We made it through a really, really cold week! Although, it was pretty cozy in the Funtime room. Thanks to those of you who braved the cold and brought your kiddos on Wednesday even though PSD cancelled school.
This is a long post, so if you read nothing else, please scroll down to the bottom and read "A few house keeping items"
This week we had 2 different themes, on Monday, we focused on Ground hog day. The kids were really cute, asking all kinds of questions about the ground hog; why he came out of his hole, why did his shadow scare him, what was his name.... I answered these questions as best I could and we talked about the most famous ground hog, Pucksatawny Phil. The kids thought this was a silly name for a ground hog and I had to agree, so we brainstormed some other names for ground hogs - these kiddos are so creative!
For craft we made a ground hog puppet out of pom, poms and Popsicle sticks. Yes, I promise they were ground hogs, I know some of them were white and some were a golden color, but use your imaginations... we had to use the supplies we had. The kids had a lot of fun making the ground hog puppets and the older 2 classes even made theirs talk to each other, talking about how it was cold and 'did you see your shadow, because I didn't see mine.' I just love to listen to where their imaginations take them! The good news is, the ground hog did not see his shadow, so that means an early spring... I'll believe it when I see it!
On Wednesday, a cold, cold Wednesday, we talked about Chinese New Year. Thursday was the first day of Chinese New Year, the year of the Rabbit. We made Chinese Dragon puppets. The kids enjoyed hearing about this holiday celebrated in China, as well as in Chinese/American homes around the United States. A few kiddos had their own tales of New Year's Eve, so we talked a little bit about the differences. Not only is it a different date, it's a similar, but different kind of celebration. We also talked about how each year in China is dedicated to a different animal and each animal signifies something new. The Rabbit, or Hare as he is referred to in Chinese mythology, is the emblem of longevity and is said to derive his essence from the Moon.
2011 will be a placid year compared with last year, the year of the Tiger - a much welcomed and needed change. We had a few guests in our class today, Ms. Amy brought her kids and James' sister Hannah stayed to help out and play. They were so helpful and a joy to have in class! Thanks you guys for sharing part or all of you day with us, I truly enjoyed it!
The pre-k class worked extremely hard on writing the letter Ll, we did 4 different worksheets and they all tried their best on each one. Some of you have asked what you can do at home to help prepare your child for Kindergarten, working on name writing and letter and number recognition is a great place to start. If your child has this down, then begin working on learning/memorizing address and phone number.
Gym day was perfect for running off some steam after those frigid days earlier in the week. We got out big balls, little balls and some in-between balls and let the kiddos run and play to their hearts content. They were sweaty and tired by the time we were done with them! :-)
A few house keeping items:
Please continue to wash your child's hands and have them use the restroom before class.
Pre-K (12:30) class valentine mailboxes are due on Monday 2/14. I have a few extra shoe boxes if anybody needs one. You can bring them to class whenever they are complete, you don't have to wait until Valentines Day.
Pre-K class, please help your child write the name of each class member in the To: portion of their valentines and their name in the From: portion. If you need the class list again, please email me and I will send it to you.
The other 2 classes will be decorating valentine bags during class and only need to have their names written in the From: portion of their valentines.
My week was thrown off a little bit by the 'snow' days, so I did not post a Valentine's Day party sign-up sheet, I will do that on Monday.
Ms. Amy is having surgery on her foot on Monday, so we will have a variety of helpers in class this week. Mr.Drake, Ms. Emily and Ms. Jenn (the Curious 2's teacher). Please discuss this with your child if you feel they might be uncomfortable with this change.
Wishing you a speedy recovery Amy!
Have a great Sunday - stay warm and safe!
Lisa
This is a long post, so if you read nothing else, please scroll down to the bottom and read "A few house keeping items"
This week we had 2 different themes, on Monday, we focused on Ground hog day. The kids were really cute, asking all kinds of questions about the ground hog; why he came out of his hole, why did his shadow scare him, what was his name.... I answered these questions as best I could and we talked about the most famous ground hog, Pucksatawny Phil. The kids thought this was a silly name for a ground hog and I had to agree, so we brainstormed some other names for ground hogs - these kiddos are so creative!
For craft we made a ground hog puppet out of pom, poms and Popsicle sticks. Yes, I promise they were ground hogs, I know some of them were white and some were a golden color, but use your imaginations... we had to use the supplies we had. The kids had a lot of fun making the ground hog puppets and the older 2 classes even made theirs talk to each other, talking about how it was cold and 'did you see your shadow, because I didn't see mine.' I just love to listen to where their imaginations take them! The good news is, the ground hog did not see his shadow, so that means an early spring... I'll believe it when I see it!
On Wednesday, a cold, cold Wednesday, we talked about Chinese New Year. Thursday was the first day of Chinese New Year, the year of the Rabbit. We made Chinese Dragon puppets. The kids enjoyed hearing about this holiday celebrated in China, as well as in Chinese/American homes around the United States. A few kiddos had their own tales of New Year's Eve, so we talked a little bit about the differences. Not only is it a different date, it's a similar, but different kind of celebration. We also talked about how each year in China is dedicated to a different animal and each animal signifies something new. The Rabbit, or Hare as he is referred to in Chinese mythology, is the emblem of longevity and is said to derive his essence from the Moon.
2011 will be a placid year compared with last year, the year of the Tiger - a much welcomed and needed change. We had a few guests in our class today, Ms. Amy brought her kids and James' sister Hannah stayed to help out and play. They were so helpful and a joy to have in class! Thanks you guys for sharing part or all of you day with us, I truly enjoyed it!
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| our guest reader Hannah |
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The pre-k class worked extremely hard on writing the letter Ll, we did 4 different worksheets and they all tried their best on each one. Some of you have asked what you can do at home to help prepare your child for Kindergarten, working on name writing and letter and number recognition is a great place to start. If your child has this down, then begin working on learning/memorizing address and phone number.
Gym day was perfect for running off some steam after those frigid days earlier in the week. We got out big balls, little balls and some in-between balls and let the kiddos run and play to their hearts content. They were sweaty and tired by the time we were done with them! :-)
A few house keeping items:
Please continue to wash your child's hands and have them use the restroom before class.
Pre-K (12:30) class valentine mailboxes are due on Monday 2/14. I have a few extra shoe boxes if anybody needs one. You can bring them to class whenever they are complete, you don't have to wait until Valentines Day.
Pre-K class, please help your child write the name of each class member in the To: portion of their valentines and their name in the From: portion. If you need the class list again, please email me and I will send it to you.
The other 2 classes will be decorating valentine bags during class and only need to have their names written in the From: portion of their valentines.
My week was thrown off a little bit by the 'snow' days, so I did not post a Valentine's Day party sign-up sheet, I will do that on Monday.
Ms. Amy is having surgery on her foot on Monday, so we will have a variety of helpers in class this week. Mr.Drake, Ms. Emily and Ms. Jenn (the Curious 2's teacher). Please discuss this with your child if you feel they might be uncomfortable with this change.
Wishing you a speedy recovery Amy!
Have a great Sunday - stay warm and safe!
Lisa
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