Faith Lutheran Preschool eNews: Newsletter 4/30/14

Important Dates to Remember:
May 2nd - "Are We There Yet?" School Musical at UAA Music Hall; 6:30PM
May 22nd - Last day of Preschool; noon dismissal with picnic immediately following

THIS WEEK’S LITERACY EXPERIENCES
Morning Books
"There is a Bird on Your Head!" by Mo Willems
"A Color of His Own" by Leo Lionni
"Zoo-Looking" by Mem Fox

Afternoon Books
"This Old Man" by Pam Adams

PLANNING & RECALL
This week we use a hula hoop during planning and recall time to act as a bird's nest. We take turns being the bird who sits in the nest and shares work time plans.

BIBLE LESSON
On the first Easter Sunday evening, Jesus' disciples were gathered together in a locked room. They were afraid of what Jesus' enemies might do to them. They had heard the message from the women that Jesus was alive, but they had not seen him with their own eyes yet. As they were talking together, Jesus suddenly appeared in the room with them and said, "Peace be with you!" He showed them the nail marks in his hands and feet, and the place in his side where the spear had cut him. The disciples were overjoyed to see Jesus! One of the disciples, Thomas, had not been there that evening when Jesus appeared to the rest of the disciples. After hearing the news from the others, Thomas would not believe them. He said, "Unless I see and touch the nail marks in his hands and the wound in his side, I will not believe Jesus is alive." One week later, the disciples were once again gathered in the locked room. This time Thomas was also there. Again, Jesus appeared with them in the room and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he approached Thomas and told him to feel the nail marks in his hands and touch his side. Jesus told Thomas to stop doubting and believe. Thomas then believed that Jesus was alive. Jesus told Thomas, "You believe I am alive because you have seen me. Blessed are the people who have not seen me and still believe."

Bible verse: Mark 9:24 "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief."
Bible song: "I Know That My Redeemer Lives"

MUSIC
In music this week, we use the song "Eency Weency Spider" to explore the concept of phrases in melodies. Most melodies are comprised of several short segments called phrases, and the children work on identifying these phrases through actions. Each new set of actions in this song establishes where the phrases are. Another new song we learned this week is "This Old Man."

MOVEMENT
In Movement Time we explore and manipulate bean bags. We practice our balancing skills as we place them on our knees, shoulders, elbows and feet. We also practice some tossing skills while sitting in a large circle. We toss our bean bags slowly and quickly, and low, middle, and high. We warm up and cool down with the songs, "The Bean Bag" and "Balance It".

SMALL GROUP TIME
This week during Small Group Time, we’re focusing on some Key Developmental Indicators (KDI) that have to do with Personal Care and Physical Development. We work on skills such as threading shoe strings through a lace pattern card and zipping zippers on jackets - which also brings in some great fine motor skills. At the end of the week we add a sensory aspect to physical development as we crack eggs and whisk them with forks. We've also spent some extra time this week preparing for our opening songs for the Spring Musical on Friday night.