Camp-out!
As most of you saw we had a HUGE tent set up for "camping" in the preschool. In this environment the students practiced their "social" skills (sharing, turn taking, using polite words etc.) and had a fantastic day!! This is a classic example of using play as a teaching tool. During the rest of the week we will bring in writing opportunities, science and math skills into our campground. This was so much fun and enriching at the same time. Yes, our class was loud but it was filled with a joyous noise. I hope your children had a wonderful day with us.
Family Fun Night
Come join us in creating Mommy Memory Makers. Please bring 5-10 photos of your favorite pictures of your child with Mom or Grandma and get a jump start on a great Mother's Day Gift. We encourage Fathers, Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents to bring the kids and have a fun evening celebrating Mom!
When: April 30th @ 7 pm
Where: Fellowship Hall
Cost: Free (we will accept a free-will offering to cover supplies)
Please sign-up on the sheet at the preschool door so that Kelly and I can have enough supplies on hand. We hope to see you there!!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Science and writing.
It was good to be back in the classroom this week. I always enjoy my vacations but I love seeing all of the children when school resumes. I hope you all had an enjoyable week and enjoyed your children. :)
We had a very busy week in our 3-day program.
We planted sunflower seeds and will be growing them in the classroom for a couple of weeks before we send them home. In addition to learning how to care for them (watering and making sure the plants get plenty of sun) we will be "documenting" their growth through little books. The children will draw what they see in their own individual "Sunflower Books". Later in the week the students planted california poppy flower seeds in our sensory table. When they are large enough we will transplant them into our preschool garden. We also took apart and categorized the parts of flowers at the science table.
Working on our ABC books we had fun with the letter Q. This letter has such a fun(ny) sound that the students had a great giggle over it. Many of the students are writing small words so a "word bank" was created for them. This activity is not for everyone for not every child is ready to write words. A few examples went home with some of the students who chose to take on this challenge. This activity was only created to continue to challenge the students who wanted to write/read small words. This is a small example of customized curriculum. We really want to teach and encourage each child at the level that they are at. If the child is pushed too fast or hard then their esteem will be marred. Each child should feel the joy of their own successes and efforts. A word of encouragement for the parents who worry that their child is not advanced enough; each child comes into their kindergarten class a wide, varied range of abilities.
For our Bible story we talked about the seed growing in different types of soil (good soil being the best, of course). Then we talked about how their kind hearts are the best kind of "soil" for God's love to grow in.
We also talked about liquids/solids using our art project to create our own planets. I used a hot griddle, circles cut out of wax paper and crayons. We talked about how the crayon is hard (solid) but when they started to draw on the wax paper which is laying on top of the griddle the crayon is melted into a liquid like paint. The students had a great time with this project.
Next week we will begin our "Sunflower Books". I'm looking forward to seeing how the students tackle this project.
Have a GREAT rest of the week and enjoy the sunshine!
We had a very busy week in our 3-day program.
We planted sunflower seeds and will be growing them in the classroom for a couple of weeks before we send them home. In addition to learning how to care for them (watering and making sure the plants get plenty of sun) we will be "documenting" their growth through little books. The children will draw what they see in their own individual "Sunflower Books". Later in the week the students planted california poppy flower seeds in our sensory table. When they are large enough we will transplant them into our preschool garden. We also took apart and categorized the parts of flowers at the science table.
Working on our ABC books we had fun with the letter Q. This letter has such a fun(ny) sound that the students had a great giggle over it. Many of the students are writing small words so a "word bank" was created for them. This activity is not for everyone for not every child is ready to write words. A few examples went home with some of the students who chose to take on this challenge. This activity was only created to continue to challenge the students who wanted to write/read small words. This is a small example of customized curriculum. We really want to teach and encourage each child at the level that they are at. If the child is pushed too fast or hard then their esteem will be marred. Each child should feel the joy of their own successes and efforts. A word of encouragement for the parents who worry that their child is not advanced enough; each child comes into their kindergarten class a wide, varied range of abilities.
For our Bible story we talked about the seed growing in different types of soil (good soil being the best, of course). Then we talked about how their kind hearts are the best kind of "soil" for God's love to grow in.
We also talked about liquids/solids using our art project to create our own planets. I used a hot griddle, circles cut out of wax paper and crayons. We talked about how the crayon is hard (solid) but when they started to draw on the wax paper which is laying on top of the griddle the crayon is melted into a liquid like paint. The students had a great time with this project.
Next week we will begin our "Sunflower Books". I'm looking forward to seeing how the students tackle this project.
Have a GREAT rest of the week and enjoy the sunshine!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Resurrection Rolls
Here is a really great way to tell the story of Easter through food. In class this week the students made their snacks called Resurrection Rolls. These rolls represent the tomb and the marshmellow wrapped inside represent Jesus. As the children were wrapping the marshmellow they were told that when Jesus died on the cross he was laid to rest in a tomb with a large stone rolled in front and soldiers posted guard. We then told them that after the rolls are baked something surprising will happen (the marshmellow is melted and their roll is empty). As the children are eating their snack we explained that three days later the rock was rolled away by God and the women found the tomb empty. Jesus had risen and is alive. They are always surprised to see their marshmellow gone but not disappointed because the roll tastes so sweet. This is a fun and easy activity to do at home. Here is the recipe:
1 can of refrigerator rolls (small)
Large marshmellos
Butter - melted
Cinnomon sugar
Have your child roll out the roll. Then they can place one large marshmellow in the center and wrap it with the roll pinching the edges closed. Your child then dips the roll in the melted butter and cinnomon sugar. Place rolls on a cookie sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 425 degrees for about 6 minutes. Keep a close eye on it during baking time as they tend to burn quickly.
Enjoy your rolls and enjoy your Easter Holiday together! We will see you in a week. :)
1 can of refrigerator rolls (small)
Large marshmellos
Butter - melted
Cinnomon sugar
Have your child roll out the roll. Then they can place one large marshmellow in the center and wrap it with the roll pinching the edges closed. Your child then dips the roll in the melted butter and cinnomon sugar. Place rolls on a cookie sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 425 degrees for about 6 minutes. Keep a close eye on it during baking time as they tend to burn quickly.
Enjoy your rolls and enjoy your Easter Holiday together! We will see you in a week. :)
Friday, March 26, 2010
Spiders, Caterpillars & Butterflies
The two-day class had a lot of fun with spiders, caterpillars and butterflies!
On Thursday we counted spiders. Alright, not real spiders. This is an easy game to take home. On a large sheet of paper or several smaller sheets draw 10 large spider webs and number them one through ten. For the toy part you will need toy spiders or bugs. Have your child recognize the number on the web then have them put that many spiders or bugs on to the web. To make it really fun add sound effects, play the game in a darkened room with a flashlight on the web drawings, or add your own special flare. Children learn best through play and this is a fun counting game.
We also added these GIANT insect toys to our sensory table which was filled with dirt. The best part was when one of the children found a worm in the table! That worm was well loved and I am sure was more than relieved to be released outside. :) All in the name of science, right?
At the art table we created spider webs by creating a "weaving" project. This is really good for small motor skills development. We also read "The Eansy, Weansy, Spider". This book does not have the original words to the well know nursery rhyme so it makes it interesting for the students. It still has the same melody.
We also had chapel time and the students met our new Youth and Music Director, Andrew, who was filling in for Pastor Paul. The children were captivated by his music and story. We really enjoyed him.
Friday, we studied caterpillars and butterflies. I have this butterfly puzzle which I tell the students "is the hardest puzzle, EVER!" Of course, it isn't for them and they love the challenge. I did put it together before class then removed several pieces for them to place. This is a great way to introduce those more difficult puzzles. The children can see the finished product before they begin and still "do" the puzzle with the pieces that have been set aside. This makes the project less over whelming and builds their confidence. Then as time goes by the challenge can be increased until they are doing the entire puzzle. We also counted caterpillars. Same concept as the spiders. I cut out ten large leaves and labeled them one through ten. Then I hole punched them so that the leaf with the number one had one hole, two had two holes etc. Using pipe cleaners I used a pencil to curl them around and created curly caterpillars. The caterpillars were our counting toy. Once again, this is a really fun game that teaches counting, number recognition and one-to-correspondence.
I hope y'all have a great weekend!! See you Thursday!
On Thursday we counted spiders. Alright, not real spiders. This is an easy game to take home. On a large sheet of paper or several smaller sheets draw 10 large spider webs and number them one through ten. For the toy part you will need toy spiders or bugs. Have your child recognize the number on the web then have them put that many spiders or bugs on to the web. To make it really fun add sound effects, play the game in a darkened room with a flashlight on the web drawings, or add your own special flare. Children learn best through play and this is a fun counting game.
We also added these GIANT insect toys to our sensory table which was filled with dirt. The best part was when one of the children found a worm in the table! That worm was well loved and I am sure was more than relieved to be released outside. :) All in the name of science, right?
At the art table we created spider webs by creating a "weaving" project. This is really good for small motor skills development. We also read "The Eansy, Weansy, Spider". This book does not have the original words to the well know nursery rhyme so it makes it interesting for the students. It still has the same melody.
We also had chapel time and the students met our new Youth and Music Director, Andrew, who was filling in for Pastor Paul. The children were captivated by his music and story. We really enjoyed him.
Friday, we studied caterpillars and butterflies. I have this butterfly puzzle which I tell the students "is the hardest puzzle, EVER!" Of course, it isn't for them and they love the challenge. I did put it together before class then removed several pieces for them to place. This is a great way to introduce those more difficult puzzles. The children can see the finished product before they begin and still "do" the puzzle with the pieces that have been set aside. This makes the project less over whelming and builds their confidence. Then as time goes by the challenge can be increased until they are doing the entire puzzle. We also counted caterpillars. Same concept as the spiders. I cut out ten large leaves and labeled them one through ten. Then I hole punched them so that the leaf with the number one had one hole, two had two holes etc. Using pipe cleaners I used a pencil to curl them around and created curly caterpillars. The caterpillars were our counting toy. Once again, this is a really fun game that teaches counting, number recognition and one-to-correspondence.
I hope y'all have a great weekend!! See you Thursday!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Bugs, bugs, bugs!
We had a fun week in the 3-day class! Don Ehland presented his but collection on Monday. He talked to the students about what classifies an insect from other families of bugs. Did you know that all winged bugs are insects? Don also explained to us that crabs and lobsters are a part of the spider family. It's true! Well, with that in my brain I still think they taste good with lemon and butter. :) Don brought about a dozen bug boxes that contained just about any type of bug you could imagine. The students enjoyed Don and his collection. They really had fun when Don brought out his various stick bugs (live). The children even touched a few of them. He also brought out cockroaches and a huge millipede (also live). It was fun and very educational.
On Tuesday, we visited Phillips Tae Kwon Do Center. This is the one place where the children didn't have to use their "inside voice" and they keeyup during their kicks. The children had an opportunity to run, kick and punch. Choginum Patty, the instructor, also showed them a couple of blocks. She talked about the tradition of Tae Kwon Do and where this art comes from. We also talked a little bit about respect and showing respect to others. It was a fun-filled hour and children got in a lot of exercise.
On Wednesday, we learned about the butterfly cycle. I introduced to them what a cycle was and showed them a typical cycle chart. Chapel time was fun as the children met our new Music & Youth Director, Andrew. Pastor Paul asked Andrew to step in this week to present the Chapel time. Andrew wrote a story about a butterfly and her friend worm. He equated the butterfly story to the Easter story. He also introduced a couple of new songs. The children loved it! It was a lot of fun!!
A fun outdoor project: BUG HUNT! Take your children outside to the park or a trail and have them look for bugs under logs, leaves and rocks. If you bring a white piece of paper with you, you can catch the bug on it and let your children observe it before letting it go. One of students found a millipede under a log. We put it on the paper and it curled up. The students were actually quiet long enough for the bug to unfurl and crawl around. It was cool.
Have a great weekend and we will see you on Monday!
On Tuesday, we visited Phillips Tae Kwon Do Center. This is the one place where the children didn't have to use their "inside voice" and they keeyup during their kicks. The children had an opportunity to run, kick and punch. Choginum Patty, the instructor, also showed them a couple of blocks. She talked about the tradition of Tae Kwon Do and where this art comes from. We also talked a little bit about respect and showing respect to others. It was a fun-filled hour and children got in a lot of exercise.
On Wednesday, we learned about the butterfly cycle. I introduced to them what a cycle was and showed them a typical cycle chart. Chapel time was fun as the children met our new Music & Youth Director, Andrew. Pastor Paul asked Andrew to step in this week to present the Chapel time. Andrew wrote a story about a butterfly and her friend worm. He equated the butterfly story to the Easter story. He also introduced a couple of new songs. The children loved it! It was a lot of fun!!
A fun outdoor project: BUG HUNT! Take your children outside to the park or a trail and have them look for bugs under logs, leaves and rocks. If you bring a white piece of paper with you, you can catch the bug on it and let your children observe it before letting it go. One of students found a millipede under a log. We put it on the paper and it curled up. The students were actually quiet long enough for the bug to unfurl and crawl around. It was cool.
Have a great weekend and we will see you on Monday!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Scavenger hunt!
Natural beauty can be seen everywhere. White fluffy clouds float above the playground, a spider's web flutters in a gentle wind, the moon sometimes graces the day sky, and flowers shoot up in a nearby garden.
You've heard me talk about the benefits of taking your children outside on nature walks. An added twist is to turn it into a scavenger hunt. A family scavenger hunt based on a nature-related theme could be launched over an afternoon, a weekend or even over a period of a week or two depending on the ages of your children. Each child could be assigned to find with his or her family two or three items, or children could be asked to describe and draw their observations.
Of course, you'll have to tailor the hunt to your environment - urban, rural, or suburban as well as region and season. Be creative and make the hunt an education adventure not only for the child, but also for parents and other family members.
When all the times are gathered, the children could put together an exhibit. Parents would be invited to visit at their convenience.
Or plan a family field trip to a nature setting (botanical gardens, nature center, state park, and other such places). Families could meet at the point of destination. Invite along a naturalist or an amateur naturalist to help identify and interpret the flora and fauna.
If the weather turns sour do a scavenger hunt inside the house. "Draw" a list (with the word next to your drawings) and have your children find the items. Have them discover things that they may have not noticed before. Maybe that plant that has white stripes down the leaves or the number of square windows in your house.
I hope you have fun with this idea. Have a great weekend!! :)
You've heard me talk about the benefits of taking your children outside on nature walks. An added twist is to turn it into a scavenger hunt. A family scavenger hunt based on a nature-related theme could be launched over an afternoon, a weekend or even over a period of a week or two depending on the ages of your children. Each child could be assigned to find with his or her family two or three items, or children could be asked to describe and draw their observations.
Of course, you'll have to tailor the hunt to your environment - urban, rural, or suburban as well as region and season. Be creative and make the hunt an education adventure not only for the child, but also for parents and other family members.
When all the times are gathered, the children could put together an exhibit. Parents would be invited to visit at their convenience.
Or plan a family field trip to a nature setting (botanical gardens, nature center, state park, and other such places). Families could meet at the point of destination. Invite along a naturalist or an amateur naturalist to help identify and interpret the flora and fauna.
If the weather turns sour do a scavenger hunt inside the house. "Draw" a list (with the word next to your drawings) and have your children find the items. Have them discover things that they may have not noticed before. Maybe that plant that has white stripes down the leaves or the number of square windows in your house.
I hope you have fun with this idea. Have a great weekend!! :)
Friday, March 12, 2010
Flexibility
Today was a lot of fun playing/planning but it was not what I had intended. Today was a great day on flexibility. :)
For instance, today I had planned on "wiggly worms". My book was picked out, the sensory activity was ready and all kinds of worm play planned. But there were other plans that walked into the classroom door.
After all, did you know that many bridges needed to be built so that the cars can be driven? Then the bridges needed to be taller so that the cars can go under them. Of course, the cars needed destinations so signs and trees needed to be placed. There was the issue of "monsters" so a maintenance committee came about. Much was learned through this very elaborate, unplanned activity; sharing, turn-taking, communication, problem solving, math (size, shape), community building, pre-reading (signs) and etc. The most important lesson learned was love and respect. The students were listening to each other and collaborating together. They learn to not knock down other's buildings and that both creations were important. There were nice words exchanged.
So even though worms were on the agenda (and we did work a little with them) I think the plans that walked in the door today taught the students life long lessons and in a really fun way. Of course, if I had planned on doing lessons on bridges the plan would have been changed to worms. :)
For instance, today I had planned on "wiggly worms". My book was picked out, the sensory activity was ready and all kinds of worm play planned. But there were other plans that walked into the classroom door.
After all, did you know that many bridges needed to be built so that the cars can be driven? Then the bridges needed to be taller so that the cars can go under them. Of course, the cars needed destinations so signs and trees needed to be placed. There was the issue of "monsters" so a maintenance committee came about. Much was learned through this very elaborate, unplanned activity; sharing, turn-taking, communication, problem solving, math (size, shape), community building, pre-reading (signs) and etc. The most important lesson learned was love and respect. The students were listening to each other and collaborating together. They learn to not knock down other's buildings and that both creations were important. There were nice words exchanged.
So even though worms were on the agenda (and we did work a little with them) I think the plans that walked in the door today taught the students life long lessons and in a really fun way. Of course, if I had planned on doing lessons on bridges the plan would have been changed to worms. :)
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