September 2011
22 posts
September 26
This morning it was wonderful to see your children remember the routines as they entered their classroom. More importantly, the children are beginning to remind each other regarding what to do! For example, a child will hand a friend his/her attendance photo. They also went right to work manipulating and creating with shape stickers. At clean up time, we put a small amount of shaving cream on the...
September 23
Your children embraced the first day of fall by examining leaves, branches, and acorns from an oak tree. They had the choice of either closely observing the organic materials or using them to create a fall collage. These morning transition projects allow for your child to work independently or to work with a peer. They create a sense of anticipation upon entering their classroom: “What will...
September 22
This morning many of the children first stopped to work at the table that had leaves, glue, and paper. Glue sticks help with refining fine motor skills as well as problem solving. The children twisted the glue up and often exposed the entire amount. When they would try to use it, it would sometimes break, so we realized that it would have to be twisted back down. Putting the top back on is also...
September 21
This morning, upon entering their classroom, your children noticed that the two new activities were set out for them. The first project was to use their fingers to roll and rub a crayon across a piece of white paper. While doing so, they noticed an image of a leaf appear. Some of the children decided to draw a leaf on paper without a leaf underneath. This shows a connection to the material as well...
September 20
This morning, our sound box helped ease the transition from home to school. The children listened closely and tried to match the sounds heard. Some of the cylinders require your children to pay close attention for they are similar in tone. They did remarkably well with this material. Play dough also helped ease your children during transition from home. Kneading and working the dough is calming...
September 19
It was wonderful to see that many of your children are really beginning to understand and take comfort in the routines of their morning. Upon entering their classroom, they know to put away their lunch box, decide where to place their attendance photo, greet a friend, and then choose which table to begin their work. We also have a new rule inspired from one of your children: “if someone is...
September 16
What a productive Work Time your children had this morning! The pictures capture how engaged they were with the materials they were working on, the curiosity of some of the children as they watched each other, and the joy of completing a task! I also noticed how quickly your children became tired at the end of their day—on Fridays they are without quiet time and they really need that time of...
September 15
The children were curious when they walked into their classroom today—they heard and saw the work that was occurring in their play yard! This became the perfect opportunity to begin careful and thoughtful reasoning and making predictions following their question: will we play tomorrow outside? We took a vote with the answer of “yes” winning by one. Your children have been...
September 14
It was wonderful seeing some of the children today really helping each other during Work Time. The puzzles have become an opportunity for your children to practice, feel confident, and get real joy when they look at each other and give each other a high five! They know they have not only done a great job, but realize the joy of working together. We see this behavior during quiet time. This has...
September 13
The 3’s class had yoga today for the first time! Your children moved their bodies like frogs, bears, and bees. They twisted, stretched, and learned the classic asana position—shivasana. Morning work time focused on individual fine motor skills as well as shared work. Your children used scissors to cut paper and play dough and worked with turning and then changing wooden doll pieces....
September 12
Today your children used their sense of sight, taste, smell, and touch to chart “My Favorite Apple Today.” After tasting a red, yellow, and green apple, the children needed to place their names underneath a picture of their favorite apples. This simple activity embraces the practical life and sensorial curriculum. It helped to development your child’s vocabulary by providing...
Welcome!
The past couple of days have been all about routines and becoming acclimated within the classroom environment. Overall, your children are beginning to understand the daily schedule and as important, that they are safe and secure within their room. Responsibility has been and will be paramount. Each child knows to clean up and dispose of his/her snack cup, plate, and napkin and then tuck in their...
