Everywhere I go, I'm gonna let it shine!

This week the students have been able to enjoy the beautiful weather outside! They are able to use bubbles, chalk and also roll down the hill in our play area. They have also enjoyed learning how to play hopscotch! As we begin to end the school year, the students are finishing up some of the assessments and I am having parent-teacher conferences. Several of the students will be moving on to kindergarten next year! As hard as it is to see the students growing up and moving out of preschool, they will be such a blessing wherever they go to attend kindergarten!

Morning Stories:
Duck Soup by Jackie Urbanovic
Knuffle Bunny Too by Mo Willems
A Color of His Own by Leo Lionni
Millie waits for the Mail by Alexsander Steffensmeier
Animal Strike at the Zoo by Karma Wilson

Planning and Recall Time:
The students were able to use hula hoops this week. With the students we use 'acka backa' as our jingle while twisting the hoops with our hands. The students say 'acka backa soda cracker acka backa pow, acka backa soda cracker (students name) plans now!'  

Sensory Table:
This week the students have sand and rocks in the sensory table. They are able to use various types of trucks and cones to make a construction site in the sensory table. 

One of the art projects this week -
 the students were able to blow bubbles and then
placed a piece of paper over them!
Check out the finished product in the hallway!

Bible Time:
This week the students have been hearing about Jesus' Ascension. Jesus' disciples watched him disappear from their sight as he ascended into heaven. Yet they returned to Jerusalem with great joy. As our passage this week says, "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20) Jesus has gone into heaven, but someday he will come back. As we wait for Him to return, we can find comfort in our bible passage for the week. The students were able to learn 'This Little Light of Mine' as their song. They have been learning actions to go with the song this week.

Movement Time:
During movement time the students have been working with different types of lines, specifically curvy lines. The students are able to practice different locomotor movements while focusing on staying on the lines presented to them. The students always enjoy being able to practice this throughout the year. They challenge themselves throughout the lesson to try new things. 

Music Time:
This week the students have been practicing for the Spring Musical. They will continue to practice the Spring Musical songs each week until the concert. This week they were focusing on a song called 'Shadrach.' They were able to perform this song with actions and even had a practice with the grade school students for the performance. More information on the Spring Musical will be shared later in May. 

Small Group Time:
The KDI (Key Developmental Indicator) this week is counting. 

Monday: The students worked with a hand out of various items. The students had to count the items and then write the numbers that were present on the handout.

Tuesday: The students were able to complete a similar handout. This time the students were given the written number and had to place stickers to represent the number.

Wednesday: The students were given a dotted number. They were able to use finger-paints to fill out the number with dots and then were asked to identify the number that they were completing.

Thursday: The students were able to go on a numbered egg hunt in the classroom. The students were given certain numbers to hunt for.
Friday: They were able to use muffin tins (with numbers on the bottom of each section of the tin) and place buttons to represent the number at the bottom. 

Afternoon Story:
The Berenstain Bears and the Slumber Party by Jan and Mike Berenstain

Afternoon Table Activities:
The students are able to choose from table activities, snack or the sensory table.

Monday(Math): numbered popsicles and tracing of numbers.
Tuesday(Fine Motor): tweezers with straw pieces and the numbered muffin tins, beads and LCR.
Wednesday(Manipulatives): gears, floor puzzles and link n logs.
Thursday(Art/Literacy): tracing letters with whiteboard markers, contact paper with tissue squares.
Friday(Sensory): colorful rice tubs with letters and scoops

Down in My Heart

The students were able to enjoy their first full week in a long time. They were able to enjoy nice weather again this week and used chalk outside. The students continue to show interest in dancing to music throughout work time! It is fun to see their skills and confidence grow.

Morning Stories:
Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle
Construction by Sally Sutton
Bear Can't Sleep by Marni McGee
Dirt On My Shirt by Jeff Foxworthy
What was I scared of? by Dr. Seuss

Planning and Recall Time:
The students have been rolling a ball for planning and recall time. They were able to roll to one another and recall what they did during our work time throughout the week. 

Sensory Time:
They were able to play in water this week. There were frogs, lily pads, bugs and rocks for the students to play with. They enjoyed being able to play in a frog's home throughout the week.

Bible Time:
This week the students were able to learn how Thomas doubted that Jesus had risen from the dead. Jesus, our loving Savior appeared to Thomas and the other disciples to show them the truth. Sometimes we can be like Thomas, but we can find comfort in knowing that our faith is in Christ. This week the students were able to have a visit from Pastor Chris Ewings. He was able to share with the children more about this bible story. We looked at Mark 9:24, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief." They were able to learn 'Down in My Heart' as their song this week. 

Movement Time:
The students were able to have 'station play' a SPARK curriculum based lesson. The students were able to complete various games and at each station during movement. The students were asked to continue working on their underhand toss throughout the station play. They enjoyed being able to toss at a target, a partner and at their teacher! 

Music Time:
The students have been reviewing previous songs this week. They have been able to focus on keeping a steady beat while singing. They have also started working on their spring musical songs that they will perform with the grade school students at UAA.

Small Group Time: 
The KDI (Key Developmental Indicator) for this week is writing. They students are focusing on how to hold items while writing and showing their basic knowledge of the alphabet.

Monday: The students were able to work on using a pencil to trace and write their names. 
Tuesday: They once again looked at how to specifically hold a pencil and write their alphabet.
Wednesday: The students were able to spell their names and write letters using shaving cream.
Thursday: They worked on using a whiteboard to write various letters from the alphabet. 
Friday: The students used dry erase markers to trace letters from the alphabet.

Afternoon Story:
The Berenstain Bears, Kindness Counts by Jan and Mike Berenstain

Afternoon Table Activities:
The students are able to choose between the table activities, the sensory table or having snack.

Monday(Math): geoboards and pattern blocks
Tuesday(Fine Motor): pieces of straws with string and noodles with string
Wednesday(Manipulatives): screws, nuts and bolts with giant link n logs
Thursday(Art/Literacy): coffee filters with markers to create butterflies and animal magazines
Friday(Sensory): glurch and sensory tubs of corn

A special thank you to all of you who donated and helped with the Underwater Adventure! It was a wonderful turnout. I am very thankful that so many preschool families were able to come!

His Battle Ended Here

The students have had a wonderful week. They are enjoying that the weather is changing and soon they will be able to play outside without snow pants (hopefully). With the weather change, the students have been able to play with bubbles and chalk outside.

This week the students were able to learn more about the Easter season and why we take time off of school to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.

Last week the students were able to make a snowman! Now the snow is all gone.

Morning Stories:
The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland
Don't forget I love you! by Miriam Moss
The Littlest Owl by Caroline Pitcher
The Pirate Jamboree by Mark Teague
Here comes the big, mean dust bunny! by Jan Thomas

Planning and Recall Time:
The students were able to use a microphone this week as they planned and recalled what they did during work time. We have done this in the past for planning and recall and the students enjoy being able to use the microphones as they plan and recall.

Sensory Table:
In the sensory table this week the students have been able to play with various animals in the easter grass as their 'jungle'. The students have been using the easter grass as a jungle, water and mud! It is wonderful to see them using their imaginations. 

Bible Time:
This week the students have been able to learn more about the resurrection of our Lord. Easter is often times celebrated as a spring holiday with chicks, flowers and bunnies. New life is what Easter is all about - Christ's new life, his victory over sin and death! Christ is risen, He is risen indeed. Alleluia! They were able to focus their attention on the importance of Easter. Pastor Chris Ewings was able to come in and teach the bible story to the students on Tuesday. They were able to learn a song with sign language. 'His battle ended there, death was overcome. Jesus alive again, wore the victor's crown. Clearly sin had failed; goodness had prevailed. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!' The students love being able to learn sign language with our bible songs. They also focused on John 11:25, "I am the resurrection and the life."

Movement Time:
The students are once again working on using their underhand throw this week. The students were challenged a bit more and are now working on distance throwing. They were able to focus on close tossing with a partner and target. Now they will be using their knowledge of tossing to toss to an even further partner or target. They have enjoyed being able to work on this skill. I encourage you to review this skill with them using various items. We are using beanbags at school.

Music Time:
The students have been working on keeping a steady beat in music time this week. They have been able to review several songs from the school year. Starting next week, the students will begin learning new songs for the spring musical. The students will have a slight role in the musical and will help sing songs with the grade school students here at Faith.

Small Group Time:
In small group this week the students are doing various activities that relate to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

Tuesday: The students were able to use counting bears to creating different patterns. This was a test for the students mathematical skills that they have been working on throughout the school year.
Wednesday: They were able to use gears, screws and wood to create various items. This was to explore their knowledge in engineering and creating using the given items.
Thursday: The students will be creating galaxy slime. They will be able to help shape and create this item. The will be able to watch a video on what to do to make the slime using technology.
Friday: They will be able to perform a science experiment outside using mentos and soda. 

Afternoon Story:
Clifford Goes to Dog School by Norman Bridwell

Afternoon Table Activities:
The students are able to choose from snack, the sensory table and one of the table activities. 

Tuesday(Fine Motor): Straws with containers, sorting pie, and beads with string.
Wednesday(Manipulatives): LCR, Candyland and giant link n logs.
Thursday(Art/Literacy): Milk painting, galaxy slime.
Friday(Sensory): tice tubs with magnifying glasses and galaxy slime.

JOIN US FOR THE UNDERWATER ADVENTURE

at Faith Lutheran in the fellowship hall

In my Father's House

The students are just returning from their Spring Break! What a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends. I am excited that we are back in the school schedule and that the students are able to see one another again. Due to Easter this weekend, the students will have a short week this week and the next. You will be able to spend time as a family and celebrate the resurrection of our Savior. What a blessing!

Morning Stories:
I am invited to a party! by Mo Willems
Chicka Chicka 1,2,3 by Bill Martin Jr.
The Night Pirates by Peter Harris
5 Little Penguins Slipping on the Ice by Steve Metzger
Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas

Planning/Recall Time:
The students were able to use a pointer stick this week to show where they wanted to play during work time. They were able to use the pointer stick again during recall to show where they spent their time throughout work time.

Sensory Table:
They were able to have an Easter themed sensory table this week. There was fake grass, egg cartons, tongs and jelly beans. The students were able to sort them into colors and use their imagination to create different types of activities in the table.

Bible Time:
This week the students were able to hear two bible stories. They heard the story of Jesus before Pilate and Jesus death on the cross. The students were able to hear about the pain and suffering Jesus went through on our behalf. What a humbling story for us to hear. He was willing to give his life to save the world! What an incredible blessing. The students were able to have a visit from Pastor Chris Ewings on Tuesday. He was able to bring in a crown of thorns for the students. They were able to better understand the suffering that He went through for us. They were focusing on Ephesians 1:7, "We have... through Jesus' blood, the forgiveness of sins." They were able to learn a new song this week called 'In my Father's House'. It will be a great experience to have the Easter story told to us on Sunday. The students will be able to hear more about it next week during Bible time.

Movement Time:
This week during movement the students have been learning how to throw underhand. We have used several different targets to toss at. The students are focusing on throwing underhand and letting go of the beanbag in time for it to hit the target. They were also able to toss with a partner while working on this skill. The students have been doing fairly well at this skill. They do struggle with catching the beanbag, but that is a difficult task at their age! They will continue to practice the underhand throw throughout the week and review it in the future.

Music Time:
This week the students are reviewing the long and short concept. I have let the student's request songs they would like to sing again and review. They have enjoyed being able to choose the songs on their own but still focus on the concept for the week. 

Small Group Time:
The KDI (Key Developmental Indicator) for the week is Measuring. Children measure to describe, compare and order things. 

Monday: They were able to use rulers to measure various items. The students were working on recognizing which items were longer and which items were shorter in comparison to one another. 
Tuesday: The students were able to measure items using linking cubes. They were able to recognize how many cubes it took to measure an item.
Wednesday: They were able to go into the hallway and measure themselves on the wall. They were able to see the comparison of their own height to their peers.
Thursday: The students used counting bears and string to measure various items. They were able to see how many bears it took to measure items as well as how long the string had to be to measure.

Afternoon Story:
Clifford and the Grouchy Neighbors by Norman Bridwell

Afternoon Table Activities:
The students are able to choose from one of the table activities, snack or the sensory table.

Monday(Math): sorting pie, clothes pins with colors to match up
Tuesday(Fine Motor): scissors with yarn, paper and glue
Wednesday(Manipulatives): animal magazines, giant link n logs and playdough
Thursday(Art/Literacy): letter cards to trace and watercolors

He Died to Save Me

The students are getting very excited to have spring break! Luckily, we have had some beautiful weather and an exciting event happen in preschool to help keep them focused until break. This week we were supposed to have the State Troopers visit, but there was an emergency. Instead, the students were able to see and explore the inside of a semi-truck!

Morning Stories:
Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do you See? by Bill Martin Jr.
Not a Box by Antoinette Portis
I really like slop! by Mo Willems
Bear Sees Colors by Karma Wilson
Pajama Pirates by Andrew Kramer

Planning/Recall Time:
This week the students were able to find the hidden block under a cup to plan. The students love this challenge and often times are watching carefully to make sure they follow where the hidden cups is moved.

Sensory Table:
In the sensory table for this week was spaghetti noodles. The students were able to play and manipulate the noodles with various other foods and tongs. Our intention was for the students to connect the sensory activity with a book we read previously. (Cloudy with a chance of meatballs)

Bible Time:
In Bible this week, the students were able to hear about Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the lesson the students were able to see how Jesus prayed that his Father's will would be done. We also know that we can pray that our Father's will be done too.The students understand that sometimes our Father will say yes and he will also say no. He answers our prayers in the way that is best for us. The students were also able to have Pastor Chris Ewings come in to share the bible story with them on Tuesday. They have been focusing on Mark 10:45, "Jesus did not come to serve, but to serve, and to give his life." They have been able to learn a new song this week to the tune of 'Jesus Savior Wash Away'. The words to our song are, "Jesus died to save me on the cross at Calvary. Help me show my love to you in all I say and do."

Movement Time:
The students have been able to use the beanbags once again this week. They have been able to work on beanbag tricks. The students are able to continue working on self-tossing and adding in a challenge throughout the activity. The students have enjoyed being able to focus on tossing the beanbag up but also catching it once it starts to come back down. This is a difficult task for some, but eventually they will be able to master it through practice.

Music Time:
They have been learning more about long and short sounds in music this week. They have been reviewing several different sounds including BINGO which helps them solidify the concept and better understand it. The students are still struggling with understand the difference in long and short sounds when they hear them. It helps to use our hands to show when it is long and short. The students are able to better pick up on the concept.

Small Group Time:
The KDI (Key Developmental Indicator) for this week was creating patterns. Children identify, describe, copy, complete and create patterns. 

Monday: They were able to take linking cubes to create patterns. The students started with a A,B,A,B pattern. If they were up for the challenge students could attempt an AA,B,AA,B pattern.

Tuesday: The students were able to create patterns using pattern blocks. They could create patterns based on the shape or on the color of the item.

Wednesday: They were able to create fruit loop patterns on a necklace. The students were asked to create an A,B,C pattern on the necklace. Once they were home, the students had to ask permission to eat their creation.

Thursday: The students were able to use stickers to create a pattern. The stickers could vary from items or dots based on the students interest.
Friday: They were able to create patterns using legos to create a tower. The students were asked to create an A,A,B,B pattern for their tower.

Afternoon Stories:
Curious George Goes to a Chocolate Factory by Margret & H.A Rey's

Afternoon Table Activities:
The students are able to choose from a table activity, the sensory table or snack in the afternoon after rest time.

Monday(Math): tracing numbers, a scale with various items to balance with
Tuesday(Fine Motor): connector game, pencils and paper, beads with string
Wednesday(Manipulatives): mini legos, fruit loop necklace,and gears
Thursday(Art/Literacy): painting with big brushes, eggs letter match up, and lego painting.
Friday(Sensory): Oobleck and personal rice tubs. 

Praise the LORD, O my soul

The students have had fun preparing to sing in church this week. They are all excited to show their actions and singing talents to not only their parents but the grade school students. We have been blessed with some beautiful weather this week. The ice has finally melted and dried. We are able to walk up our hill without difficulty. The students have loved this weather but do not be surprised if they come home full of dust and dirt! 

Morning Stories:
Please, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony
Goodnight Already! by Jory John and Benji Davis
There is a bird on your head! by Mo Willems
Snow Happy to be Here! by Cheryl Hawkinson
Gaston by Kelly Dipucchio

Planning/Recall Time:
This week the students are able to use binoculars to plan and recall. They are able to look through the binoculars and see several items throughout the room and tell us their plan or recall what they did during work time.

Sensory Table:
The students were able to have shredded paper in the sensory table this week. They had tongs and paper towel tubes as well. They loved being able to play in the paper and use their imagination. 

Bible Time:
Due to our spring break happening soon, the children heard the story about Jesus riding into Jerusalem. They were able to have a visit from Pastor Chris Ewings on Tuesday to tell them more about the Bible story and to sing some songs. The students enjoyed being able to learn the Doxology this week and add movement to the song. They looked at Psalm 103:1, "Praise the LORD, O my soul." They have really enjoyed being able to hear more about the moments in Jesus life that led to the cross. 

Movement Time:
This week the students have been working on self-tossing. We are using beanbags. The students have started the week by sitting and self-tossing using two hands and then one hand. For the rest of the week the students will be able to work on using two hands or one hand while standing. This concept is something that we will continue to review and work on throughout the rest of the school year. We have been doing various locomotor movements to warm up for this activity. We have review skipping, hopping, running, and galloping.

Music Time:
In music, the students have been able to practice their song, "I Got Peace Like a River" in front of church. The students enjoy being able to stand in front of the church and get use to the view while singing the song. I am encouraging the students to sing nice and loud so that people can hear them sing and not the teacher. They are enjoying using the actions throughout the practice.

Small Group Time:
The KDI (Key Developmental Indicator) for this week is focusing on sorting and matching various items.

Monday: The students were able to match the outlines of several items with the object that the outline belonged to. This was a new activity for the students but they were able to do this activity very quickly!

Tuesday: They were able to sort and match several different paint shades using clothespins. The students loved this activity and it challenged them to look closely at the colors. Several of the shades were very similar. 

Wednesday: The students were able to go on a classroom hunt for various items. The students had to find items that matched a certain color they were assigned.
Thursday: They were asked to find and classify the proper animal mother to their child. The students were able to do this through various pictures.
Friday: The students were able to sort and match the four seasons. The students had to look at what items would be used in each season, what the weather would be like, what clothes you might wear, etc. 

Afternoon Story:
Curious George visits the Toy Store by Margret & H.A Rey

Our Hair salon changed into a Cafe
for the students to use!

Afternoon Tables:
In the afternoon the students can choose from snack, the sensory table, or one of the table activities. 

Monday(Math): The students were able to trace various numbers, finger-paint numbers with dots, and use blocks to create a number.
Tuesday(Fine Motor): noodles and string, tracing letters, and using connectors.
Wednesday(Manipulatives): creating ramps with cars and blocks, colored race car tracks and small table puzzles.
Thursday(Art/Literacy): books on 'sorting it out!' and marble art.
Friday(Sensory): sensory bags and glurch. 

I've Got Joy Like an Fountain

The weather this week has been wonderful! Sadly our play area is switching from ice to water and mud each day. The students love being able to play in the mud and water and slide on the ice. I want you all to know that your children will be getting dirty this week and for the weeks to come if the weather continues. When we have beautiful sunny days, I try to make sure the students have extra time outside to enjoy the weather. 

Morning Stories:
Little Owl's Night by Divya Srinivasan
The Pout Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
I love my new toy! by Mo Willems
Journey by Aaron Becker
Snow Babies by Camilla de la Bedoyere

"My Family!"

Planning and Recall Time:
This week we have been using whiteboards and markers with the students. We write their names and the students must recognize there name on the board. In order to go play, the students must also recognize the first letter of their name. They are doing very well!

Sensory Table:
This week the students are able to 'wash dishes'. We have several different items available in the water table with soap and sponges for the students to use.

Bible Time:
This week we heard about how Jesus taught his disciples to trust him in times of trouble. We focused on Jesus walking on water. They saw him walk on water and quiet the wind and the waves. Jesus continues to show his almighty power through miracles. They were able to have a visit from Pastor Chris Ewings this Tuesday to talk more about the bible story. They even did some experimenting with items that would sink or float on top of the water. This helped the students realize the amazing power Jesus had since he could walk on water. We looked at Psalm 50:15, "Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you." We were able to learn this passage as our song this week. They were able to quickly pick up on the passage this way.

Movement Time:
This week the students were able to once again review the Go Car Go game. They really enjoy this activity. In warm ups the students used scarves to dance and manipulate while they were warming up their muscles for the activity. This week is circle act. The students are able to show various ways to use and move their bodies. The students have also enjoyed being able to do some dancing in the classroom during work time. We have been using Go Noodle to keep the kids active and use their bodies.

Music Time:
This week the students have been able to do an activity and learn a song through 'Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush' and they have been reviewing their song 'I've Got Peace Like a River' which they will be singing in church in March. They students have been able to review several previous songs and learn some fingerplays as well during music time.

Small Group Time:
The KDI (Key Developmental Indicator) for this week is Natural and Physical World. The students are able to explore different activities and items throughout the week.

Monday: The students were able to experiment with magnets. They were able to go throughout the room to hunt for items that they thought would work with magnets. After experimenting, we discussed what works with a magnet and what does not.

Tuesday: We talked about water surface tension. They students were able to see and experiment with having a cup float on top of the water. They added coins while it was floating and counting how many it took to get the cup to flip and sink.
Wednesday: The students were able to take a look at our sensory bags and figure out what might be inside of these bags to make them look and feel the way that they do.

Thursday: We took a look at snow and what happens when it melts. What will be left after the snow melts? Hopefully this will help the children realize how dirty and filled our snow is.
Friday: They were able to take a look at buoyancy. We experimented with several different types of items and recognized which items were able to float and which sank.

Afternoon Story:
Curious George Goes Sledding by Alan Shalleck

Afternoon Table Time:
During this time, the students are able to choose from one of the table activities, snack or the sensory table.

Monday(math):numbered popsicle game and clothespins with number cards and dots.
Tuesday(fine motor): pieces of straws with string and foam stickers.
Wednesday(manipulatives): link n logs, floor puzzles and magnetic shapes.
Thursday(art/Literacy): watercolors and Dr. Seuss books
Friday(sensory): fossil search in sand and rocks and sensory bottles