My times are in Your hands

The students were able to start off the week with a visit from the Anchorage Fire Department. The firemen were able to talk to them about fire safety. They were able to see the firemen in all of their gear, hear a smoke detector go off, practice stop drop and roll, and crawl under 'smoke' (a tarp). After learning more about fire safety the students were able to check out two fire trucks outside. While were outside on of the trucks got called on an emergency. The students were able to see what happens when a call for help comes to the firefighters! They looked at several items on the firetruck and even crawled inside to take a closer look! The students had a blast being able to do this!

Morning Stories:

The Duckling gets a cookie?! by Mo Willems

Giggle, Giggle Quack! by Doreen Cronin

Clark the Shark: Afraid of the Dark by Bruce Hale

The Biggest Apple Ever by Steven Kroll

The Adventures of Beekle by Dan Santat

Bible Time (One in Christ Curriculum):

The students heard the story of Moses this week. They were able to see the importance of being able to trust God with their futures. It shows us how families are part of God's plan for our well-being. Scary and sad things happen, but with God's power we are safe and protected. All our bible stories this year will point us to one thing, our Savior. Our God is a God of surprises, and He has a loving plan for our lives. Even when things become difficult or bad things happen, He is there for us. As it says in Psalm 31:15, "My times are in Your hands" we can rest assured that God will continue to watch over us and keep us in His loving arms.

Movement Time (SPARK Curriculum):

Students are focusing on different pathways this week. The best way to describe this is by using different lines for the students. We have curvy, zig-zag and straight. The students have been doing several activities that help them understand the difference between each pathway. They have been doing a warm up song to help get their bodies moving. They have also worked on their stretching of their muscles before doing the set concept for the day. They are doing a great job of listening to the instructions they are given by the teacher and the CD during the warm-up songs.

Music Time (Sing and Make Music Curriculum):

This week, the concept the students are focusing on is tempo. The students have been learning about the different types of tempos that a song can have. While learning this concept, the students have been singing 'Did you ever see a turtle?' and 'Head and shoulders'. These songs have been very helpful for the students who are struggling with the concept this week. They have to listen careful to their teacher as they are singing the song.

Small Group Time (HighScope Curriculum):

This week the students are learning about a new artist: Wassily Kandinsky. They are hearing about abstract art. They have been able to do several activities and projects that are similar to Kandinsky's pieces. They have focused on 'Squares with Concentric Circles' created in 1913.

Monday- The students were introduced to our artist for the week. We were able to review what an artist is. The students were able to created layered circles (similar to Kandinsky's work) with several colors.

Tuesday- They saw more of Kandinsky's pieces and saw the different shapes he puts into his art. They traced several different shapes and colored them to create a picture.

Wednesday- They were given a chart of squares to create circles or color in the squares with a variety of watercolor paints.

Thursday- The students colored a variety of triangles with different markers. Then they cut the triangles out for the project on Friday.

Friday- They were able to create a layered triangle project using the items that they cut out on Thursday.

Planning and Recall Time (HighScope Curriculum):

This week the students were asked to once again recognize their written name on a piece of paper. After recognizing, the students were able to plan or recall before work time.

Afternoon Table Activities:

They are able to choose from one of the table activities, snack or the water table! This week the water table was not available to the students.

Monday(Math): painting numbers with paintbrushes.

Tuesday(Fine Motor): creating pumpkins with beads and pipe cleaners, matching colored clothespins to the right name and connectors.

Wednesday(Manipulatives): the game LCR and Candyland.

Thursday(Art and Literacy): using straws to blow paint on paper and Fairytale books.

Friday(Sensory): No activities due to the half day of school. 

I am with you

This week the students have tried to enjoy the sunshine as much as possible! As the temperatures continue to drop, the students are excited for it to snow! We have several fun and exciting things coming up in preschool! They will be having a visit from the Fire Department on Monday of next week. The students are excited to learn more about fire safety. At the end of October we will be having our Trunk or Treat event at Faith! Invite your friends and family to join us for a safe environment for trick or treating.

Morning Stories:

Let's Do Nothing! by Tony Fucile

This is a Moose by Richard Morris

Don't let the pigeon stay up late by Mo Willems

Who took the cookie from the cookie jar? by Viviana Garofol

The Scarecrow's Hat by Ken Brown

Bible Time (One in Christ Curriculum):

We are all unique. Each of us have our own families in the preschool classroom. But all the families have something in common. We are all sinners and in need of God's love and mercy. It is true for us today as it was true for Joseph and his family. Joseph was part of a large family, but his father had singled him out as the favorite. This caused tension for the other brothers in the family. When the brothers saw their father favoring Joseph, they became angry. Joseph was sent away by his brothers. But later in life, Joseph chose to forgive his brothers. We can learn from him. Despite being wronged, Joseph chose to forgive his brothers for what they had done. Just as Christ forgave us for our sins, we should forgive those who have wronged us in life! How important it is to teach forgiveness to the people in our lives. As it says in Genesis 28:15, "God says, I am with you." What a blessing to know that despite the mistakes we make, we have the love of Christ with us each day.

Movement Time (SPARK Curriculum):This week the students have focused on hopping as their new concept. They have been able to use the warm up songs to dance and move their bodies. They continue to do stretching before the main activity. They have been playing several games that incorporate several different movements. They have reviewed previous concepts and focused on their new movement, hopping. The students have enjoyed being able to show their skill in hopping throughout the movement time.

Music Time (Sing and Make Music Curriculum):

They have been learning more about keeping a steady beat in music this week. They have been able to tap the ground, their lap and clap their lands. They have used several different ways to show how to keep a steady beat. They have used 'Twinkle, Twinkle' and 'If you're happy and you know it' as their songs this week. With these songs, they have also reviewed previous songs from the beginning of the year. They enjoy being able to sing and move their bodies while having music time. As they learn about keeping a steady beat, the students are able to move about and use their bodies to keep the beat.

Small Group Time (HighScope Curriculum):

The students have been looking at the letter F this week. We use an Alaskan alphabet for the students, this week we have a picture of fireweed! The KDI (key developmental indicator) for this week is writing.

Monday- they were able to learn about the letter F and use a picture of it to work on writing straight lines.

Tuesday- the students worked on tracing dotted lines of words such as fall, fire, fish, fireweed and foot.

Wednesday- they were able to make letters using their fingers and trays of salt!

Thursday- fall art project using leaves! Just wait till you see the finished product.

Friday- chalk outside while practicing letters.

Planning and Recall Time (HighScope Curriculum):

Since the students are working on writing this week, they were asked to recognize their written name as it was pulled from a bag! The students did a great job of showing a quiet thumb when it was their name. After recognizing their name, the students were able to plan or recall.

Sensory Table:

In the sensory table this week, the students are able to play with a variety of beans. With the beans the students have measuring cups and funnels.

Afternoon Table Activities:

The students are able to choose from the sensory table, snack and a table activity.

Monday(Math)- numbered popsicles, muffin tins with numbers and pompoms
Tuesday(Fine Motor)- colored noodles with string, sorting pie with tweezers
Wednesday(Manipulatives)- memory game, giant foam floor puzzle, giant link n logs
Thursday(Art&Literacy)- finger painting and National Geographic for Kids magazines
Friday(Sensory)- tubs of corn and beans

I've Got the Joy!

Thank you so much to all of you who came to church on Sunday! The students that were able to attend sounded beautiful! It is such a blessing to be able to have the students show what they have been learning these past few weeks.

Morning Stories:

Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds

The Pout Pout Fish and the Deep Deep Dark by Deborah Diesen

Pigeon Wants a Puppy by Mo Willems

The very hungry caterpillar by Eric Carle

The Dot by Peter Reynolds

Bible Time (One in Christ Curriculum):

This week the focus has been on Jacob's Troubles. Throughout all the twists and turns in Jacob's life, God's love and forgiveness remained constant. God promised to be with Jacob during his journey. Jacob's life was anchored in God's promise. He was thankful that God was present in his life. By God's grace, Jacob was able to rest assure that he would be safe and loved all the days of his life. God promises the same thing for us! Even though we make mistakes in our lives, God will be there for us. He will continue to keep us close to Him and safe in His arms. As it says in our passage for the week from Joshua 1:9, "God is with you wherever you go." We can rest assured that this promises are true for us as well. The students have been able to learn a new song this week, I've got the joy joy joy joy down in my heart! They enjoy being able to sing these words easily after the first day and preform the actions.

Movement Time (SPARK Curriculum):

The students have been working on galloping this week. They have enjoyed being able start their movement sessions with different warm up activity songs. They are able to listen to the songs and follow instructions. They have played several different games helping to implement the concept of galloping. It can be difficult for students to learn this concept. They will continue to practice galloping throughout the year.

Music Time (Sing and Make Music Curriculum):

In music time this week, the students have been learning about keeping a steady beat. In order to help them better understand this concept while singing their songs, they have been using egg shakers! They have enjoyed singing Seesaw Margery Daw and Hickery Dickery Dock! They can use the shakers throughout the lessons to keep a steady beat. They have also used clapping this week to help them keep a steady beat while singing various songs.

Small Group Time (HighScope Curriculum):

The KDI (Key Developmental Indicator) for this week is classifying. They have also been working on the letter E. The students do a mixture of activities to relate to the KDI and the letter of the week.

Monday- The students were able to take various shapes with different colors and create an upper and lower case letter E.

Tuesday- They were able to go on an egg hunt in the classroom. Once they found the eggs, the students had to classify the eggs by color. They were able to place the egg on the proper colored square on the carpet.

Wednesday- Students were able to classify shapes by size (big and small) and color (red, green, yellow, blue).

Thursday- The students had to classify items by their size (long and short) using our rulers! They were able to place them into separate groups.

Friday- They were able to create the earth using different shapes of green and blue tissue squares.

Planning and Recall Time (HighScope Curriculum):

The students were able to do a microphone interview this week. They were able to take turns using the microphone and share what their plan was for work time. At the end of work time, the students were able to use the microphones again to talk about what they did during work time.

Sensory Table:

This week, we have lentils and dinosaurs in the sensory table. The students are able to play and create different scenarios for the dinosaurs while using the sensory table.

Afternoon Table Activities:

After rest time, the students are able to choose from various activities at the tables, snack time or using the sensory table.

Monday(Math)- white boards to trace and write numbers, numbered popsicles and connectors.

Tuesday(Fine Motor)- bead with numbered cards and pipecleaners.

Wednesday(Manipulatives): tracing numbers and letters to create words.

Thursday(Art&Literacy): finger painting letters.

Friday(Sensory): playdoh

The Alaska Zoo visited us last Friday! They brought in flying squirrels.

My God is SO Great!

All week we have been preparing for the students to sing for the first time in church! They are getting very excited to show off their knowledge of the song and the actions that go with it. They have been doing an amazing job! They have had a busy week already. Friday we will be having a visit from the Alaska Zoo! They will be bringing in flying squirrels for the students to see and learn more about. Friday is also a half day for our students at Faith! What an exciting way to end the week. We are very excited to announce that the preschool students will be getting professional pictures taken on Tuesday!

Morning Stories:

Chicka Chicka 1 2 3 by Bill Martin Jr.

Pigeon Finds a Hotdog by Mo Willems

The Pout Pout Fish by Deborah Dieson

If you give a dog a donut by Laura Numeroff

Ish by Peter Reynolds

This week the students enjoyed making cell phones

with the tiny legos.

Bible Time (One in Christ Curriculum):

This week, the students heard the story of Abraham and Sarah. Our passage this week was 1 John 3:2, "Beloved, we are God's children now." In this story, they were able to hear about a promise. We were able to explain to the students what a promise is and how when God makes a promise, we can be sure that He will follow through. In the story, God promised Abraham that one day - he would have the Savior born from his family. God told Abraham that he would be blessed with a son. However, Abraham and his wife Sarah were very old and did not think it was possible to have a baby. God made a promise to them and sure enough, at the end of the story we saw that God followed through! He blessed Abraham and Sarah with the birth of their son, Isaac. What a blessing it is to know that God follows through on His promises. He promised to send His son, Jesus, to save us. Once again, He followed through on His promise. Now we can look forward to the day that He follows through on another promise - to bring us to heaven one day. What a joy it is to hear this message! The students were able to learn a song called, 'My God is SO Great!'.

Movement Time (SPARK Curriculum):

The focus of our movement lessons this week is jumping! The students have been playing several different games to help them with this concept. As usual, the students are able to begin their movement time with stretching and several movements songs to get their muscles ready for the activity ahead. They have enjoyed being able to play different games while using their bodies to jump!

Music Time (Sing and Make Music Curriculum):

This week, the students have been learning more about long and short sounds in music. They have been reviewing several different songs for this concept and have focused on 'White Sand' to help solidify the concept. Outside of the usual lesson this week, the students have been preparing 'Jesus Loves Me' for Sunday. The students will be singing the song during our church services at Faith Lutheran. They are very excited to share this song with parents, family and friends! It is a blessing to be able to see the joy on their face while they sing and perform the actions to this song!

Small Group Time (HighScope Curriculum):

This week the students have been focused on the letter D. In our Alaskan alphabet, the animal for the letter D is a Dall Sheep. Along with the letter D, the students are using a math KDI (key developmental indicator).

Monday- the students were able to make a design on a big and small letter D using colored pencils. The students were encouraged to draw several different shapes during this activity.

Tuesday- they were able to create a pattern using dot stickers. The students were able to freely do this activity without having to stick to a certain pattern.

Wednesday- the students used dot markers to create a pattern. This time the students had a set pattern they needed to create using the dot markers.

Friday- the students were able to complete an activity based on our story Chicka Chicka 1 2 3. They were able to place dot stickers with numbers in the proper spot on the tree!

Planning and Recall Time (HighScope Curriculum):

The students were able to repeat the activity from last week. 'Pass and pass the beanbag, pass it pass it round. Pass and pass the beanbag ______ plans now!'

Sensory Table:

The students used sand with measuring cups, spoons and funnels this week! They have enjoyed being able to fill and empty the items in the sensory table.

Afternoon Table Actvities:

The students can choose from the sensory table, snack or one of the afternoon activities.

Monday(Math): numbered muffin tins with flower beads.

Tuesday(Fine Motor): stickers and tape art project.

Wednesday(Manipulatives): FLOAM

Thursday(Art&Litearcy): books on dogs and painting with toothbrushes.

Seek first the kingdom of God

This week the students have been preparing for their song next Sunday, October 2nd. They will be singing their song with actions in church. The students are becoming excited to perform. They will have the opportunity to sing the song accompanied by a piano! Please be sure to have your child attend if possible. Thank you!

Morning Stories:

If you give a pig a pancake by Laura Numeroff

You are NOT small by Anna Wang

Click Clack Moo - Cows that type by Doreen Cronin

Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein

IF you want to see a whale by Julie Fogliano

Bible Time (One in Christ Curriculum):

This week the students are focusing on the Tower of Babel. In this story, the students hear about how the people of God wanted to do things their own way. There were consequences to doing things their own way. In this story, the students hear about how God created different languages in the lesson He taught to His people. After the people chose to ignore what God asked of them, He chose to show them His power and love through confusing them with new languages. Sometimes God has to show us His love through an action we may not understand - but God has His reasons. Jesus continues to forgive us for the mistakes we make each day, just like His people in the tower of Babel. We can encourage one another in the Lord. They were able to focus on Matthew 6:33, "Seek first the kingdom of God." We were able to introduce a new song to the students with actions - "Lord I lift Your name on high!" they enjoy being able to sing this song with the actions throughout the week.

Movement Time (SPARK Curriculum):

The focus in movement time this week is running. The students are using different musical songs and games to help solidify this concept. They are able to play 'red light green light' and perform different speeds based on the song being played for them on the CD. SPARK Curriculum provides several action based songs for the students to use a warm up activity before the lesson.

Music Time (Sing and Make Music):

Long and short duration are the focus in music time for the week. The students are able to work on the song B-I-N-G-O to help them understand the long and short durations in the song. The students have also been practicing their song 'Jesus Loves Me' for when they sing in church next week. They have worked on the actions and focusing on singing.

Small Group Time (HighScope Curriculum):

This week they are focusing on the letter C. We have an Alaskan alphabet for the students to look at each week - this week the picture is of a Caribou for the letter C. The key developmental indicator that they are doing activities on is fine motor. Children demonstrate dexterity and hand-eye coordination in using their small muscles.

Monday- introduction to the letter C. The students were able to use alphabet and number stickers to fill their letter C using their fine motor skills.

Tuesday- the students were sorting different shapes by color, which begins with the letter C. They sorted red, green, blue and yellow shapes.

Wednesday- they were able to focus more on their fine motor skills with an activity using beads and pipe cleaners. Students had to recognize the number of beads to place on the pipe cleaner.

Thursday- the students used scissors to cut (again, starts with C) different types of lines: wavy, zigzag, and straight.

Friday- students used crayons (letter C!) to color (letter C!) and create (letter C!) a collage (letter C again!).

The activities this week were meant to help reinforce their fine motor skills while also incorporating the letter C!

Planning and Recall Time (HighScope Curriculum):

This week the students used a beanbag to pass around the circle to plan. 'Pass and pass the beanbag, pass it pass it round. Pass and pass the beanbag ______ plans now!'

Sensory Table:

This week the students were able to use our sensory table for the first time!  We were able to have sand and various safari animals with scoops for the students to play with.

Afternoon Table Activities:

In the afternoon, the students are able to choose from the sensory table, snack or the table activities.

Monday(Math): sorting out shapes (triangle, circle, oval, square and rectangle)

Tuesday(Fine Motor): color pencils and markers with paper as well as crazy scissors.

Wednesday(Manipulatives): dress up magnets and linking chains

Thursday(Art & Literacy): painting with yarn and books about colors.

Friday(Sensory): oobleck!

Remember me, O LORD

What a wonderful week! This week we were able to participate with our grade school students to support our Cross Country team. They will be having their first meet this weekend. To help the students get excited - we were able to have a few fun themed days this week! Today was mix up Wednesday! The students were able to dress in silly apparel. Tomorrow they will be wearing their class color - preschool is RED! Friday will be our school color day, we are teal and gold! It is great to have our preschool students participate with our grade school.

Morning Stories:

If you give a mouse a cookie by Laura Numeroff

There is a monster at the end of this book! by Jon Stone

Happy Pig Day by Mo Willems

Russell the Sheep by Rob Scotton

Let's Play! by Henre Tullet

Bible Time (One in Christ Curriculum):

This week we see Gods mercy on us, His children. Our students heard the story of Noah and the flood this week. We can see the almighty power of our Lord in this story. Noah saw Gods mercy when he was able to build the ark and save his family from destruction. God's grace is what saved Noah. Through His sons death on the cross - we are saved by faith. What a wonderful blessing to tell a story that shows the might of our Lord. The students were able to learn the 'Arky Arky' song this week to go with our story. They focused on Psalm 106:4, "Remember me, O LORD." God keeps his promises. After the flood, He sent a rainbow in the sky as a reminder that he would never again send a flood to destroy the whole world. We can trust in Him and His word.

Movement Time (SPARK Curriculum):

The focus this week in movement time is running and walking. The students have to focus on being able to make their bodies transition between the two. They are able to play various games, such as STOP and GO with running and walking incorporated. They have enjoyed being able to experiment with using their bodies in different ways. They have realized that they need to watch for their friends while doing these activities.

Music Time (Sing and Make Music Curriculum):

Our lesson this week is all about loud and soft sounds with our voices. They are able to learn two new songs this week to help support the concept: 'Hey Betty Martin' and '5 Green and Speckled Frogs'. They have enjoyed being able to use their voices in different ways. They can also use their ears to hear the difference in their teachers voice as she demonstrates the different levels of volume.

Small Group Time (HighScope Curriculum):

For small group this week, the students have focused on the letter B and a Key Developmental Indicator. The KDI for this week is counting. Children are able to place and count items.

Monday: The students worked on filling a big and small letter B outline with tissue squares. After glueing the tissues squares in place, they were able to count how many it took to fill the letter.

Tuesday: They took colored bears and created patterns (based off of helpful cards) while counting how many bears it took to create the given pattern.

Wednesday: The students took buttons and placed them into numbered containers in a muffin tin. This was a very challenging activity for some students. They help solidify the concept, students were able to work with a partner to help!

Thursday: They were able to do a fun small group activity outside - bubbles! the students had to count how many bubbles came out of the wand after one blow!

Friday: The students were able to create a beaded necklace to keep! They were given a set amount of beads for this activity. The students had to count how many beads they had before creating their necklace.

Planning and Recall Time (HighScope Curriculum):

This week the students were able to review the 'Acka Backa' planning activity with the hula hoop. The students understand the concept a lot better this week! What a blessing.

Afternoon Table Activities:

In the afternoon, students choose from the sensory table, snack, or one of the table activities after rest time.

Monday(Math): numbered charts with beads.

Tuesday(Fine Motor): lettered clothespins with different shapes (they must match upper and lower case letters)

Wednesday(Manipulatives): foam blocks

Thursday(Art & Literacy): sort it out books and watercolors

Friday(Sensory): shaving cream on the tables with cars

I, the LORD, am your Savior

I hope you all enjoyed the three day weekend! The students came back to school filled with energy and stories of their weekends. It has been a joy to get back to our school routine. It is great to see how the students have formed relationships with one another. They are starting to remember each other's names, which is always a difficult task!

Morning Stories:

If you give a mouse a cookie by Laura Numeroff

This is NOT my hat by Jon Klassen

Bear and Duck by Katy Hudson

Bark, George! by Jules Feiffer

Otis by Loren Long

Bible Time (One in Christ Curriculum):

This week, the students are focusing on the first sin. It is always hard to understand the concept of a sin, especially when the term is new to us. The students have been hearing that sin is just like making a mistake. Sometimes we do things that we should not to do. It may upset our parents, friends, and our God. One thing we can remember is that God forgives us of our sins. We are so thankful that God forgives us through Christ and that we have the opportunity to share God's Word with those around us. Despite the mistake that Adam and Eve made, God showed His love to them and we can do the same. The bible passage we have focused on this week is from Isaiah 60:16, "I, the LORD, am your Savior." The students have focused on learning the words to Alleluia, which is how we end our bible time each week.

Movement Time (SPARK Curriculum):

Starting and stopping have been the focus this week in movement time. This can be a very difficult task for students to perform. They have been able to review the new terms from our curriculum which are 'homes' and 'neighborhood'. The students have a circle that is identified as their 'home'. These are used throughout the lessons and games that are played. This week, they were able to learn to move their bodies around the 'neighborhood' of homes. They had to listen carefully for the red and green lights (start and stop) during the lesson.

Music Time (Sing and Make Music Curriculum):

The students were introduced to the concept of singing loud and soft this week. They were able to review several songs that we have used since the start of the year. The new song for this week is called 'Listen to me' which has the students focus on listening to the teacher and creating the same type of sound with their voices. They have been able to hear new songs this week which has become a focus along with loud and soft.

Small Group Time (HighScope Curriculum):

Since we had a short week this week, the students are able to learn about an Artist. Throughout the year, the students will have weeks where they will focus on one specific artist, and attempting to create artwork just like theirs. Last time we focused on Vincent Van Gogh. This week we will focus on the abstract art of Mark Rothko.

Tuesday- The students were able to create a piece of art very similar to Mark Rothko. They were able to create three separate rectangles in various colors using paints.

Wednesday- The students were given various shapes to use and were able to create a picture of their choice.

Thursday- After creating the rectangle art piece, the students used triangles to create the same type of concept in various colors.

Friday- They will be able to freely create an art piece similar to Rothko's by using fingerpaints.

Planning and Recall Time:

This week for planning and recall time, the students have used hula hoops. We sit our groups in a circle and rotate the hula hoop while saying, 'acka backa soda cracker, acka backa pow. acka backa soda cracker, (insert student's name) plans now!' They have enjoyed being able to plan and recall in a new way this week.

Afternoon Table Activities:

In the afternoon, students can choose from a variety of activities at the tables, snack or an activity in the water table.

Tuesday(Fine Motor)- colored noodles with string and connecting links.

Wednesday(Manipulatives)- magnets and floor puzzles.

Thursday(Art & Literacy)- Eric Carle books and printed animals to color.

Friday(Sensory)- sensory bottles and bags.