Emergent Writing
The children have been spending time working on their emergent writing skills in the classroom. In the past few weeks have planned activities that included observational drawings and writing. The children are getting more confident in not only writing their names but other words as well. During free play, the children have been picking up the various writing tools (crayons, markers, dry erase markers etc.) and writing independently or with a friend at our writing center. These activities and “practice” build the fine-motor skills needed for more advanced writing. Be sure to check out our emergent writing display in our hallway.
Bread Study
We are into our 2nd week of The Creative Curriculum Bread Study. We have been reading fiction and non-fiction books about bread to give children a knowledge base on the study. Our dramatic play area has been changed to a farmers market to help support the study. We have included a variety of multicultural “bread” into this center. We used breads in our small group math activities as we sorted, counted and made graphs from collected “data.” We showed and discussed kitchen tools with the children and then they practiced writing word-wall words about kitchen tools and they even drew some kitchen tools. Later on this week we plan on learning a new play-rhyme called “Peanut Butter and Jelly” before sampling some sun butter and jelly sandwiches as a group. The teachers will also be learning WITH the children at the end of the week as the teachers and children learn about making bread from scratch using a real bread machine! Stay tuned for the bread reviews.
We invite all our Pre-1 families to join us as we celebrate the Week of the Young Child (WOYC), April 4-8, 2022. The WOYC is sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). WOYC is an annual event that encourages early childhood programs across the country to hold activities to bring awareness to the needs of young children as we celebrate them!
Monday, April 4th (Wear NIU Huskie Gear): Music Monday- When children sing, dance, and listen to music, they develop their language and early literacy skills while being active and encouraging movement. Throughout the day, music will be played over the intercom giving children an opportunity to sing along, dance and listen to different types of music! Pre-1 will be making a simple musical instrument to take home.
Tuesday, April 5th (Tie Dye Day): Tasty Tuesday- Cooking with children connects math with literacy skills, science and more. Pre-1 will be making smoothies from scratch as well as sampling fresh fruit. We will compare/contrast smoothies vs. fresh fruit as a group.
Wednesday, April 6th (Classroom Color Day- Pre-1 is PURPLE!): Work Together Wednesday- When children build together, they explore math and science concepts and develop their social and early literacy skills. Children will be working together in their classrooms throughout the day. Pre-1 children will be working together to build towers using Solo cups and Dixie cups in the classroom.
Kindergarten Readiness Night. Join us from 3:30-4:30 in the Large Motor Room to learn about what your family needs to know as you prepare your child to transition to kindergarten. Everyone is invited to attend; however, the intended audience is for those families with children who are transitioning to kindergarten in the fall. Child care is available for PFAE families that attend.
Thursday, April 7th (Pajama Day): Artsy Thursday- Think, problem solve, create! Children develop creativity, social skills, and fine motor with open ended art projects. Art easels will be placed throughout the center. Together with your child, you are invited to create a picture together celebrating Artsy Thursday. We will have various collaborative/open-ended art experiences available in the classroom this day.
Friday, April 8th (Show off your Culture): Family Friday- Engaging and celebrating families is at the heart of supporting our youngest learners. Families are invited to read to their child’s classroom, virtually. If you are interested, please reach out to your child’s classroom to set up a time. This is also a perfect day to spend some quality time as a family by reading books, playing games, going for a walk, etc. The CDFC will also be opening their annual book fair on this day for you to shop early. Pre-1 will be making something to take home to their families this day. Make sure to ask your child about it.
Be sure to look at the “Spirit Week” suggestions for next week!
We are looking forward to a fun-filled week
Nadine, Jen, Abby and the Pre-1 staff
