Preschool

Each morning this week we saw purposeful, energetic buzz as your children chose centers and worked with one another, and sometimes independently. The transition from arrival to centers is wonderful to see. Your children go directly to the writing center, working on their books or dictionary pages; to the table where they create watercolors; to our sensory table; and to the puzzles or blocks areas. Every day children practice these routines. They find new meaning, develop social skills, build on their self-confidence and stretch themselves to try new things.

When we come together in circle, where we now sit for longer periods, your children are genuinely feeling a sense of community and wellbeing. We find new ways to greet one another, and we are well into the rhythms of counting days in school, discussing the weather, what will happen each day and sharing a story, counting, sequencing, finding patterns, making predictions, singing and/or saying the days of the week or the alphabet.

We continued with our bird investigations, particularly for those who were finishing their observational drawings. We love seeing the wonder in your children’s eyes as they make connections in their world, such as how the weather which affects us affects the birds, too, and how birds have needs, too, such as for food and shelter.

It was a special day this week as we joined with Kindergarten to wish Ms. Patel a very Happy Birthday!

Renowned child psychologists such as Vygotsky explain that young children’s minds are vessels to be filled, but that they only really understand information that their minds at a given moment are able to receive. Thus we may see children listing the names of continents or reciting other facts, but they do not necessarily understand the underlying concepts. This is an important reason why we take our cues from the children, as in what they want to learn about topics. We make careful observations about their understandings, we guide them with question starters, and break down their understandings into progressive stages. At BCD we also focus our conceptual growth with investigations about our immediate community and environment.

For those of you viewing this blog on your iphone or ipad, you can view the pictures here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bcdtech/sets/72157647254977052/

Your children’s bird choices thus far are: Sophie and Angeliz – Cardinal; CJ – Chickadee; Sonya – Tufted Titmouse; Aidan – Bald Eagle; Noelle – Blue Heron; Neha and Abigail – Blue Jay; and Isabelle – Savannah Sparrow. What they want to know includes: What do they eat? Where do they live? Where do they make their nest? Why do they have hair? Do they lay eggs? What kind of weather do they like?

We love their curious minds and clear focus!

Isabelle continued as Star of the Week, and brought in pictures to share. It was fun to see a photo of her painting their chicken coop at home and one being silly!

Abigail was also our Star of the Week. She shared a book (my little pony) and some doctor toys that she enjoys. She also brought in a picture she colored of her family. We love getting to know our stars even more!

Chris Buono has shared some photos from the holiday party. Thank you!                             https://www.flickr.com/photos/bcdtech/sets/72157649929048630

For those of you viewing this blog on your iphone or ipad, you can view the pictures here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bcdtech/sets/72157647254977052/