Welcome back from Spring Break! We hope that everyone enjoyed a little change of pace, as well as the beautiful weather. All of the children seem to have grown quite a bit in just the last few weeks. They were very happy to be back with one another in class. We are also noticing how well they are doing with cooperative play. Whenever we hear someone using his or her words to express his or her thoughts, ideas or interests to another, we quietly provide that child with positive feedback. Of course the best reward he or she recieves is when his or her efforts result in a successful interaction.
Last week we continued talks about animals and a bit more about birds. Our Science Corner includes various feathers and a collection of birds’ nests and samples of feathers from various birds. We discussed what birds make their nests out of and where they might build them. We also discovered that different kinds of birds make their nests in different shapes. This week we talked about mammals. We discovered that mammals are warm blooded, have hair or fur, are born alive instead of hatched from eggs, and they drink milk from their mothers. We played a fun movement game where we followed instructions to walk like different animals. We have also learned a little about various “habitats” around the world. A habitat is where something or someone lives. It is where they get shelter, have babies and find food.
After reviewing the Hopes and Dreams that children made in the Fall, we decided to look at them with the children and determine if any of their “Hopes” had been achieved. Sure enough, many of them have been actualized. We also made notes of wishes that may need some support. With that being said, we have added doctor kits and animals to the Pretend Area, a set of new construction vehicles to the train table, an airport which is complete with planes and we are scheduling some walks on Mike’s Trail when the weather is a bit warmer.
We also talked about signs of Spring and we took a short walk about to see the daffodils and many of the perrenials poking up in the gardens. We made pussy willows by blowing brown water color that was dripped onto paper using eye dropers and straws. We then dipped our fingers into white paint to stamp the pussy willow flowers. Before beginning this art project, we learned this well known poem:
Pussy Willow
I know a little pussy.
Her coat is silver grey.
She’s over in the meadow.
Not very far away.
She’ll always be a pussy.
She’ll never be a cat.
For she’s a pussy willow.
Now what do you think of that?
Meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow!
Scat!
Last week, we met Walter Walrus on our trip to Letterland. Walter likes to get wet in the white waves. Watching whales in the salt water is also something Walter likes. He is friends with wolves, wasps, weasels, and the woodpecker.
We also painted on real water color paper with water color paints. The phrase we used to learn how to write “w” is:
When you draw the Walrus wells, with wild and waby water, whizz down and up and then…, whizz down and up again.
This week we met Fix-It-Max, whose letter is “x” and his sound is /ks/. Max loves to fix things and he especially likes boxes. Eddie Elephant asked him to fix his exercise machine and an Exit sign. Suprisingly, he has a fox for a pet. We learned this phrase when learning how to write “x”:
Fix two sticks, to look like this. That’s how to draw a little kiss.
Just because it is Spring, we decided to plant some herbs in a window box for our window. We planted Thyme, Mint, Rosemary and Basil. In time, we hope to do some cooking with these yummy smelling herbs.
Today we celebrated Tom’s Star Day. Tom turned five years old in March. His dad, Al, mom, Michelle, sisters, Eva and Francesca, joined us for his special Morning Meeting. We learned that when Tommy was a baby he loved to look at trucks. His word for trucks was “Dit-du!” Now that he is five, he loves to play sports, such as hockey and soccer. He also enjoys playing with Lego’s. His favorite foods are pastina and chocolate. Tom’s Star Board was decorated with photo’s of Tom when he was just one day old; dressed as a pumpkin on his first Halloween; skiing with his sisters; playing hockey; rock climbing and riding his dit-du and police car. Michelle read us one of Tom’s favorite books, “Moostache,” by Margie Palatini and Henry Cole. It is a very silly story that made everyone laugh. For snack, Tommy shared some delicious vanilla cupcakes with chocolate frosting! Thank you and Happy Star Day, Tommy!
We would like to thank Margaret for bringing in some bubbles for us to enjoy today. As it was a windy day, everyone had great fun blowing the bubbles, as well as chasing them around the field!
Important Reminders:
- Preschool continues to go out each day. Please be sure children have coats, hats and mittens, as mornings are often cold.
- Please return laundered rest items and replenish extra clothes. Children should have a full set of clothing, including socks, undergarments, shirts and pants. It is also a good idea to leave a sweatshirt or sweater for days that may be chilly.
- Please be sure to send in a refillable drink container for us to fill with water. In our efforts to be green, we try to refrain from using plastic cups.
- Please be sure to send appropriate flatware in your child’s lunch.
- A variety of snack items is encouraged for young growing children.
- Please be sure to return Library books on Wednesdays.
- If your child needs to have an item warmed up, please be sure it is in a microwave safe container.
- Leaving an extra pair of sneakers or other shoes in school is a good idea.
Dates to remember:
- Friday, April 6th, NO SCHOOL, Good Friday
- Monday, April 16th, NO SCHOOL, Patriot’s Day
- Friday, April 27th, Pizza Lunch
- Monday, April 30th, Lunch Bunch, courtesy of C. McDonnell and M. Marropodi
- Sometimes…a plan just comes together.
Have a nice long weekend!
To those of you who celebrate, Happy Passover and Happy Easter!
Ellie and Joni
