This week we spent time getting back into our school routine and we started talking about polar bears.
To began the week I read a poem to the kids. I asked the kiddos to think about which animal I was describing. After a few guesses the children shouted out, "polar bear!!"
"I'm white and furry,
and I swim in the sea.
The cold snow and ice are just right for me.
Who am I?"
We then read the "Polar Bears" National Geographic and started to write down polar bear facts. We learned that polar bears are mammals, have clear fur, and like to eat seals!
Polar Bear Videos
The Pre-K kiddos had the opportunity to watch videos of real polar bears in action! It was so much fun to see the polar bears in their natural habitat.
Journals
This week we read a book about a polar bear mama who taught her cubs how to hunt. I asked the kiddos to tell me about a time that their parents taught them something.
Motor Play with Styrofoam
The kiddos enjoyed this fine motor activity and created interesting pieces of artwork using craft sticks, beads and pipe-cleaners.
Q-Tip Painting with Pastels
The students helped make the paint by mixing white and the color in the cups. Painting with Q-Tips is amazing fine motor work and strengthens fingers.
Abacus Math
This week we introduced the abacus math frame and played different counting games to help the children develop early math, counting, and logical thinking skills.
Number Slap Jack
A fun number recognition and counting card game that enforces numbers 0-20. To play the game all the cards are dealt. The kids then take turns turning over their cards and identifying the number on their card. If they do not recognize the number they are asked to count the dots underneath the corresponding number. If a "slap it" card appears the kids are encouraged to be the first one to "slap" the pile in the middle of the table. The first one gets to add that pile to their own.
Sensory Exploration: Sand and Water Play
Sand and water play allows children to learn with hands-on materials and take in new information through their senses. Sand and water play is a great introduction to higher-level thinking concepts like volume as well as early physics concepts like motion and flowing water. Sensory exploration are wonderful environments to create conversations. The children develop intricate pretend play ideas, and ask one another questions. The teachers encouraged the kids to share their ideas by starting conversations with statements like "I would what would happen if..." and "Tell me about..."
Music Class
This week with Ms. Novesky the kids played various instruments.
Art Class
This week in art class with Ms. Stein the kiddos painted to music. The children were free to express themselves while listening to different styles of music. The kids were encouraged to listen to the music and try to match the feeling and pace of the songs with colors and paintbrush strokes that match.
Mystery Reader
This week our mystery reader was Ms. Wilson - Middle School Drama Teacher. Thank you for coming in and reading to us!
CVC Reading Practice
