Following on from our investigations into how light casts shadows, the Grade 00 pupils displayed a keen interest in objects that are see-through. This ecouraged us to launch a study of objects with transparent properties. After studying transparent, translucent and opaque objects on our light table, the class went on a discovery walk to the Senior School. The children noticed a variety of transparent structures on the school campus. They were fascinated by the colours in a lily mosaic that they could see through the clear water in a fountain, the clarity and transparency in a bird bath, the beautifully dressed mannequins that they saw through the glass in the upper level of The Edge, the opaque glass in the bathroom windows, and the large opaque glass panes that form part of the corridor flooring in The Edge.

In their Art lesson the children studied the wings of a dragonfly and noticed the transparency and intricate patterns. Using black sharpies the children drew the wings of the dragonfly. Their attention to detail and careful observations enabled them to draw the patterns beautifully. The tadpoles in the Atelier are provoking curiosity and conversation as the children are fascinated by the little creatures that they see darting around in water they have described as “a little bit transparent.” The children have loved exploring the paint provocation on the light table in the Atelier. It has provided a sensory platform for them to deepen their understanding of transparency.

THE GRADE 00 TEACHERS