GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER

The beginning of the school year is not only exciting but emotional too! So many routines to teach and so many little learners to get to know! It's important that our classroom family builds trust and relationships with each other so they can feel safe and happy. Being able to establish relationships are essential skills for school and for success in life. On the first day of school, students made name tags and introduced themselves to each other. It’s important to support each student as they say goodbye to their family and learn to find comfort in being a member of the classroom community.

Nursery Rhymes

This week we recited the nursery rhymes: Humpty Dumpty and The Three Little Kittens. These nursery rhymes teach Phonological awareness, or phonological sensitivity, which is the ability to discern the sounds and patterns of spoken language. Children become phonologically aware through experiences such as reciting poems and nursery rhymes, singing, and clapping the syllables of chanted words.

Meet Our Humpty Dumpties

We discussed how an egg "Humpty Dumpty" is easily broken when mishandled. Once cracked, an eggshell can't be put back together. I asked the students, "Is it safe for Humpty Dumpty to sit on the wall?" This led to an entire discussion about safety and making good choices.

How can we keep Humpty Dumpty from breaking?

Using cotton balls, toilet paper, and nest materials(pine needles and twigs), the boys and girls put together baskets to keep Humpty Dumpty from breaking. We tested our theories and I'm proud to say "no one's egg broke."

Testing Our Theories

Three Little Kittens

On our walk from P.E., we found mittens on the ground. The children kept asking "Whose mittens are these?" Once we returned to the room, we realized they belonged to three little kittens. We read the nursery rhyme and talked about taking care of our things in the classroom and at home. We also learned where things go in our classroom so we don’t lose them(backpack, folder, lunch box, toys).?" We then matched the mittens by color and size to make a pair. Ask your child, "What is a pair?"

Classifying

The Six Little Kittens

During snack, we reviewed our letters by making them with pretzels. Hands-on education gives students both the freedom and responsibility to learn through real experience.

A/B and A/B/C Patterns

Through a series of activities, students learned the life cycle of a butterfly.

Last week we started our new study about reduce, reuse, and recycle. This study offers opportunities for our children to explore a topic that not only interests them but allows them to gather information, become more aware of the world around them, and solve problems. During this study, we will enjoy sorting and reusing the trash collected.

Building a Recycling Center

Since we can't recycle styrofoam, we reused it to build a recycling center in our classroom. We had fun working together as a group.

Making Art with Environmental Print

Using recycled materials from snack time, we cut out petals and made flowers. Each student had a chance to point out different letters and symbols.

RESURRECTION EGGS

Every child was excited to see what was in their egg. We discussed how each item played a part in the story of Easter. Children love the eggs because you can see, touch, and listen to the story.

JELLY BEAN GRAPHING

First, we had to color our Jelly Bean Sorting Mat. Then we classified and graphed them. Kids love hands on activities. The best part was eating some for snack.

JELLY BEAN MEASURING

Using jelly beans, each child measured and recorded their answer.

N FOR NEST

For our building unit. a student brought a bird nest. This was perfect for our letter of the week. We also rolled pieces of playdough to make the letter N. This is a great for our fine motor skills.

EASTER CRAFTS

During our building study we discussed maps and how to use them. For a fun adventure, Mrs. Diane and I put together a treasure hunt. At recess the children noticed something dangling from a tree, it was a treasure map. Using positional words, we followed our map. We had a blast!

Who builds buildings and what tools do they use?

I asked everyone our focus question and wrote down their answers. Everyone said a construction worker and named several tools (hammer, drill, backhoe, and saw.) We also took a tour of our school with Mrs. Denise who maintains our campus.

Tower of Babel

After our Bible lesson, we discussed the meaning of pride and language. The children built a tower and complemented each other on their work. We also discussed why they used the largest pieces on the bottom.