I've Got Love Like An Ocean

The students have had a busy week! We are excited to be preparing for Family Movie Night on February 14th. I strongly encourage you all to attend this event as a family. There will be games, snacks and obviously a movie! It will be a fun time for socializing with fellow families of not only the preschool but also the grade school!

Our new hair salon!

Morning Stories:
The Snowy Rescue by M. Christina Butler
My Friend is Sad by Mo Willems
Peter's Chair by Ezra Jack Keats
The Bag I'm Taking to Grandma's by Shirley Neitzel
There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow by Lucille Colandro

Planning/Recall Time:
This week the students have been using a telescope to do their planning. They are able to look through the telescope at the various items in the classroom to be able to plan and also recall.

Sensory Table:
In the sensory table this week we have dinosaurs, volcanoes and lentils. The students have really enjoyed being able to use the dinosaurs and during work time. They can create an environment or scenery to help with their play. 

Bible Time:
Just a reminder: we use the Christ Light bible curriculum during this time. The students have been studying more about Jesus and the Paralyzed Man. God is a great blessing in this story as well as in our lives. We know that he can help heal our bodies and our souls. As it says in 1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." We can always remember that we can cast any of our worries or burdens on Him who strengthens us. He will continue to provide for us each day just as he provided and blessed the paralyzed man. The students were able to review a song from September this week, 'What a Friend We Have in Jesus'. The students have also shown interest in reviewing 'I've Got Peace Like a River'.

Movement Time:
We use the SPARK curriculum for our movement time. This week the students have been focusing more on created a T for Table. They are able to successfully lift their stomachs to the sky. We have been working on stomping our feet while counting to ten in this hold position. The students have challenged themselves to lifting a hand or leg as well. This can be difficult for some, with practice the students will continue to get better!

Music Time:
During music we use the Sing and Make Music curriculum. This week we have been focusing on phrases. The students have been learning the "Eency Weency Spider." I have also introduced them to the story book that goes with the song that has several other verses and pictures to go along with the book. The students enjoy being able to add more verses to their knowledge. It is hard for them to realize the words change when each verse begins the same. We are working on this while reading the story. 

Small Group Time:
We use the HighScope Curriculum in our classroom. During small group the students focus on a KDI (Key Developmental Indicator). This week the students focused on fine motor skills. Children demonstrate dexterity and hand-eye coordination in using their small muscles. 

Monday: The students were able to use their fine motor skills by attempting to 'free' the beads from the yarn. The students had to remove the knots in the string to get the bead free. This proved to be challenging for the students but helped them show perseverance to solve the problem.
Tuesday: They were able to use stickers. This proves to be difficult for some of the students. We continue to review this concept throughout the year. 
Wednesday: The students were able to sort pom poms using clothespins. The idea of having to use a clothespin is difficult for some to do. They were able to practice this skill and do it to the best of their ability.

Thursday: The students were able to place straws into the holes of containers. They had to focus on being able to place the straw inside of the hole throughout the activity.
Friday: The students were challenged to cut various types of lines. The students worked with straight, zigzag, and wavy lines.

Afternoon Stories:
Franklin and the Birthday Party by Paulette Bourgeois

The students were able to create a ramp
using some of our toys!

Afternoon Table Activities:
During this part of the day, the students are waking up from nap. They are able to choose from snack, the table activities or the sensory table.

Monday(Math): taped shapes were on the table - students must sort actual items into the right shape.
Tuesday(Fine Motor): Sorting noodles by color with tweezers and spelling words with letter cards and clothespins.
Wednesday(Manipulatives): Magnets, ramps and a marble run.
Thursday(Art/Literacy): making a coat using buttons and various items, various letters that students must place counting bears on.
Friday(Sensory): rices with scoops and finding your letters that are hiding in the rice.