February 21
During our Morning Work Time, we made Gak (some like to call this material “goop”). Your children experimented with the feel and texture of this new substance. They described it as “wet, sticky, and cold.” I observed the children watching the substance slide, stretch, and ooze through their fingers. The Writer’s Table was supplied this morning with dry erase markers, tablets, and erasers. I observed the children who chose to work at that table practicing opening and closing the markers even before drawing or writing. Removing and replacing the cap on a marker requires patience, skill, and fine motor strength. The dramatic corner was busy with the children cooking, setting the table, and using the two classroom cell phones. I also observed that your children were happy to see each other after the long weekend!
At our first Morning Meeting, we had fun with the scientific concept of sink and float. Using five of our classroom objects and a large plastic container filled halfway with water, we tested materials (one at a time) to see if they would sink or float. We used a feather, wooden block, a lego piece, a pom-pom, and a plastic pig. Before each item was placed inside the container, we hypothesized on the outcome. Before going home, we repeated the experiment using the same materials to see if the results were the same—they were!
At the park this morning, your children rode on the various vehicles, used chalk, played with rubber balls, and used stationary objects for a variety of imaginary play. For example, I overheard ice cream being made and sold as well as cars being repaired. On the walk back to school, we looked for signs of spring. We noticed purple, yellow, and white crocuses in the front yards of some of the brownstones.
At our second Morning Meeting, after weather and attendance, we had time for Show and Tell. Thank you Yael for showing your friends your special rabbit, Yosef Aryeh for showing us how he plays with his horse, Emma for showing her friends her two writer’s notebooks, Max for reading his book, and Lelo for showing his friends his truck!
