My spirit rejoices in God my Savior

The students have been busy this week (and for the weeks to come) preparing for the Christmas program that is December 16th. They are learning new songs and even sign language! I am so excited for them to be able to share the Christmas program with friends and family. It is amazing to see all of the things they are picking up on so quickly! It is a joy to see them working so hard to prepare for this program. I pray that you all enjoy seeing them perform, but also hearing them share the Christmas story with all of you!

Morning Stories:

A stick is an excellent thing by LeUyen Pham

The Twelve Dancing Princesses by Rachel Isadora

The Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas

The Box by Antoinette Portis

If you take a mouse to the movies by Laura Numeroff

Bible Time (One in Christ Curriculum):

This week we have had the opportunity to help the students focus on the coming of the Savior. As November comes to an end, the students are getting very excited for Christmas to come! Our story this week is to help them remember the importance of Christmas time. Not only is this a time for us to be with friends and family - but this is a time to celebrate the birth of our Savior! My spirit rejoices in God my Savior." What a joy it is to be able to share this wonderful story with the students. We remind them that this was a long awaited gift. The gift of our Savior is much more important than any gifts we can receive at Christmas time. He was born to save us - even though we did not deserve saving! What an amazing gift to share with our friends and families this holiday season!

Movement Time (SPARK Curriculum):

As we continue throughout the year, we will have times to help us review some of the things we have learned so far! This week the students are playing various games to help them remember the animal movements they have talked about this year. The students are able to demonstrate their knowledge of galloping, hopping, running, etc. They enjoy being able to play a variety of games while reviewing these actions. They have reviewed some of their favorite warm up songs this year as well!

Music Time (Sing and Make Music Curriculum):

For music this week and until the Christmas program, the students are learning the songs they will be performing. They have learned three verses of 'Away in a Manger'. They know sign language actions for verse one! They have also focused on the refrain of 'Go Tell It On the Mountain' and parts of 'Silent Night'. Unlike last year, the students will have lines to say during the performance as well. It is a joy to hear them telling the Christmas story!

Small Group Time (HighScope Curriculum):

The students have been focusing on the letter K this week! They have also been doing activities relating to phonological awareness.

Monday: introducing the letter K with a fine motor activity, placing alphabet stickers inside the upper and lower case K.

Tuesday: reviewing items that start with the letter K and what sound it makes. Identifying the sound while the teacher is reading a book.

Wednesday: rice tubs filled with letter, students were asked to find the letter K.

Thursday: tracing activity with not only the letter K but also working on their names.

Friday: identifying the sound of the letter k while the teacher is reading the book (part 2).

Planning and Recall Time:

Students were able to use the binoculars once again to plan and recall what they did in the classroom during work time.

Sensory Table:

Alphabet soup! Students were able to make 'soup' with water and letters. Scoops, bowls, spoons and ladles were available for them to use!

Afternoon Table Activities:

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

Monday(Math): number puzzles, numbered popsicles and dominoes

Tuesday(Fine Motor): straws with string, connectors, clothespins with colors to match.

Wednesday(Manipulatives): small puzzles, lacing cards, and blocks.

Thursday(Art&Literacy): National Geographic for Kids magazines, watercolors and tracing cards.

Friday(Sensory): sensory bottles and farming tub with corn.

The LORD is our stronghold in times of trouble

This is our last full week of preschool before we have Thanksgiving break! We have been doing several different art projects to help the students enjoy their time before break begins. Next week we only have school Monday through Wednesday. We will be having a FUN week filled with games, activities, art projects and even a movie (hopefully)!

Morning Stories:

The bag I'm taking to Grandma's by Shirley Neitzel

Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems

Frog on a Log by Kes Gray

Little Blue and Little Yellow by Leo Lionni

Looks like spilt milk by Charles G. Shaw

Bible Time (One In Christ Curriculum):

Often times we worry about things that God has promised to take care of. We find ourselves lacking trust in God to take care of us and our needs. The Israelites found themselves in a similar situation in our bible story this week. Our story this week is about the bronze snake (Numbers 21:4-9). The Israelites started to grumble and complain about the things that God had provided them. They wanted better food than what God had given them. In order to show God's power to the Israelites, he sent snakes among them. He wanted them to remember to rely on God. God told Moses to make a bronze snake to put on a pole. When the Israelites looked to the snake with faith in God's promise, they would live. The snake on a pole is very similar to Christ's death on the cross. We can look to him for forgiveness and life. Our passage this week is from Psalm 9:9, "The LORD is a stronghold in times of trouble."

Movement Time (SPARK Curriculum):
The focus for movement this week is leaping. The students have done several warm up songs from the SPARK CD to help get their muscles ready to move. They enjoy being able to not only learn about the importance of exercise in movement, but also in our free time when they are able to do www.gonoodle.com to get their bodies moving! This is a free website that has some age appropriate options for preschoolers!

Music Time (Sing and Make Music Curriculum):

This week they have been working on high and low pitches in music. They have also started working on their songs that they will sing for the Christmas concert on December 16th. We have been learning 'Away in a Manger' with sign language. They students have loved working on verse 1 so far! We are hoping to be able to add one or two more.

Small Group Time (HighScope Curriculum):

They have focused on the letter J this week in small group. Our KDI (Key Developmental Indicator) for the week is numbers.

Monday- introduction to the letter J and practicing how to write it out on a white board.

Tuesday- a number chart with counting bears/dinosaurs.

Wednesday- the same number chart, this time the students are gluing tissue square to represent the number on the chart.

Thursday- pipecleaners with beads and numbers to place the proper amount on each.

Friday- creating a jellyfish while practicing upper and lower case J.

Sensory Table:

This week the students are able to use tweezers, tubes and paper shavings in the sensory table!

Planning/Recall Time (HighScope Curriculum):

The students are able to once again use the binoculars to spot things in the classroom that they would like to use during work time.

Afternoon Table Activities:

They are able to choose from the table activities, snack or the sensory table in the afternoon.

Monday(Math)- numbered popsicles, puzzles and Jenga

Tuesday(Fine Motor)- beads with pipecleaners and lacing cards.

Wednesday(Manipulatives)- foam blocks and two tubs of rice.

Thursday(Art and Literacy)- creating a candy corn art project and watercolors.

Friday(Sensory)- sensory bottles and a tub of corn with farming items.

Love the Lord your God

This week we have been able to have parent teacher conferences. I pray that you were able to learn more about your child and how they are doing in preschool. God has truly blessed our class this year. It is a joy to see how much they have changed since August! They continue to grow each day as we learn more. God is good.

Morning Stories:

Don't Push the Button by Bill Cotter

Peter's Chair by Ezra Jack Keats

The Hat by Jan Brett

Goodnight Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann

Wolfie the Bunny by Ame Dyckman

Bible Time (One in Christ Curriculum):

The students have been hearing the story of God giving the ten commandments. God gave the Commandments to us to show us the meaning of living a godly life and to show us that we need a Savior. God offers us forgiveness and restores us daily through the saving grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is the Holy Spirit working in us that enables us to grow in our faith. God has given us the ten commandments in love. In return we can show our love to him. As it says in Deuteronomny 6:5, "Love the Lord your God." What a wonderful blessing to know that God has loved us so much that he looks past the mistakes we make in life and shows us His grace. He loves us despite our flaws. It is amazing to see the amount of love He shows us. God is good.

Movement Time (SPARK Curriculum):

Our main focus this week in movement is skipping. The students have been learning this gross motor movement slowly. We have tried to make them focus on lifting their knees high and slowly moving around the room. Each day the students are able to attempt the movement faster and faster as they are comfortable. They have been able to do these activities while playing different games and using their knowledge of the dances in movement time on the SPARK CD.

Music Time (Sing and Make Music Curriculum):

This week, the students have been focusing on different types of sounds in music. They have new songs this week: "Hey Mister Big Drum', 'Little Ducky Dudddle', and 'Are you Sleeping?" Soon the students will be working on their songs for the Christmas program during music time. They will be working on a few different songs and recitations for the program. The program is in December.

Small Group Time (HighScope Curriculum):

The letter of the week is I. The students have used our Alaskan alphabet which tells us that iceberg begins with the letter I. The KDI (Key Developmental Indicator) the students are using this week is children explore and use different tools and technology.

Monday- the students were able to use glue and various shapes to make a big and little I.

Tuesday- they went on a letter hunt in the classroom for I.

Wednesday- the students were able to use various tools to create icebergs. They did this with shaving cream, glue and blue paper!

Thursday- they used several different tools to break the ice.

Friday- the students took ice chunks and used them to create a watercolor picture of things that start with the letter I.

Planning Time (HighScope Curriculum):

This week the students are able to use binoculars to do their planning and recall time. Students can look around the classroom at areas and items that they would like to play with during work time.

Afternoon Table Activities:

After the students are finished with rest time, they are able to choose from snack and one of the following activities:

Monday(Math)- number puzzles, tracing numbers with dry erase markers and memory math.

Tuesday(Fine Motor)- connectors, small puzzles and geoboards.

Wednesday(Manipulatives)- link n logs, fitting straws in holes of a container and a United State of America puzzle.

Thursday(Art and Literacy)- alphabet art with letter cards and finger painting.

Friday(Sensory)- shaving cream on the tables to make letters.

Nothing will be impossible with God

As the weather continues to change, the children are enjoying spending their time outside! They are very excited to play in the snow each day. They are also very excited for the Trunk or Treat event that is happening at Faith on Friday the 28th of October. Bring your friends and family to this safe environment for trick or treating, games, pumpkin painting and more! It will take place at Faith Lutheran from 5-8pm. We hope to see you there.

Morning Stories:
Click, Clack, Peep! by Doreen Cronin
I wish you more by Amy Krause Rosenthal
Otis and the Scarecrow by Loren Long
Who goes there? by Karma Wilson
My New Friend is SO Fun by Mo Willems

Bible Time (One in Christ Curriculum):
In our bible story this week, the students are able to hear about how God takes care of His people. God alone shows His strength and power to all in the parting of the Red Sea. He was able to wash away the enemies and save the people. For us, we face different enemies today. Our enemies are sin, death and the power of the devil. We are constantly feeling a weight from these enemies. God provides a way out. He washes away our sins and saves us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God is always with us and will take care of us. He knows our every need and understands our weaknesses. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. We should trust in Him and know that nothing is impossible with His help. We have focused on 'I've Got Peace Like a River' this week as our bible song. We will continue to add verses on in the weeks to come.

Movement Time (SPARK Curriculum):
This week they are able to look at different pathways (curvy, zig-zag and straight). Students are working on performing various locomotor movements on these types of pathways. We taped the pathways on the carpet for movement and the students must work to stay on the path as best as possible. They continue to warm their bodies up for movement time through various songs in the SPARK curriculum.

Music Time (Sing and Make Music Curriculum):
Tempo has been the focus for this week as well. The students are adding more instruments and songs to help them better understand the concept of tempo. They have learned 'Here We Go 'Round the Mulberry Bush' as their song this week. They can focus on fast and slow tempo in this song. They also review songs from the previous weeks and use shakers to help keep a steady beat while singing the songs.

Small Group Time (HighScope Curriculum):
Each week the students focus on a new letter or a new artist! This week the students are back to a letter. They have been learning about the letter G. In our Alaskan alphabet, the letter G represents gold. The KDI (key developmental indicator) this week has been patterns.

Monday- introduction to the letter G. The students were able to create a pattern on their upper and lowercase G's.

Tuesday- the students were able to list several different items that started with the letter g. They also made patterns using linking cubes.
Wednesday- they were able to create a pattern using legos. Each group used one other color and the color green.
Thursday- the students were able to create an art project using patterns and things that start with the letter G: glitter, green, g stickers!
Friday- The students created a pattern using their names this week!

Planning and Recall Time (HighScope Curriculum):
This week the students have been able to pass and pass the pumpkin for planning and recall time! They have enjoyed being able to use a new item that reflects the time of year. They pass and pass it around in a circle until all of the students have been able to plan/recall.

Afternoon Table Activities:
The students are able to choose between snack and the afternoon table activities this week.

Monday(Math): number puzzles, dominoes and blocks
Tuesday(Fine Motor): tweezers with a colored sorting pie, colored pencils and crazy scissors
Wednesday(Manipulatives): duplo blocks and floor puzzles
Thursday(Art & Literacy): painting a pumpkin on paper with legos
Friday(Sensory): corn tub with farming items

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.