Hello Pre-1 families!
We have been working together to solidify our classroom routines this month. The children have caught on to the inner workings of our classroom. They come into the classroom in the morning and immediately know what to do to start their day. The children are beginning to understand what is expected of them during transitions at various parts of the day. Following the same schedule and routine daily helps the children feel a sense of safety and security in the classroom as they know what to expect and they are beginning to understand what is expected of them. We look forward to watching our classroom evolve into a well-oiled machine in the weeks to come.
Small Group Activities
Every day the children engage in small group activities. During this time, a group of 4-6 children are at the table with a teacher for planned activity. The activities can be an art activity, a social/emotional activity, a math activity such as sorting/patterning etc. We rotate our activities to meet the needs/interests of the children. This past month the children were very interested in sensory activities. We helped the children made individual portions of slime (which we kept here). The slime was a hit as the children used their hands and play dough tools to manipulate the slime.
Literacy Connections
We read a book called Peeny Butter Fudge by Toni Morrison. The story demonstrates how a family carries on traditions, has fun together, take care of each other and lastly- make peanut butter fudge together. As an extension of our story, we decided to make individual portions of playdough for the children and called it “Peeny Butter Fudge.” The children can get their play dough from their cubbies during free play and use various play dough tools and trays. Ask your child about Peeny butter fudge!
We Are Bucket Fillers!
You may also have heard your child talk about being a “Bucket Filler.” We read the book Have You Filled a Bucket Today? By Carol McCloud. The book talks about the benefits of positive thinking and positive behavior. Throughout the day we talk to the children about what it means to be a bucket filler and a bucket dipper. We are using pom poms to fill our classroom bucket. The purpose of the bucket is to give the children a visual understanding of the concept. The book and ongoing discussions about what it means to be a bucket filler helps remind us that showing kindness and appreciation of others goes a long way. Using the same language at home can help reinforce what the children are learning in the classroom. Please let us know if your child is responsive when you discuss being a “bucket filler” at home!
Reminders:
- Please bring in or e-mail us a family picture
- Please bring extra clothing for your child
- Please make sure your child has close-toed shoes for school!
- Please bring extra masks for your child
- Please no outside food, candy or gum
Nadine & Jen
