No school for all Wednesday 4/1. No report cards or conferences. Portfolios will be distributed in June. Please make sure you have returned your child's portfolios. We are adding new reports and sheets to them. I am still waiting for 3 portfolios!
Thursday 4/2 is Ms. Gina's party. Her last day is Friday. On Friday 4/3, morning class has school. All have next week off for spring break. Ms. Amy will be back after spring break.
Ms. Elma
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Monday 3/30 Happy Birthday Jordan and Ethan!
Today we returned to our exploration of clay. We asked the children the following questions: What do you know about clay? Where does clay come from? We recorded their answers. Then we gave them some general information about clay....... that clay comes from the ground and then processed in the factory.... clay was first used a long time ago when people needed to make glasses to drink out of and pots to cook in.
We will have clay available all week for students to create a sculpture if they wish. Since this is our second exploration of clay, most of the children have learned good techniques and are rolling balls, and snakes, and connecting and molding pieces together. Tomorrow we will introduce how to draw on clay. Soon we should have another exhibit of the children's exploration of clay. Please encourage your child to create a sculpture in class.
In the morning class, Patrick's Mom, Ms. Carly gave another yoga relaxation lesson. This is the fourth or fifth time Ms. Carly has come into our classroom. She is teaching us varied relaxation exercises such as relaxation breathing and meditation to provoke a general sense of calm and wellness. Eden returned from her vacation in Florida and the Magic Kingdom and brought everyone a seashell from Seashell Island! Thanks Eden for the shells and Thanks to Ms. Carly for the Yoga lessons.
In the afternoon class, we celebrated 2 birthdays with double cupcakes from Jordan-4 and Ethan-5. We will be eating cupcakes today and tomorrow. Yippeee! Congratulations to Spencer, and proud parents Robin and Lehman who welcomed a little brother, Landon this weekend. This is our third baby in the afternoon class! A big thank you to Patrick who brought oranges for everybody that he hand picked from his grandparents yard in Arizona! They were so juicy!
Just a reminder, that there will be no school on Wednesday, 4/1 for citywide report card pick-up. FYI, in the prek level we use portfolios and not report cards, so there will be no report cards distributed on Wednesday. But we will be sharing portfolios again in June. The teachers will be working on portfolios Wednesday.
Ms. Elma
We will have clay available all week for students to create a sculpture if they wish. Since this is our second exploration of clay, most of the children have learned good techniques and are rolling balls, and snakes, and connecting and molding pieces together. Tomorrow we will introduce how to draw on clay. Soon we should have another exhibit of the children's exploration of clay. Please encourage your child to create a sculpture in class.
In the morning class, Patrick's Mom, Ms. Carly gave another yoga relaxation lesson. This is the fourth or fifth time Ms. Carly has come into our classroom. She is teaching us varied relaxation exercises such as relaxation breathing and meditation to provoke a general sense of calm and wellness. Eden returned from her vacation in Florida and the Magic Kingdom and brought everyone a seashell from Seashell Island! Thanks Eden for the shells and Thanks to Ms. Carly for the Yoga lessons.
In the afternoon class, we celebrated 2 birthdays with double cupcakes from Jordan-4 and Ethan-5. We will be eating cupcakes today and tomorrow. Yippeee! Congratulations to Spencer, and proud parents Robin and Lehman who welcomed a little brother, Landon this weekend. This is our third baby in the afternoon class! A big thank you to Patrick who brought oranges for everybody that he hand picked from his grandparents yard in Arizona! They were so juicy!
Just a reminder, that there will be no school on Wednesday, 4/1 for citywide report card pick-up. FYI, in the prek level we use portfolios and not report cards, so there will be no report cards distributed on Wednesday. But we will be sharing portfolios again in June. The teachers will be working on portfolios Wednesday.
Ms. Elma
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Yummy Wednesday, Hurray for Guest Chefs!!!!
At the Room 107 Cordon Bleu Cooking School today, the morning Chefs, Billy and Ms. Denise made us an assortment of fancy fruit dip, and onion dip with crudites, and strawberries, pretzels, and baked chips. The afternoon Chefs, Nate and Ms. Kelly must have just flown in from France because they made us crepes with butter and syrup using a fancy crepe pan! Oooo, la,la! We have 2 more Guest Chef spots open in April, don't miss this chance to make your child feel special.
Today at small group, we practiced writing our numbers 1 to 6. During centers, we offered water coloring at the table, and invited children to create a mural to welcome spring. At story time, we read the book- Mouse's First Spring. I'm afraid that some of the children might want to dig up earthworms, which baby mouse discovered in the story.
The morning class took home their sign-in sheet today. Remember no afternoon class this Thursday and no school for all on Friday.
Next week, we will be saying our goodbyes to Ms. Gina. Ms. Gina started in our class in October as our student teacher, and stayed as Ms. Amy's temporary replacement. Personally, she has my enormous gratitude. Her continued presence in the classroom has allowed a seamless transition for the children. She has been a kind and terrific teacher to your children. We will miss her terribly. Her last day will be Friday 4/3 and we are having an ice cream sundae party in her honor on Thursday 4/2.
Ms. Elma
Today at small group, we practiced writing our numbers 1 to 6. During centers, we offered water coloring at the table, and invited children to create a mural to welcome spring. At story time, we read the book- Mouse's First Spring. I'm afraid that some of the children might want to dig up earthworms, which baby mouse discovered in the story.
The morning class took home their sign-in sheet today. Remember no afternoon class this Thursday and no school for all on Friday.
Next week, we will be saying our goodbyes to Ms. Gina. Ms. Gina started in our class in October as our student teacher, and stayed as Ms. Amy's temporary replacement. Personally, she has my enormous gratitude. Her continued presence in the classroom has allowed a seamless transition for the children. She has been a kind and terrific teacher to your children. We will miss her terribly. Her last day will be Friday 4/3 and we are having an ice cream sundae party in her honor on Thursday 4/2.
Ms. Elma
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tuesday- March 24th
On Thursday 3/26, there will be no school for the afternoon class. It is a professional development afternoon, for teachers. On Friday, no school for both morning and afternoon.
At meeting today, we talked about Spring. We spelled out the word and introduced the ng blend sound at the end of the word. The children shared their homework, and each child talked about the signs of spring they noticed. We talked about activities that could be done now that it is spring. Several of the children want to fly a kite, play soccer, swing on swings, wear raincoats and wear short sleeves and shorts. Some commented that they grew and got bigger.
At small group, we practiced quantifying to 10 and identifying numbers with unifix cubes. During center time, we prepared invitations for our school's 10 Year Anniversary Party which will be on April 24th from 3-5pm. Please spread the word and all are invited to come. We are especially looking for past prek alumni students. We went outside to play today, and the morning class took pictures of signs of spring in our school garden. We had cantaloupe for snack.
Ms. Elma
At meeting today, we talked about Spring. We spelled out the word and introduced the ng blend sound at the end of the word. The children shared their homework, and each child talked about the signs of spring they noticed. We talked about activities that could be done now that it is spring. Several of the children want to fly a kite, play soccer, swing on swings, wear raincoats and wear short sleeves and shorts. Some commented that they grew and got bigger.
At small group, we practiced quantifying to 10 and identifying numbers with unifix cubes. During center time, we prepared invitations for our school's 10 Year Anniversary Party which will be on April 24th from 3-5pm. Please spread the word and all are invited to come. We are especially looking for past prek alumni students. We went outside to play today, and the morning class took pictures of signs of spring in our school garden. We had cantaloupe for snack.
Ms. Elma
Monday, March 23, 2009
Happy Spring- Monday
Today we began our signing-in process. Starting this week, the children will have to write their name on a sign-in sheet everyday. The children have been working on writing their name since January and are now ready to do it on their own. When you drop your child off, you can remind your child to make sure and sign-in!
At meeting time today, we continued our discussion of Abiyoyo. The children were asked the challenge question: What happened to Abiyoyo when he disappeared? At small group, we recorded their answers and the children drew pictures of where Abiyoyo went after he disappeared. During center time, the children were invited to make a magic wand to take home. At story time, we read a book about seasons---Spring. We discussed signs of spring. The children were given homework: Please look for signs of spring when you go home. During meeting tomorrow, we will be discussing signs of spring they noticed at home. The morning class did not go outside today because of the rain. In the afternoon, we were able to go outside, and we took pictures of signs of spring in school garden. We had apples for snack.
Congratulations to Meghan who has a baby brother-Timothy, born Friday!
Ms. Elma
At meeting time today, we continued our discussion of Abiyoyo. The children were asked the challenge question: What happened to Abiyoyo when he disappeared? At small group, we recorded their answers and the children drew pictures of where Abiyoyo went after he disappeared. During center time, the children were invited to make a magic wand to take home. At story time, we read a book about seasons---Spring. We discussed signs of spring. The children were given homework: Please look for signs of spring when you go home. During meeting tomorrow, we will be discussing signs of spring they noticed at home. The morning class did not go outside today because of the rain. In the afternoon, we were able to go outside, and we took pictures of signs of spring in school garden. We had apples for snack.
Congratulations to Meghan who has a baby brother-Timothy, born Friday!
Ms. Elma
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Goodbye Ms. Candy
Today we said goodbye to our music teacher Ms. Candy. Our school had contracted Ms. Candy to expose our children to Fine Arts. Each Thursday, Ms. Candy had been coming to our class with her guitar and together we sang songs, played instruments, and swayed and clapped to numerous activities. Ms. Candy also brought us books that we would sing together. We will miss her.
To help the children say goodbye, we invited them to write/make thank you cards for Ms. Candy. We are very proud of the writing skills they demonstrated. Most knew that her name started with the letter C and were able to write her name and sign the card they made.
In the morning class, Patrick made shamrocks on a stick for all his friends. In the afternoon class, Elizabeth proudly brought a DVD of Chicka, Chicka, Boom,Boom from the library. We had been working on our letter partners last week and the children were excited to watch for their letters in the 10 minute story-DVD. Thanks- Patrick and Elizabeth.
We had strawberries for snack and went outside today.
Ms. Elma
To help the children say goodbye, we invited them to write/make thank you cards for Ms. Candy. We are very proud of the writing skills they demonstrated. Most knew that her name started with the letter C and were able to write her name and sign the card they made.
In the morning class, Patrick made shamrocks on a stick for all his friends. In the afternoon class, Elizabeth proudly brought a DVD of Chicka, Chicka, Boom,Boom from the library. We had been working on our letter partners last week and the children were excited to watch for their letters in the 10 minute story-DVD. Thanks- Patrick and Elizabeth.
We had strawberries for snack and went outside today.
Ms. Elma
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Wednesday - Guest Chefs
The highlight of our day were our two guest chefs. In the morning class, Matthew and his Dad, Mr. Matt prepared banana dogs?????-------bananas in hot dog buns with marshmallow fluff, chocolate or strawberry syrup, and raisin toppings! I tried one and it was Surprisingly delicious! In the afternoon class, Elizabeth and her Mom, Ms. Maura prepared refreshing strawberry banana smoothies! Yummmm. Thank you
At meeting time, we continued asking the children what they would wish for. Almost all made wishes like only children can......you must ask your child what they wished for. During small group, we listened to soft classical music while drawing, then switched to drawing to rock and roll music(freeze dance). We were amazed at how the music affected the children. There were responses of calm and concentrated drawing, and times of lively and rhythmic drawing. During storytime, we read several books including Abiyoyo and worked on story recall skills and practiced our vocabulary words of ostracize and ukulele. At music, we shadow danced to many songs including the freeze dance and 5 little fish.
Ms. Elma
At meeting time, we continued asking the children what they would wish for. Almost all made wishes like only children can......you must ask your child what they wished for. During small group, we listened to soft classical music while drawing, then switched to drawing to rock and roll music(freeze dance). We were amazed at how the music affected the children. There were responses of calm and concentrated drawing, and times of lively and rhythmic drawing. During storytime, we read several books including Abiyoyo and worked on story recall skills and practiced our vocabulary words of ostracize and ukulele. At music, we shadow danced to many songs including the freeze dance and 5 little fish.
Ms. Elma
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Tuesday- St. Patrick's Day
Our new morning song asks the children to "close your eyes and make a wish just for today..." After we sang the morning song, we asked the children if they wished for anything, here are some of their wishes:
Andrea"I wish we could go to the waterpark.", Matthew E. "I wish today could be the day for my Dad to be Guest Chef!", Elias"I wish the world was made of fruit snacks!" , Billy " I wish I was on a bulldozer with my Dad", Meghan " I wish I had long hair.", several girls--Solana, Jordan, Lexi, and Elizabeth wished for a "Rapunzel doll with long hair??????? " Spencer "I wish I had on my Batman suit.", Joseph B. "I wish I was riding a tank". Even the teachers longingly wished---Ms. Pam "Wish I was in Hawaii.", Ms. Gina "I wish I had a puppy."
At storytime we reread Abiyoyo. We identified the characters in the story and spelled out the characters names. In small group we continued to discuss the problems in the story and some possible solutions. There were wonderful, imaginative ideas that the children thought of and the teachers recorded the responses.
We went outside to enjoy the sunshine and the bicycles. We had bananas for snack. Please come into our classroom to view an exhibit on Letter Partners!
Ms. Elma
Andrea"I wish we could go to the waterpark.", Matthew E. "I wish today could be the day for my Dad to be Guest Chef!", Elias"I wish the world was made of fruit snacks!" , Billy " I wish I was on a bulldozer with my Dad", Meghan " I wish I had long hair.", several girls--Solana, Jordan, Lexi, and Elizabeth wished for a "Rapunzel doll with long hair??????? " Spencer "I wish I had on my Batman suit.", Joseph B. "I wish I was riding a tank". Even the teachers longingly wished---Ms. Pam "Wish I was in Hawaii.", Ms. Gina "I wish I had a puppy."
At storytime we reread Abiyoyo. We identified the characters in the story and spelled out the characters names. In small group we continued to discuss the problems in the story and some possible solutions. There were wonderful, imaginative ideas that the children thought of and the teachers recorded the responses.
We went outside to enjoy the sunshine and the bicycles. We had bananas for snack. Please come into our classroom to view an exhibit on Letter Partners!
Ms. Elma
Monday, March 16, 2009
Happy Monday-Post Parade Day
Today during meeting, the children were all abuzz about the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Some children were in the parade--Billy (Dad called me "lazybones"), Nate"I was on a float", Rosie " I rode on a horse?" Others saw each other at the parade and all loved getting candy. A few other comments.....Patrick (pm) said " We had to walk a really long way and people were throwing garbage on the street!", Maura " I saw Ms. Amy, she looked cute!" Nate thoughtfully brought his pm friends suckers left-over from the float he rode.
We learned a new morning song " Clap your hands to start the day with fun and music as we say Good Morning....." The children clap along, stretch arms, snap their fingers, and sway to the music. Discussion on Abiyoyo has started after book reading. We are learning to use the words ostracize, village, and ukulele. Discussions about real/make believe and problems the children have thought about in the story such as Abiyoyo's poor hygiene and eating of animals are being discussed in small group. We had the shadow wall up with the children wearing St. Patrick's Day hats while singing their version of the Abiyoyo song. We wrote, spelled, and sounded out the words St. Patrick's Day Parade. Several children constructed shamrocks with white hearts that had been placed in the art cart. The children spent at least 30 minutes outside enjoying the sunshine and riding the trikes. We had oranges for snack.
Until tomorrow,
Ms. Elma
We learned a new morning song " Clap your hands to start the day with fun and music as we say Good Morning....." The children clap along, stretch arms, snap their fingers, and sway to the music. Discussion on Abiyoyo has started after book reading. We are learning to use the words ostracize, village, and ukulele. Discussions about real/make believe and problems the children have thought about in the story such as Abiyoyo's poor hygiene and eating of animals are being discussed in small group. We had the shadow wall up with the children wearing St. Patrick's Day hats while singing their version of the Abiyoyo song. We wrote, spelled, and sounded out the words St. Patrick's Day Parade. Several children constructed shamrocks with white hearts that had been placed in the art cart. The children spent at least 30 minutes outside enjoying the sunshine and riding the trikes. We had oranges for snack.
Until tomorrow,
Ms. Elma
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Abiyoyo
Next week, we are reading the book Abiyoyo by Pete Seeger. This book is based on a South African lullaby and folk story. In the book, the characters are Abiyoyo- a mythical giant, a father with a magical wand, and his son. In the next two weeks we plan to discuss the concepts of real and make believe and shadows. Some of the unfamiliar words used in the story that we will be explaining to the children are ukulele, village, and ostracize. We will be using our projector to encourage children to explore in light and shadow. We will be drawing to different music- classical, rock, fast/slow songs. We will introduce the song Shadow Dancing.
Some challenge questions we plan on asking:
Tell me what you know about real and make-believe?
What problem did the village have and how would you help the villagers?
What kind of music/songs do you like and how does it make you feel?
We have found that our weekly plans change or shift based on the interest of the children. Stay tuned and we will keep you informed of what will actually happen next week!
Ms. Elma
Some challenge questions we plan on asking:
Tell me what you know about real and make-believe?
What problem did the village have and how would you help the villagers?
What kind of music/songs do you like and how does it make you feel?
We have found that our weekly plans change or shift based on the interest of the children. Stay tuned and we will keep you informed of what will actually happen next week!
Ms. Elma
Guest Chefs
On Wednesday, we had two guest chefs in our classroom. In the morning class, Joseph and his mom Tracy, made up delicious mud cups of chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and cookie crumbles. In the afternoon class, Solana and her parents Jaime and Lisa, brought in a pizza oven and the children made individual pizza's---yum! The children have really loved having our parents and aunts come into the classroom and cook with us. I just put up the April calendar for Guest Chef sign-up and there are additional days open. Anyone close to your child such as grandparents or aunt/uncle can also be a guest chef. If you haven't signed up yet, please consider it. The children look forward to and anticipate the day it is their turn to be the guest chef.
Ms. Elma
Ms. Elma
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Letter Partners
Last weeks, the children read the book Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom. In the book, the upper case letters help the lower case letters. We wanted to reinforce that there are indeed lower and upper case letters, but more importantly, we wanted the children to develop new friendships and strengthen camaraderie and social interactions. We assigned each child a letter partner. As letter partners, the children were encouraged to sit with their partner, line up with their partner, and together the partners practiced their letter sound, and wrote their lower/upper case letters. We learned the partner dance and had a partner parade. After a few days, we asked each child what they thought about having a partner and all the children had positive things to say. We observed partners playing together, eagerly choosing to sit next to each other, and greeting each other with hugs. If you haven't already, please ask your child who is their letter partner and practice sounding out and writing their letter.
Ms. Elma
Ms. Elma
Is This Working?
Dear Parents,
Welcome to my first attempt of creating a classroom blog. Ms. Amy and I have talked about creating a blog to keep you informed about what we are doing in the classroom. I thought it would be a nice surprise to have it created when she returns back after spring break. Here goes nothing.
Ms. Elma
Welcome to my first attempt of creating a classroom blog. Ms. Amy and I have talked about creating a blog to keep you informed about what we are doing in the classroom. I thought it would be a nice surprise to have it created when she returns back after spring break. Here goes nothing.
Ms. Elma
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