it’s a pleasure to show you this. This bird food has been packed for you with best wishes; it would make me very happy knowing that it made you happy, too.
Dear birds, I made this treat for you, I hope you like it. This is a present from me on Nikolaus. I gave this to you because all of my friends got something, so I made something for you too.
Hallo birds. I know that you want a döner, but Mr Brennan wants you to have toast.
Dear birds, I like your song in Summer, and I like it when you fly south in huge flocks in the Autumn, then come back in Spring. And for those who have stayed behind – here’s a small snack.
Every class from school got cookies, a crystal, chocolate and a small bell in a glass jar.
The 4 to 6 decorated the glass jars to be able to use as little plastic as possible. ☃️
We are not using plastic because in Gewi and Sachkunde we are having a ‘No waste week’ where we are trying not to waste so many things such as money, water, food and more. We are also getting more trash bins to recycle more and better.
Here are some pictures:
We were also sent the lovely photo, below, by Rubin class (years 1-3).
Of course, Nikolaus is particularly special for the younger children, and Rubin’s beautiful arrangement of jars together with twinkly fairy lights made the day even more magical.
Thanks, Frau Häusler, for sharing this!
Das schöne Bild oben wurde uns von der Klasse Rubin (Jahrgangsstufe 1-3) geschickt.
Natürlich ist der Nikolaus für die jüngeren Kinder etwas ganz Besonderes, und Rubins wunderschönes Arrangement der Gläser zusammen mit glitzernden Lichterketten machte den Tag noch magischer.
Vielen Dank, Frau Häusler, dass du das mit uns geteilt hast!
It’s more important than ever to protect the environment, and this week the IMS kids are taking part in an inspiring series of eco-friendly actions coordinated by Frau Dunzer and Frau Ravalico.
Under the motto ‘Null Müll’ or ‘Zero waste’, the activities include setting up a trash-recycling system for each classroom, as well as the chance to make a reusable waxed-cloth wrapper for sandwiches or snacks.
Making a beeswax wrapper, which can be used again and again!
What’s more, with the festive season about to begin, this year’s Sankt Nikolaus gift is also as environmentally-friendly as possible.
The news blog will soon have more chances to report on the ‘Null Müll’ initiative: further waste-reduction plans include a prize for the greenest classroom and, in early January, the construction of a compost container in the IMS garden.
