My Top 10 Picks for 2023-2024

Here we are again! The end of it all and the most awaited 10 picks from my end. Always hard to narrow down because honestly there are always so many. However these 10 brought something different to this year and I think it is worth a mention. Yes some may also be a repeat from previous years however it shows how recycling ideas and activities can still be as equally engaging as new ones.

Are your ready?

Here we go....

• Number 10: Wedding Photo Album

Still relevantly fresh, this activity is a clear example that storytelling can take place with different kinds of books. My wedding photo album proved to have caught the idea of not just looking at Ms. Charmaine's pretty attire but also increase in vocabulary, questioning techniques and language skills. Never in a million years would I have ever thought I would be taking my own Wedding Album to school yet alone relive my wedding day with the students but here it is now placing on the top 10.

• Number 9: Storytelling Timelines with the Ozobot

The ozobot is back for another honourable mention. This is because during our "Rock, Paper, Scissors" investigation we explored a storybook by Julia Donaldson called "Paper Dolls". At the end of the story, students were encouraged to draw the storyline as a group. Later on the Ozobot was put on the designated line work to symbolically collect the memories of the story. The glee and sheer smiles made this activity earn a spot on this list.

• Number 8: Wet vs Dry Paper Properties

Extracted from our investigations during "ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS", this activity actually was a mesmerising one because of how muh it provided students with a chance to explore first hand the properties of a paper. First we tried exploring strength of a dry paper by lifting rocks and folding it etc, lastly we finished with the same explorations this time using a wet version. The sheer amount of interest and experience was an awe in itself and it provided a great hands on learning experience which is not just fun but relatable too.

• Number 7: Woodwork Session with Pawlu

Intrigued about the workshop of our dearest handyman Pawlu, our students wanted to learn more about the gadgets that are staples in any workshop. Behold the thrill of using electric gadgets such as a drill or the sharp points of a saw, or the hammer tump followed by a pointy screwdriver. This special visit uplifted the mood, the fun and most of all the learning through hands on opportunities. It challenged gender stereotypes and above all it pushed the boundaries with extent care of risk play. Supervised, cautious and playful. A way how to instil boundaries and safety rather than placing the children in danger without them knowing the whys, whats and hows.

• Number 6: Fashion Shows

Just in time for Canrival 2024, students were encouraged to create their own designs. Providing them with fabrics, glue, ribbons, markers and other accessories, they managed to create their own fancy costumes and rock that catwalk like pros. Only true S. T. E. A. M educators can understand how much this activity was a mega hit in making sure learning outcomes can be achievable through play. Love it and therefore I'm placing it!

• Number 5: Makeup Roleplay Area

This dramatic play area extended our interest in "Makeup". So much so that it offered all sort of opportunities such as improving scissoring skills while cutting nails, Pre-writing with nail polish, colour mixing with eyeshadows, socialising, language growth, group work and of course endless room for different types of creative arts.

• Number 4: Threading with Needles

Yes we are young but we can be trusted with sharp, pointy resources too. Supervised Yes but the independence level on this activity gave my students a chance to explore fabric and thread in a more concrete way. These are the kind of skills we need our children to engage in. The type which we grew up with before all the snowflaking shenanigans took place. The kind of calculated risk with an intense understanding of how things work and why. This activity was integrated with the project titled "L-għarus u l-għarusa" which highlighted the wedding season within our classroom talks.

• Number 3: Giant Human Pizza

You might have missed this one because it was one of our first project investigation by the title "Pizza". During a Pink October school activities, students came to school wearing pink clothes. We therefore took this opportunity to create a fun way how to make a giant pizza while students were symbolic sausages. The sheer laughter and sensory exploration through an imaginative play opportunity was a memorable one and a well deserving spot on the top 3 too.

• Number 2: Playing with Rocks

In general, literally just playing with rocks was always amusing to watch the students do. They washed them, painted them and of course had ample ideas for loose parts play. Best of all I saw students replicate the Ħaġar Qim temples after an outing we had as a class. Outings like these related to the investigations we do in class bring out new ideas and concepts in which we as educators can actually observe during Freeplay.

• Number 1: Easter and Ramadan

Without a shadow of a doubt our Easter and Ramadan creative arts activities had to place number 1 this scholastic year. Those who were present on our classroom could actually feel the beautiful communities of two different faiths having a total civil conversation about their religions. Two which happened to occur simultaneously during the same period making it an awesome opportunity to investigate diversity, cultures, traditions and a wide opportunity to celebrate it all. Definitely a number 1 spot as it was a TOP notch activity that progressed discussions even afterwards and instilled a sense of respect towards each other as beautifuli ndividuals.

Believe me I know there were way more activities which are beyond and of course amazing, however these have been my personal top 10 for this scholastic year. Any ones that caught your eyes?