HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
(pics and description from our party coming soon)
(pics and description from our party coming soon)
Monday, October 31, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Wednesday, October 26th...
MORE MONSTERS!
Today we read a fun book called "I Need My Monster" by Amanda Noll.
The illustrations in this book are AMAZING! This is Herbert the Monster who has never even scared a kid before (but don't worry, he has read every book on the topic). Miss Jamie really enjoys voicing all the different monster characters in the book. :)
Today in Arts and Crafts we started with a giant block letter M and turned it into our very own MONSTER!
We made the most of things today by singing all our Halloween songs, only a couple of days left before we switch to our Thanksgiving theme!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
HALLOWEEN PARTY
Our HALLOWEEN PARTY will be held on MONDAY, October 31st (which is nice, because it's HALLOWEEN DAY). Make sure your little ones are dressed up! At the end of the party we will be having a "TREAT EXCHANGE"... Please send TWELVE "Treats" with your child to pass out. A bag will be provided by us for the kids to collect their goodies in. MY TWO CENTS - I personally feel that the kids get quite enough candy during this particular holiday (at home, Trick or Treating, Trunk or Treats, Halloween Parties, etc...) so I prefer that you get a little creative with your "TREATS" for preschool. We love pencils, erasers, stickers, bouncy balls, hand drawn pictures from your child, little tattoos, glo bands, dollar store junk (yes, I said that - it's still better than candy), and so on. NOW, that being said - if you are putting together little goodie bags and you're just dying to throw in some sweets because it would be cute, I get that. I will still love you and, of course, your child! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!P.S. I have had some of you offer to bring food, treats, etc... to the party. You are always welcome to do that! Thanks again!
Tuesday, October 25th...
MONSTER WEEK HAS ARRIVED!
If you have a little extra time, here is a fun YouTube of someone reading Go Away Big Green Monster...Today we introduced the Letter M/ Millie's Yummy Cookie Sound (basically, the sound that you would make when eating a really yummy cookie). We like to work MONSTERS into the theme! We read one of our favorite monster stories... Go Away Big Green Monster by Ed Emberly
In Arts and Crafts we made our very own BIG GREEN MONSTERS! I think the kids really had fun with this one. I noticed that ALL the kids were really involved in this project and PROUD of their work!
During MUSIC today we listened to and sang "The Monster Mash"! We also took a little extra time toread a couple more MONSTER themed books that are much better SUNG than read...
PARENT NOTES: I didn't send out a book order this month because the September book order seemed like it just arrived! I have had parents ask if they can order online and I said WHY NOT? I noticed a couple orders have already been submitted online - I will send the orders in this weekend (Sunday, most likely, so consider that the due date). If you would like to order, just follow the instructions below and check out the catalogs online. I will send home the November/December bookorder flyers as soon as they arrive - hopefully next week! Thanks!
OUR CLASS ACTIVATION CODE IS: DX48H
It's so simple! Here's how it works:
In Arts and Crafts we made our very own BIG GREEN MONSTERS! I think the kids really had fun with this one. I noticed that ALL the kids were really involved in this project and PROUD of their work!
During MUSIC today we listened to and sang "The Monster Mash"! We also took a little extra time toread a couple more MONSTER themed books that are much better SUNG than read...
PARENT NOTES: I didn't send out a book order this month because the September book order seemed like it just arrived! I have had parents ask if they can order online and I said WHY NOT? I noticed a couple orders have already been submitted online - I will send the orders in this weekend (Sunday, most likely, so consider that the due date). If you would like to order, just follow the instructions below and check out the catalogs online. I will send home the November/December bookorder flyers as soon as they arrive - hopefully next week! Thanks!
OUR CLASS ACTIVATION CODE IS: DX48H
It's so simple! Here's how it works:
- SIGN UP at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, click the "Register" button in the "First Time Here?" section. Register for your own user name and password. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code shown above. This unique code ensures that your order is sent to me.
- SELECT the books you'd like to order -- choose from thousands of titles -- many more than in our monthly flyers.
- SEND your order to me online by the due date and your child's books will be delivered directly to my classroom.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Monday, October 24th...
Letter S / Water in the Sink Sound
In keeping with our Fall theme, we read a fun story about a little old lady who was not afraid of anything! The kids had a lot of fun acting out the different parts of the story.
At the end of the story a SCARECROW appears and we now have our theme for Letter S!
In arts and crafts the kids did their very best coloring and tracing as we worked on this...
PARENT NOTES: The kids ARE READY for a new routine! They are used to us, the surroundings, the rules, etc... and are ready to move on to the next step. As teachers, we are especially excited because this gives us more teaching time with the kids. When the kids arrive at school, we now have quiet activities set up in each of the classrooms. The kids now go directly to their classrooms and after all (or most) of the children have arrived (which has been only a few minute wait - THANKS to you parents getting them there on time) we begin our Circle Time and teaching activities. We then continue on with Snack Time, Arts and Crafts, Games, THEN when they are getting fidgety we finally have Free Play! We then have cleanup with about a half hour left to Sing and Dance! This new routine has been wonderful and we are already able to see the children growing!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Wednesday, October 19th...
Letter S / Water in the Sink Sound
Today we introduced the Letter S! We listened to the water turned on in our bathroom sink today and vocalized "SSSSSSSSSSSSSS" right along with it. More importantly, today was all about SKELETONS!
We had the kids a little concerned when we told them that there were REAL skeletons hidden in our classroom with us (until we explained that WE were hiding the skeletons, under our skin!). We talked about our bones and what they do for us, how to take care of them, and different foods that are good for our skeletons: milk, cheese, yogurt, and broccoli are all on the list. (We even ate a little broccoli at snack time).
We read a couple of fun stories today... Skeleton Meets the Mummy by Steve Metzger
and Skeleton Hiccups by Margery Cuyler
In Arts and Crafts we constructed SKELETONS with Q Tips and a little glue!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Tuesday, October 18th...
Letter P/Raindrops in a Puddle sound
Today was all about PUMPKINS! We read and sang our favorite little song, Five Little Pumpkins...
Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate,
The first one said, "Oh my, it's getting late."
The second one said, "But we don't care."
The third one said, "I see witches in the air."
The fourth one said, "Let's run, and run, and run."
The fifth one said, "Get ready for some fun."
Then whoosh went the wind, and out went the lights,
And five little pumpkins rolled out of sight!
Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate,
The first one said, "Oh my, it's getting late."
The second one said, "But we don't care."
The third one said, "I see witches in the air."
The fourth one said, "Let's run, and run, and run."
The fifth one said, "Get ready for some fun."
Then whoosh went the wind, and out went the lights,
And five little pumpkins rolled out of sight!
and another fun book, The Runaway Pumpkin...
And we played a fun game - Pin the face on the Pumpkin/Jack O Lantern! The kids had a lot of fun picking from the different options and building Jack's face!
In Art we painted paper plates orange and decorated them as Jack O Lanterns.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Monday, October 17th...
Letter P/Raindrops in a Puddle sound
Today we read a fun book called LMNO Peas by Keith Baker...
Today we read a fun book called LMNO Peas by Keith Baker...
The book is a fun alphabet book all about cute little peas who have different jobs (which go along with the letters).
For a fun SNACK we served POPCORN!
In Art, we glued split peas onto a block letter P and backed it with pink or purple paper!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
PARENT HELPERS...
We are looking for a couple of parent helpers to help out this coming Wednesday, October 19th for the last hour in the AFTERNOON CLASSES. Miss Jamie is heading out of town and would like to leave at 2:00, it would be great if Miss Tiffany could have a couple of parents there to help out with some fun activities from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Let us know if you can help!
AND FINALLY - We need parent volunteers for our HALLOWEEN PARTY which will be held on HALLOWEEN (Monday, October 31st). We are looking for 4 volunteers in the morning session and 4 in the afternoon. We will take the first volunteers who contact us either by email, text, or in person. Thanks!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Wednesday, October 12th...
More fun with the Letter I...
Today we read through this award winning children's book... Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni
It's a fun little story of an inchworm who meets a robin one day. The robin is quite hungry and decides to eat the little guy. The smart little inchworm convinces the robin that he is indeed useful for something other than his meal... he can measure his tail! After this the robin takes him to meet and measure all his bird friends.
In Arts and Crafts we used our own INCHWORM RULERS to measure insects that we had colored.
Today we read through this award winning children's book... Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni
It's a fun little story of an inchworm who meets a robin one day. The robin is quite hungry and decides to eat the little guy. The smart little inchworm convinces the robin that he is indeed useful for something other than his meal... he can measure his tail! After this the robin takes him to meet and measure all his bird friends.
In Arts and Crafts we used our own INCHWORM RULERS to measure insects that we had colored.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Tuesday, October 11th...
Today was ALL ABOUT INSECTS as we introduced the Letter I/Inky Marker (short vowel) sound...
The first thing we noticed at Circle Time today was that our names had been stolen - GASP! After a quick hunt, we found that a sneaky bunch of INSECTS had taken them. The children each retrieved their own name and put it back safe and sound in our pumpkin "name" patch.
The short vowel I sound is one of the trickiest sounds the children will be learning this year. It's even so tricky, that Miss Nada had a hard time figuring out a sound for it. At least that's what I think happened. The sound is that of a new marker writing on a board, kind of squeaky and quick. Honestly, I don't spend a lot of time with this particular version of the sound. I rather like to use INSECTS and INCHWORMS (coming tomorrow) and even my daughter Isabella's name as examples of the "i" sound. I also teach the kids to use the phrase "Isn't that interesting" (exaggerating the short vowel "i" sounds).
After the initial introduction, we spent a bit of time rhyming words with the "i" sound in them. Examples: fit, bit, hit, lit, sit, and so on.
Today we highlighted a few insects in this handy little guide book...
We learned a new song to help us differentiate between Insects and Spiders, it goes like this...
(Sung to the tune of "Oh My Darlin")
I'm an INSECT
Not a SPIDER
I have SIX legs instead of EIGHT.
Three on this side,
Three on that side,
Makes me an insect-
Ain't that great!
And of course, the kids favorite song... Bringing home a baby bumblebee!
In Arts and Crafts we used stamp pads and markers to make fingerprint insects!
The first thing we noticed at Circle Time today was that our names had been stolen - GASP! After a quick hunt, we found that a sneaky bunch of INSECTS had taken them. The children each retrieved their own name and put it back safe and sound in our pumpkin "name" patch.
The Sneaky Insects...
The short vowel I sound is one of the trickiest sounds the children will be learning this year. It's even so tricky, that Miss Nada had a hard time figuring out a sound for it. At least that's what I think happened. The sound is that of a new marker writing on a board, kind of squeaky and quick. Honestly, I don't spend a lot of time with this particular version of the sound. I rather like to use INSECTS and INCHWORMS (coming tomorrow) and even my daughter Isabella's name as examples of the "i" sound. I also teach the kids to use the phrase "Isn't that interesting" (exaggerating the short vowel "i" sounds).
After the initial introduction, we spent a bit of time rhyming words with the "i" sound in them. Examples: fit, bit, hit, lit, sit, and so on.
Today we highlighted a few insects in this handy little guide book...
We learned a new song to help us differentiate between Insects and Spiders, it goes like this...
(Sung to the tune of "Oh My Darlin")
I'm an INSECT
Not a SPIDER
I have SIX legs instead of EIGHT.
Three on this side,
Three on that side,
Makes me an insect-
Ain't that great!
And of course, the kids favorite song... Bringing home a baby bumblebee!
In Arts and Crafts we used stamp pads and markers to make fingerprint insects!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Monday, October 10th...
MORE GULPING GRAPE JUICE/LETTER G
Today we continued our "G" theme with the story "Grandpa Green" by Lane Smith
Here is a short trailer of the book...
Snack Time was interesting today as the kids were introduced to a variety of GREEN foods! Sugar snap peas, broccoli (with a little ranch for dipping), green grapes, and green apples were all on the menu.
In Arts and Crafts we painted our very own GREEN GARDEN, just like in the book we read about Grandpa Green. We had a good time using our hands and fingers as our painting tools!
PARENT NOTES: We sent home books (from the book orders) today, however they may be incomplete. I checked my email when I got home and realized that another box shipped separately and will be arriving tomorrow! Sorry if you were confused, everything should be fixed by tomorrow! Thanks!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Wednesday, October 5th...
Letter G/Gulping Grape Juice Sound
October is a fun month for learning sounds and "G" is a GREAT one for GHOSTS! We learned a fun story about Obedience in class today which involved GHOSTS, of course. Here is a LINK TO THE STORY we shared with the kids (we used the second story on the page). Our teachers used some fun GHOST puppets to tell the story.
We introduced the Gulping Grape Juice sound by GULPING GRAPE JUICE, of course! It was picture day, as well, so we stuck with white GRAPE juice this time around.
In Arts and Crafts each of the children decided what their GHOST would eat and then colored them accordingly (if you read the story you will know that the GHOSTS turn the color of whatever they happen to eat).
In music we are learning some fun Halloween songs: Five Little Pumpkins, Tis' The Night of Halloween, and yet another of Miss Jamie's YouTube favorites, The Skeleton Dance (below).
We introduced the Gulping Grape Juice sound by GULPING GRAPE JUICE, of course! It was picture day, as well, so we stuck with white GRAPE juice this time around.
In Arts and Crafts each of the children decided what their GHOST would eat and then colored them accordingly (if you read the story you will know that the GHOSTS turn the color of whatever they happen to eat).
In music we are learning some fun Halloween songs: Five Little Pumpkins, Tis' The Night of Halloween, and yet another of Miss Jamie's YouTube favorites, The Skeleton Dance (below).
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Tuesday, October 4th...
More Letter E / Evan's Door sound!
Today was our last day for our NAME TREE! A Pumpkin Patch will be replacing it soon!
Today we read one of MY FAVORITE STORIES of all time. I have this one memorized! This is about a boy named Edward who will not share and the kids absolutely love this book. It is one we like to pull out over and over throughout the year.
In Arts and Crafts we made these Elephants (only ours were white and had much cuter eyes)...
We also shared a little YouTube video that I love...
Today was our last day for our NAME TREE! A Pumpkin Patch will be replacing it soon!
Today we read one of MY FAVORITE STORIES of all time. I have this one memorized! This is about a boy named Edward who will not share and the kids absolutely love this book. It is one we like to pull out over and over throughout the year.
In Arts and Crafts we made these Elephants (only ours were white and had much cuter eyes)...
We also shared a little YouTube video that I love...
Monday, October 3, 2011
Monday, October 3rd...
Letter E / Evan's Door sound
Today we introduced our Letter E / Evan's Door sound. The sound is the short vowel "e" sound (eh). When we introduce vowels to the children, we always focus first on the short vowel sound. The long vowels will come later in the school year.
This sound is a little trickier for some children, they have a tendency to mix it up with the short vowel "a" sound. We have a little story about Evan's Door that we like to tell to help solidify the sound in their minds. The basic idea is that at some point in the story a little boy named Evan opens a door and it makes a creepy/spooky "eh" sound. If you really want to hear it, you'll have to ask one of the teachers to do it for you (we will just love that). :)
We also read a fun story about Edwina, a dinosaur who didn't know she was extinct.
This sound is a little trickier for some children, they have a tendency to mix it up with the short vowel "a" sound. We have a little story about Evan's Door that we like to tell to help solidify the sound in their minds. The basic idea is that at some point in the story a little boy named Evan opens a door and it makes a creepy/spooky "eh" sound. If you really want to hear it, you'll have to ask one of the teachers to do it for you (we will just love that). :)
We also read a fun story about Edwina, a dinosaur who didn't know she was extinct.
In Arts and Crafts we decorated Evan's Door.
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