Kindergarten is off to a fabulous beginning! We’ve had a wonderful six days together. There’s been lots of excitement surrounding each day – in addition to our classroom activities, the children have already had Art, Music, French,Science, Library, and Gym. We’ve been extremely busy in the classroom as well. We’ve had Guided Discoveries of blocks, pattern blocks and crayons, made wonderful first-day drawings and self-portraits (these are displayed on our bulletin board), made clothespin caterpillars, began learning several poems and chants, and worked with pattern blocks. We’re starting to get to know one another through Morning Meeting, play time and meal time. Last week we took a walk on Mike’s Trail with all of Lower School and enjoyed a cookout picnic lunch on Friday. Through our actions and activities this week, we are beginning to create the classroom community that will be our home base this year.
The children have begun their Butterfly Life Cycle posters. Last week they completed the caterpillar stage. We put the caterpillars on the table on milkweed, watched them crawl around, and drew what we saw. Today we carefully took down the butterfly pavilion, so the children could draw the chrysalis from real life. We now have all five caterpillars in chrysalis form, and hope to see the butterflies in another week or so. It’s pretty exciting!
We’ll be taking our first field trip this coming Thursday, Sept. 13, to Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. Check your email in the next few days for details about that trip. The children are very excited to go!
We ended our week with a great assembly on birds of prey. (Coincidentally, we started learning The Eagle by Alfred, Lord Tennyson two days ago – perfect timing!) We saw a kestrel, a turkey vulture, a Great Horned owl and a screech owl, a peregrine falcone, a golden eagle, and a red-tailed hawk. It was an amazing presentation!
We had our first fire drill today as well. The children did an excellent job lining up quietly, walking to the berm, and listening for instructions.
We’ve started reading a chapter book at rest time. Charlotte’s Web is a big hit so far!
And that sums it up for now. It’s been a terrific week with terrific children!
Enjoy the weekend –
Andrea