Tree Study

Fall is in full swing and the Pre-1 teachers thought this would be a great time to start our Tree Study. What better time to learn about trees while they are in the midst of changing colors and form?! Throughout the next couple weeks we will be reading various books about trees as a group. We will also plan small group activities to extend the learning about trees. We began the study by painting some wood scraps (donated by the Dekalb High School wood shop teachers) and talking to the children about where wood comes from. We took a walk around Gabel Hall and made some observations on the various trees we discovered. On our walk we collected pine cones for a future 3D art activity. One of our drier days, we took clipboards, paper, and markers outside for the children to create observational drawings of trees. One day on the playground, the children were talking about camping. They spent time using debris from the playground to create a “campfire” and were even “roasting marshmallows” in the fire. We followed this lead and turned our dramatic play area into a “campground” complete with grills, fishing gear, and campfire essentials. We look forward to seeing where our tree study goes.

Tucker the Turtle

We have begun to read a story called “Tucker the Turtle” as a group. Each child in Pre-1 has their own Tucker to use during the story (it gets put away each time). They will get to take their turtle home at the end of the year. We will continue to read the story as a group in order to help the children grasp the understanding of the “turtle technique.” These are also the same techniques we model and help the children use in the classroom when we encounter common preschool classroom conflicts. We also have a “classroom Tucker Turtle” and the story available to the children in the quiet space of our classroom. I have provided an excerpt of an article and the link that describes the “Turtle Technique” down below. Be sure to ask your children about it!

The Turtle Technique

Last Updated on 7 May 2020

The ‘Turtle Technique’ is a visual tool to help children control their emotions. It uses the analogy of a turtle, which withdraws into its shell when feeling in danger or threatened. You can explain the ‘Turtle Technique’ to your children with a story about a little turtle who sometimes gets upset, angry or even scared. You can also use a turtle puppet (or a similar toy you may have at home) to help teach children how they can start to self-regulate their emotions and behaviours and manage common everyday problems.

Practice Thinking Like a Turtle

Teach your child the steps of how to control feelings and calm down (“think like a turtle”).

Turtle Technique Tips

Practice tucking like a turtle when your child is calm.
Throughout the day, make time to practice taking 3 deep breaths.
Model using the calming steps when your feelings are strong.
Practice these steps frequently during routines (e.g., before playing with siblings, while reading a book, before chores, etc.).
Prepare for and help your child handle possible disappointment or change by reminding them to tuck and think like a turtle when they feel angry or upset.
Offer lots of encouragement when your child tries to use the steps.
Recognise and comment positively when your child stays calm.
Help all family members know the Turtle Technique.

Help Children Think of Possible Solutions