Week 41: June 9-12, 2014
Theme: Wacky Week & Father's Day
Monday:
Today was "Team Spirit Day". The children wore shirts representing their favorite team. While outside we played some T-ball. Well actually, we batted and ran the bases. No "fielding" involved. Here are some photos of the fun!
Today was "Team Spirit Day". The children wore shirts representing their favorite team. While outside we played some T-ball. Well actually, we batted and ran the bases. No "fielding" involved. Here are some photos of the fun!
Tuesday:
Our "Wacky Hair" was really crazy! We finished Father's Day projects and some artwork from last week. We went outside to play but it began to rain so we went to the "big gym." We played with hoops and balls and had a great time.
Our "Wacky Hair" was really crazy! We finished Father's Day projects and some artwork from last week. We went outside to play but it began to rain so we went to the "big gym." We played with hoops and balls and had a great time.
Wednesday:
The weather did not cooperate so we were unable to go outside for our water day.
We set up the sensory table inside with water so we did get to do some water play.
See photos below.
The weather did not cooperate so we were unable to go outside for our water day.
We set up the sensory table inside with water so we did get to do some water play.
See photos below.
Thursday:
Today was pajama day! We had a small group but we were very comfortable in our PJ's.
Today was pajama day! We had a small group but we were very comfortable in our PJ's.
Week 40: June 2-6, 2014
Theme: Camping
A Look at Next Week:
Next week is the last week of the school year :( To finish off the year we will have a "wacky" fun week. The schedule for the week is..........
MONDAY 6/9: Team Spirit Day
TUESDAY 6/10: Wacky Hair Day
WEDNESDAY 6/11: Water Day (weather permitting)
THURSDAY 6/12: Pajama & Movie Day (Last day of school year)
FRIDAY 6/13: LITTLE SCOUTS CLOSED. Teacher In-service day.
Next week is the last week of the school year :( To finish off the year we will have a "wacky" fun week. The schedule for the week is..........
MONDAY 6/9: Team Spirit Day
- Wear a jersey, T-shirt, hat, or the colors of you favorite team (any sport/ high school, college, or professional). If you don't have a favorite team, the Little Scout colors are blue and yellow.
TUESDAY 6/10: Wacky Hair Day
- See how crazy you can make your hair!
WEDNESDAY 6/11: Water Day (weather permitting)
- Wear your swimming suit to school.
- Apply lots of sunscreen
- Bring a towel & some "water shoes" (flip-flops, crocs anything that can get wet.)
- Bring a complete change of clothing including athletic shoes.
- Bring a water bottle
THURSDAY 6/12: Pajama & Movie Day (Last day of school year)
- Wear your pajamas to school.
- Be sure to bring shoes for outside play
- You may bring a change of clothes if you wish.
FRIDAY 6/13: LITTLE SCOUTS CLOSED. Teacher In-service day.
Monday:
We arrived at school and found a tent, campfire, and "boat" in our classroom.
We quickly discovered that our theme this week is Camping. We looked at a book called Camping Adventures and talked about things you might do on a camping trip. We played in our camping area. (A slide show will be posted at the end of the week) For art we made camping lanterns. The full-day children will be taking turns napping in the tent this week.
We arrived at school and found a tent, campfire, and "boat" in our classroom.
We quickly discovered that our theme this week is Camping. We looked at a book called Camping Adventures and talked about things you might do on a camping trip. We played in our camping area. (A slide show will be posted at the end of the week) For art we made camping lanterns. The full-day children will be taking turns napping in the tent this week.
Tuesday:
What a beautiful day! We read Curious George Goes Camping and talked about many things that we can bring on a camping trip. For art we painted a frying pan and glued on the hotdogs. The best part of our morning, we went on a nature walk. The children saw lot's of different flowers and heard birds tweeting.
What a beautiful day! We read Curious George Goes Camping and talked about many things that we can bring on a camping trip. For art we painted a frying pan and glued on the hotdogs. The best part of our morning, we went on a nature walk. The children saw lot's of different flowers and heard birds tweeting.
Wednesday:
Today Mrs. Davidson came with a backpack she packed for a camping trip. It was too full so we helped her decide which things she should bring and the trip and which should stay at home. (Some of the things we told her to leave at home were: a dress, high heel shoes, TV remote, and Easter-egg lights. We let her bring hiking boots, a first-aid kit, a sleeping bag, a flashlight, a camera, and some other things.)
Today Mrs. Davidson came with a backpack she packed for a camping trip. It was too full so we helped her decide which things she should bring and the trip and which should stay at home. (Some of the things we told her to leave at home were: a dress, high heel shoes, TV remote, and Easter-egg lights. We let her bring hiking boots, a first-aid kit, a sleeping bag, a flashlight, a camera, and some other things.)
Thursday:
Today we read Fred and Ted Go Camping. Fred and Ted were friends. They liked to go camping in the woods. One day they packed their cars and went camping. We reviewed somethings to take on our trip/things to leave at home. We had some very interesting answers. We enjoyed the outdoors, and it wasn't too hot. For art we made a campfire using our precut hand print that represented the fire. Some of the children had the opportunity to write their name on the fire wood.
We finished all of our "Bean Journals". The bean sprouts were sent home to be planted in gardens or pots. We continued to work on Father's Day gifts and cards. They will be sent home as the children finsih. But don't forget that Dad needs to wait until Father's Day to open his gift. Following are some phots of our camping adventure.
Today we read Fred and Ted Go Camping. Fred and Ted were friends. They liked to go camping in the woods. One day they packed their cars and went camping. We reviewed somethings to take on our trip/things to leave at home. We had some very interesting answers. We enjoyed the outdoors, and it wasn't too hot. For art we made a campfire using our precut hand print that represented the fire. Some of the children had the opportunity to write their name on the fire wood.
We finished all of our "Bean Journals". The bean sprouts were sent home to be planted in gardens or pots. We continued to work on Father's Day gifts and cards. They will be sent home as the children finsih. But don't forget that Dad needs to wait until Father's Day to open his gift. Following are some phots of our camping adventure.
Friday:
Today was Field Day! The weather couldn't have been more perfect! Thank you to our parent volunteers, and the parents who took time from their day to bring children would do not attend on Fridays to this special event. We enjoyed a busy morning followed by a picnic lunch. But as they say, "A picture is worth a thousand words" so here goes:
Today was Field Day! The weather couldn't have been more perfect! Thank you to our parent volunteers, and the parents who took time from their day to bring children would do not attend on Fridays to this special event. We enjoyed a busy morning followed by a picnic lunch. But as they say, "A picture is worth a thousand words" so here goes:
Week 39: May 26-30, 2014
Theme: Plants & Seeds
Monday:
Memorial Day Holiday
No School
Memorial Day Holiday
No School
Tuesday:
At group time we read Seeds Get Around. We talked about seeds and what is needed to make them grow (a seed, soil, water, sunlight). At center time we opened some Lima Bean seeds and the children were able to use magnifiers to seed the tiny plant embryo inside.
At group time we read Seeds Get Around. We talked about seeds and what is needed to make them grow (a seed, soil, water, sunlight). At center time we opened some Lima Bean seeds and the children were able to use magnifiers to seed the tiny plant embryo inside.
The children each "planted" 5 Green Bean seeds in a sandwich bag using paper towel as the "soil". We hung the bags on the bulletin board so we can watch to see if they grow. Have your child show you his or her seeds and tell you about what is happening.
Wednesday:
We read What is a Plant? and talked about different kinds of plants. We learned that corals, mushrooms, and seaweed are not plants and they belong to the animal kingdom. We had a great time having our ice cream party today. Seven friends had vanilla and seven friends chocolate. The children served themselves sprinkles, m & m's, and cherries. For art we put together parts of a plant. Ex. Petals, stem and leaf.
We began working on "Seed Journals" to document the growth of our bean seeds. As our seeds grown and change we will do additional pages in the journal.
We read What is a Plant? and talked about different kinds of plants. We learned that corals, mushrooms, and seaweed are not plants and they belong to the animal kingdom. We had a great time having our ice cream party today. Seven friends had vanilla and seven friends chocolate. The children served themselves sprinkles, m & m's, and cherries. For art we put together parts of a plant. Ex. Petals, stem and leaf.
We began working on "Seed Journals" to document the growth of our bean seeds. As our seeds grown and change we will do additional pages in the journal.
Thursday:
We read The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle. For art we dot painted the flower that grew from the "tiny seed" in our story. We set up an experiment to show that the plant stem carries water and nutrients to the flower. We used 6 white carnations. We put one into plain water and in each of the other 5 containers we added a different color of food coloring. By afternoon we had colorful flowers.
We also had ice cream party "day 2" today.
We read The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle. For art we dot painted the flower that grew from the "tiny seed" in our story. We set up an experiment to show that the plant stem carries water and nutrients to the flower. We used 6 white carnations. We put one into plain water and in each of the other 5 containers we added a different color of food coloring. By afternoon we had colorful flowers.
We also had ice cream party "day 2" today.
Friday:
We read Gus Grows a Plant. The story was about an animal named Gus and he was ready to plant seeds in the spring time. He and his dad dig, plant seeds, and water them. Soon he sees a plant, he then waters it. His plant get lots of fresh air and some sun shining on it. Then the plant starts to grow and grow taller than Gus. We reviewed the parts of a plant and what we've learned all week. We went outdoors to get some fresh air and ran around the baseball field and played, Ring around the Rosie. For art we painted a picture of a flower.
We read Gus Grows a Plant. The story was about an animal named Gus and he was ready to plant seeds in the spring time. He and his dad dig, plant seeds, and water them. Soon he sees a plant, he then waters it. His plant get lots of fresh air and some sun shining on it. Then the plant starts to grow and grow taller than Gus. We reviewed the parts of a plant and what we've learned all week. We went outdoors to get some fresh air and ran around the baseball field and played, Ring around the Rosie. For art we painted a picture of a flower.
Week 38: May 19 - 23, 2014
Theme: Caterpillars & Butterflies
WE DID IT! We earned our Ice Cream Parties.
Everyone worked hard at keeping their "green lights" and we want to be sure that all of the children are included in the "reward". Therefore we will be having 2 ice cream parties! They will be on Wednesday, May 28th and Thursday, May 29th. Thank you to all the parents who have signed up to bring items for the parties!
Everyone worked hard at keeping their "green lights" and we want to be sure that all of the children are included in the "reward". Therefore we will be having 2 ice cream parties! They will be on Wednesday, May 28th and Thursday, May 29th. Thank you to all the parents who have signed up to bring items for the parties!
Monday:
Today we read Clara Caterpillar and talked about the life cycle of a butterfly. The weather was so nice, we decided to spend the morning enjoying the weather. For art we did some finger painting. The story of Clara Caterpillar is filled with words that begin with the "hard C" /k/ sound. During center time the children did and activity with pictures beginning with the /k/ sound. On his/her turn the child chose a small circle with a picture on it. If the picture began with /k/ the circle was placed on the game board to help make Clara Caterpillar. If the picture did not begin with /k/ it was set aside.
Today we read Clara Caterpillar and talked about the life cycle of a butterfly. The weather was so nice, we decided to spend the morning enjoying the weather. For art we did some finger painting. The story of Clara Caterpillar is filled with words that begin with the "hard C" /k/ sound. During center time the children did and activity with pictures beginning with the /k/ sound. On his/her turn the child chose a small circle with a picture on it. If the picture began with /k/ the circle was placed on the game board to help make Clara Caterpillar. If the picture did not begin with /k/ it was set aside.
Tuesday:
We read A Butterfly is Born by Melvin Berger. We also listened to a flannelboard story of Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar. We reviewed the life cycle of a butterfly and talked more about butterflies. Some of the things we learned were: butterflies are insects; they have 6 legs and 3 body parts; they drink nectar using a long straw-like tongue called a proboscis; they have 2 antennas that they use to feel and smell; and they taste with their feet! For art the children painted egg carton caterpillars. In the afternoon we moved our chrysalides to the butterfly cage. Four chrysalides are hanging from the disk. One fell after we moved the disk. It is on a tissue at the bottom of the cage and we are hoping it will complete its metamorphosis.
We read A Butterfly is Born by Melvin Berger. We also listened to a flannelboard story of Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar. We reviewed the life cycle of a butterfly and talked more about butterflies. Some of the things we learned were: butterflies are insects; they have 6 legs and 3 body parts; they drink nectar using a long straw-like tongue called a proboscis; they have 2 antennas that they use to feel and smell; and they taste with their feet! For art the children painted egg carton caterpillars. In the afternoon we moved our chrysalides to the butterfly cage. Four chrysalides are hanging from the disk. One fell after we moved the disk. It is on a tissue at the bottom of the cage and we are hoping it will complete its metamorphosis.
Wednesday:
We read Butterflies by Fran Howard and was counting/sorting butterflies and caterpillars. We talked about how butterflies look and have four colorful wings. The children was fascinated that most butterflies are about the size of a child's fist. Then all the children started balling up their fist. We went outdoors to get some fresh air. It was a little humid out. Then we came in and rode bikes.
We read Butterflies by Fran Howard and was counting/sorting butterflies and caterpillars. We talked about how butterflies look and have four colorful wings. The children was fascinated that most butterflies are about the size of a child's fist. Then all the children started balling up their fist. We went outdoors to get some fresh air. It was a little humid out. Then we came in and rode bikes.
Thursday:
We read Waiting for Wings by Lois Ehlert. While the story was being read, one of the children said, "Butterflies use their tongue to drink the nectar and it called the proboscis." (They are really learning!) We did some patterning and the children did a great job. Over the past two days we have talked about butterflies being symmetric. We have practiced this concept by using geo-blocks to decorate the wings of paper butterflies, being sure to make both sides alike. Today we made symmetric squish-paint butterflies.
We read Waiting for Wings by Lois Ehlert. While the story was being read, one of the children said, "Butterflies use their tongue to drink the nectar and it called the proboscis." (They are really learning!) We did some patterning and the children did a great job. Over the past two days we have talked about butterflies being symmetric. We have practiced this concept by using geo-blocks to decorate the wings of paper butterflies, being sure to make both sides alike. Today we made symmetric squish-paint butterflies.
Friday:
We read Flutter By, Butterfly by Liza Alexander and we worked on varies kinds of patterning. We enjoyed the outdoors, and went on a walk. We stopped at our favorite area to play and run in the grass. For art we finished up coloring our caterpillars. You all enjoy the three stay home days! See you back on Tuesday
We read Flutter By, Butterfly by Liza Alexander and we worked on varies kinds of patterning. We enjoyed the outdoors, and went on a walk. We stopped at our favorite area to play and run in the grass. For art we finished up coloring our caterpillars. You all enjoy the three stay home days! See you back on Tuesday
Week 37: May 12 - 16, 2014
Theme: Children's Book Week
The Painted Lady Butterfly caterpillars arrived in the mail on Friday.
They had already grown quite a bit when they came to school on Monday. We are watching them grow. And we are trying very hard to remember to keep our hands behind our backs and to use ONLY our sense of sight!
We will understand more about what is happening in the container when we learn about caterpillars and butterflies next week.
As of this posting on Friday, several of the caterpillars are hanging from the top of the container in a "J" shape. Soon they will shed their exoskeletons one last time and harden into chrysalides.
They had already grown quite a bit when they came to school on Monday. We are watching them grow. And we are trying very hard to remember to keep our hands behind our backs and to use ONLY our sense of sight!
We will understand more about what is happening in the container when we learn about caterpillars and butterflies next week.
As of this posting on Friday, several of the caterpillars are hanging from the top of the container in a "J" shape. Soon they will shed their exoskeletons one last time and harden into chrysalides.
Monday:
This week we are celebrating "Children's Book Week" in our classroom. We began the day talking about how to properly care for books and how to place them on our bookshelf with the cover showing. We learned that the author is the person who writes the story and the illustrator is the person who makes the pictures for the book. We will review this information throughout the week.
Today's author/illustrator was Leo Leonni. We looked at a number of books by Leo Leonni and read two of them in the morning. We read An Extraordinary Egg and A Color of His Own. In A Color of His Own, the chameleon wanted to have a color of his own. Instead he found a friend, and even though they still changed color, if they stayed together they would always be alike. For center time we did partner rotation centers. To choose partners the children picked a chameleon cut-out. When they all revealed the design on their chameleons, they were able to find a partner who had the chameleon like the one they had. For art we did a finger paint design and then printed it on a chameleon cut-out. When they dry we will make a display using the finger paintings and the chameleons.
This week we are celebrating "Children's Book Week" in our classroom. We began the day talking about how to properly care for books and how to place them on our bookshelf with the cover showing. We learned that the author is the person who writes the story and the illustrator is the person who makes the pictures for the book. We will review this information throughout the week.
Today's author/illustrator was Leo Leonni. We looked at a number of books by Leo Leonni and read two of them in the morning. We read An Extraordinary Egg and A Color of His Own. In A Color of His Own, the chameleon wanted to have a color of his own. Instead he found a friend, and even though they still changed color, if they stayed together they would always be alike. For center time we did partner rotation centers. To choose partners the children picked a chameleon cut-out. When they all revealed the design on their chameleons, they were able to find a partner who had the chameleon like the one they had. For art we did a finger paint design and then printed it on a chameleon cut-out. When they dry we will make a display using the finger paintings and the chameleons.
Tuesday:
Today's author was Stan and Jan Berenstain. The children looked at many different books they wrote. This morning we read Bears In The Night & The Berenstain Bears and the Green-Eyed Monster. Just want to share with you, the green-eyed monster isn't scary at all. She appeared in a dream in the story, just to give an example of sharing things with your sibling. Ex. The boy bear had a birthday and his grandparents bought him a bike. The sister was so jealous and wanted his bike for herself. The green-eyed monster appeared into a dream to teach the sister about sharing. Her brother winded up giving his old bike to his sister. We wasn't able to get outdoors, we rode bikes instead. For art we made bear headbands.
Today's author was Stan and Jan Berenstain. The children looked at many different books they wrote. This morning we read Bears In The Night & The Berenstain Bears and the Green-Eyed Monster. Just want to share with you, the green-eyed monster isn't scary at all. She appeared in a dream in the story, just to give an example of sharing things with your sibling. Ex. The boy bear had a birthday and his grandparents bought him a bike. The sister was so jealous and wanted his bike for herself. The green-eyed monster appeared into a dream to teach the sister about sharing. Her brother winded up giving his old bike to his sister. We wasn't able to get outdoors, we rode bikes instead. For art we made bear headbands.
Wednesday:
The author of the day was Eric Carle. We looked at some of the books he wrote and illustrated. Many of the children said they have some of his books at home.
We read Today is Monday pictures by Eric Carle and sang Fred Koch's version of the song. Mrs. D told Eric Carle's A House for Hermit Crab using the flannel board.
The children colored pictures from the story to make a "story strip" of A House for Hermit Crab. Please encourage your child to tell you the story. If your child needs help getting started, you can remind him/her that the shell the hermit crab found was very plain. Ask what hermit crab did?
The author of the day was Eric Carle. We looked at some of the books he wrote and illustrated. Many of the children said they have some of his books at home.
We read Today is Monday pictures by Eric Carle and sang Fred Koch's version of the song. Mrs. D told Eric Carle's A House for Hermit Crab using the flannel board.
The children colored pictures from the story to make a "story strip" of A House for Hermit Crab. Please encourage your child to tell you the story. If your child needs help getting started, you can remind him/her that the shell the hermit crab found was very plain. Ask what hermit crab did?
Thursday:
The authors of the day were Kimberly & James Dean. We looked at some of the books they wrote. Some of the children checked out books from the library. Today we read Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses. The story was about Pete the Cat wakes up grumpy and nothing seems to go his way. But with the help of some Rockin magic sunglasses from the grumpy toad, Pete learns that a good mood has been inside him all along. Groove and move with Pete as he helps Squirrel, Turtle, and Alligator discover that the sun is shining and everything is Alright! For art the children colored a pair a sunglasses. The children said, "If I ever become grumpy, I will put on my magical sunglasses to make me happy." Ask your child about his/her magical sunglasses?
The authors of the day were Kimberly & James Dean. We looked at some of the books they wrote. Some of the children checked out books from the library. Today we read Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses. The story was about Pete the Cat wakes up grumpy and nothing seems to go his way. But with the help of some Rockin magic sunglasses from the grumpy toad, Pete learns that a good mood has been inside him all along. Groove and move with Pete as he helps Squirrel, Turtle, and Alligator discover that the sun is shining and everything is Alright! For art the children colored a pair a sunglasses. The children said, "If I ever become grumpy, I will put on my magical sunglasses to make me happy." Ask your child about his/her magical sunglasses?
Friday:
Today's author was Mo Willems. In the morning we read Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale and Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. During the day we also listened to the book and CD of several Mo Willem's stories. The children were asked which of the authors we studied this week was their favorite. The results are on a poster outside the classroom. For art we used paper plates to make a wash machine. Oh, oh, our "Knuffle Bunnies" also ended up in the wash machine. Ask your child to tell you the story.
Today's author was Mo Willems. In the morning we read Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale and Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. During the day we also listened to the book and CD of several Mo Willem's stories. The children were asked which of the authors we studied this week was their favorite. The results are on a poster outside the classroom. For art we used paper plates to make a wash machine. Oh, oh, our "Knuffle Bunnies" also ended up in the wash machine. Ask your child to tell you the story.
We did it!
We earned all 10 scoops on our ice cream cone!
We will begin to plan our ice cream parties. Yes, parties.... we will need to have 2 in order to include everyone. The children all worked so hard at keeping their green lights that we don't want anyone to be left out. Once we decide on dates we will post a signup sheet for any parents who would like to contribute items for the party.
We earned all 10 scoops on our ice cream cone!
We will begin to plan our ice cream parties. Yes, parties.... we will need to have 2 in order to include everyone. The children all worked so hard at keeping their green lights that we don't want anyone to be left out. Once we decide on dates we will post a signup sheet for any parents who would like to contribute items for the party.
Week 36: May 5 - 9, 2014
Theme: We Love Our Moms
Monday:
Today we read If I Were Your Mother by Margaret Park Bridges. The story was about a little girl who would pretend being her mom's mother. After the story, the children were asked, "If you were my mother, what would you do?" We started working on our surprise for our mothers gift. We went outdoors to get some fresh air. Tomorrow will be picture day.
Today we read If I Were Your Mother by Margaret Park Bridges. The story was about a little girl who would pretend being her mom's mother. After the story, the children were asked, "If you were my mother, what would you do?" We started working on our surprise for our mothers gift. We went outdoors to get some fresh air. Tomorrow will be picture day.
Tuesday:
Today was picture day! We tried to stay on a schedule as much as possible waiting for our turn for pictures. The 4/5 class took longer than anticipated so we got the group shot and the 1/2 day children individual pictures right before lunch. The full day children had pictures taken after nap. We did our best to keep them clean and neat. We even tucked napkins in their shirts during lunch!
We read Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman and continued to work on our Mother's Day gifts.
Today was picture day! We tried to stay on a schedule as much as possible waiting for our turn for pictures. The 4/5 class took longer than anticipated so we got the group shot and the 1/2 day children individual pictures right before lunch. The full day children had pictures taken after nap. We did our best to keep them clean and neat. We even tucked napkins in their shirts during lunch!
We read Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman and continued to work on our Mother's Day gifts.
Wednesday:
Today was an awesome day! We started off reading I Will Always Love You. We went outdoors and had a good time chasing bubbles all over the field. Then we came back inside and had an obstacle course set up in the large motor room. What a fun time running the course and rooting for friends to complete the course. The results are posted above the sign-in sheet. What a busy active day the children had! We will be introducing the number 10 tomorrow. Have a great day!
Today was an awesome day! We started off reading I Will Always Love You. We went outdoors and had a good time chasing bubbles all over the field. Then we came back inside and had an obstacle course set up in the large motor room. What a fun time running the course and rooting for friends to complete the course. The results are posted above the sign-in sheet. What a busy active day the children had! We will be introducing the number 10 tomorrow. Have a great day!
Thursday:
Today we learned about the number ten. It is the first two digit number. We practiced counting 10 ladybugs. We made our final page for our number books: Ten Flowers. The number books will be in your child's cubby at the and of the week. We read two books about mothers today....What Moms Can't Do and What Mommies Do Best. Mother's Day gifts are in your child's cubby. Remember you need to be patient and wait until Mother's Day to open the gifts.
We finally had some warm spring weather. No coats today!!! We went out and kicked balls around the field.
Today we learned about the number ten. It is the first two digit number. We practiced counting 10 ladybugs. We made our final page for our number books: Ten Flowers. The number books will be in your child's cubby at the and of the week. We read two books about mothers today....What Moms Can't Do and What Mommies Do Best. Mother's Day gifts are in your child's cubby. Remember you need to be patient and wait until Mother's Day to open the gifts.
We finally had some warm spring weather. No coats today!!! We went out and kicked balls around the field.
Friday:
We read Me and My Mom! Also, we went on a bear hunt and listened to Scat Like That. The children had to echo what was playing on the cd. We reviewed numbers 1-10. Mrs. Davidson bound all the number pages together to be taken home today. Don't forget to take home the Mothers Day gifts if you forgot to. Wishing you a Happy Mothers Day and enjoy your weekend!
We read Me and My Mom! Also, we went on a bear hunt and listened to Scat Like That. The children had to echo what was playing on the cd. We reviewed numbers 1-10. Mrs. Davidson bound all the number pages together to be taken home today. Don't forget to take home the Mothers Day gifts if you forgot to. Wishing you a Happy Mothers Day and enjoy your weekend!
Sally Potter School (the school upstairs) did not have school today so we were able to use the "big gym". Here are some pictures of the fun we had!
Ice Cream Update:
This was a "two scoop" week. We now have 7 scoops on our ice cream cone. 3 more scoops to go!
Next Week:
We will be celebrating "Children's Book Week". Each day we will choose one of our favorite authors and read several books by that author. We will also do an activity or art project to go with one of the books.
This was a "two scoop" week. We now have 7 scoops on our ice cream cone. 3 more scoops to go!
Next Week:
We will be celebrating "Children's Book Week". Each day we will choose one of our favorite authors and read several books by that author. We will also do an activity or art project to go with one of the books.
Week 35: April 28 - May 2, 2014
Theme: The Five Senses
Monday:
Something smelly is going on in our classroom!
With help from Mr. Potatohead we began learning about our 5 senses and sang a song called "Five Senses." Today we focused on the sense of smell. We read a book called Smelling Things. The children smelled 6 different mystery jars and tried to guess what was inside. There was lemon, dill pickle, cinnamon, garlic, peppermint extract, and raspberry extract. They were able to guess the cinnamon, lemon, and peppermint (gum/candy). We made and played with some fruity smelling "Koolaid Playdough". For art we painted with scratch and sniff paint made from jello. It smelled great while we were painting but the "scratch and sniff" after it dried did not work out very well.
Something smelly is going on in our classroom!
With help from Mr. Potatohead we began learning about our 5 senses and sang a song called "Five Senses." Today we focused on the sense of smell. We read a book called Smelling Things. The children smelled 6 different mystery jars and tried to guess what was inside. There was lemon, dill pickle, cinnamon, garlic, peppermint extract, and raspberry extract. They were able to guess the cinnamon, lemon, and peppermint (gum/candy). We made and played with some fruity smelling "Koolaid Playdough". For art we painted with scratch and sniff paint made from jello. It smelled great while we were painting but the "scratch and sniff" after it dried did not work out very well.
Tuesday:
We reviewed the 5 Senses. Today we learned about the sense of sight. We read Seeing Things. At group time we played a game of "I spy with my little eye something that is..............." The children discovered that the more clues they had the easier it was to find the item the person was thinking of. We started making our Mother's Day surprise.
We reviewed the 5 Senses. Today we learned about the sense of sight. We read Seeing Things. At group time we played a game of "I spy with my little eye something that is..............." The children discovered that the more clues they had the easier it was to find the item the person was thinking of. We started making our Mother's Day surprise.
Wednesday:
Today we learn about our sense of hearing. We read Hearing Things by Allan Fowler. We played a game of Listening Bingo - Outside Sounds. We also played musical instruments. For art we made Kazoos.
Today we learn about our sense of hearing. We read Hearing Things by Allan Fowler. We played a game of Listening Bingo - Outside Sounds. We also played musical instruments. For art we made Kazoos.
Thursday:
We played a game called, "Touch and Feel". Different objects that the children play with all year round, were put into a bag. The children had to feel the objects with there hands, without looking, and tell the class what the object was. We went over the fives senses and sang a song called, The Five Senses.
You see with your eyes, touch your eyes
You smell with your nose, touch your nose (aw-choo)
You hear with your ears, touch your ears
You kiss with you lips, kiss me here (muah) Kid blow a kiss
The weather was rainy. We decided to rides bikes today instead. We continued working on our Mother's Day surprise!
We played a game called, "Touch and Feel". Different objects that the children play with all year round, were put into a bag. The children had to feel the objects with there hands, without looking, and tell the class what the object was. We went over the fives senses and sang a song called, The Five Senses.
You see with your eyes, touch your eyes
You smell with your nose, touch your nose (aw-choo)
You hear with your ears, touch your ears
You kiss with you lips, kiss me here (muah) Kid blow a kiss
The weather was rainy. We decided to rides bikes today instead. We continued working on our Mother's Day surprise!
Friday:
Today we explored our 5th and final sense -- our sense of taste. We read You Taste With Your Tongue by Melvin & Gilda Berger. We learned that tastes can be sweet, salty, sour or bitter. We then did some tasting of our own. We tasted a pretzel (salty), a lemon (sour), unsweetened baker's chocolate (bitter), and M&M's (sweet). We used our senses (all except hearing) to do a science investigation. Mrs. Davidson put a pinch of sugar and a pinch of salt and a strip of black paper. We had to use our sense to determine which was the salt and which was the sugar. Tasting was the best way to know for sure!
Today we explored our 5th and final sense -- our sense of taste. We read You Taste With Your Tongue by Melvin & Gilda Berger. We learned that tastes can be sweet, salty, sour or bitter. We then did some tasting of our own. We tasted a pretzel (salty), a lemon (sour), unsweetened baker's chocolate (bitter), and M&M's (sweet). We used our senses (all except hearing) to do a science investigation. Mrs. Davidson put a pinch of sugar and a pinch of salt and a strip of black paper. We had to use our sense to determine which was the salt and which was the sugar. Tasting was the best way to know for sure!
Ice Cream Update:
We earned 3 more scoops toward our ice cream party this week. One on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday with a few rough days between. Our count is now 5 down and 5 to go!
Next Week: Photos of our class will be taken on Tuesday. If you are interested in photos please be sure to go to the photographer's web site, register and sign the release.
Next week's theme is "We Love Mom!"
We earned 3 more scoops toward our ice cream party this week. One on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday with a few rough days between. Our count is now 5 down and 5 to go!
Next Week: Photos of our class will be taken on Tuesday. If you are interested in photos please be sure to go to the photographer's web site, register and sign the release.
Next week's theme is "We Love Mom!"
Week 34: April 21 - 25, 2014
Theme: Earth Week
Monday:
We read Recycle Everyday! The story was about Minna and her quest to find the perfect entry for the recycle contest. We talked about what recycle is. Recycling is when you reuse or fix things instead of throwing them away. We spent the majority of our day outdoors, it was so beautiful out.
We read Recycle Everyday! The story was about Minna and her quest to find the perfect entry for the recycle contest. We talked about what recycle is. Recycling is when you reuse or fix things instead of throwing them away. We spent the majority of our day outdoors, it was so beautiful out.
Tuesday:
Today we read Where Does All the Garbage Go? We reviewed the "3 R's" of taking care of the Earth. "Reduce, Reuse & Recycle." This week we have a Recycling Center as one of our classroom center areas. The children sort recyclables into their correct containers---paper, plastics, or cans (no glass recycling at our center). For art we did a group project of sponge painting a big Earth for our bulletin board. Mrs. Davidson also traced our hand print for the bulletin board: "EARTH--- It's In Our Hands!"
Today we read Where Does All the Garbage Go? We reviewed the "3 R's" of taking care of the Earth. "Reduce, Reuse & Recycle." This week we have a Recycling Center as one of our classroom center areas. The children sort recyclables into their correct containers---paper, plastics, or cans (no glass recycling at our center). For art we did a group project of sponge painting a big Earth for our bulletin board. Mrs. Davidson also traced our hand print for the bulletin board: "EARTH--- It's In Our Hands!"
Wednesday:
We read Don't be a Litterbug! We learned a Earth tune today called, I Love the Earth.
I love the Earth.
The earth loves me.
We must live in harmony.
If you care for animals, plants, and oceans too.
The earth will be a friend to you!
For art we used water colors to make coffee filters earth.
We read Don't be a Litterbug! We learned a Earth tune today called, I Love the Earth.
I love the Earth.
The earth loves me.
We must live in harmony.
If you care for animals, plants, and oceans too.
The earth will be a friend to you!
For art we used water colors to make coffee filters earth.
Today students from CROYA came to Little Scouts. "CROYA (Committee Representing Our Young Adults) is a youth-driven organization supported by diverse community resources. The goal of the organization is to help young adults identify and meet their own needs, while learning values and self-worth. The healthy environment promoted by CROYA benefits both our young adults and communities at large." CROYA is open to all 7th - 12th graders living in Lake Forest, Lake Bluff and Knollwood. [information taken from the CROYA website]
First the CROYA members read books to the children:
First the CROYA members read books to the children:
Then they played some really fun parachute games with the children:
Thursday:
Today we read Let's All Be Water-Wise and I Always Turn Off the Lights!
We made a list of things we can do to help the Earth. (We even wrote our list on the back of the paper we used last week to list creatures that hatch from eggs.)
We will add these ideas to our bulletin board. We used the REUSE concept for our art project today. The children were given a piece of cardboard from a cereal or cracker box, a pile of scraps of construction paper (left over from other art projects),
a scissor, and a bottle of glue. Then it was up to them to cut and glue and make a picture or design with the REUSED materials.
Today we read Let's All Be Water-Wise and I Always Turn Off the Lights!
We made a list of things we can do to help the Earth. (We even wrote our list on the back of the paper we used last week to list creatures that hatch from eggs.)
We will add these ideas to our bulletin board. We used the REUSE concept for our art project today. The children were given a piece of cardboard from a cereal or cracker box, a pile of scraps of construction paper (left over from other art projects),
a scissor, and a bottle of glue. Then it was up to them to cut and glue and make a picture or design with the REUSED materials.
Friday:
This is our last day talking about the earth. We read The Great Trash Bash. Mayor Hippo thinks the town of Beaston has too much trash! The animals found how to clean up their town. Each child gave their answer ways how Mayor Hippo can clean up their town and sang "Clean Up Earth."
Let's recycle, let's cycle.
Do it now, you know how.
Save your glass and cans,
Newspaper and pie pans,
Clean up earth, clean up earth.
We played outdoors on the playground and returned to our class and make earth bracelets. Have a great weekend and enjoy.
This is our last day talking about the earth. We read The Great Trash Bash. Mayor Hippo thinks the town of Beaston has too much trash! The animals found how to clean up their town. Each child gave their answer ways how Mayor Hippo can clean up their town and sang "Clean Up Earth."
Let's recycle, let's cycle.
Do it now, you know how.
Save your glass and cans,
Newspaper and pie pans,
Clean up earth, clean up earth.
We played outdoors on the playground and returned to our class and make earth bracelets. Have a great weekend and enjoy.
Ice Cream Update:
We had two "All Green Lights" days this week and earned two scoops toward our ice cream party. Eight scoops to go! Keep up the good work.
We had two "All Green Lights" days this week and earned two scoops toward our ice cream party. Eight scoops to go! Keep up the good work.
Coming up next week:
The Five Senses
The Five Senses
Week 33: April 14 - 18, 2014
Theme: Eggs, Chicks, and Bunnies
We are starting a new behavior management program next week and we would like your help!!
The longest winter ever (it seems) has ended, spring fever has set in and many of the children are having a hard time making good choices. On Monday we are going to begin a "green light, yellow light, red light" behavior chart. Each child will begin every day with a green light. The goal is to keep that green light for the whole day! If we a child is having a difficult time listening, following rules, being unkind to friends, etc. his/her light will be changed to a yellow light. This will give the child a chance to make better choices and keep the yellow light. If undesirable behavior continues the light will get changed to red. The good news is that if the whole class gets 10 "All Green" days before the end of the school year they will earn an ice cream party!!!
Here is how you can help...... please check the chart at the end of each school day. (The chart is next to the clipboards with lunch and nap information.) If your child has a green light congratulate him/her, give a high 5, a hug or some words of praise. If your child has a yellow or red light please ask him/her to tell you why. (We will be very clear with the child why the light was changed.) Talk to your child about how he/she can make better choices the next day they come to school.
This will be a team effort and we are looking forward to a great ice cream party!
The longest winter ever (it seems) has ended, spring fever has set in and many of the children are having a hard time making good choices. On Monday we are going to begin a "green light, yellow light, red light" behavior chart. Each child will begin every day with a green light. The goal is to keep that green light for the whole day! If we a child is having a difficult time listening, following rules, being unkind to friends, etc. his/her light will be changed to a yellow light. This will give the child a chance to make better choices and keep the yellow light. If undesirable behavior continues the light will get changed to red. The good news is that if the whole class gets 10 "All Green" days before the end of the school year they will earn an ice cream party!!!
Here is how you can help...... please check the chart at the end of each school day. (The chart is next to the clipboards with lunch and nap information.) If your child has a green light congratulate him/her, give a high 5, a hug or some words of praise. If your child has a yellow or red light please ask him/her to tell you why. (We will be very clear with the child why the light was changed.) Talk to your child about how he/she can make better choices the next day they come to school.
This will be a team effort and we are looking forward to a great ice cream party!
Monday:
Today we read Peter Rabbit. If you remember the story, Peter lost one of his shoes in Mr. McGregor's cabbages. We played a game to find Peter's shoe. We put cabbages numbered 1 - 9 in the pocket chart. The shoe was hidden behind one of the cabbages and the children had to guess which number in was under. (Yes a little more practice with our number recognition!) The beautiful weather we had last week is gone so we stayed inside and rode bikes. For art we used tempera block paints and painted a paper egg. Some of the children started making bunny ears for the egg hunt on Thursday.
Today we read Peter Rabbit. If you remember the story, Peter lost one of his shoes in Mr. McGregor's cabbages. We played a game to find Peter's shoe. We put cabbages numbered 1 - 9 in the pocket chart. The shoe was hidden behind one of the cabbages and the children had to guess which number in was under. (Yes a little more practice with our number recognition!) The beautiful weather we had last week is gone so we stayed inside and rode bikes. For art we used tempera block paints and painted a paper egg. Some of the children started making bunny ears for the egg hunt on Thursday.
Tuesday:
Today we read The Runaway Bunny, When a little bunny suggests imaginative ways he might run away from his mother, she replies with equally inventive ways to find him. We finished making our bunny ears to get ready for egg hunt on Thursday. We stayed inside today and rode bikes.
Today we read The Runaway Bunny, When a little bunny suggests imaginative ways he might run away from his mother, she replies with equally inventive ways to find him. We finished making our bunny ears to get ready for egg hunt on Thursday. We stayed inside today and rode bikes.
Wednesday:
The question of the morning was, "What hatches from eggs?" The children knew that these creatures hatched from eggs: chicks, dinosaurs, turtles, birds, penguins, snakes, crocodiles, and lizards. Then we read Chickens Aren't the Only Ones by Ruth Heller and learned that frogs, alligators, salamanders, insects, fish, sharks, rays, octopuses, spiders, and snail also hatch from eggs. We leaned that everyone who lays and egg is "oviparous." For art we made colorful eggs by painting water on an egg template and putting small pieces of colorful tissue paper on the wet egg shape. When it dried we took the tissue paper off and the colors "bled" onto our egg making a colorful egg. We then told a story about what will hatch from the colorful egg.
The question of the morning was, "What hatches from eggs?" The children knew that these creatures hatched from eggs: chicks, dinosaurs, turtles, birds, penguins, snakes, crocodiles, and lizards. Then we read Chickens Aren't the Only Ones by Ruth Heller and learned that frogs, alligators, salamanders, insects, fish, sharks, rays, octopuses, spiders, and snail also hatch from eggs. We leaned that everyone who lays and egg is "oviparous." For art we made colorful eggs by painting water on an egg template and putting small pieces of colorful tissue paper on the wet egg shape. When it dried we took the tissue paper off and the colors "bled" onto our egg making a colorful egg. We then told a story about what will hatch from the colorful egg.
Thursday:
Today we started off our morning reading Easter Egg Hunt. In the story, Freddie really wants to win the chocolate bunny. But will Max find more eggs. We made a simple snack called, Fancy Flower using bread, cream cheese and a banana. We had a great time outdoors with our Egg Hunt & finding plastic eggs and putting them on our buckets. Thank you so much for volunteering Milton Sumption & Lisa Chang. You all have a Happy Easter and enjoy the long weekend.
Here is a slide show of our Spring Party and Egg Hunt:
Today we started off our morning reading Easter Egg Hunt. In the story, Freddie really wants to win the chocolate bunny. But will Max find more eggs. We made a simple snack called, Fancy Flower using bread, cream cheese and a banana. We had a great time outdoors with our Egg Hunt & finding plastic eggs and putting them on our buckets. Thank you so much for volunteering Milton Sumption & Lisa Chang. You all have a Happy Easter and enjoy the long weekend.
Here is a slide show of our Spring Party and Egg Hunt:
Week 32: April 7 - April 11, 2014
Theme: Spring
Coming Up Next Week:
- Thursday April 17th Spring Party & Egg Hunt. Please see the attachment on Thursday afternoon e-mail (or note in cubby) for more information.
- NO SCHOOL on Friday, April 18th
Monday:
We read Spring is Here! Talked about saying, good bye to winter and the snow. Chatted about Spring is here. Acted out the five little ducks song. The children was asked a question. What is your favorite season? We enjoyed playing on the playground and went for a short walk. For art, we glued different colored petals on our flowers. Mrs. Weber will be visiting Little Scouts tomorrow.
We read Spring is Here! Talked about saying, good bye to winter and the snow. Chatted about Spring is here. Acted out the five little ducks song. The children was asked a question. What is your favorite season? We enjoyed playing on the playground and went for a short walk. For art, we glued different colored petals on our flowers. Mrs. Weber will be visiting Little Scouts tomorrow.
Tuesday:
Today we talked about rainy spring days. We need the rain so the leaves, flowers and grass can grow. We read One Rainy Day. We did some rainy day songs: "Jump in the Puddles" and "Leaky Umbrella". We enjoyed our story time with Mrs. Weber from Lake Forest Children's Library. For art we cut out umbrellas for the "9" page for our number books. Tomorrow we will glue nine raindrops onto the page.
Today we talked about rainy spring days. We need the rain so the leaves, flowers and grass can grow. We read One Rainy Day. We did some rainy day songs: "Jump in the Puddles" and "Leaky Umbrella". We enjoyed our story time with Mrs. Weber from Lake Forest Children's Library. For art we cut out umbrellas for the "9" page for our number books. Tomorrow we will glue nine raindrops onto the page.
Wednesday:
We read Wake Me in Spring. We talked about how bears go to sleep in the winter season and wakes up in Spring. We reviewed the numbers 1-9. We worked on different kinds of patterning. We played on the playground and went on a short walk to get some fresh air. Finished up our flowers for art.
We read Wake Me in Spring. We talked about how bears go to sleep in the winter season and wakes up in Spring. We reviewed the numbers 1-9. We worked on different kinds of patterning. We played on the playground and went on a short walk to get some fresh air. Finished up our flowers for art.
Thursday:
Today we talked about what birds do in Spring. Birds that migrate return. Birds build nests and lay eggs. We read Egg to Robin. We played a group game listening for the beginning sound /b/. Each child selected a bird cut-out. We all said the name of the picture on the bird. If the picture on the bird began with /b/ the bird got to go in the birdbath. At art time we made robins to fly around and bring spring to our classroom. We also had a fire drill today.
Today we talked about what birds do in Spring. Birds that migrate return. Birds build nests and lay eggs. We read Egg to Robin. We played a group game listening for the beginning sound /b/. Each child selected a bird cut-out. We all said the name of the picture on the bird. If the picture on the bird began with /b/ the bird got to go in the birdbath. At art time we made robins to fly around and bring spring to our classroom. We also had a fire drill today.
Friday:
Today we did our good morning stretch and added jumping jacks. The kids had a time jumping. We read Spring Season and did a Spring action song called, (Spring)
S is for Spring, a wet time of year
P is for puddles of mud that appear,
R is for rain that falls on the tree
I is for Iris, the flower for me!
N is for nest, where eggs can be seen,
G is for grass that grows tall and green.
We spend most of the morning outdoors. The weather was so beautiful, we just had to take adavantage it. You never know what the weather may be like next week. You all have a nice weekend!
Today we did our good morning stretch and added jumping jacks. The kids had a time jumping. We read Spring Season and did a Spring action song called, (Spring)
S is for Spring, a wet time of year
P is for puddles of mud that appear,
R is for rain that falls on the tree
I is for Iris, the flower for me!
N is for nest, where eggs can be seen,
G is for grass that grows tall and green.
We spend most of the morning outdoors. The weather was so beautiful, we just had to take adavantage it. You never know what the weather may be like next week. You all have a nice weekend!
Week 31: March 31 - April 4, 2014
Theme: A Visit to the Pond (continued)
Just a short posting this week:
We hope you all enjoyed your spring break and are ready for the rest of the school year. We are sure it will go by quickly because this week certainly did. We continued our pond theme because we had a few projects that we began before break that we need to finish up. Our pond bulletin board is now complete with lots of turtles and "big wide-mouthed frogs". We also finished up doing the assessments for our conferences next week. We finally got to enjoy some outside time back on the playground equipment. Monday the weather was so nice that we even went back out in the afternoon!
Coming up next week:
We hope you all enjoyed your spring break and are ready for the rest of the school year. We are sure it will go by quickly because this week certainly did. We continued our pond theme because we had a few projects that we began before break that we need to finish up. Our pond bulletin board is now complete with lots of turtles and "big wide-mouthed frogs". We also finished up doing the assessments for our conferences next week. We finally got to enjoy some outside time back on the playground equipment. Monday the weather was so nice that we even went back out in the afternoon!
Coming up next week:
- Our theme will be "Spring". We hope to have some nice weather to go with the theme.
- Parent-Teacher conferences Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday. We look forward to talking with all of you.
- Summer forms due by Friday! Be sure you turn in a form whether or not you plan to come in the summer. It also asks for information about your last day of attendance for this year and start date for the fall. Extra forms are available in the classroom and on the front desk.
- April Scholastic book orders are also due on Friday.
Week 30: March 17-21, 2014
Theme: A Visit to the Pond
Monday:
Happy St. Patricks Day! Most of the children wore green. We read It's St.cPatricks Day! For art we finger painted with green finger paint. We went on a walk around the building & to the bridge.
Happy St. Patricks Day! Most of the children wore green. We read It's St.cPatricks Day! For art we finger painted with green finger paint. We went on a walk around the building & to the bridge.
Tuesday:
Ms. Yvonne was out so Mrs. Sullivan was in our classroom today.
We began to talk about ponds and animals that live in or near the pond. We talked about the life cycle of frogs. The children should remember that a baby frog is called a tadpole. We read a funny book about frogs: The Big Wide-Mouthed Frog. We also learned the song "Five Green and Speckled Frogs." We painted paper plates to make big wide-mouth frogs for our pond. We will add the legs and faces after the plates dry. The children enjoyed playing in the "pond" in our sensory table. The "pond" will be opened during center time throughout the week.
Ms. Yvonne was out so Mrs. Sullivan was in our classroom today.
We began to talk about ponds and animals that live in or near the pond. We talked about the life cycle of frogs. The children should remember that a baby frog is called a tadpole. We read a funny book about frogs: The Big Wide-Mouthed Frog. We also learned the song "Five Green and Speckled Frogs." We painted paper plates to make big wide-mouth frogs for our pond. We will add the legs and faces after the plates dry. The children enjoyed playing in the "pond" in our sensory table. The "pond" will be opened during center time throughout the week.
Wednesday-Friday:
What a busy week! Mrs. Davidson was out yesterday and today. Mrs. Debbie and Empy helped out and had a really great time in helping in our classroom. We read Box Turtle at Silver Pond Lane. At circle time the children requested to do the Little Duck fingerplay:
I am a little duck that goes quack, quack, quack.
And I've got lots of feathers on my back, back, back
And when I go down to the lake,
I wiggle and I wobble and I shake, shake, shake.
And when I go to sleep at night,
I close my eyes very tight.
But in the morning when I wake,
I wiggle and i wobble and I shake, shake, shake.
We went on a walk and joined the other 3's classroom. We want to wish you all a happy spring break week off. See you on March 31st.
What a busy week! Mrs. Davidson was out yesterday and today. Mrs. Debbie and Empy helped out and had a really great time in helping in our classroom. We read Box Turtle at Silver Pond Lane. At circle time the children requested to do the Little Duck fingerplay:
I am a little duck that goes quack, quack, quack.
And I've got lots of feathers on my back, back, back
And when I go down to the lake,
I wiggle and I wobble and I shake, shake, shake.
And when I go to sleep at night,
I close my eyes very tight.
But in the morning when I wake,
I wiggle and i wobble and I shake, shake, shake.
We went on a walk and joined the other 3's classroom. We want to wish you all a happy spring break week off. See you on March 31st.
Week 29: March 10-14, 2014
Theme: Getting ready for St. Patrick's Day
Monday:
Today we began the morning by building "Mat Man". Mat Man is a part of the Handwriting Without Tears program. Building Mat Man teaches the children about body parts and where they go. Once the children know how to build Mat Man they can approach drawing a person in the same manner. We are drawing self-portraits this week so we hope this helps the children with their drawings.
The number 8 was introduced today and the children make their "8 Shamrocks" page for their number books. We read St. Patrick's Day by Gail Gibbons to learn about why and how St. Patrick's Day is celebrated. We took a walk around the outside of the building to get some fresh air and sunshine but it was too wet to play outside so we came in and rode bikes.
Today we began the morning by building "Mat Man". Mat Man is a part of the Handwriting Without Tears program. Building Mat Man teaches the children about body parts and where they go. Once the children know how to build Mat Man they can approach drawing a person in the same manner. We are drawing self-portraits this week so we hope this helps the children with their drawings.
The number 8 was introduced today and the children make their "8 Shamrocks" page for their number books. We read St. Patrick's Day by Gail Gibbons to learn about why and how St. Patrick's Day is celebrated. We took a walk around the outside of the building to get some fresh air and sunshine but it was too wet to play outside so we came in and rode bikes.
Enjoy a slide show of the children building Mat Man:
See if your child can sing the song as you watch the slide show.
See if your child can sing the song as you watch the slide show.
Tuesday:
We went over "Mat Man" again for those children who were not here on Monday. We read There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Clover! and learned a St. Patricks Day Song.
Sung to the tune (The Farmer In the Dell)
St. Patrick's Day is here,
St. Patrick's Day is here,
Lets give a clap and dance a jig
St. Patrick's Day is here.
We went on a walk today and got some fresh air. For art we made a "Shamrock Collage"
We went over "Mat Man" again for those children who were not here on Monday. We read There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Clover! and learned a St. Patricks Day Song.
Sung to the tune (The Farmer In the Dell)
St. Patrick's Day is here,
St. Patrick's Day is here,
Lets give a clap and dance a jig
St. Patrick's Day is here.
We went on a walk today and got some fresh air. For art we made a "Shamrock Collage"
Wednesday:
At group time we read The Luckiest Leprechaun and did an activity called "Leprechaun Likes....". Of course the Leprechaun only likes things that begin with the /L/ sound. The children chose a picture card out of the leprechaun's hat. If the picture began with /l/ it was placed by the leprechaun. If the picture was of something that did not begin with /l/ the card was set aside. The leprechaun liked lions, lemons, logs, lamps, light bulbs, lips, leaves, ladders and locks. Have your child try to think of more things that the leprechaun would like.
We began work on a journal page. We paint stamped a toadstool onto our paper and colored a leprechaun to glue on the toadstool. Tomorrow the children will tell stories about how they would get the leprechaun's gold.
At group time we read The Luckiest Leprechaun and did an activity called "Leprechaun Likes....". Of course the Leprechaun only likes things that begin with the /L/ sound. The children chose a picture card out of the leprechaun's hat. If the picture began with /l/ it was placed by the leprechaun. If the picture was of something that did not begin with /l/ the card was set aside. The leprechaun liked lions, lemons, logs, lamps, light bulbs, lips, leaves, ladders and locks. Have your child try to think of more things that the leprechaun would like.
We began work on a journal page. We paint stamped a toadstool onto our paper and colored a leprechaun to glue on the toadstool. Tomorrow the children will tell stories about how they would get the leprechaun's gold.
Thursday:
We read Jack and the Leprechaun. We did an activity called, "searching for the letter L". Letters were scattered on the floor, including several L cards. The children begin singing the song shown below. Each child was given a Leprechaun cut out. After the found each letter L, they had to put the leprechaun onto the letter L until all the L's were covered.
Sung to the tune of "The muffin Man"
Can you find the letter L,
The letter L, the letter L?
Can you find the letter L
For Lucky Leprechaun!
For art we made St. Patrick Day Kites. We also did rotation centers.
We read Jack and the Leprechaun. We did an activity called, "searching for the letter L". Letters were scattered on the floor, including several L cards. The children begin singing the song shown below. Each child was given a Leprechaun cut out. After the found each letter L, they had to put the leprechaun onto the letter L until all the L's were covered.
Sung to the tune of "The muffin Man"
Can you find the letter L,
The letter L, the letter L?
Can you find the letter L
For Lucky Leprechaun!
For art we made St. Patrick Day Kites. We also did rotation centers.
Friday:
We began the morning with a messy art project. We made Shaving Cream Swirl Shamrocks.
First, we swirled some water color paints into shaving cream:
We began the morning with a messy art project. We made Shaving Cream Swirl Shamrocks.
First, we swirled some water color paints into shaving cream:
Next, we pressed a shamrock cutout onto the colorful shaving cream:
Last, we put the shamrock on a big tray and used a scraper to "shave" the cream off of the shamrock. The colorful paint design stays on the shamrock!
After finishing art, we read The Luckiest St. Patrick's Day ever! We did a letter recognition and matching activity in which the children had to find matching shamrocks. Shamrocks with the letters of the alphabet were placed on the floor. The children had to find the shamrock with the letter that matched the one on the shamrock Mrs. Davidson was holding. We went outside for a long walk.
Week 28: March 3-7, 2014
Theme: Pets
This Week:
Our dramatic play area has been taken over by a pet store, a veterinarian office, a pet groomer and a bunch of "Beanie Baby" pets. This week we are beginning assessment for our parent-teacher conferences next month. You will be seeing less artwork for the next few weeks while we are working on the assessments. A conference sign-up will be posted after we return from Spring Break.
Our dramatic play area has been taken over by a pet store, a veterinarian office, a pet groomer and a bunch of "Beanie Baby" pets. This week we are beginning assessment for our parent-teacher conferences next month. You will be seeing less artwork for the next few weeks while we are working on the assessments. A conference sign-up will be posted after we return from Spring Break.
Monday:
We did a flannel board activity called, Fred and his fishes. The children were able to supply the number and hold up their fingers for how many fishes. We were not able to get outdoors, we had a good time riding bikes.
We did a flannel board activity called, Fred and his fishes. The children were able to supply the number and hold up their fingers for how many fishes. We were not able to get outdoors, we had a good time riding bikes.
Tuesday:
At circle we read Who wants Arthur? The children shared with the class how many pets are in their home. Mrs. Davidson has a pet turtle name Olive. She will be bringing Olive for a visit when the weather gets warmer. We did assessments today. Getting prepared for Parent Teacher Conferences.
At circle we read Who wants Arthur? The children shared with the class how many pets are in their home. Mrs. Davidson has a pet turtle name Olive. She will be bringing Olive for a visit when the weather gets warmer. We did assessments today. Getting prepared for Parent Teacher Conferences.
Wednesday:
We talked about things we need to do to take care of pets:
We talked about things we need to do to take care of pets:
- toys and exercise
- food and water
- grooming and baths
- visits to the vet
- keeping them safe
Thursday:
We read Biscuit Finds a Friend and the children were asked a question, "Do you have a pet?" Afterwards, the answers were graphed on construction paper. The graph is posted below our "Today We" board outside our classroom door.
We read Biscuit Finds a Friend and the children were asked a question, "Do you have a pet?" Afterwards, the answers were graphed on construction paper. The graph is posted below our "Today We" board outside our classroom door.
Friday:
Today we had a long morning playtime. After group time and snack we went OUTSIDE to play. Finally! We stayed out most of the morning and enjoyed playing in the snow without being cold.
Next Week: Leprechauns, gold, rainbows, and a lot of getting ready for St. Patrick's Day. We will also be learning number 8.
Today we had a long morning playtime. After group time and snack we went OUTSIDE to play. Finally! We stayed out most of the morning and enjoyed playing in the snow without being cold.
Next Week: Leprechauns, gold, rainbows, and a lot of getting ready for St. Patrick's Day. We will also be learning number 8.
Week 27: February 24-28, 2014
Theme: Celebrating Dr. Seuss
Monday:
Ms. Yvonne's tongue was so tired & twisted reading Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss. We talked about Dr. Seuss and that his original name is Theodore Seuss Geisel. We talked about many books he wrote. During our Large Motor time, we had a sock hop and the children had a good ole time dancing. We also had a sock relay. For art we colored a pair of socks and will be putting them on the bulletin board.
Ms. Yvonne's tongue was so tired & twisted reading Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss. We talked about Dr. Seuss and that his original name is Theodore Seuss Geisel. We talked about many books he wrote. During our Large Motor time, we had a sock hop and the children had a good ole time dancing. We also had a sock relay. For art we colored a pair of socks and will be putting them on the bulletin board.
Tuesday:
Something fishy was going on in our room today! We read One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. We used a Venn Diagram to sort fish as red, blue, or red and blue. We sorted and counted colored goldfish crackers at snack time and determined which color we had the most of. We began making a "One Fish, Two Fish" class book. We will continue work on the book tomorrow. Each child will make one page for the book. Too cold to go out, AGAIN! We rode bikes and cars in the hallway.
Something fishy was going on in our room today! We read One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. We used a Venn Diagram to sort fish as red, blue, or red and blue. We sorted and counted colored goldfish crackers at snack time and determined which color we had the most of. We began making a "One Fish, Two Fish" class book. We will continue work on the book tomorrow. Each child will make one page for the book. Too cold to go out, AGAIN! We rode bikes and cars in the hallway.
Wednesday:
We read The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss and sang a song about Seuss. It was sung to the tune of "BINGO." The children were lead in singing the song. They repeated the song replacing a letter with a clap each time as in the traditional interactive song "Bingo".
There was a man who wrote some books
And Seuss was his name-o!
S-E-U-S-S, S-E-U-S-S, S-E-U-S-S.
And Seuss was his name-o!
For art we made "Thing One and Thing Two" (from the Cat in the Hat story) with our hand prints. Tomorrow we will be able to draw their faces and finish the project.
We read The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss and sang a song about Seuss. It was sung to the tune of "BINGO." The children were lead in singing the song. They repeated the song replacing a letter with a clap each time as in the traditional interactive song "Bingo".
There was a man who wrote some books
And Seuss was his name-o!
S-E-U-S-S, S-E-U-S-S, S-E-U-S-S.
And Seuss was his name-o!
For art we made "Thing One and Thing Two" (from the Cat in the Hat story) with our hand prints. Tomorrow we will be able to draw their faces and finish the project.
Thursday:
Ms. Yvonne is gone today and tomorrow. Mrs. Keefe, former (and the original) Little Scout teacher was her substitute today. Mrs. Keefe read The Cat in the Hat Comes Back. We caught up on unfinished projects from this week. Some children made their page for our class "Fish" book. We finished Thing 1 & Thing 2. We also dot-marker painted #7. (During the month of March we will be working on learning #8)
Ms. Yvonne is gone today and tomorrow. Mrs. Keefe, former (and the original) Little Scout teacher was her substitute today. Mrs. Keefe read The Cat in the Hat Comes Back. We caught up on unfinished projects from this week. Some children made their page for our class "Fish" book. We finished Thing 1 & Thing 2. We also dot-marker painted #7. (During the month of March we will be working on learning #8)
Friday:
We were very busy today with art and a cooking project. Ms. Cheryl was here in Ms. Yvonne's place. We painted a black edge on a paper plate and red stripes on a hat to make the Cat in the Hat. We made vanilla pudding and dyed it green. After reading Green Eggs and Ham, we put a scoop of green pudding on our plate and added half of a green Jello-Jiggler egg to make a Green Egg for snack. (See below). We played in the large motor room. When we came back for center time, our painting was dry and we glued eyes, ears, and a bow tie on our cats. We also drew a mouth and whiskers.
We were very busy today with art and a cooking project. Ms. Cheryl was here in Ms. Yvonne's place. We painted a black edge on a paper plate and red stripes on a hat to make the Cat in the Hat. We made vanilla pudding and dyed it green. After reading Green Eggs and Ham, we put a scoop of green pudding on our plate and added half of a green Jello-Jiggler egg to make a Green Egg for snack. (See below). We played in the large motor room. When we came back for center time, our painting was dry and we glued eyes, ears, and a bow tie on our cats. We also drew a mouth and whiskers.
Week 26: February 17-21, 2014
Theme: Dental Health
Monday:
No School - President's Day Holiday
Tuesday:
At circle we read Going to the Dentist and talked about eating more of healthty foods that keeps our teeth healthy vs eating less of unhealthy foods that is not good for our teeth. The weather was so beautiful outside, we stayed out for a while and had a great time playing in the snow. See ya tomorrow!
No School - President's Day Holiday
Tuesday:
At circle we read Going to the Dentist and talked about eating more of healthty foods that keeps our teeth healthy vs eating less of unhealthy foods that is not good for our teeth. The weather was so beautiful outside, we stayed out for a while and had a great time playing in the snow. See ya tomorrow!
Wednesday:
We used toothbrushes to paint a giant tooth with white paint and glitter.
At group time we read Dr. DeSoto by William Steig. We learned that "2" is the magic number of tooth care. We need to brush our teeth at least 2 times each day for 2 minutes. And we need to visit the dentist 2 times each year. We went out and played in the snow (and some puddles, too). It so great to be getting outside again! And another plus to being outside is that the children take great naps after playing out in the fresh air.
We used toothbrushes to paint a giant tooth with white paint and glitter.
At group time we read Dr. DeSoto by William Steig. We learned that "2" is the magic number of tooth care. We need to brush our teeth at least 2 times each day for 2 minutes. And we need to visit the dentist 2 times each year. We went out and played in the snow (and some puddles, too). It so great to be getting outside again! And another plus to being outside is that the children take great naps after playing out in the fresh air.
Thursday
At circle we learned a Brushing Teeth song. (Sung to the tune of "The Itsy-Bitsy Spider")
Busy little toothbrush
Brushing all my teeth,
Brushing all the top ones,
Brushing underneath.
Swishy swish some water.
This is kind of fun.
Now my teeth are clean and shiny.
Tooth brushing is done!
We talked about why is it important to brush our teeth twice a day. We did a "Happy Tooth" vs. "Sad Tooth" sorting activity in which we sorted pictures of things that are good for our teeth and things that are NOT good for our teeth.
At circle we learned a Brushing Teeth song. (Sung to the tune of "The Itsy-Bitsy Spider")
Busy little toothbrush
Brushing all my teeth,
Brushing all the top ones,
Brushing underneath.
Swishy swish some water.
This is kind of fun.
Now my teeth are clean and shiny.
Tooth brushing is done!
We talked about why is it important to brush our teeth twice a day. We did a "Happy Tooth" vs. "Sad Tooth" sorting activity in which we sorted pictures of things that are good for our teeth and things that are NOT good for our teeth.
For art we did dental floss painting. We were not able to get outdoors today. We had a fun time playing in the large Motor Room.
Friday:
At group time we reviewed all of the things we learned this week about taking care of our teeth. We read a book called Tooth Trouble about a Walrus who had a tusk that hurt and didn't want to go to the dentist.
We had story time with Mrs. Weber from Lake Forest Children's Library. The children always enjoy her wonderful books and stories.
For art we practiced our cutting. We cut out mouth shapes and glued teeth (navy beans) in the mouth. We rode bikes and cars in the hall today.
Next Week: Celebrating Dr. Seuss. On Monday we will have a "silly sock day" so put together the silliest pair of socks you can!
At group time we reviewed all of the things we learned this week about taking care of our teeth. We read a book called Tooth Trouble about a Walrus who had a tusk that hurt and didn't want to go to the dentist.
We had story time with Mrs. Weber from Lake Forest Children's Library. The children always enjoy her wonderful books and stories.
For art we practiced our cutting. We cut out mouth shapes and glued teeth (navy beans) in the mouth. We rode bikes and cars in the hall today.
Next Week: Celebrating Dr. Seuss. On Monday we will have a "silly sock day" so put together the silliest pair of socks you can!
Week 25: February 10-14, 2014
Theme: Valentine's Day
Reminders:
Our Valentine's Party is on Thursday, Feb. 13th.
If your child wishes to exchange Valentine Cards with his/her classmates, please send 18 cards signed with your child's name. Please leave the "to" or envelope blank. This way the children can just drop one card into each mailbox.
Please DO NOT take art work that is drying on top of the cubbies. Some of the projects are for bulletin boards and the children's portfolios. We will put artwork that is ready to go home INSIDE your child's cubby. Thanks!
NO SCHOOL Monday, February 17th. President's Day Holiday
Our Valentine's Party is on Thursday, Feb. 13th.
If your child wishes to exchange Valentine Cards with his/her classmates, please send 18 cards signed with your child's name. Please leave the "to" or envelope blank. This way the children can just drop one card into each mailbox.
Please DO NOT take art work that is drying on top of the cubbies. Some of the projects are for bulletin boards and the children's portfolios. We will put artwork that is ready to go home INSIDE your child's cubby. Thanks!
NO SCHOOL Monday, February 17th. President's Day Holiday
Monday:
We read Froggy's First Kiss and played a musical game called Valentine Land.
We passed a heart around the circle and if you were holding the heart when the music stopped you had to leave the circle and enter Valentine Land.
We talked about the Valentine Shop that is set up in our classroom this week.
We have an area for making flower arrangements; an area for making boxes of Valentine candy (fine motor); and an area for making cards. This is really the first time we have left the children completely on their own with markers, glue sticks, scissors and ink stamps. We gave them a lot of rules about closing markers and glue stick, and about being safe with scissors. We will see how they do working independently.
We made "heart art" butterflies and decorated our Valentine Mailboxes.
We read Froggy's First Kiss and played a musical game called Valentine Land.
We passed a heart around the circle and if you were holding the heart when the music stopped you had to leave the circle and enter Valentine Land.
We talked about the Valentine Shop that is set up in our classroom this week.
We have an area for making flower arrangements; an area for making boxes of Valentine candy (fine motor); and an area for making cards. This is really the first time we have left the children completely on their own with markers, glue sticks, scissors and ink stamps. We gave them a lot of rules about closing markers and glue stick, and about being safe with scissors. We will see how they do working independently.
We made "heart art" butterflies and decorated our Valentine Mailboxes.
qTuesday:
We read Happy Valentine's Day Mouse! and learned a poem called, Five different hearts. Each child had a colored heart as described in the poem, then they had to recite the poem as they point to each appropriate heart.
There are five hearts on my blue paper
And each little heart is different
The yellow heart is broken
The blue heart is sad
The green heart is scared
The red heart is mad
But the pink one is happy
Just as happy as can be
Because that is the heart
That belongs to me!
We continued to working on our Valentines Day boxes and fininshing up some things to get ready for our party on Thursday. We was not able to get outdoors today, the children did lots of large motor workout; skipping, galloping, walking backward and more. You all have good evening!
We read Happy Valentine's Day Mouse! and learned a poem called, Five different hearts. Each child had a colored heart as described in the poem, then they had to recite the poem as they point to each appropriate heart.
There are five hearts on my blue paper
And each little heart is different
The yellow heart is broken
The blue heart is sad
The green heart is scared
The red heart is mad
But the pink one is happy
Just as happy as can be
Because that is the heart
That belongs to me!
We continued to working on our Valentines Day boxes and fininshing up some things to get ready for our party on Thursday. We was not able to get outdoors today, the children did lots of large motor workout; skipping, galloping, walking backward and more. You all have good evening!
qWednesday:
Today we worked on some letter recognition. The children were shown hearts with uppercase alphabet letters, we identified each letter and if the child's name began with the letter he/she had to stand up and turn around 3 times. Then we used the letters to spell the word H-E-A-R-T and sang the following song:
To show you lie your special friends,
just give them each a heart.
H-E-A-R-T, H-E-A-R-T, H-E-A-R-T
Each heart says, "I like you!"
We read The Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond and started making "Heart Art" flowers for you bulletin board. We also finished our number 7 pages for our number books. We have all been practicing counting and identifying numbers as we use the valentine counting wheel. We have also been working on numbers during morning group time.
Today we worked on some letter recognition. The children were shown hearts with uppercase alphabet letters, we identified each letter and if the child's name began with the letter he/she had to stand up and turn around 3 times. Then we used the letters to spell the word H-E-A-R-T and sang the following song:
To show you lie your special friends,
just give them each a heart.
H-E-A-R-T, H-E-A-R-T, H-E-A-R-T
Each heart says, "I like you!"
We read The Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond and started making "Heart Art" flowers for you bulletin board. We also finished our number 7 pages for our number books. We have all been practicing counting and identifying numbers as we use the valentine counting wheel. We have also been working on numbers during morning group time.
qThursday:
We had Vision and Hearing Screening and our Valentine Party today. After the party we took a walk outside and caught some snowflakes on our tongues. Enjoy a slide show of our party.
We had Vision and Hearing Screening and our Valentine Party today. After the party we took a walk outside and caught some snowflakes on our tongues. Enjoy a slide show of our party.
qFriday:
We had a much calmer day today. We read Clifford's Valentine and did some painting with heart-shaped stampers. Too cold to go outside so we rode bikes in the hall. Looking forward to next week's forecast of warmer weather.
We had a much calmer day today. We read Clifford's Valentine and did some painting with heart-shaped stampers. Too cold to go outside so we rode bikes in the hall. Looking forward to next week's forecast of warmer weather.
qWeek 24: February 3-7, 2014
qTheme: Penguins
qMonday:
We read Go to sleep Groundhog! by Judy Cox and a question was asked, "Will the Groundhog see his shadow." Well I guess we will have 6 more weeks of winter.. The groundhog saw his shadow. For art we made a groundhog. During center time the children practiced spelling their names with magnetic letters.
We read Go to sleep Groundhog! by Judy Cox and a question was asked, "Will the Groundhog see his shadow." Well I guess we will have 6 more weeks of winter.. The groundhog saw his shadow. For art we made a groundhog. During center time the children practiced spelling their names with magnetic letters.
qTuesday:
We began learning about penguins today. Some of the things we talked about were that all penguins live south of the equator. They are birds but they cannot fly. They swim and they eat fish, squid and krill. The children enjoyed seeing pictures of the way the Antarctic penguins toboggan on their tummies. We read The Emperor's Egg and learned that the father Emperor Penguin holds the egg on his feet and goes without food for two months. We tried holding an egg on our feet.!
Speaking of feet, if you noticed that one of your child's feet looked a little dirtier than usual it is because we painted their foot to make a footprint penguin for their journal.
We began learning about penguins today. Some of the things we talked about were that all penguins live south of the equator. They are birds but they cannot fly. They swim and they eat fish, squid and krill. The children enjoyed seeing pictures of the way the Antarctic penguins toboggan on their tummies. We read The Emperor's Egg and learned that the father Emperor Penguin holds the egg on his feet and goes without food for two months. We tried holding an egg on our feet.!
Speaking of feet, if you noticed that one of your child's feet looked a little dirtier than usual it is because we painted their foot to make a footprint penguin for their journal.
qWednesday:
We read Penguins and had a Penguin parade in our classroom. We waddled from side to side, walked and slipped with a funny jump. For art we made a Penguin mask. We went outdoors and had a great time playing in the snow. Tomorrow the children will be watch "Happy Feet" they are so excited! You all have a great day. Just a reminder to bring in a cereal box for our class Valentine's party.
We read Penguins and had a Penguin parade in our classroom. We waddled from side to side, walked and slipped with a funny jump. For art we made a Penguin mask. We went outdoors and had a great time playing in the snow. Tomorrow the children will be watch "Happy Feet" they are so excited! You all have a great day. Just a reminder to bring in a cereal box for our class Valentine's party.
qThursday:
We leaned that not all penguins hold their eggs on their feet waiting for them to hatch. Some make nests out of rocks and stones and some dig holes in the ground to make a nest. We added the finishing touches to our footprint penguins and told 3 things that we learned about penguins. Today was "dress like a penguin" day so we make penguin head bands to complete the outfit. We also watched part of "Happy Feet" today.
We leaned that not all penguins hold their eggs on their feet waiting for them to hatch. Some make nests out of rocks and stones and some dig holes in the ground to make a nest. We added the finishing touches to our footprint penguins and told 3 things that we learned about penguins. Today was "dress like a penguin" day so we make penguin head bands to complete the outfit. We also watched part of "Happy Feet" today.
qFriday:
We did a review about Penguins. What the the children have learned all week. We read The Penguin who wanted to fly by Catherine Vase and stand to take part in the action rhyme called, Five Little Penguins.
Five little penguins standing in a row. Hold up five fingers
Five little penguins standing in the snow.
Brrrr, it's cold! I cannot stay! Hug self and shiver
And one little penguins waddled away. Waddle in place
For art we painted our Penguin eggs. What a variety of colors the children used! You all have a terrific weekend and stay warm!
We did a review about Penguins. What the the children have learned all week. We read The Penguin who wanted to fly by Catherine Vase and stand to take part in the action rhyme called, Five Little Penguins.
Five little penguins standing in a row. Hold up five fingers
Five little penguins standing in the snow.
Brrrr, it's cold! I cannot stay! Hug self and shiver
And one little penguins waddled away. Waddle in place
For art we painted our Penguin eggs. What a variety of colors the children used! You all have a terrific weekend and stay warm!
qWeek 23: January 27-31, 2014
qTheme: Chinese New Year
qMonday & Tuesday:
We were closed once again due to dangerously cold temperatures.
Will winter ever end? Perhaps the groundhog will have good news for us on Sunday. Homework for your child is to find out whether or not the groundhog sees his shadow.
We were closed once again due to dangerously cold temperatures.
Will winter ever end? Perhaps the groundhog will have good news for us on Sunday. Homework for your child is to find out whether or not the groundhog sees his shadow.
qWednesday:
Welcome back to school and hope everyone stayed warm. Today we are trying to get back to the swing of things. At circle, we talked a little about Chinese New Year and letting the children know that Mrs. Lee will be coming in tomorrow to share how Chinese New Year is celebrated. We played in the large motor room since we was not able to get outdoors. No Mrs. Davidson today she isn't feeling well. Mrs. Coleman will be in our class. Have a great day!
Welcome back to school and hope everyone stayed warm. Today we are trying to get back to the swing of things. At circle, we talked a little about Chinese New Year and letting the children know that Mrs. Lee will be coming in tomorrow to share how Chinese New Year is celebrated. We played in the large motor room since we was not able to get outdoors. No Mrs. Davidson today she isn't feeling well. Mrs. Coleman will be in our class. Have a great day!
qThursday:
We continued to learn about the Chinese New Year. We read My First Chinese New Year and learned how families decorate and prepare for the New Year. We used drums, cymbals, and rhythm sticks (firecrackers) to sing the Lion Dance Song.
Our very special treat was that Mrs. Lee (Tod/2 teacher) came to tell us about how the Lunar New Year is Celebrated in Korea. She brought us special treats for snack and a special red envelope. See Photos.
We continued to learn about the Chinese New Year. We read My First Chinese New Year and learned how families decorate and prepare for the New Year. We used drums, cymbals, and rhythm sticks (firecrackers) to sing the Lion Dance Song.
Our very special treat was that Mrs. Lee (Tod/2 teacher) came to tell us about how the Lunar New Year is Celebrated in Korea. She brought us special treats for snack and a special red envelope. See Photos.
qDuring center time we played a game to sharpen our fine motor skills. We have been saving this one until Chinese New Year. See Photos.
Chinese New Year begins tomorrow. "Gung Hay Fat Choy" Happy New Year!
Chinese New Year begins tomorrow. "Gung Hay Fat Choy" Happy New Year!
q
Friday:
NO SCHOOL - Teacher In-Service Day
Friday:
NO SCHOOL - Teacher In-Service Day
qWeek 22: January 20-24, 2014
qTheme: Arctic
qReminders:
NO SCHOOL. FRIDAY, JANUARY 31....Little Scout Teacher In-Service
NO SCHOOL. FRIDAY, JANUARY 31....Little Scout Teacher In-Service
qMonday:
Martin Luther King Holiday. We hope you enjoyed your 3-day weekend!
Martin Luther King Holiday. We hope you enjoyed your 3-day weekend!
Tuesday:
We couldn't begin learning about the Arctic without some snow so we made a batch of "Speedy Snow" for one of our sensory bins. We also had icebergs in another sensory table and a bin of small arctic manipulatives in salt. See end of week for some photos of Arctic Sensory Fun.
We couldn't begin learning about the Arctic without some snow so we made a batch of "Speedy Snow" for one of our sensory bins. We also had icebergs in another sensory table and a bin of small arctic manipulatives in salt. See end of week for some photos of Arctic Sensory Fun.
We read Arctic Animals by Tori Kosara. We talked about The Arctic Circle which is the region around the North Pole. We talked about different animals that lives in the cold and some animals that hibernate through the season. The children was asked a question? Animals that like snow/animals that do not like the snow.
Wednesday:
Read Walpole by Syd Hoff and sang "a sledding we will go." For art we assembled a walrus and we started dot painting the #6.
Read Walpole by Syd Hoff and sang "a sledding we will go." For art we assembled a walrus and we started dot painting the #6.
Today we had our "Arctic Olympics". We pretended to be Inuit hunters and did several non-competitive activities representing activities that hunter might do:
Blanket Toss: We tossed a hunter high into the air so he can spot animals far away on the flat ice:
Blanket Toss: We tossed a hunter high into the air so he can spot animals far away on the flat ice:
Greased Pole Walk: We pretended to be hunters crossing a river on a slippery log.
Kneel-Jump: We pretended to be hunters jumping across floating pieces of ice:
Arm Pull: We pretended to be hunters bulling game out of the water and across the ice:
Thursday:
We read The Last Polar Bear by Jean Craighead George and learned that the Inuit word for polar bear is "nanuq". We talked about how Arctic animals stay warm and learned that they have a layer of blubber to help them stay warm. We did an experiment using a "Blubber Mitten" to demonstrate the warmth of the blubber.
We put our covered hands into a bucket of ice water. All of the children said that their hand in the "blubber mitten" stayed warm and the hand in the "control mitten" got cold.
Friday:
We did a Venn diagram of which Arctic animal art project we liked best---the walrus or the polar bear.
We did a Venn diagram of which Arctic animal art project we liked best---the walrus or the polar bear.
We read In Arctic Waters by Laura Crawford. We reviewed facts we learned about the arctic and listed as many arctic animals as we could remember. In your child's cubby is a booklet of arctic animals that they can color at home. We did finger painting over a polar bear cutout to find a polar bear hiding in a snow storm.
Arctic Sensory Fun
Week 21: January 13-17, 2014
Theme: More Winter Fun
Reminders:
* NO SCHOOL next Monday, January 21 - Martin Luther King Day
* NO SCHOOL Friday, January 31 - Teacher In-Service Day
* NO SCHOOL next Monday, January 21 - Martin Luther King Day
* NO SCHOOL Friday, January 31 - Teacher In-Service Day
Monday:
Today we read a mitten poem in which the children used rhyming words to guess the color of the mittens. We read The Mitten by Jan Brett and colored the animals that went in the mitten. We laced paper mittens to put our animals in. When they come home your child can tell you the story of the mitten.
We enjoyed the warmer weather by taking a walk outside.
Today we read a mitten poem in which the children used rhyming words to guess the color of the mittens. We read The Mitten by Jan Brett and colored the animals that went in the mitten. We laced paper mittens to put our animals in. When they come home your child can tell you the story of the mitten.
We enjoyed the warmer weather by taking a walk outside.
Tuesday:
We had a great day! At circle time, we did an ice experiment. What happens when ice is in water, with salt and just ice by itself. We also did center rotations. The snow on the playground was a little hard to walk on, so we decided to go on a walk to get some fresh air.
We had a great day! At circle time, we did an ice experiment. What happens when ice is in water, with salt and just ice by itself. We also did center rotations. The snow on the playground was a little hard to walk on, so we decided to go on a walk to get some fresh air.
Wednesday:
At group time we made an imaginary snowman. First we rolled a big ball of snow, then we stacked a medium ball on top of it. We made a small ball for the head and gave it a carrot nose, charcoal eyes, and a mouth made of blueberries. We read Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner. At art we began making snowmen for our "Snowmen at Night" journal page. There is a lot of cutting and assembling to do (and a story to tell) so this will take several days to complete.
We used instruments at music time and played in the "Rock and Roll Rhythm Band".
At group time we made an imaginary snowman. First we rolled a big ball of snow, then we stacked a medium ball on top of it. We made a small ball for the head and gave it a carrot nose, charcoal eyes, and a mouth made of blueberries. We read Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner. At art we began making snowmen for our "Snowmen at Night" journal page. There is a lot of cutting and assembling to do (and a story to tell) so this will take several days to complete.
We used instruments at music time and played in the "Rock and Roll Rhythm Band".
Thursday:
Today has been a very busy morning. We had to catch up on our art projects. Today we worked a lot on our fine motor skills. (Ex.) Cutting out circles, writing our names and drawing lines on our winter hats during art time. We enjoyed the outdoors playing in the snow. Make sure your child have the appropriate winter clothing. 2014-2015 registration form are in your child's cubby.
Today has been a very busy morning. We had to catch up on our art projects. Today we worked a lot on our fine motor skills. (Ex.) Cutting out circles, writing our names and drawing lines on our winter hats during art time. We enjoyed the outdoors playing in the snow. Make sure your child have the appropriate winter clothing. 2014-2015 registration form are in your child's cubby.
Friday:
We wrapped up our unit on Winter. We read Stranger in the Woods by Carl R. Sams II & Jean Stoick. We talked about what animals do in winter: Some sleep (hibernate), some go to warm places (migrate), and some stay and need help finding food. The children in the story made a snowman that provided food for the animals.
We used put picture cards in order to show what would happen first, second, third and last when making a snowman. The children colored, cut, and glued these same sequence cards for their project of the day. Have them tell you the story of making a snowman.
We wrapped up our unit on Winter. We read Stranger in the Woods by Carl R. Sams II & Jean Stoick. We talked about what animals do in winter: Some sleep (hibernate), some go to warm places (migrate), and some stay and need help finding food. The children in the story made a snowman that provided food for the animals.
We used put picture cards in order to show what would happen first, second, third and last when making a snowman. The children colored, cut, and glued these same sequence cards for their project of the day. Have them tell you the story of making a snowman.
Week 20: January 6-10 2014
Theme: Winter Fun
Happy New Year!!! Please make sure that your child has: extra clothing, hats, mittens, snowsuits, and snow boots. The winter is here and its has been quite chilly outdoors. Our regulations state that we can play outside as low as 20 degrees. Please make sure that your child as appropriate clothing each day. We are no longer using "daily reports." You can check nap/lunch information on the clipboards under the information board between the computer and sink.
Reminders:
There will be no school on Monday January 20th Martin Luther King Birthday & January 31st Little Scout In-service.
Monday & Tuesday:
Little Scouts was closed due to cold weather.
Little Scouts was closed due to cold weather.
Wednesday:
Today we read People in the Winter and the children was asked a question pertaining to the story. What do you like to do in winter? We was not able to get outdoors, so we played in the Large Motor Room. For art we painted hot chocolate mugs which will be displayed on our in class bulletin board.
Today we read People in the Winter and the children was asked a question pertaining to the story. What do you like to do in winter? We was not able to get outdoors, so we played in the Large Motor Room. For art we painted hot chocolate mugs which will be displayed on our in class bulletin board.
Thursday:
We painted and glittered "snowflakes" to decorate our room. We read Snowflakes. We had our monthly story time with Mrs. Weber from Lake Forest Library. During our morning Center Times we did "rotation centers." The teachers put out 6 "centers" and assigned each child to a group of 2- 3 children. The groups spent 5 minutes in a center and when the timer rang they rotated to next center. This gives the children an opportunity to play in areas and with other children that they may not choose on their own. We will be doing more and more days with rotation centers during the rest of the school year. This will help to prepare the children for the Jr. Kindergarten room next year.
We painted and glittered "snowflakes" to decorate our room. We read Snowflakes. We had our monthly story time with Mrs. Weber from Lake Forest Library. During our morning Center Times we did "rotation centers." The teachers put out 6 "centers" and assigned each child to a group of 2- 3 children. The groups spent 5 minutes in a center and when the timer rang they rotated to next center. This gives the children an opportunity to play in areas and with other children that they may not choose on their own. We will be doing more and more days with rotation centers during the rest of the school year. This will help to prepare the children for the Jr. Kindergarten room next year.
Friday:
We read a book called Snowmen at work by Caralyn Buehner and acted out Five Little Snowmen song and action movement. Each child had a part to sing.
Five Little Snowmen
Five Little Snowmen sitting on the ground, (stomp feet on the floor)
The first one said; 'oh my aren't we round (make circle with arms)
The second one said; there are snowflakes in the air (point and wiggle fingers)
The third one said; but we don't care, (shrug shoulders)
The fourth one said, let's run and run (Run in place)
The fifth one said, I'm ready for some fun (Smile big)
Whew went the wind (blow) and out came the sun (point)
And the five little snowman knew their fun was done.
For art we really worked on our fine motor skills. We practiced writing the letters in our name and cutting circles for our snowmen that we assemble.
You all have a nice weekend!
We read a book called Snowmen at work by Caralyn Buehner and acted out Five Little Snowmen song and action movement. Each child had a part to sing.
Five Little Snowmen
Five Little Snowmen sitting on the ground, (stomp feet on the floor)
The first one said; 'oh my aren't we round (make circle with arms)
The second one said; there are snowflakes in the air (point and wiggle fingers)
The third one said; but we don't care, (shrug shoulders)
The fourth one said, let's run and run (Run in place)
The fifth one said, I'm ready for some fun (Smile big)
Whew went the wind (blow) and out came the sun (point)
And the five little snowman knew their fun was done.
For art we really worked on our fine motor skills. We practiced writing the letters in our name and cutting circles for our snowmen that we assemble.
You all have a nice weekend!
Week 19: December 16-20
Theme: More Holiday Fun
We wish you a fun-filled, relaxing, and healthy Winter Break.
See you back at Little Scouts on January 6th, 2014
See you back at Little Scouts on January 6th, 2014
Notes from your teachers:
* Mark your calendars....Little Scouts will be CLOSED:
Monday, January 20, 2014 - Martin Luther King Day &
Friday, January 31, 2014 - Teacher In-Service Day.
* Don't forget to bring snow pants, boots, hats and mittens to school. A number of children were not prepared for snow play this week. Note: Mittens are much easier for 3/4 years-olds to manipulate than gloves.
* Mark your calendars....Little Scouts will be CLOSED:
Monday, January 20, 2014 - Martin Luther King Day &
Friday, January 31, 2014 - Teacher In-Service Day.
* Don't forget to bring snow pants, boots, hats and mittens to school. A number of children were not prepared for snow play this week. Note: Mittens are much easier for 3/4 years-olds to manipulate than gloves.
Monday:
Mrs. Weber visited from Lake Forest Library with lots of fun holiday stories. Be began painting bells for our "Ringing in the New Year" bulletin board. And "Wrapped Up" our gift projects.
Mrs. Weber visited from Lake Forest Library with lots of fun holiday stories. Be began painting bells for our "Ringing in the New Year" bulletin board. And "Wrapped Up" our gift projects.
Tuesday:
The Wind Ensemble from Lake Forest High School visited and we were able to enjoy their holiday music. They also introduced us to each of the instruments and showed us how each sounded alone. We practiced singing some of our holiday songs. We are hoping for a video by the end of the week. We continued yesterdays projects. We stayed inside today because not all of the children had snow pants and boots. Please remember to bring these each day or leave a set at school. Since we were inside we watched some of The Polar Express.
The Wind Ensemble from Lake Forest High School visited and we were able to enjoy their holiday music. They also introduced us to each of the instruments and showed us how each sounded alone. We practiced singing some of our holiday songs. We are hoping for a video by the end of the week. We continued yesterdays projects. We stayed inside today because not all of the children had snow pants and boots. Please remember to bring these each day or leave a set at school. Since we were inside we watched some of The Polar Express.
Wednesday:
Today we made our number 5 pages for our number books----5 Gingerbread Men. We worked hard and got done early so we could go out and play in the snow. It was great to finally get outside after so many days inside. When we came in we sang holiday songs and listened to a story on tape.
Today we made our number 5 pages for our number books----5 Gingerbread Men. We worked hard and got done early so we could go out and play in the snow. It was great to finally get outside after so many days inside. When we came in we sang holiday songs and listened to a story on tape.
Friday:
Today was Gingerbread Day! The children helped tell the story of the Gingerbread Man on the flannel board. "Run, run, as fast as you can. You can't catch me I'm the gingerbread man." We frosted and decorated gingerbread cookies and painted a gingerbread man.
Today was Gingerbread Day! The children helped tell the story of the Gingerbread Man on the flannel board. "Run, run, as fast as you can. You can't catch me I'm the gingerbread man." We frosted and decorated gingerbread cookies and painted a gingerbread man.
Today we were visited by the Bel Canto Singers and the Madrigal Singers from LFHS. We really enjoyed their Carols.
Week 18: December 9-13
Theme: December Holidays
This week has been a busy one. The field trip to The Nutcracker was a success. We just want to thank the parents who came out of their busy work schedules to come out to volunteer. We appreciate you. Just a reminder when bringing your child to school in boots make sure there is an extra pair shoes in your child's cubby. Just a reminder Little Scouts will be CLOSED for Winter Vacation from Monday, December 23 through Friday, January 3rd. Class resume on Monday, January 6, 2014.
Week 17: December 2-6
Theme: December Holidays
This Week:
Santa's Workshop is open and our "little elves" will be busy over the next few weeks making a special surprise gift for their parents. Therefore, you will be seeing less art projects coming home and the Weebly information will be much shorter.
Reminders:
Wednesday, December 11th - Field Trip to The Nutcracker
Little Scouts will be CLOSED for Winter Vacation from Monday, December 23 through Friday, January 3rd. Class resume on Monday, January 6, 2014.
Santa's Workshop is open and our "little elves" will be busy over the next few weeks making a special surprise gift for their parents. Therefore, you will be seeing less art projects coming home and the Weebly information will be much shorter.
Reminders:
Wednesday, December 11th - Field Trip to The Nutcracker
Little Scouts will be CLOSED for Winter Vacation from Monday, December 23 through Friday, January 3rd. Class resume on Monday, January 6, 2014.
Monday:
We read Llama, Llama Holiday Drama and sang Jingle Bells. We dot painted "4". Next week we will begin number 5. Some of the children began their special "surprise" project.
We read Llama, Llama Holiday Drama and sang Jingle Bells. We dot painted "4". Next week we will begin number 5. Some of the children began their special "surprise" project.
Tuesday:
We read It's Hanukkah! by Jeanne Modesitt. Sang Jingle Bells and used the bells while singing. We was not able to get outdoors, so we rode bikes to get in our Large Motor time. We practice spinning dreidels, which is a fun game played during the week of Hanukkah. We finished up dot painting the #4.
We read It's Hanukkah! by Jeanne Modesitt. Sang Jingle Bells and used the bells while singing. We was not able to get outdoors, so we rode bikes to get in our Large Motor time. We practice spinning dreidels, which is a fun game played during the week of Hanukkah. We finished up dot painting the #4.
Wednesday:
We read My Two Holidays. We learn about the holidays that people celebrate at this time of year. Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Mrs. Davidson made potato pancakes (latkes) fried in oil-with applesauce and sour cream. Some of the other children started working on their surprise project. We painted paper dreidels by spinning real dreidels dipped in paint on them. It was a good fine motor workout for their fingers.
We read My Two Holidays. We learn about the holidays that people celebrate at this time of year. Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Mrs. Davidson made potato pancakes (latkes) fried in oil-with applesauce and sour cream. Some of the other children started working on their surprise project. We painted paper dreidels by spinning real dreidels dipped in paint on them. It was a good fine motor workout for their fingers.
Thursday:
We read Light the Lights! At circle time, we did two finger plays called, Five Little Latkes & Five Little Dreidels. Ms. Yvonne was acting out the movements as the children recited the poem below:
Five Little Dreidels
Five little dreidels spinning in a row.
The first one spun, oh, so slow.
The second one went round and round.
The third one fell down on the ground.
The fourth one spun like a happy top.
The fifth one said, "I'll never stop!"
Five little dreidels-look and see,
Spinning at Hanukkah for you and me.
We weren't able to get outdoors, but what had fun with our friends riding bikes!
We read Light the Lights! At circle time, we did two finger plays called, Five Little Latkes & Five Little Dreidels. Ms. Yvonne was acting out the movements as the children recited the poem below:
Five Little Dreidels
Five little dreidels spinning in a row.
The first one spun, oh, so slow.
The second one went round and round.
The third one fell down on the ground.
The fourth one spun like a happy top.
The fifth one said, "I'll never stop!"
Five little dreidels-look and see,
Spinning at Hanukkah for you and me.
We weren't able to get outdoors, but what had fun with our friends riding bikes!
Friday:
We learned about Sinterklass Day (St. Nicholas Day) in the Netherlands. We read The Baker's Dozen: A Saint Nicholas Tale at group time and read another St. Nicholas Day book at nap time. (The Gift from Saint Nicholas). We finished up our stockings to hang by our fireplace. ( I think they were our biggest cutting project to date.) We continued work in Santa's Workshop.
At nap time we put our shoes out by our cubbies to see if Saint Nicholas would come while we were all sleeping.
We learned about Sinterklass Day (St. Nicholas Day) in the Netherlands. We read The Baker's Dozen: A Saint Nicholas Tale at group time and read another St. Nicholas Day book at nap time. (The Gift from Saint Nicholas). We finished up our stockings to hang by our fireplace. ( I think they were our biggest cutting project to date.) We continued work in Santa's Workshop.
At nap time we put our shoes out by our cubbies to see if Saint Nicholas would come while we were all sleeping.
Week 16: November 25 & 26
Theme: Thanksgiving
For the past two days, we got caught up on all our Thanksgiving Projects. Today we watched Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and ate popcorn during the movie. He had a great time wearing our PJ's to school all day and we slept very well. (See photo's)
You all have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
Week 15: November 18-22
Theme: Thanksgiving
Reminders:
PAJAMA DAY Tuesday, Nov. 26th
NO SCHOOL Wed. 11/27; Thurs. 11/28; & Fri. 11/29.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
PAJAMA DAY Tuesday, Nov. 26th
NO SCHOOL Wed. 11/27; Thurs. 11/28; & Fri. 11/29.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Monday:
During circle time, we read a book called Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks by Margaret Sutherland and the children shared what they are thankful for. We sang a new song called, "I am Thankful"
I am Thankful, I am Thankful
Yes I am, Yes I am
I am very Thankful, I am very Thankful
Yes I am, Yes I am
For art we painted different kinds of fruit to put in a cornucopia to display on our classroom bulletin board. We weren't able to get outdoors, but what had fun with our friends playing in the Large Motor Room!
During circle time, we read a book called Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks by Margaret Sutherland and the children shared what they are thankful for. We sang a new song called, "I am Thankful"
I am Thankful, I am Thankful
Yes I am, Yes I am
I am very Thankful, I am very Thankful
Yes I am, Yes I am
For art we painted different kinds of fruit to put in a cornucopia to display on our classroom bulletin board. We weren't able to get outdoors, but what had fun with our friends playing in the Large Motor Room!
Tuesday:
We read Feeling Thankful by Shelley Rotner & Sheila Kelly. We sang some Thanksgiving songs including one called "We Are Thankful" that we will sing before snacks and lunch until Thanksgiving. Children are being encouraged to sing it before Thanksgiving dinner.
We read Feeling Thankful by Shelley Rotner & Sheila Kelly. We sang some Thanksgiving songs including one called "We Are Thankful" that we will sing before snacks and lunch until Thanksgiving. Children are being encouraged to sing it before Thanksgiving dinner.
We are thankful, We are thankful
For our food, for our food.
On Thanksgiving Day you will hear us say
Thank You, Thank You
For our food, for our food.
On Thanksgiving Day you will hear us say
Thank You, Thank You
For additional verses "family" and "friends" can be inserted in place of "food".
We began working on the painting portion of a multi-step art project to be completed during the week.
We began working on the painting portion of a multi-step art project to be completed during the week.
Wednesday:
Heard the story of "I Know and Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie" That old lady really eats some strange things. We continued to work on the art project we started yesterday.
Heard the story of "I Know and Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie" That old lady really eats some strange things. We continued to work on the art project we started yesterday.
Thursday:
We read 10 Turkeys in the Road by Brenda Reeves and recited a poem called, Five Little Turkeys. The children had a great time acting out the poem. (See photos)
Five Little Turkeys
Five little turkeys by the barn door,
One waddled off, then there were four.
Four little turkeys, out under the tree,
One waddled off, then there were three.
Three little turkeys with nothing to do,
One waddled off, then there were two.
Two little turkeys in the noonday sun,
One waddled off, then there was one.
One little turkey-better run away!
Soon will come Thanksgiving Day.
We read 10 Turkeys in the Road by Brenda Reeves and recited a poem called, Five Little Turkeys. The children had a great time acting out the poem. (See photos)
Five Little Turkeys
Five little turkeys by the barn door,
One waddled off, then there were four.
Four little turkeys, out under the tree,
One waddled off, then there were three.
Three little turkeys with nothing to do,
One waddled off, then there were two.
Two little turkeys in the noonday sun,
One waddled off, then there was one.
One little turkey-better run away!
Soon will come Thanksgiving Day.
The question of the day was, "How to catch a Turkey?" For art we began working on our coffee filter turkeys and got caught up with other projects the class has been working on. The art and story will go into our portfolios.
Friday:
We read The Night Before Thanksgiving by Natasha Wing. We played "Turkey" Shape Bingo. We continued work on the coffee filter turkeys and began our "Four Turkeys" page for our number books. We played with Pumpkin Pie playdough.
We read The Night Before Thanksgiving by Natasha Wing. We played "Turkey" Shape Bingo. We continued work on the coffee filter turkeys and began our "Four Turkeys" page for our number books. We played with Pumpkin Pie playdough.
Week 14: November 11-15
Theme: Fall Harvest
A note from your teachers:
- PAJAMA DAY Tuesday, November 26th. Wear your pajamas to school.
- Little Scouts will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 27th; Thursday, Nov. 28th; and Friday, Nov. 29th for Thanksgiving Break.
This week had the harvest theme going throughout the classroom. In one of our sensory tables dug up potatoes and in the other we scoopedc dried beans and corn. In the dramatic play area played "farmers market."
Monday:
Today we talked about what "harvest" means. We identified some of the fruits and vegetables in our farmers market and then listened to clues and guessed which fruit or vegetable was in the bag. We read a book called Harvest by Kris Waldherr. For art the children did an independent art project gluing different varieties of dried beans onto a small paper to make a design or pattern.
Today we talked about what "harvest" means. We identified some of the fruits and vegetables in our farmers market and then listened to clues and guessed which fruit or vegetable was in the bag. We read a book called Harvest by Kris Waldherr. For art the children did an independent art project gluing different varieties of dried beans onto a small paper to make a design or pattern.
Tuesday:
We read a book called The Berry Book by Gail Gibbons. We learned about different kinds of berries and how they are grown. We played a game called, "Touch and Say." Fruits & vegetables were put into a bag. The children came up one by one. The children then reach into the bag and felt the fruits,vegetables with their hands and try to decide what type of food it is without looking in the bag. For art the children glued ripped paper on a traced acorn. We went outdoors on a walk to get some fresh air and had a great time admiring the snow on the ground. We began working with the balance scale to compare the weight of two gourds. "Which weighs more?" The children then circled the picture of the gourd that weighed more.
We read a book called The Berry Book by Gail Gibbons. We learned about different kinds of berries and how they are grown. We played a game called, "Touch and Say." Fruits & vegetables were put into a bag. The children came up one by one. The children then reach into the bag and felt the fruits,vegetables with their hands and try to decide what type of food it is without looking in the bag. For art the children glued ripped paper on a traced acorn. We went outdoors on a walk to get some fresh air and had a great time admiring the snow on the ground. We began working with the balance scale to compare the weight of two gourds. "Which weighs more?" The children then circled the picture of the gourd that weighed more.
Wednesday:
Today was "corn" day. We began group time by making cornmeal play dough. (See photos). We read Corn by Gail Gibbons. For art we made some ears of Indian corn. The children cut out the ears of corn and glued them into the husks. Then they used their fingers to dot paint the kernels on the corn. Look at the cornfield on our fall bulletin board. Some of the children finished the acorns we started yesterday. We also continued to work on weighing gourds. Making cornmeal dough:
Today was "corn" day. We began group time by making cornmeal play dough. (See photos). We read Corn by Gail Gibbons. For art we made some ears of Indian corn. The children cut out the ears of corn and glued them into the husks. Then they used their fingers to dot paint the kernels on the corn. Look at the cornfield on our fall bulletin board. Some of the children finished the acorns we started yesterday. We also continued to work on weighing gourds. Making cornmeal dough:
Thursday:
We continued another day talking about corn. We read Gimme Cracked Corn & I Will Share by Kevin O' Malley. We played a game called, Who has the corn? (Like Doggy, doggy where's your bone?) We reviewed the numbers 1,2,3. Next week we will introduce the number 4. Mrs. Weber visited from Lake Forest Children's Library. She read and told some fun stories about bears. At art time we painted with Q-tips. (See photos)
We continued another day talking about corn. We read Gimme Cracked Corn & I Will Share by Kevin O' Malley. We played a game called, Who has the corn? (Like Doggy, doggy where's your bone?) We reviewed the numbers 1,2,3. Next week we will introduce the number 4. Mrs. Weber visited from Lake Forest Children's Library. She read and told some fun stories about bears. At art time we painted with Q-tips. (See photos)
We had fun picking dry kernels off the corn cobb. What a great fine motor skill activity! (See photos)
Friday:
Today we did a "Harvest Sink or Float" experiment. The children placed different kinds of produce into a tub of water to see which would sink and which would float. Then they recorded the results by gluing a picture of their fruit or vegetable in the proper place on the "sink or float" chart.
We read Red Are the Apples by Marc Harshman and Cheryl Ryan. We responded to the story through art. We painted colors from the story on bubble wrap and" put paper over the wrap to make a print showing a bird's-eye view of the the fruits and vegetable growing in the field.We couldn't resist trying to pop the bubbles so it the afternoon the children had a chance to pop all the bubbles on a small piece of bubble wrap---a good finger workout!
Our "Harvest Sink or Float":
Today we did a "Harvest Sink or Float" experiment. The children placed different kinds of produce into a tub of water to see which would sink and which would float. Then they recorded the results by gluing a picture of their fruit or vegetable in the proper place on the "sink or float" chart.
We read Red Are the Apples by Marc Harshman and Cheryl Ryan. We responded to the story through art. We painted colors from the story on bubble wrap and" put paper over the wrap to make a print showing a bird's-eye view of the the fruits and vegetable growing in the field.We couldn't resist trying to pop the bubbles so it the afternoon the children had a chance to pop all the bubbles on a small piece of bubble wrap---a good finger workout!
Our "Harvest Sink or Float":
Week 13: November 4 -8
Theme: Shape Review
A message from the teachers:
This week the children who dilive in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff received a note about preschool screening offered by the school districts. The screening does not take place until March but we recommend that all children signup for the screening. We also recommend that if you do noWt live in Lake Forest or Lake Bluff that you find out if your local school district offers a similar screening.
THANKSGIVING BREAK:
Little Scouts will be CLOSED Wednesday Nov. 27th, Thursday Nov. 28th, and Friday Nov. 29th for the Thanksgiving holiday.
This week the children who dilive in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff received a note about preschool screening offered by the school districts. The screening does not take place until March but we recommend that all children signup for the screening. We also recommend that if you do noWt live in Lake Forest or Lake Bluff that you find out if your local school district offers a similar screening.
THANKSGIVING BREAK:
Little Scouts will be CLOSED Wednesday Nov. 27th, Thursday Nov. 28th, and Friday Nov. 29th for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Monday:
We are happy to add a new student to our class today. Welcome Mikey!
We noticed over the last few weeks that some of the children a still having some difficulty naming shapes (especially triangles and rectangles) so we decided to do a shape review this this week. Today we read My Toys have Shapes. We made our rectangle monster for our "Book of Spooky Shapes".
We are happy to add a new student to our class today. Welcome Mikey!
We noticed over the last few weeks that some of the children a still having some difficulty naming shapes (especially triangles and rectangles) so we decided to do a shape review this this week. Today we read My Toys have Shapes. We made our rectangle monster for our "Book of Spooky Shapes".
Tuesday:
We read Shapes in the Garden and worked on name recognition by playing, "If your name is on the shape pick it please." We did 3-ring sorting and sorted by shapes (circle, square, and triangle). For art we use the dot paint. See photos.
We read Shapes in the Garden and worked on name recognition by playing, "If your name is on the shape pick it please." We did 3-ring sorting and sorted by shapes (circle, square, and triangle). For art we use the dot paint. See photos.
Wednesday:
We played a shape movement game. The children took turns "skipping" around the circle to:
"Lost my [shape], what will I do?
Lost my [shape], what will I do?
Lost my [shape], what will I do?
Skip to my Lou my darling."
The child whose turn it was picked up the named shape and the other children cheered it the correct shape was chosen. (See photos)
We played a shape movement game. The children took turns "skipping" around the circle to:
"Lost my [shape], what will I do?
Lost my [shape], what will I do?
Lost my [shape], what will I do?
Skip to my Lou my darling."
The child whose turn it was picked up the named shape and the other children cheered it the correct shape was chosen. (See photos)
We read There's a Square: A Book About Shapes and found the shapes in the pictures. We made the "Diamond Bat" for our shape books. Only one more shape to go! It was a rainy day so we stayed inside and rode bikes and cars in the hall.
Thursday:
We read Pick a Circle, Gather Squares: A Fall Harvest of Shapes, by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky. Played the shape pokey & did a felt board called, Friendly Shapes.
Little Cindy Circle rolls along the ground;
She has no corners-she just spins all around! (Circle)
Sammy Square is his name;
He has four sides, all the same.....1,2,3,4! (Square)
Danny Diamond is shaped like a kite;
He has four points-I know that's right.....1,2,3,4! (Diamond)
Tracey Triangle with corners three;
Count the corners now with me.....1,2,3! (Triangle)
We made the "Oval Owl" for our shape books. Next week the shape books will be sent home after they are bonded together. For art we glued cheerios on the square shape. Our drop & stop gluing is getting better. It strengthens the childrens muscles in their hands and fingers. (See photos.)
You all have a great weekend!
We read Pick a Circle, Gather Squares: A Fall Harvest of Shapes, by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky. Played the shape pokey & did a felt board called, Friendly Shapes.
Little Cindy Circle rolls along the ground;
She has no corners-she just spins all around! (Circle)
Sammy Square is his name;
He has four sides, all the same.....1,2,3,4! (Square)
Danny Diamond is shaped like a kite;
He has four points-I know that's right.....1,2,3,4! (Diamond)
Tracey Triangle with corners three;
Count the corners now with me.....1,2,3! (Triangle)
We made the "Oval Owl" for our shape books. Next week the shape books will be sent home after they are bonded together. For art we glued cheerios on the square shape. Our drop & stop gluing is getting better. It strengthens the childrens muscles in their hands and fingers. (See photos.)
You all have a great weekend!
Friday:
NO SCHOOL TODAY! LFHS Day of Non-Attendance (Veterans' Day)
NO SCHOOL TODAY! LFHS Day of Non-Attendance (Veterans' Day)
Week 12: October 28 - November 1
Themes: Halloween, Monsters & Shapes
REMINDERS:
NO SCHOOL on Friday, November 8th-
this is the Veteran's Day Holiday for Lake Forest High School.
NOTE:
We will NOT be having fall photos taken at Little Scouts this year. Our photographer moved away. We are working on finding a photographer for spring photos.
NO SCHOOL on Friday, November 8th-
this is the Veteran's Day Holiday for Lake Forest High School.
NOTE:
We will NOT be having fall photos taken at Little Scouts this year. Our photographer moved away. We are working on finding a photographer for spring photos.
Monday:
Read Five Ugly Monsters and sang There's A Monster In My closet (song/action.) We made up a make believe story called, The Five Little Monsters. Each child had a part in adding to the story.
For art we painted five little monsters and glued on its eyes. Through this activity the children had fun with counting, color recognition and hand eye-coordination. (See photos)
We began the triangle page for our shape books: a witch
Read Five Ugly Monsters and sang There's A Monster In My closet (song/action.) We made up a make believe story called, The Five Little Monsters. Each child had a part in adding to the story.
For art we painted five little monsters and glued on its eyes. Through this activity the children had fun with counting, color recognition and hand eye-coordination. (See photos)
We began the triangle page for our shape books: a witch
Tuesday:
Today was "Go Away Big Green Monster" day.
We began with a flannel board story of "Go Away Big Green Monster"
We played a game of "which monster is missing"? For snack we made our own green monsters with Fruit Loops.
Today was "Go Away Big Green Monster" day.
We began with a flannel board story of "Go Away Big Green Monster"
We played a game of "which monster is missing"? For snack we made our own green monsters with Fruit Loops.
For art we made a 4-step art project. First we did squish painting with green paint to make a the shape of our Green Monster. Next we counted the parts we needed to make the face. Then we made a plan. Last we glued the pieces onto the monster.
Wednesday:
We played a bat number recognition game to review the numbers 1, 2 & 3.
We sang Halloween songs. We played on the playground...it's a lot warmer this week than last. For art we began a coffee filter monster and got everyone caught up on their "book of spooky shapes". We will try to finish the books next week.
We played a bat number recognition game to review the numbers 1, 2 & 3.
We sang Halloween songs. We played on the playground...it's a lot warmer this week than last. For art we began a coffee filter monster and got everyone caught up on their "book of spooky shapes". We will try to finish the books next week.
Thursday:
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Enjoy a slide show of our Halloween Party
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Enjoy a slide show of our Halloween Party
Friday:
We worked on "What Goes Together" puzzles. We played for a long time in the Large Motor Room. We glued the facial features onto our coffee filter monsters that we began on Wednesday.
We worked on "What Goes Together" puzzles. We played for a long time in the Large Motor Room. We glued the facial features onto our coffee filter monsters that we began on Wednesday.
Week 11: October 21-25
Themes: Pumpkins, Halloween & Shapes
Monday:
We read and dramatized The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything. Then we made a scarecrow and named it Mr. Smiley Face.
We read and dramatized The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything. Then we made a scarecrow and named it Mr. Smiley Face.
We began our "Book of Spooky Shapes". Today we made a circle pumpkin. We will continue this book over the next two weeks. We will probably not finish before Halloween.
Tuesday:
Read Mouse's First Halloween and sang a Halloween song called, Mr. Pumpkin. We finally named our jack-o-lantern "Buddy the Pumpkin." We finished painting our paper bag pumpkins. We went outdoors to get some fresh air.
Mr. Pumpkin, Mr. Pumpkin
eyes so round, eyes so round
Halloween is coming, Halloween is coming
to my town, to my town.
Read Mouse's First Halloween and sang a Halloween song called, Mr. Pumpkin. We finally named our jack-o-lantern "Buddy the Pumpkin." We finished painting our paper bag pumpkins. We went outdoors to get some fresh air.
Mr. Pumpkin, Mr. Pumpkin
eyes so round, eyes so round
Halloween is coming, Halloween is coming
to my town, to my town.
Wednesday:
We read Stellaluna and learned about bats. We made our own sparkly bats to fly on our fall bulletin board.
We read Stellaluna and learned about bats. We made our own sparkly bats to fly on our fall bulletin board.
Thursday:
Read a book called, Spiders and learned they have two main body parts, have eight legs, many eyes and comes in different color and sizes. We sang, "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" in our strong/baby voice and did little spider hiding behind the house flannel board game. The children had to guess what color house the spider was hiding behind. For art we made a spider head band.
Read a book called, Spiders and learned they have two main body parts, have eight legs, many eyes and comes in different color and sizes. We sang, "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" in our strong/baby voice and did little spider hiding behind the house flannel board game. The children had to guess what color house the spider was hiding behind. For art we made a spider head band.
Friday:
Mrs. Weber visited from Lake Forest Children's Library. She read and told some fun Halloween stories. We began the "square" page for our shape books: a black cat.
Mrs. Weber visited from Lake Forest Children's Library. She read and told some fun Halloween stories. We began the "square" page for our shape books: a black cat.
Week 10: October 14-18
Theme: Pumpkins
Number: 3
Fall weather has arrived!!!
We believe that fresh air, sunshine and exercise are very important for your child, therefore we usually go outside whenever the weather is dry and 20 degrees or above. Please send your child with suitable outdoor clothing. Also, many of you brought extra clothing for your child back in August. Please be sure that there is a full change of weather appropriate clothing in your child's cubby basket.
We believe that fresh air, sunshine and exercise are very important for your child, therefore we usually go outside whenever the weather is dry and 20 degrees or above. Please send your child with suitable outdoor clothing. Also, many of you brought extra clothing for your child back in August. Please be sure that there is a full change of weather appropriate clothing in your child's cubby basket.
Monday:
NO SCHOOL. COLUMBUS DAY HOLIDAY
NO SCHOOL. COLUMBUS DAY HOLIDAY
Tuesday:
We began a. "Pumpkin Study". First we listened to clues and had to guess what Mrs. Davidson had in this bag:
We began a. "Pumpkin Study". First we listened to clues and had to guess what Mrs. Davidson had in this bag:
"Here is something you can't see.
Listen to these clues to guess what it might be.
It grows from a seed, but isn't a weed.
It has a stem. It sits on the ground.
Its shape is kind of round.
Its color is orange like a tangerine.
It smiles at you on Halloween.
See the bulletin board in the hallway for our guesses!
Listen to these clues to guess what it might be.
It grows from a seed, but isn't a weed.
It has a stem. It sits on the ground.
Its shape is kind of round.
Its color is orange like a tangerine.
It smiles at you on Halloween.
See the bulletin board in the hallway for our guesses!
Then we used our senses of sight and touch to tell something about the outside of the pumpkin.
Wednesday:
We read It's Pumpkin Time and reviewed the numbers 1, 2, and 3. We learned a new song, encouraging the children to make a face that portrays the featured feeling. After the song we invited the children to express feelings of happy, sad, and angry. (See photos.) Sung to the tune of "Mary Had a Little Lamb"
We read It's Pumpkin Time and reviewed the numbers 1, 2, and 3. We learned a new song, encouraging the children to make a face that portrays the featured feeling. After the song we invited the children to express feelings of happy, sad, and angry. (See photos.) Sung to the tune of "Mary Had a Little Lamb"
I am feeling very (glad),
Very (glad), very (glad),
I am feeling very (glad),
See it on my face!
Very (glad), very (glad),
I am feeling very (glad),
See it on my face!
We continued our "Pumpkin Study." Today we weighed our pumpkin (11.5 pounds), measured the height of our pumpkin (10 inches), and measured the circumference of our pumpkin (32 inches).
The children wanted to paint pumpkins for art to hang on the wall, but the teachers said they couldn't use the orange paint at all. So the children put there heads together, and since they're really smart, they mixed together red and yellow to do their pumpkin art.
Thursday:
Today we observed the inside of the pumpkin. We used our senses of sight, touch and smell to describe the inside.
Today we observed the inside of the pumpkin. We used our senses of sight, touch and smell to describe the inside.
Friday:
We read Five Little Pumpkins and the children acted out the rhyme song.
Five Little Pumpkins sitting on a gate.
The first one said, "Oh my, its getting late."
The second one said, "There are witches in the air."
The third one said, "But we don't care!"
The fourth one said, "Let's run and run and run!"
The fifth one said, "I'm ready for some fun."
Ooooooooooooooo went the wind and out went the light,
and the five little pumpkins rolled out of sight.
We practiced lacing Halloween cards. Lacing cards helps to build hand-eye coordination and boost fine motor skills. We painted brown lunch bags orange. We are getting ready to put up our "Pumpkin Patrol" bulletin board. Thank all for coming out to Family Night last night. It was great seeing you all! Have a nice weekend!
For your enjoyment... a slide show of the pumpkin decorating party:
We read Five Little Pumpkins and the children acted out the rhyme song.
Five Little Pumpkins sitting on a gate.
The first one said, "Oh my, its getting late."
The second one said, "There are witches in the air."
The third one said, "But we don't care!"
The fourth one said, "Let's run and run and run!"
The fifth one said, "I'm ready for some fun."
Ooooooooooooooo went the wind and out went the light,
and the five little pumpkins rolled out of sight.
We practiced lacing Halloween cards. Lacing cards helps to build hand-eye coordination and boost fine motor skills. We painted brown lunch bags orange. We are getting ready to put up our "Pumpkin Patrol" bulletin board. Thank all for coming out to Family Night last night. It was great seeing you all! Have a nice weekend!
For your enjoyment... a slide show of the pumpkin decorating party:
Week 9: October 7-11
Theme: Fire Safety
Number: 2
Monday:
We talked about Fire Safety. Read FIREBEARS The rescue team. At group time we charted things that were Hot vs Not. For art we made fire bears. While cutting the bear pattern, we've noticed the children are making good progress cutting with scissors.
We talked about Fire Safety. Read FIREBEARS The rescue team. At group time we charted things that were Hot vs Not. For art we made fire bears. While cutting the bear pattern, we've noticed the children are making good progress cutting with scissors.
Tuesday:
We continued to talk about fire safety. We read If There is a Fire Go Outside. We practiced "Get Low and Go" by crawling under a blanket. (See photos.) We also practice lining up and going outside for a fire drill. In a few weeks we will be having an all building fire drill complete with alarms so we are trying to prepare the children for how loud it will be.
We continued to talk about fire safety. We read If There is a Fire Go Outside. We practiced "Get Low and Go" by crawling under a blanket. (See photos.) We also practice lining up and going outside for a fire drill. In a few weeks we will be having an all building fire drill complete with alarms so we are trying to prepare the children for how loud it will be.
We reviewed the numbers "1" and "2" and dot-painted both numerals. We finished the number 2 page for our number books. Next week we will do number 3 and then it will be just one number a month for the remainder of the year.
Wednesday:
We read "STOP DROP AND ROLL" by Margery Cuyler and talked about some basic fire safety rules. Ex. Never play with lighters or matches. Keep away from electric heaters. We practiced "STOP DROP AND ROLL.
We read "STOP DROP AND ROLL" by Margery Cuyler and talked about some basic fire safety rules. Ex. Never play with lighters or matches. Keep away from electric heaters. We practiced "STOP DROP AND ROLL.
We finger painted with the colors red and yellow. (See photos.)Children love to get messy, and allowing them to do so actually improves their motor skills and help to express their creativity when finger painting.
Thursday:
We read Curious George at the Fire Station and A Visit to the Fire Station. We looked at and listened to a smoke detector, and practiced another fire drill when we heard the smoke detector alarm. Homework for this weekend is to find the smoke detectors in your house and count them. The children should report the number to us next week and we will make a chart.
We learned that fires need oxygen to burn and did an experiment. Which candle will go out last? The one under the small, medium, or large jar?
Why? See if your child remembers.
Friday:
Today is our last day talking about fire safety. We read Firefighters A to Z and learned a new finger play called, Five Friendly Firefighters.
Five friendly firefighters standing near the door,
One washes the fire engine, now there are four.
Four friendly firefighters waiting paitently,
One fixes the hoses, now there are three.
Three friendly fire fighters have a lot to do,
One climbs up a ladder, now there are two.
One friendly firefighter-all the work is done,
This one goes to bed, now there are none.
For art we made a firetruck, using shapes (circle, square, and rectangle.)
Reminder: Pumpkin Decorating next week Thurs, @ 4:00-5:00. You all have a great three day off weekend! Next week theme: Pumpkins
Today is our last day talking about fire safety. We read Firefighters A to Z and learned a new finger play called, Five Friendly Firefighters.
Five friendly firefighters standing near the door,
One washes the fire engine, now there are four.
Four friendly firefighters waiting paitently,
One fixes the hoses, now there are three.
Three friendly fire fighters have a lot to do,
One climbs up a ladder, now there are two.
One friendly firefighter-all the work is done,
This one goes to bed, now there are none.
For art we made a firetruck, using shapes (circle, square, and rectangle.)
Reminder: Pumpkin Decorating next week Thurs, @ 4:00-5:00. You all have a great three day off weekend! Next week theme: Pumpkins
We also worked on identifying numbers 1-5 and counting on the "sorting and counting abacus".
Week 8: September 30 -October 4
Theme: Autumn
Monday:
We talked about the four seasons and about how we know when it is Fall....it gets colder and the leaves change colors. We sorted leaves by attributes. First by color, then by size, and finally by shape of the leaf. We read Fall Leaves Fall and marble painted leaves.
We talked about the four seasons and about how we know when it is Fall....it gets colder and the leaves change colors. We sorted leaves by attributes. First by color, then by size, and finally by shape of the leaf. We read Fall Leaves Fall and marble painted leaves.
Tuesday:
We read It's Fall and practiced singing, I'm an acorn. We went on walk to pick small branches for our art project called, Fall Leaf Branch. We was able to use the doting paint as leaves.
We read It's Fall and practiced singing, I'm an acorn. We went on walk to pick small branches for our art project called, Fall Leaf Branch. We was able to use the doting paint as leaves.
Wednesday:
We talked about squirrels and acorns. We read a story about a squirrel called "Squiffy Makes a Rescue". We did a rhyming finger play about five little squirrels. For art we made a squirrel with a bushy tail by scrunching pieces of tissue paper into little balls and gluing them onto the squirrel's tail.
We talked about squirrels and acorns. We read a story about a squirrel called "Squiffy Makes a Rescue". We did a rhyming finger play about five little squirrels. For art we made a squirrel with a bushy tail by scrunching pieces of tissue paper into little balls and gluing them onto the squirrel's tail.
Thursday:
Read Fall Changes by Ellen B. Senisi. Worked on number recognition with the numbers one and two. We learned a new active song called "SCARECROW" (following direction in rhyme)
Scarecrow, Scarecrow, turn around
Scarecrow, Scarecrow, jump up and down
Scarecrow, Scarecrow, arms up high
Scarecrow, Scarecrow, wink one eye
Scarecrow, Scarecrow, bend your knees
Scarecrow, Scarecrow, flap in the breeze
Scarecrow, Scarecrow, climb in bed
Scarecrow, Scarecrow, rest your head
Painted a Fall Mural and glued our hand prints on paper, using the fall colors. We did a great job practicing drop and stop gluing.
Read Fall Changes by Ellen B. Senisi. Worked on number recognition with the numbers one and two. We learned a new active song called "SCARECROW" (following direction in rhyme)
Scarecrow, Scarecrow, turn around
Scarecrow, Scarecrow, jump up and down
Scarecrow, Scarecrow, arms up high
Scarecrow, Scarecrow, wink one eye
Scarecrow, Scarecrow, bend your knees
Scarecrow, Scarecrow, flap in the breeze
Scarecrow, Scarecrow, climb in bed
Scarecrow, Scarecrow, rest your head
Painted a Fall Mural and glued our hand prints on paper, using the fall colors. We did a great job practicing drop and stop gluing.
Friday:
We read the book It's Fall! by Linda Glaser. We practiced patterning using fall colored leaves made of felt. The children did a good job identifying and continuing the pattern. If you haven't notice our calendar always has a pattern so we work on this skill a little every day.
We read the book It's Fall! by Linda Glaser. We practiced patterning using fall colored leaves made of felt. The children did a good job identifying and continuing the pattern. If you haven't notice our calendar always has a pattern so we work on this skill a little every day.
The playground was too wet so we went for a long walk and then rode bikes and cars in the hallway. We easel painted with fall colors.
Next Week: Fire Safety and the number 2
Week 7: September 23-27
Theme: Apples
Apples for the teachers!
Monday:
Fall began on Sunday so we talked about the four seasons and that summer has ended and it is now fall. We learned that another name for fall is autumn. We will be learning more about fall next week.
We learned about how apples grow. We talked about the parts of an apple: the stem, seeds and "flesh" (white part). And did an art project comparing the inside and outside of an apple.
Fall began on Sunday so we talked about the four seasons and that summer has ended and it is now fall. We learned that another name for fall is autumn. We will be learning more about fall next week.
We learned about how apples grow. We talked about the parts of an apple: the stem, seeds and "flesh" (white part). And did an art project comparing the inside and outside of an apple.
We also began working on our "Counting through the Calendar" number books. We began with "One Apple".
Tuesday:
We read The Apple Pie Tree. We talked about the steps to making an apple pie and put props for making apple pie in our dramatic play area.
We made apple pies for art that really smell good...it's the cinnamon.
We made Easy Apple Crisps as a "Kids in the Kitchen" snack. The children served-up their own snack of apple pie filling, yogurt, and granola.
Tuesday:
We read The Apple Pie Tree. We talked about the steps to making an apple pie and put props for making apple pie in our dramatic play area.
We made apple pies for art that really smell good...it's the cinnamon.
We made Easy Apple Crisps as a "Kids in the Kitchen" snack. The children served-up their own snack of apple pie filling, yogurt, and granola.
Wednesday:
We continued to work on learning the names of the other children in the class. We are still hearing a lot the "that girl" and "that boy." We also worked on name recognition by playing "If your name is on an apple pick it please." We continued work on projects that were started on Monday and Tuesday.
Thursday:
We played a color review game of choosing and apple from "the apple tree" and telling what color it was using a complete sentence such as "My apple is blue."
We read Dr. Seuss' Ten Apples Up on Top and made our own class book called How Many Apples Up onTop? Our book counts up to ten and then back down to one. While making the book we practiced counting buttons and apple stickers using one-to-one correspondence.
We continued to work on learning the names of the other children in the class. We are still hearing a lot the "that girl" and "that boy." We also worked on name recognition by playing "If your name is on an apple pick it please." We continued work on projects that were started on Monday and Tuesday.
Thursday:
We played a color review game of choosing and apple from "the apple tree" and telling what color it was using a complete sentence such as "My apple is blue."
We read Dr. Seuss' Ten Apples Up on Top and made our own class book called How Many Apples Up onTop? Our book counts up to ten and then back down to one. While making the book we practiced counting buttons and apple stickers using one-to-one correspondence.
Friday:
We tasted Red Delicious and Granny Smith Apples. We graphed which one we liked best. See the graph posted outside of our classroom.
We stencil painted apples with watercolors and practiced our "drop & stop" gluing by gluing matching Fruit Loop cereal onto the apple.
Here is a peek at some of our other centers this week:
We tasted Red Delicious and Granny Smith Apples. We graphed which one we liked best. See the graph posted outside of our classroom.
We stencil painted apples with watercolors and practiced our "drop & stop" gluing by gluing matching Fruit Loop cereal onto the apple.
Here is a peek at some of our other centers this week:
Week 6: September 16-20
This week was "Bear Week".
We did many fun' and educational activities with bears this week. Here are some examples:
Monday: We heard the flannel-board story of a Frank Asch bear book Bread and Honey and had a snack of bread and honey.
Tuesday: Ms. Yvonne read The Three Bears. The children sorted bear cut-outs by small, medium or large and tasted porridge (oatmeal). We made Teddy Bear headbands.
Wednesday:
"Today's the day the Teddy Bears have their picnic."
We introduced our bears and told what our bear likes to do. We line-up our bears from biggest to smallest.
Then we went outside and had our picnic. Thank you to the families who brought treats for our picnic.
"Today's the day the Teddy Bears have their picnic."
We introduced our bears and told what our bear likes to do. We line-up our bears from biggest to smallest.
Then we went outside and had our picnic. Thank you to the families who brought treats for our picnic.
Thursday: Ms. Yvonne read Brown Bear, Brown Bear What do you See? and Panda Bear, Panda Bear What do you See? The children used a Venn Diagram to graph whether they liked Brown Bear, Panda Bear or both the best. For art they had a choice of making a brown bear or a panda bear face.
Friday: Mrs. Davidson read Corduroy. For art the children made Corduroy. They did some of the cutting themselves. (More about cutting below).
We did 3-ring sorting. We sorted bear cutouts by three different attributes: size, color, and whether they were plain, had a bow tie, or had buttons.
We did 3-ring sorting. We sorted bear cutouts by three different attributes: size, color, and whether they were plain, had a bow tie, or had buttons.
Some other fun we had this week was reading to our bears in the bear cave, having teddy bear tea parties, and pretend teddy bear picnics.
Cutting with Scissors
We began using scissors this week. We realize that many of the children have had very limited experience with scissors. You can help your child develop the hand strength needed for cutting by purchasing a pair of child's safety scissors for your child and allowing your child to cut junk mail, old magazines, etc. As the child's skill progresses you can draw lines and simple shapes to be cut. We use Little Fiskars at school.
Help your child to position his/her hand correctly in the scissor with the blades pointing away, thumb in the small hole and 3-4 fingers in the large hole. Thumbs up! Here is a little song to help remind your child to keep the thumb up when cutting.
(sung to the tune of "London Bridge")
Keep your thumb up when you cut,
When you cut, when you cut.
Keep your thumb up when you cut
And squeeze the blades together!
Help your child to position his/her hand correctly in the scissor with the blades pointing away, thumb in the small hole and 3-4 fingers in the large hole. Thumbs up! Here is a little song to help remind your child to keep the thumb up when cutting.
(sung to the tune of "London Bridge")
Keep your thumb up when you cut,
When you cut, when you cut.
Keep your thumb up when you cut
And squeeze the blades together!
Meet Cocoa Bear
This is our class bear "Cocoa". Cocoa loves to go on overnights. Next weekend Cocoa will begin spending a weekend with each child in our class. When he comes to your house he will bring his bag with extra clothes, his blanket, and his journal.
Please write in the journal about the fun he had with you over the weekend. Use your child's words as much as possible. Also include photos and/or drawings of Cocoa having fun with your child.
Names will be randomly selected to decide who gets the next turn to take Cocoa home for the weekend.
Please write in the journal about the fun he had with you over the weekend. Use your child's words as much as possible. Also include photos and/or drawings of Cocoa having fun with your child.
Names will be randomly selected to decide who gets the next turn to take Cocoa home for the weekend.
Next Week: Apples
Reminder: Little Scouts will be CLOSED on Monday, October 14th for the Columbus Day Holiday
Reminder: Little Scouts will be CLOSED on Monday, October 14th for the Columbus Day Holiday
Week 5: September 9-13
This week was "All About Me" week. We made an All About Me pocket booklet and a paper plate self-portrait. We talked about emotions. We worked all week on the "Stand Up Song". It is an active song which helps develop listening skills and expressing knowledge about self. It took awhile for the children to "get it." It is sung to the tune of "Skip to My Lou"
If you [have a sister], please stand up.
If you [have a sister], please stand up.
If you [have a sister], please stand up.
We want to know all about you!
then we substituted other phrases such as: have a brother,
have a pet, like spaghetti, etc.
Story Time with Mrs. Weber
On Monday we had our first visit of the school year from Mrs. Weber. Mrs. Weber comes to Little Scouts once each month from Lake Forest Children's Library. She reads books, tells stories and sometimes even sings songs with the children. We always look forward to her visits.
Children from the Three-Year-Old classes listening to Mrs. Weber
Week 4: September 2-6
This week we reviewed "colors". We graphed our favorite colors and our eye color. We mixed primary colors to form secondary colors. We played the color games "Little Mouse, Little Mouse are you hiding behind the (color) house? and "Bubble gum, bubble gum in a dish for which color do you wish?" We sang the song Uncle Jesse in which the children stand when they are wearing the color that is called and do the indicated movement. Some of the full-day children even played a game of color Bingo. An interesting observation is that the boys tend to confuse the colors pink and purple while the girls tend to confuse black and brown.
We also continued to work on the children's fine motor skills. A way for you to help us at home is to encourage your child to use a "tripod" grip when using crayons, markers or pencils. One of the fine motor activities that we did this week was sorting Fruit Loops cereal by color and threading them onto a matching chenille stick (aka pipe cleaner). The best part of this activity is that they got to eat the Fruit Loops when they were finished! See pictures below.
.
After reading Mouse Paint the children mixed primary colors into secondary colors the way the mice did in the book...with their feet!
Week 3: August 26-30
All of the children are back at school and we have been very busy getting into school routines, doing art projects, and starting pages for our portfolios. You will not see all of the art work come home because we often save their projects for the portfolios or to display on our bulletin boards. (For this reason please do not take home any projects that are drying on top of the cubbies or on the drying rack. Only take what we have put inside your child's cubbie or tray.) This week we took beginning of the year weight and height measurements so we can see how much the children grow physically as well as socially and academically this school year.
We did some science this week. Will brought in a Cicada shell and we looked at it in a magnifier jar. When we read If You Take a Mouse to School we made a purple vinegar and baking soda volcano like they did in the story.
We worked on fine motor skills this week. We used scissor-like scoopers in the sand table. We also practiced "drop and stop" gluing with little dots of glue. We practiced by putting little dots of glue in the center of hole reinforcements. This is the method we will use for gluing throughout the year. See photos of our practice below.
Week 2: August 19-23
We had most of the class back this week. We enjoyed our last two water days although it began to rain on Thursday and shortened our time. Some more water day photos follow. We noticed when we were changing clothes after water play that many of the children were having difficulty putting on clothing, socks, and shoes. Please help your child practice these tasks at home.
We had most of the class back this week. We enjoyed our last two water days although it began to rain on Thursday and shortened our time. Some more water day photos follow. We noticed when we were changing clothes after water play that many of the children were having difficulty putting on clothing, socks, and shoes. Please help your child practice these tasks at home.
We also had fun playing and creating with play dough this week. Next week we will begin doing weekly "themes". Our first theme is Back to School. We will be reading books about school, getting to know our classroom better, and practicing some school skills (like gluing).
Reminder: NO SCHOOL Monday, September 2nd Labor Day Holiday.
Reminder: NO SCHOOL Monday, September 2nd Labor Day Holiday.