This week we started our thematic unit of studying about dinosaurs. This theme is so fun and exciting for the kids. But there is so much more then having fun with dinosaurs.
Many of our activities included working together and taking turns. By working as a team, children develop important life skills like problem solving, listening, leadership, and creative thinking. Nurturing teamwork skills also develops higher levels of self-confidence, self-esteem, empathy, and compassion.
Here are the Pre-K dinosaurs. There was much ROARING going on this week. It goes with the territory of dinosaur play. It's hard enough to take turns, to not roar over each other. During this activity we had a roar off. Check out the Pre-K facebook page for live action.
One of the first skills children learn in school is the ability to work in groups. Teamwork requires children to cooperate with each other, and children who learn these skills are also on their way to establishing solid skills in problem-solving, communication, listening, creativity, and self-esteem.
This activity was to work together to create 4 dinosaurs together without claiming one your own. I loved the cooperation and team work.
Creating this dinosaurs included taking turns with glue squeeze bottles. The kids showed their patience while waiting for their turn to use a glue bottle. When all was done I think this dinosaurs had about 2 Lbs. of glue under those shapes. :)
When young kids learn about dinosaurs, they also learn about classification.They grasp the idea that within the category of dinosaurs, there are subcategories. They can sort their dino favorites into, say, meat eaters and plant eaters—each with different types of teeth, traveling speed, and so on.
Here we are talking about some similarities and differences between dinosaurs.
Let the dinosaur play begin.
We learned a new word this week, Paleontologist. Let the digging begin.
What did your dinosaur look like when you dug it up?
Dinosaurs showed up everywhere :)
Dinosaur Show and Tell.
Zoo Phonics
Pre-K has started using the zoo phonics program. Zoo-phonics uses animals drawn in the shapes of the letters for ease in memory. A related body movement is given for each letter. This concrete approach cements the sounds to the shapes of the letters.
Here the kids are finding the letter sounds. Ask your children if they can tell you the sounds of the letters. We have done ABCDEFGH.
Inside/Outside recess
Specials
Art Class.
Continuing the art of artist Jim Dine.
French Class
Finishing up the unit on polar animals.
Music Class
Celebrating the Lunar Year. Pre-K continued celebrating the Lunar Year in music class. Mrs. Redmann shared some videos of the dragon dance, she showed the children clothing and items she had from a trip to South Korea. The kids had the opportunity to try on the hat. Teo and Teryn taught everyone a special bow called a sebae.
Library
PE
Next week we will continue more dinosaur adventures. Including fossils and volcanos. I'm looking forward to this special time with your children.a