Weekly Happenings

2025-2026 "LITTLE TROJANS" SCHOOL YEAR:

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM:

On Thursday night, the children stood before a very large crowd of family and friends and sang some simple winter and holiday songs. I am immensely proud of each and every one of the preschoolers, whether they belted out the tunes or were silent.  I am truly blessed to be able to be part of their lives.  

REINDEER FOOD:

This was a measuring activity that included following a recipe to create reindeer food for Rudolph to find their home.  Measuring activities help teach everyday math skills.  By following the recipe, the children were working on reading skills while counting the number of spoons needed and make sure that their spoon was full.

GIFTS FOR PARENTS:

Christmas gifts for parents have been in the works this week, but it is a secret.  You will have to wait until Christmas to see what we have been doing.  We did spend some time decorating the gift bags with our hands.

COOKIE BAKING CENTER:

For a change to the dramatic play center, I have added tools to pretend to bake cookies and muffins.  The children have been busy mixing, rolling out, baking, stirring and flipping cookies.  Through pretend play, children are learning to problem solve, cooperate, be flexible and are re-enacting things they they have observed.

ORDERING TREES:  SMALL-MEDIUM-LARGE:

Creating trees was a multi-step task this week.  First the children had to cut out 4 triangles.  They then were told to find the largest triangle and put it on top of their stump.  They continued on until they completed their tree.  This activity required the children to follow directions, use their eyes to visually discriminate differences between items, use fine motor skills to cut, glue, write their name and add decorations.  Children are able to understand that items can be compared by size/weight and can be arranged from smallest to largest.  This will also help them to understand that numbers can also be put in order from lowest to highest. 

DEAR SANTA... & AT CHRISTMAS I....:

The children were able to write letters to Santa this week.  We discussed what a letter or note is and what is needed to write Santa a letter.  Each child wrote to Santa and then signed their name at the bottom.  We also completed the sentence:  If Santa was stuck in the chimney, I would . . . This is writing activity that to refine their fine motor/writing skills. I also am looking at handedness, hand positioning while writing, if they wrote letters, letter like shapes or drew pictures.  I also noted what kind of response they made.  

BEADED ORNAMENTS:

To work on fine motor skills along with patterning, the children strung beads onto pipe cleaners and wire.  To practice patterning, the children created a candy cane ornament, completing a simple red, white pattern. By age 3 children should be able to complete a simple pattern with some assistance.  By age 4, children should be able to complete a pattern without assistance.  Patterning has been shown to support mathematical reasoning to build understanding rules and regularities in math concepts.  Working on patterning in preschool is the beginning of mastering life-long math skills.

GLITTER ORNAMENTS:

The children insisted that our classroom tree needed ornaments, so this week the children were able to decorate die-cut shapes and add glitter to them to hang on the tree.  

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

The children were asked to dictate the response to I am "beary" thankful for. . .  They then were encouraged to work on their writing skills and write what they were thankful for.  The teacher also wrote their response.   While doing this activity, I was looking at hand positioning while writing, if they wrote letters, letter like shapes or drew pictures.  I also noted what kind of response they made.  We also read Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson.

TURKEY ALPHABET:

We played a game for letter identification.  The children pulled a turkey shape out of a bag and identified the letter.  We then talked about the sound it makes and what words start with that sound.  The children then had to find that letter on their turkey and cover it with a bingo dauber print.

TURKEY:

Monday and Tuesday the preschoolers created turkeys.  The children then had to follow directions to complete the turkey.  We also talked about the parts of a turkey.  Did you know that turkeys have toes?  We learned that a snood, wattle and gobbler are names for the red flap that hangs over the turkey's beak.  Depending on where you research, they all give different names.  We also watched videos of turkeys strutting, running and heard what they sound like when they gobble.  We talked about how baby turkeys are called poults and turkeys can have beards.  

SORTING ANIMALS:

This week, the children practiced sorting skills, by sorting animals by color and shapes such as cows, sheep, horses, rabbits, chickens and ducks.  Sorting is an early math skill that helps children understand that things are same and different and can be organized into groups.  

FUR INVESTIGATION:

The Preschool children were able to investigate and explore animal furs, porcupine quills, antlers, paper wasp nests, snake skins, beaver chewings and feathers from a variety of birds.  We talked about similarities and differences.  Hands-on science lets kids observe, ask questions, touch, smell and experiment.  Giving them a chance to discover things on their own and talking with their friends to further their investigations to meet their interest levels.  

BEAR PATTERNING:

After discussing what a pattern was and how to complete it, the children were shown how to move bears so the made the pattern, big and little.  If they mastered that pattern, the children were then able to try big, big, little as a pattern. Patterning is a math skill that other math concepts are built upon.  In preschool, identifying and creating patterns is just the beginning of the mastery of life-long mathematical skills.

HALLOWEEN PARTY:

We had a Halloween party this week. The children were able to dress in costumes and play some games (pin the nose on the pumpkin, ring toss, bean bag toss, drop the clothespin in the pumpkin, and go bowling). The children helped clean out pumpkins and then watched as we made them erupt. The Children also practiced measuring and following a recipe to make the "dirt" snack, with snakes.  We also were able to color and play with playdough. Spooky stories, songs and snacks were also a favorite. 

PUMPKIN SCIENCE:

After reading the story, Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell For a science activity, we carved a pumpkin at our Halloween party.  We added dirt to the bottom of a large plastic jar and put the pumpkin inside.   We also put a small, whole pumpkin in another jar to compare the two as they change and grow.  The whole group then charted the classes predictions of would happen to the pumpkin.  We had a variety of ideas including:  a flower growing, a pumpkin growing on top of the other pumpkin or vines and leaves growing.  Over the next few weeks, we will be watching these pumpkins and charting any changes that we will be seeing.  

HAMMERING PUMPKINS:

To work on fine motor skills along with hand-eye coordination, the children were able to hammer golf tees into pumpkins using hammers. 

TOOTHY CRITTER MATH:

To play this game the children worked on their counting skills. They had to roll the die, count the dots and put that many teeth in the monster's mouth.

MEASURING & ORDERING PUMPKINS:

The Preschool classes worked on putting pumpkins in order from smallest to largest.  We used both real pumpkins and slid pumpkins on the Smart Board.   When children are able to understand that items can be compared by size/weight and can be arranged from smallest to largest, this will also help them to understand that numbers can also be put in order from lowest to highest. The children were also introduced to measuring tapes and rulers.  We talked about how and why we measure things.

MOONS AND BATS:

To work on our cutting skills, the children cut out a zig-zag bat and a round moon for sign-in.  The children were thrilled with the end result.  Spooky....

RHYMING:

Each child had each word read and would try to find the word that sounded the same at the end of the word.  Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps young children become more fluent readers later in life.  

SYLLABLES:

The children worked on clapping out the "chunks" of sounds in words, called syllables.  Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older.  

FIRE STATION VISIT:

Tuesday night the preschool classes along with ECFE, met at the fire station to learn about fire safety, meet some firefighters and check out all the fire trucks and equipment.

FIRE FIGHTERS:

This week we talked about fire safety.  We learned about the tools and equipment firefighters use along with some of the things they do to help us.  The children worked on their dictation and writing/drawing skills to complete the sentence, Firefighters . . .  Dictation offers a way for a teacher to record a child's thoughts or ideas while allowing an adult to model writing.  We continue to work on fine motor skills to enhance their writing skills.  Each child had their picture taken dressed up as a firefighter.

OUTDOOR PLAY:

Each day the children will be going outside to work their large muscles.  I monitor the children if they are able to climb steps alternating feet, climb a ladder, walk on a balance beam along with following the rules of the playground.  This is also a great place to work on social skills.  With the weather being so nice on Monday, we spent a little more extra time outside. Please remember to send winter weather clothing as the temps are now getting cooler.  We will go outside daily as long as it is not raining and it is about 0 degrees.

STOP-DROP-ROLL:

The children learned and practiced what to do if their clothes catch on fire, stop-drop and roll.  We also practiced staying low to stay out of the smoke.  The children used their senses as they finger painted shirts with red and yellow to make it look like fire and then added a patch to remind them to stop-drop-roll, which they cut out, using their fine motor skills.  

ABC & NUMBER IDENTIFICATION:

For a base line, the children were assessed on what letters and numbers they were able to identify in a random order.

THOUGHT BUBBLES:

Throughout the school year, we will be talking to the preschool classes about thought bubbles and how you can think in your mind and do not have to always say what you are thinking.  We have been working hard with the to remember to keep their thoughts in their thought bubbles and if they really need to have to say something to raise their hand or to blow it into their fist and keep it there until the teacher is done talking. 

THIRD GRADE READERS:

Each week Mrs. Kessler's and Mrs. Lillquist's classes will be coming into the preschool classroom to have their children read to the preschoolers.  This is an excellent way to have the third graders brush up on their oral reading skills while the preschoolers get some one on one reading time.  What a fun way to show the importance of reading.

BUS SAFETY:

Bus safety is important to teach all young children about during the first few days of school.  Al McGraw and Lowell Stuart helped to teach the children what they need to do on the bus.  The kids practiced:  Getting on and off the school bus, how to cross the street in front of the bus, how to sit in the seat, keeping items in your backpack, getting off the bus through the back door in an emergency.  So many important safety tips were addressed.

OCCUPATIONS-FAMILY ROLES-LOCATIONS:

We played ipad games and discussed what jobs people do, what roles family members have and locations of items in their home.  

MARBLE PAINTING:

The children were able to explore their creative side along with using science to create a marble painted leaf.  Each child picked out the leaf shape they liked and then wrote their name on it for sign-in.  After talking about how the seasons change and in autumn (the leaves will change from green to red, yellow, orange and brown), the children then picked which colors they wanted to paint with and used marbles in a box cover to paint their leaf. The children were encouraged to talk about what was happening with the marbles and paint.

PUZZLES:

Puzzles are a wonderful way for children to use their fine motor and cognitive skills. Physically, they have to hold the puzzle piece and then turn them until the fit correctly.  Cognitively they have to problem solve to complete the puzzle and emotionally they have to learn patience and perserverence to complete the puzzle.  

NAME WRITING:

Through-out the school year, the children will be working on writing their names.  We are teaching them how to pinch their pencil/marker at the bottom along with writing each letter in the same order each time.  Children will write letters in random, thinking that these letters are their name and it doesn't matter which order they are in.  This is hard work for little fingers and little children.  Encourage your child to work on writing their name at home.

FALL EXPLORATION: 

Taking a closer look at leaves, pinecones, acorns, gourds and apples was the science activity this week.  The children were introduced to a variety of different magnifying glasses along with the balance to help them further their investigations.  We compared the objects, (looking at color, sizes, weights and shapes) trying to gather as much information as possible.  

APPLE PRINTS:

This week we talked about apples.  We learned that apples have a core, stem, seeds and stars inside.  Apples can be yellow, green and red.  Apples grow on trees and a large group of apple trees is called an orchard.  Apples grow from blossoms in the spring into big juicy apples in the fall.  The children practiced cutting out their apple shape and then were encouraged to try painting with apples to see if they could find a star inside.

EMOTIONS:

The children looked at pictures of children and discussed what emotion they were showing along with why they thought that.  We looked at the different parts of the face that show those emotions, for example how your mouth moves when you are happy or sad.  What do your eyes do when you are angry.  Preschool children need help interpret their own feelings along with others.  With this lesson, we were helping to teach your child to use their words to express their feelings and respond to others emotions.   

CREATING LETTERS:

One station was using a letter template to help the children create uppercase letters.  We worked on listening and following oral directions, alphabet identification and the sounds they make all while creating the letter with big lines, little lines, big curves and little curves.

WRITING AND DICTATION:

The children had to complete the sentence:  At school I like to . . .  and then were asked to write what they like to do at school.  I observed the kids to see which hand they use to write with and if they are using a pincher grasp to hold a marker.  This activity also helped me to see what stage of writing the children were in.  All children begin writing by scribbling, moving into letter like shapes and symbols, then starting to sound out words and using initial letter sounds to write and then finally writing words.

SHAPES & COLORS:

This week, I worked on gathering what shapes and colors the children could identify.  This was done during an art activity.  The children were able to use a variety of shapes and colors to create a collage. Glue sticks were also introduced.

HANDWRITING WITHOUT TEARS:

Each week the children will be working in their Handwriting Without Tears workbook. This curriculum was created by an occupational therapist to help young learners to learn letters, numbers, colors, shapes and letter sounds while learning how to write letters, shapes and numbers.  This week the children worked on their pencil grasp and using little scribbles to color in stars and fireworks. We also sang the ABC Song while pointing to each letter.

NAME WRITING:

Throughout the school year, the children will be working on writing their names.  We are teaching them how to pinch their pencil/marker at the bottom along with writing each letter in the same order each time.  Children will write letters in random, thinking that these letters are their name and it doesn't matter which order they are in.  This is hard work for little fingers and little children.  Encourage your child to work on writing their name at home.

CUTTING:

One skill that was assessed this week was cutting. Children were given a square to cut out and then were able to draw a picture on it. Children cut completely on their own, so I could collect an initial cutting sample. I monitored how they held the scissors, how they cut and what hand they preferred to cut and write with.  We will be working on cutting through out the school year. This sample will be shared at conferences.

PAINTING:

Each child was able to explore with paints to create their own masterpiece.  The children were given red, yellow and blue paint to mix and paint in any way they chose.  Each child was also asked if they wanted to have their paper horizontal or vertical. As the children worked, I listened to see if they talked about their creative explorations or not and if they noticed what other friends were doing.

OUTDOOR PLAY:

In Preschool we will be going outside daily, weather permitting. If it is raining or below 0 degrees with or without windchill, we will then stay inside.  Outdoor play is an important part of physical development for children. Children are able to learn a variety of skills such as:  climbing, running, swinging, jumping, leaping, hopping, balancing an so much more.  Besides large muscles skills, children are also working on social and communication skills.  Play is so important in a child's life.  

PRESCHOOL PAPERWORK: 

Please complete all paperwork and return to Heidi in the preschool classroom.  These forms are required to continue receiving preschool services.

OPEN HOUSE 2025: 

Come check out the classroom (Room 110) with your child on Thursday, August 28th from 3:30 - 6:30 pm. We will have packets of paperwork for parents to fill out and an activity for the children to take home. This will help your child be acquainted with the classroom before your child attends class on September 8th or 9th. Paperwork will need to be returned to Heidi in the preschool classroom.  These forms are required to receive preschool services. 

I am excited to meet all the new families that will be attending preschool. We look forward to meeting you! 

 2024-2025 "LITTLE TROJANS" SCHOOL YEAR:

LAST DAY OF PRESCHOOL:

Our last day of preschool will be Wednesday, May 7th for the Monday/Wednesday class and Thursday, May 8th for the afternoon and Tuesday/Thursday morning classes.  Have a wonderful summer! 

FFA BARNYARD:

On Wednesday, May 7th the preschool classes were invited to attend the FFA Barnyard that was held behind the school.  The children were able to get an up close an personal look at  cows/calves, goats/kids, sheep/lambs, chickens/chicks, dogs/puppies, horses and donkeys.  Thank you to all the FFA members that brought in their farm animals for the school children to enjoy. 

ALL ABOUT ME BOOK:

We completed our All About Me book.  This is a book I wanted the children to create for a keepsake about themselves.  Each child is worked on drawing pictures and answering questions about themselves and their parents.   

CLEANING TOYS:

This week the preschoolers got to work washing toys.  To help with the end of the year cleaning, and learn about keeping your toys clean, the preschoolers were able to wash toys with soap and water.  

PRESCHOOL CONCERT:  

Thursday, May 1st is the  "Little Trojans"  Preschool concert.  The children will be singing some of their favorite songs  and will receive a certificate for the 2024-2025 school year.  The program will be held in the High School/2020 gym.  Use door #1 when entering.  The children will be singing promptly at 6 pm.

KINDERGARTEN VISIT TO MRS STRAYER'S:

This week we visited Mrs. Strayer's kindergarten classroom.  This is a transition activity for the preschoolers to see what the kindergarten classrooms are like and to see what some of the expectations are.  Mrs. Strayer read a story and had the kindergarten children talk about what they do that is different than preschool and the preschoolers were able to get their questions answered. 

BEE KEEPING:

Don Isaacson came into Sebeka School to help the  preschoolers and first grade classes learn about honey bees and beekeeping.  We learned that female honey bees have stingers and males do not.  If the female stings you, they die.  Honey bees live in colonies and the queen lays thousands of eggs and is the mother to every single bee in the hive.  Worker bees are females.  Bees pollinate flowers and use nectar from flowers to create honey.  Don demonstrated how each tool is used and explained why he uses it.  

ALL ABOUT ME BOOK:

Now through the end the year, we will continue to work on "All About Me" books.  Each child is working on drawing pictures and answering questions about themselves and their parents.   We can't wait to share it with you.

KINDERGARTEN VISIT TO MRS. CRABB'S CLASSROOM:

This week we visited Mrs. Crabb's kindergarten classroom.  This is a transition activity for the preschoolers to see what the kindergarten classrooms are like and to see what some of the expectations are.   

CREATING RABBITS:

Sometimes we just need to do a cute craft.  This week each child was able to create a rabbit for spring.  They had to use their fine motor skills to cut out the head and ears, we then had to follow directions to glue the rabbit together and put it onto a bright colored piece of paper.  They then added eyes, nose, mouth and whiskers to complete their rabbit. 

SHAVING CREAM ART:

The children had to use some strong finger muscles to cut through an egg shape on card stock.  The children then were able to play with shaving cream.  They were encouraged to write the letters in their name while they played. After washing their hands, they came back to the table and added liquid watercolors and made big circles/swirls through the paint and shaving cream.  After placing the egg shape on the paint/shaving cream mixture, we used a scraper to scrape everything off to show the marbleized looking design.  

THE EASTER BUNNY VISITS:

The Easter Bunny came to visit the classes this week.  The Easter Bunny brought along their helper Perry, a real baby bunny and rabbit pellet feed to show what the rabbits eat.  The children were able to take their picture with the Easter Bunny along with petting the rabbit.  Every child got a plastic egg and candy. 

ALL ABOUT ME BOOK:

Now through the end the year, I wanted the children to create a keepsake about themselves, so we are making a book that is all about them.  Each child is working on drawing pictures, doing some writing and answering questions about themselves and their parents.   

PLANTING FLOWERS:

Going with the spring theme, the children each planted their own seeds.  We talked about what plants need to grow:  dirt, sun and water.  We then followed a recipe card that showed what the children needed to do and in what order to do it in.  We talked about the stages a flower grows, from a seed to a plant.  They watched 2 short videos with time lapse photography of flowers growing.   We will be monitoring the plants for the next few weeks.

ANOTHER E-LEARNING DAY: 

Thursday, April 3rd is another E- Learning Day, because school is closed due to the weather. Go to the E-Learning tab on this Google Site page.  Have your child complete 5 boxes of things to do on the bingo card, while not in school today.  Have your child color each box that they complete.  You will send the completed bingo card, a picture of the bingo card or a note of which 5 boxes were completed to Heidi, either by paper in the backpack, by email, text or through Remind.  This will be counted as attendance for your child for that day.  If you do not notify Heidi, your child will be marked absent.  Heidi's information: hhuotari@g.sebeka.k12.mn.us    Cell #:  218-640-3021 or download the Remind app and use the Remind code: @sebekap.  If you have any questions, contact me through email, my cell or on Remind.   Get out and enjoy all this new snow!  See you all next week and have a great weekend.

E-LEARNING DAY: 

Wednesday, April 2nd is an E- Learning Day.  School is closed due to the weather. Go to the E-Learning tab on this Google Site page.  Have your child complete 5 boxes of things to do on the bingo card, while not in school today.  Have your child color each box that they complete.  You will send the completed bingo card, a picture of the bingo card or a note of which 5 boxes were completed to Heidi, either by paper in the backpack, by email, text or through Remind.  This will be counted as attendance for your child for that day.  If you do not notify Heidi, your child will be marked absent.   Heidi's information: hhuotari@g.sebeka.k12.mn.us    Cell #:  218-640-3021 or download the Remind app and use the Remind code: @sebekap.  If you have any questions, contact me through email, my cell or on Remind.   Enjoy the snow!  

HONEYBEES:

This week we learned about honeybees.  Honeybees are insects with 6 legs and three body parts (head, thorax and abdomen).  They have 5 eyes, have paper thin wings and have stripes on their abdomen.  Female honeybees have stingers and males do not.  If they sting you, they die.  There are thousands of different kinds of bees.  Honeybees live in colonies and the queen's job is to lay thousands and thousands of eggs.  The queen is the mother to every single bee in the colony.  Worker bees build the hive out of wax.  Hives are full of little rooms called cells, that look like a hexagon.  Baby bees live in those cells and the worker bees will also fill the cells with honey.  Bees drink nectar using a straw-like tube called a proboscis. When the bees turn the nectar into honey, the flap their wings to dry it.  When bees visit flowers, they get covered in pollen and it falls on other flowers which causes new flowers to grow. The children created their own bees and painted hives using egg dippers.

FLORAL SHOP:

To the dramatic play area, we added a floral shop.  The children were able to fill out order forms of what their clients requested, run the cash register, plant flowers and make arrangements.  So many skills are worked on in the dramatic play area:  math, writing, socialization, conflict resolution, re-enacting life skills and so much more.

FLOWERS:

Painting flowers was the activity this week.  The children picked a bouquet and then have to tell me what colors they needed to paint that boquet of flowers.  The children then used their creative skills to paint their flowers.  We talked about the stages a flower grows, from seed to plant.  They were able to watch 2 short videos with time lapse photography of flowers growing. We talked about the parts of a plant and what they do.  The flower head calls the bees and birds to pollinate the plants and the stamen is where the bees collect pollen and nectar.  The leaves catch the sun and rain and bring it down to the roots so that the stem can carry the nutrients up to the flower.  It also holds the head of the flower up.  The children were eager to try this activity.

SYLLABLES:

The children used pictures from the Pete the Cat books to work on clapping out the "chunks" of sounds in words, called syllables.  Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older.  

RAINBOWS:

The children were able to use "magic" paper to help them finger paint without getting dirty.  The children first had to cut out a rainbow shape to work on fine motor skills.  Then they were given red, yellow and blue paint squirted in an arc across their rainbow.  "Magic" paper (wax paper) was placed on top and then the children were encouraged to find other colors of the rainbow as they blended the red, yellow and blue paint together.  We talked about the colors and how you can mix colors to make other colors.  A fun science activity to promote discussion and the kids were really watching others to see what colors they were making.  

CONFERENCES:  I have been busy finishing collecting information on what your child is currenly doing in preschool to share with you at conferences.  If you would like to meet with me and talk about their development and see your child's work samples I have collected, give me a call at 218-837-5101.110.  Fridays work best for me, but I am also available after 3 pm or at mid-day pick-up/drop off.  

A LEPRECHAUN VISITS THE CLASSROOM:

A sneaky leprechaun came into the classroom and messed things up.  Toys were tossed around the room and chairs knocked over.  The leprechaun did leave some clues that led the class to a pot of gold under the rainbow.  Ask you child about what happened, see what story they tell you.

HEINASIRKKA, HEINASIRKKA GO AWAY:

Heinasirkka, heinasirkka go away!  (Grasshopper, grasshopper go away!) The preschool children could be heard chanting this phrase this week as we talked about St. Urho.  The children were able to use some creative talents to create a grape cluster for their grasshopper to eat.  We talked about how grapes hang in a cluster, they are usually green and purple (We even discussed how the purple grapes are usually called red.) The children were then encouraged to make a pattern using cotton balls and paint.  Start with 5 at the top, then 4 and 3 and all the way to 1.  It looked kind of like a triangle.  They also worked on counting by counting how many grapes they had.

IF A LEPRECHAUN GRANTED YOU A WISH...:

The preschoolers completed the sentence, "If a leprechaun granted me a wish, I would. . ."  The children then wrote down their response.  Some scribbled or drew pictures, some wrote letter like shapes while others have started to sound out words and write them.  This activity is to get children verbally talking about their thoughts and then working on writing skills to communicate those thoughts.

TWINKLE LITTLE STARS:

We talked about the nursery rhyme Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and then the children used their small muscles to cut out a star and used watercolor to paint their stars.  Each child was able to explore with paints to create their own masterpiece.  

BIBBITY BOBBITY BOO, I KNOW THIS LETTER DO YOU?:

The children worked on naming letters, writing their upper case letters and talked about what sounds they make and words that start that sound.  We made it more fun by stating..."Bibbity bobbity boo, I know this letter, do you?" We used small white boards so everyone had their own area to write on.  

RE-ENACTING LITTLE MISS MUFFET:

The children were able to use spider hats to re-enact/retell Little Miss Muffet.  Retelling encourages a child to picture the characters and story line in her head. A good way to further enhance your child’s recount of the story is to ask questions. Comprehension is an important skill needed for children.  If the child can not retell events from a story, they probably did not understand what they read/heard.  

HUMPTY DUMPTY:

The children were able to use lincoln logs to build a wall and retell Humpty Dumpty using plastic eggs. 

GREEN EGGS RHYMING:

To practice our rhyming skills, the children flipped green eggs using a spatula.  They then had to match the rhyming pairs.  Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps young children become more fluent readers later in life.   

NO SCHOOL FOR STATE WRESTLING:  

There will be no school on Thursday, February 27th.  Sebeka/Menahga UNC Wrestling made it to the State Wrestling Tournament and school will be closed so families are able to go and cheer on their Warriors.

THANK YOU:

Thank you to everyone that donated money for classroom books.  With your generosity, we had $71.00 to spend.  You all are awesome!!

SORTING ANIMALS:

This week, the children practiced sorting skills, by sorting animals by color and shapes such as cats, dogs, birds, fish, hamsters and rabbits.  Sorting is an early math skill that helps children understand that things are same and different and can be organized into groups.  

PUZZLES: 

This week the preschoolers had opportunity to complete simple puzzles.  Puzzles are a great learning tool to use for children.  They promote cognitive thinking, problems solving while using fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.  Puzzles can include social interaction and build self esteem for these little learners.

LOVE POTION:

The little scientists were busy making "love potion" this week.  The children added baking soda to their empty glass.  They then had to decide what color potion they wanted to make, using liquid water colors.  We then poured vinegar on top to see what happened.  The children needed to follow directions and then were encouraged to talk about what they observed.  Science is a way for children to explore the world around them and create theories or ideas on why things are happening.   

VALENTINES:

This week we talked about valentines and how valentines are a way to tell someone that we love them, like them or that they are just our friends.  We tore paper into little pieces to work our small muscles and then glued them to a small heart they cut out, to tell our parents that we love them to pieces.  

I LOVE:

With love in the air, the children worked on drawing pictures of who or what they love.  They then dictated their response to be written down. Since children are not born to understand the purpose of writing.  Through dictation, I am able to model writing to children in a purposeful way that brings meaning to their drawings.  

PATTERNING:

After discussing what a pattern was and how to complete it, the children were shown how to make a pattern using different types of balls to make them go football, soccer ball, football, soccer ball. If they mastered that pattern, the children were then able to try basketball, basketball, baseball, basketball, basketball, baseball. Patterning is a math skill that other math concepts are built upon. In preschool, identifying and creating patterns is just the beginning of the mastery of life-long mathematical skills.

VALENTINE BAG DECORATING:

The children were able to paint their own valentine bag for Valentine's Day.  After they were done painting, the children were then able to attach a heart that they wrote their name on.  They are all ready to add their friends valentines next week.  The children also used their small muscles and hand-eye coordination to cut out a heart shape and paint it.  Art is a great way to express how you are feeling, enhance self expression and reflect on what they are doing.  Art can help children learn and explore with color and  shape.

LARGE MUSCLE SKILSL:

The children worked on catching, throwing and kicking an oversized ball.  We then tried standing on one foot, jumping with two feet and hopping on one foot.  Using your large muscles helps with brain development. As children do physical activities, they are developing their brain to that supports cognitive function. This process can lead to improved academic performance.

SIMPLE ADDITION:

For a simple addition activity, the children turned over 2 cards, they counted how many snowballs there were all together and then found the hat for the snowman with the number on it.  With this activity, we worked not only on addition, but counting and number identification. 

SIMPLE SUBTRACTION-COUNTING:

To work on simple subtraction, the children are given 10 fish.  They flip over a card that tells them how many fish the penguin should eat.  After they feed the penguin, they count how many fish are left. To work on counting, the children had to feed a penguin fish.  As they put the fish in the penguins mouth, they counted how many it ate.  

PRETEND SNOW:

Pretend snow was added to the sensory table for exploration.  If the children have talked about playing with diapers, that is because the "snow" is similar to what is used inside diapers. Children discover their world through sensory play.  They are able to explore by using all of their senses.   The children used cups, shovels and other various containers to manipulate the snowed.  The sensory table is a fun science station that allows children to work on math, science and social skills all while playing. 

IN THE WINTER I LIKE TO....:

First the children had to cut out a mitten shape on the color of their choosing.  We then worked on dictation by completed the sentence, In the winter I like to . . .  They were then encouraged to write their response,which may be scribbles, letter like shapes or pictures.  I then wrote their dictation for them. All children go through the stages of writing.  First they scribble and then move into picture writing.  A more deliberate writing is the next stage  when they are using letter like shapes to write.  Writing using beginning sounds is the next stage and then they start to actually sound out words and write.  Encourage your child to write, draw and scribble it will help them to become better writers.

PUZZLES: 

Puzzles are a wonderful way for children to use their fine motor and cognitive skills. Physically, they have to hold the puzzle piece and then turn them until the fit correctly.  Cognitively they have to problem solve to complete the puzzle and emotionally they have to learn patience and perseverance to complete the puzzle.  

SELF PORTRAITS:

The children were encouraged to draw their best picture of themself.  We also talked about how we are the same and how we are different.  We compared our skins to our friends skin and talked about how even though we are all similar colors, we are different too.  The children were also encouraged to talk about how we would feel if someone didn't want to play with you if you had different color skin, didn't think like them or just looked different.  The classes decided it would not be a nice place to live. While drawing their self-portraits, I am looking what body parts the children are able to draw along with pencil grasp and what hand they use to write with.  These pictures will be shared with parents at conferences.

WINTER RHYMING:

This week we worked on rhyming words.  Each child had each word read and would try to find the word that sounded the same at the end of the word.  Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps young children become more fluent readers later in life.  

PENGUINS:

This week we have been learning about penguins.  We have talked about how most penguins live in Antarctica.  They have wings, but do not fly.  They are really good swimmers and almost "fly" through the water.  They eat fish, squid and krill.  The mother penguin will feed the chick by spitting up the food that it has chewed into the chicks mouth.  Eagles, hawks, sharks, killer whales and leopard seals will prey on penguins and their eggs.  Penguins have camouflage, the dark blends into the water and the white blends into the sunlight.  The Emperor penguin will hold the eggs and chicks on their feet to keep them warm.  A group of penguins are called rookeries or they live in a colony.  Penguins have feathers to keep them warm and dry.  Penguins like to slide on their belly, called tobogganing.  The children made their own penguins by cutting out ovals and painting the white belly, the beak and feet.  They then were able to add googly  eyes.

HOT COCOA FOR DRAMATIC PLAY:

For some winter fun, we added pretend hot cocoa and marshmallows to the kitchen area.  Some people think that pretend play is fun and imaginative and that it is not really educational.  In fact, children are learning to problem solve, cooperate, be flexible and are re-enacting things they they have observed.

SHAPES & COLORS:

This week, I assessed what shapes and colors the children could identify.  The children looked at a color and shape and had to tell me what it was.  This is a little more difficult than just having the child find a color.  They are required to recall information and then identify either the color or the shape.

PENGUIN SYLLABLES:

The children were shown a picture, we talked about what the picture showed and learned information about penguins.  The children worked on clapping out the "chunks" of sounds in words, called syllables.  Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older.   Each day during Circle Time, the whole group talks about the beginning sounds of words.  This week I did a quick assessment to see how the kids do with this literacy skill. 

ON A PERFECT SNOWBALL DAY:

After reading Snowballs by Lois Ehlert, the children were asked, "On a perfect snowball day, I would build..."  They then drew a picture of what kind of snowman they would build and dictated their answer.

SNOWMAN:  SMALL-MEDIUM-LARGE:

This week we revisited small, medium and large by creating a snowman.  This activity required the children to follow directions.  Each small group of children were given step by step directions as to what they needed to do to make their snowman.  They used their eyes to visually discriminate differences between items and use fine motor skills to cut and glue.  When children are able to understand that items can be compared by size/weight and can be arranged from smallest to largest it will help them to understand that numbers can also be put in order from lowest to highest. 

CHRISTMAS BREAK:

There will be no preschool from December 23rd through January 5th.  Preschool will resume on January 6th.  Enjoy your time with your family.

E-LEARNING DAY: 

Thursday, December 19th is an E-Learning Day.  Please go the the E-Learning tab on this Google Site and follow the directions on the sheet.  We will be using the bingo card as attendance for the day.  Enjoy the snow!

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM:

Sadly....they Christmas Program is cancelled.  We will not be rescheduling.  

REINDEER FOOD:

This was a measuring activity that included following a recipe to create reindeer food for Rudolph to find their home.  Measuring activities help teach everyday math skills.  By following the recipe, the children were working on reading skills while counting the number of spoons needed and make sure that their spoon was full.    

ORDERING TREES:  SMALL-MEDIUM-LARGE:

Creating trees by ordering rectangle stips from largest to smallest was the task this week.  First the children were told to put the trunk of the tree on the very bottom of their paper.  They then had to find the largest rectangle and put it on top of their trunk.  They continued from largest to smallest, using 4 sizes, until they completed their tree.  This activity required the children to follow directions, use their eyes to visually discriminate differences between items, use fine motor skills to glue, write their name and add decorations.  When children are able to understand that items can be compared by size/weight and can be arranged from smallest to largest.  This will also help them to understand that numbers can also be put in order from lowest to highest.

GIFTS FOR PARENTS:

Christmas gifts for parents have been in the works this week, but it is a secret.  You will have to wait until Christmas to see what we have been doing.  We did spend some time decorating the gift bags with our hands.

SENSORY TABLE PLAY:

Forest animals, trees and pine boughs were added to the sensory table for exploration.  Children discover their world through sensory play.  They are able to explore by using all of their senses. This week they are able to recreate events by playing with animals in their habitat.  

BEADED ORNAMENTS:

To work on fine motor skills along with patterning, the children strung beads onto pipe cleaners and wire.  To practice patterning, the children created a candy cane ornament, completing a simple red, white pattern. By age 3 children should be able to complete a simple pattern with some assistance.  By age 4, children should be able to complete a pattern without assistance.  Patterning has been shown to support mathematical reasoning to build understanding rules and regularities in math concepts.  Working on patterning in preschool is the beginning of mastering life-long math skills.

GLITTER ORNAMENTS:

The children insisted that our classroom tree needed ornaments, so this week the children were able to decorate die cut shapes and add glitter to them to hang on the tree.  

DEAR SANTA... &  IF SANTA WAS STUCK IN THE CHIMNEY, I WOULD....:

The children were able to write letters to Santa this week.  We discussed what a letter or note is and what is needed to write Santa a letter.  Each child wrote to Santa and then signed their name at the bottom.  We also completed the sentence: If Santa was stuck in the chimney, I would . . . This is writing activity that to refine their fine motor/writing skills. I also am looking at handedness, hand positioning while writing, if they wrote letters, letter like shapes or drew pictures.  I also noted what kind of response they made.  

FIRE FIGHTERS:

This week we talked about fire safety.  We learned about the tools and equipment firefighters use along with some of the things they do to help us.  The children worked on their dictation and writing/drawing skills to complete the sentence, Firefighters . . .  Dictation offers a way for a teacher to record a child's thoughts or ideas while allowing an adult to model writing.  We continue to work on fine motor skills to enhance their writing skills.  Each child had their picture taken dressed up as a firefighter.

STOP-DROP-ROLL:

The children learned and practiced what to do if their clothes catch on fire, stop-drop and roll.  We also practiced staying low to stay out of the smoke.  The afternoon class used forks to paint shirts with red, orange and yellow to make it look like fire and then added a patch to remind them to stop-drop-roll.  

ABC & NUMBER IDENTIFICATION ALONG WITH COUNTING:

For a base line, I assessed what letters and numbers the children were able to identify in a random order.  Each child was also asked to count marbles.  I check to see how high they could count along with how they were able to count marbles one to one, pointing to each marble as they counted. 

PUZZLES: 

Puzzles are a wonderful way for children to use their fine motor and cognitive skills. Physically, they have to hold the puzzle piece and then turn them until the fit correctly.  Cognitively they have to problem solve to complete the puzzle and emotionally they have to learn patience and perseverance to complete the puzzle.  

RHYMING:

Each child had each word read and would try to find the word that sounded the same at the end of the word.  Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps young children become more fluent readers later in life.  

SYLLABLES:

The children worked on clapping out the "chunks" of sounds in words, called syllables.  Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older.  

IPADS - LOCATIONS AND OCCUPATIONS:

Through out the school year, the preschool classes will be able to play with learning apps on the iPads. Locations and occupations were explored using games.  The children sorted items into the kitchen, living room and bathroom.  For occupations, the app asks them to touch the corresponding person that fits the job described.  When everyone had completed the tasks, the children were able to explore a variety of math, literacy, science and social studies games.

MARBLE PAINTING:

The children were able to explore their creative side along with using science to create a marble painted leaf. Each child picked out the leaf shape they liked and then wrote their name on it for sign-in. After talking about how the seasons change and in autumn (the leaves will change from green to red, yellow, orange and brown) and how leaves can be rounded or pointed, the children then picked which colors they wanted to paint with and used marbles in a box cover to paint their leaf. The children were encouraged to talk about what was happening with the marbles and paint.

EMOTIONS:

The children looked at pictures of children and discussed what emotion they were showing along with why they thought that.  We looked at the different parts of the face that show those emotions, for example how your mouth moves when you are happy or sad.  What do your eyes do when you are angry.  Preschool children need help interpret their own feelings along with others.  With this lesson, we were helping to teach your child to use their words to express their feelings and respond to others emotions.   

REAL - VS - FANTASY:

While looking at pictures, the children talked about what items were real and which were pretend. We discussed what makes something real and what makes something fantasy. 

FALL EXPLORATION: 

Taking a closer look at leaves, pinecones, gourds, acorns, corn and apples was the science activity this week.  The children were introduced to a variety of different magnifying glasses along with the balance to help them further their investigations.  We compared the objects, (looking at color, sizes, weights and shapes) trying to gather as much information as possible.  

THIRD GRADE READERS:

Each week Miss. Jenkins's and Mrs. Lillquist's classes will be coming into the preschool classroom to have their children read to the preschoolers. This is an excellent way to have the third graders brush up on their oral reading skills while the preschoolers get some one on one reading time. What a fun way to show the importance of reading.

APPLE PRINTS:

This week we talked about apples.  We learned that apples have a core, stem, seeds, flesh, skin and stars inside.  Apples can be yellow, green and red.  Apples grow on trees and a large group of apple trees is called an orchard.  Apples grow from blossoms in the spring into big juicy apples in the fall.  The children practiced cutting out their apple shape and then were encouraged to try painting with apples to see if they could find a star inside.

APPLE PIE MAKING:

Learning about apples this week, we talked about things that we use apples to make.  So I created an apple pie making dramatic play area to the classroom. No, it was not real apple pie making, just pretend.  The children pretended to roll out crust (felt circles) and added: red, yellow or green apples, along with blueberries (which were actually colored pom-poms).  They all turned out delicious!  Some people think that pretend play is fun and imaginative and that it is not really educational. In fact, children are learning to problem solve, cooperate, be flexible and are re-enacting things that they have observed.

Tree Shapes:

The children worked with shapes to create a tree this week.  They practiced holding the scissors correctly to cut on a straight line for the trunk of the tree.  The children practiced writing their name on the back, along with some of the children learning how to use glue.  They were also assessed on what shapes they could identify, along with colors.

PUZZLES: 

This week the preschoolers had opportunity to complete simple puzzles.  Puzzles are a great learning tool to use for children.  They promote cognitive thinking, problems solving while using fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.  Puzzles can include social interaction and build self esteem for these little learners.

BUS SAFETY:

Bus safety is important to teach all young children about during the first few days of school.  Jim Brockpahler and Lowell Stuart helped to teach the children what they need to do on the bus.  The kids practiced:  Getting on and off the school bus, how to cross the street in front of the bus, how to sit in the seat, keeping items in your backpack, what you would do if you had to get off the bus through the back door, in an emergency.  So many important safety tips were addressed.

HANDWRITING WITHOUT TEARS:

Each week the children will be working in their Handwriting Without Tears worksheets. This curriculum was created by an occupational therapist to help young learners to learn letters, numbers, colors, shapes and letter sounds while learning how to write letters, shapes and numbers.  This week the children worked on their pencil grasp and using little scribbles to color in stars and fireworks.

WRITING AND DICTATION:

The children had to complete the sentence:  At home I like to . . .  and then were asked to write what they like to do when they are at home.  I observed the kids to see which hand they use to write with and if they are using a pincher grasp to hold a marker.  This activity also helped me to see what stage of writing the children were in.  All children begin writing by scribbling, moving into letter like shapes and symbols, then starting to sound out words and using initial letter sounds to write and then finally writing words.  

CUTTING:

One skill that was assessed this week was cutting. Children were given a triangle to cut out and then were able to use water colors to paint a picture. Children cut completely on their own, so I could collect an initial cutting sample. We will be working on cutting through out the school year. This sample will be shared at conferences.

PAINTING:

Each child was able to explore with paints to create their own masterpiece.  The children were given red, yellow and blue paint to mix and paint in any way they chose.  Each child was also asked if they wanted to have their paper horizontal or vertical. 

OUTDOOR PLAY:

In Preschool we will be going outside daily, weather permitting. If it is raining or below 0 degrees with or without windchill, we will then stay inside.  Outdoor play is an important part of physical development for children. Children are able to learn a variety of skills such as:  climbing, running, swinging, jumping, leaping, hopping, balancing an so much more.  Besides large muscles skills, children are also working on social and communication skills.  Play is so important in a child's life.  

PRESCHOOL PAPERWORK: 

Please complete all paperwork and return to Heidi in the preschool classroom.  These forms are required to continue receiving preschool services.

OPEN HOUSE 2024: 

Come check out the classroom (Room 110) with your child on Thursday, August 29th from 3:30 - 6:30 pm. We will have packets of paperwork for parents to fill out and an activity for the children to take home. This will help your child be acquainted with the classroom before your child attends class on September 9th or 10th. I am excited to meet all the new families that will be attending preschool. We look forward to meeting you! 

 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR:

SIDEWAYS STORIES FROM WAYSIDE SCHOOL:

Mrs. Lillquist's 3rd grade class invited the preschoolers to come watch their play which was taken from the book, Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar.  

INSECT SYLLABLES:

Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older.  The children were able to use fly swatters to slap out the chunks of sounds in insect pictures/words.

PAINTING:

When asked what the children wanted to do the last week of school, the majority of the kids mentioned painting.  So this week, each child was able to explore with watercolor paints to create their own masterpiece.  This is a fun way to work on refining our fine muscles.

FFA BARNYARD:

On Wednesday, May 8th, the preschool class was invited to attend the FFA Barnyard that was held outside by the back parking lot.  The children were able to get an up close and personal look at a tractor, cows, sheep, goats, chickens, a pig, a dog, a rabbit, a horse and a pony.  

COUNTING DEAD FLIES:

To work on our counting skills, along with sorting, the children had a handful of "flies" that they dropped on the table.  They then had to sort which flies were dead (on their backs) and which were alive (on their feet).  They then proceeded to count how many dead, how many alive.  We also talked about more and less in this math activity.

IF I WERE A BUTTERFLY...:

The children had to complete the sentence:  If I were a butterfly . . .  and then were asked to write what they would do if they were a butterfly.  I observed the kids to see which hand they use to write with and if they are using a pincher grasp to hold a marker.  This activity also helped me to see what stage of writing the children were in.  All children begin writing by scribbling, moving into letter like shapes and symbols, then starting to sound out words and using initial letter sounds to write and then finally writing words.

BUTTERFLIES:

This week we focused on butterflies. The children worked their small muscles and creative talents to create a butterfly.  They first had to cut out their butterfly and write their name on the back.  They were then able to tear orange and black paper to create a Monarch butterfly.  Art is a fun way for children to work on fine motor control while exploring their creative side.  It helps them to use their senses to explore emotions and experience cause and effect.  The children also learned about metamorphosis. 

BIRDSEED:

Birdseed was added to the sensory table for exploration. Children discover their world through sensory play.  They are able to explore by using all of their senses.   The children used cups, shovels and other various containers to manipulate the seed.  The sensory table is a fun math/science station that allows children to work on math, science and social skills all while playing. 

KINDERGARTEN VISIT TO MRS. STRAYER'S CLASSROOM:

This week we visited Mrs. Strayer's kindergarten classroom.  This is a transition activity for the preschoolers to see what the kindergarten classrooms are like and to see what some of the expectations are.  

 ICE CREAM SHOP:

The children were able to scoop up ice cream this week.  So many skills are worked on in the dramatic play area:  math, writing, socialization, conflict resolution, re-enacting life skills and so much more.  I also added scoops, cups and cones to the kinetic sand for more sensory play.

BEE KEEPING:

Don Isaacson came into Sebeka School to help the  preschoolers and first grade classes learn about honey bees and beekeeping.  We learned that female honey bees have stingers and males do not.  If the female stings you, they die.  Honey bees live in colonies and the queen lays thousands of eggs and is the mother to every single bee in the hive.  Worker bees are females.  Bees pollinate flowers and use nectar from flowers to create honey.  Don demonstrated how each tool is used and explained why he uses it.  

ALL ABOUT ME BOOK:

Now through the end the year, we wanted the children to create a keepsake about themselves, so we are making a book that is all about them.  Each child is working on drawing pictures and answering questions about themselves and their parents.   We can't wait to share it with you.

KINDERGARTEN VISIT TO MRS. CRABB'S CLASSROOM:

This week we visited Mrs. Crabb's kindergarten classroom.  This is a transition activity for the preschoolers to see what the kindergarten classrooms are like and to see what some of the expectations are.   

SEEDS IN THE SENSORY TABLE:

Birdseed was added to the sensory table this week.  The children are using funnels, cups, scoops and other various containers to manipulate the seeds.  The sensory table is a fun science station that allows children to work on math, science and social skills all while playing.  

COUNTING: 

Counting marbles was how the children were assessed on counting skills.

PLANTING FLOWERS:

Going with the spring theme, the children each planted their own seeds.  We talked about what plants need to grow:  dirt, sun and water.  We then followed a recipe card that showed what the children needed to do and in what order to do it in.  We talked about the stages a flower grows, from a seed to a plant.  They watched 2 short videos with time lapse photography of flowers growing.   We will be monitoring the plants for the next few weeks.

COLORS AND SHAPES: 

The children were quickly assessed on what colors and shapes the children were able to identify.  Each child was asked on on one, what each color name was and then what names each shape was.  We continue to talk about colors and shapes daily.

RHYMING:

Each child played a rhyming game with me this week.  The words were read to each child and then they had to find the one that sounded the same at the end of the word.  Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps children to break words into smaller parts which is important for reading and spelling.  Rhyming helps become a successful reader.

FLORAL SHOP:

To the dramatic play area, we added a floral shop.  The children were able to fill out order forms of what their clients requested, run the cash register, plant flowers and make arrangements.  So many skills are worked on in the dramatic play area:  math, writing, socialization, conflict resolution, re-enacting life skills and so much more.  They were also able to move bee (plastic eggs) from flower to flower to collect pollen.

HONEY BEES:

This week we learned about honeybees.  Honeybees are insects with 6 legs and three body parts (head, thorax and abdomen).  They have 5 eyes, have paper thin wings and have stripes on their abdomen.  Female honeybees have stingers and males do not.  If they sting you, they die.  There are thousands of different kinds of bees.  Honeybees live in colonies and the queen's job is to lay thousands and thousands of eggs.  The queen is the mother to every single bee in the colony.  Worker bees build the hive out of wax.  Hives are full of little rooms called cells.  Baby bees live in those cells and the worker bees will also fill the cells with honey.  Bees drink nectar using a straw-like tube called a proboscis. When the bees turn the nectar into honey, the flap their wings to dry it.  When bees visit flowers, they get covered in pollen and it falls on other flowers which causes new flowers to grow. The children created their own bees by cutting out a bee shape, added wings, stripes, eyes and antennae.  They were also able to move pollen (yellow pom-poms) with tweezers like a bee would move the pollen from flower to flower.

BEE HIVES:

Creating bee hives by ordering rectangle stips from largest to smallest was the task this week.  First the children were told to put the find the largest rectangle and put it at the bottom of the paper.  They continued from largest to smallest, using 5 sizes, until they completed their hive.  This activity required the children to follow directions, use their eyes to visually discriminate differences between items, use fine motor skills to glue, write their name.  When children are able to understand that items can be compared by size/weight and can be arranged from smallest to largest.  This will also help them to understand that numbers can also be put in order from lowest to highest.

CATCH A BUG:

This math game, the children had to roll dice to find how many colored bugs they need to put in their jar.  Working on colors while counting and identifying number patterns on the dice were the skills worked on in this activity. 

MEASURING FLOWERS:

To work on measuring, the children were given flowers on a piece of paper and then we talked about how to use a ruler, measuring tape or blocks to measure how long each animal was. The children were encouraged to place the ruler, tape measure and blocks at the edge of the flower and count the numbers or state the number that the flowers ended at. 

FLOWERS:

We talked about the parts of a plant and what they do.  The flower head calls the bees and birds to pollinate the plants and the stamen is where the bees collect pollen and nectar.  The leaves catch the sun and rain and bring it down to the roots so that the stem can carry the nutrients up to the flower.  It also holds the head of the flower up.  The children were eager to try this science activity.  To create their flowers, they had to really work on fine motor skills by first cutting out the stamen and then tearing or ripping paper to create the petals, stem and leaves.  They were then glued all together to create their art piece.  

THE EASTER BUNNY VISITS:

The Easter Bunny came to visit the classes this week.  The Easter Bunny brought along real baby bunnies and a variety of eggs to show sizes and colors.  The children were able to take their picture with the Easter Bunny along with checking out the rabbits and investigating the eggs.  Every child got an Easter egg to take home. 

BUNNY EARS:

We created Easter bunny ears by working to cut out ears.  The children were then able to color them however they wanted and teaching staff stapled them together to create a hat.  Scissor skills help with small muscle skill development but also foster creativity and cognitive growth. As children manipulate scissors to cut they use their hand-eye coordination, bilateral coordination, and spatial awareness. 

EASTER RHYMING:

We worked on rhyming again this week with Easter eggs.  Each child had each word read and would try to find the word that sounded the same at the end of the word. Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps young children become more fluent readers later in life. 

E-LEARNING:

E- Learning Days will take place in the event that school needs to close due to the weather or other circumstances. When an E-Learning Day is called by the school, have your child complete 5 boxes of things to do, while not in school that day.  Have your child color each box that they complete.  You will send the completed bingo card, a picture of the bingo card or a note of which 5 boxes were completed to Heidi, either by paper in the backpack, by email, text or through Remind.  This will be counted as attendance for your child for that day.  If you do not notify Heidi, your child will be marked absent.  Heidi's information: hhuotari@g.sebeka.k12.mn.us    Cell #:  218-640-3021 or download the Remind app and use the Remind code: @sebekap.

CHECK OUT THE E-LEARNING TAB ON THIS GOOGLE SITE FOR THE BINGO CARD THAT NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED FOR ATTENDANCE.

FORK CHICK:

The children painted with forks to create a chick and then used a paint brush to make a beak, legs and toes. When preschoolers use a paintbrush, their fine motor skills improve.  When they experiment with different tools to paint with, they are learning science.  When children are happy and feel good while they paint or create art, they are boosting their self-confidence.  

SHAVING CREAM ART:

The children had to use some strong finger muscles to cut through an egg shape on card stock.  The children then were able to play with shaving cream.  They were encouraged to write the letters in their name while they played. After washing their hands, they came back to the table and added liquid water colors and made big circles/swirls through the paint and shaving cream.  After placing the egg shape on the paint/shaving cream mixture, we used a scraper to scrape everything off to show the marbleized looking design.  

A LEPRECHAUN VISITS THE CLASSROOM:

A sneaky leprechaun came into the classroom and messed things up.  Toys were tossed around the room and chairs knocked over.  The leprechaun did leave some clues that led the class to a pot of gold under the rainbow.  Ask you child about what happened, see what story they tell you.

RAINBOWS:

The children were able to use "magic" paper to help them finger paint without getting dirty.  The children first had to cut out a rainbow shape to work on fine motor skills.  Then they were given red, yellow and blue paint squirted in an arc across their rainbow.  "Magic" paper (wax paper) was placed on top and then the children were encouraged to find other colors of the rainbow as they blended the red, yellow and blue paint together.  We talked about the colors and how you can mix colors to make other colors.  A fun science activity to promote discussion and the kids were really watching others to see what colors they were making.  

HEINASIRKKA, HEINASIRKKA GO AWAY:

Heinasirkka, heinasirkka go away!  (Grasshopper, grasshopper go away!) The preschool children could be heard chanting this phrase this week as we talked about St. Urho.   We talked about how grasshoppers have antennas that they use to smell and feel.  Grasshoppers can be brown, green or sand color that help them blend into their surroundings.  They can be up to 4" long and the girls are longer than the boys.  Grasshoppers are insects with 3 body parts and 6 legs.  They use their legs to jump and walk and not all grasshoppers have wings.  Grasshoppers have large eyes that let them see in all directions.  They eat plants, vegetables, dead animals and other insects. After discussing grasshoppers, the children were able to use some creative talents to create a grape cluster for their grasshopper to eat.  We talked about how grapes hang in a cluster, they are usually green and purple (We even discussed how the purple grapes are usually called red.) The children were then encouraged to make a pattern using cotton balls and paint.  Start with 5 at the top, then 4 and 3 and all the way to 1.  It looked kind of like a triangle.  They also counted how many grapes they had.

TWINKLE LITTLE STARS:

We talked about the nursery rhyme Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and then the children used their small muscles to cut out a star and used watercolor to paint their stars.  Each child was able to explore with paints to create their own masterpiece.  

BIBBITY BOBBITY BOO, I KNOW THIS LETTER DO YOU?:

The children worked on naming letters, writing their upper case letters and talked about what sounds they make and words that start that sound.  We made it more fun by stating..."Bibbity bobbity boo, I know this letter, do you?" We used small white boards so everyone had their own area to write on.  

RE-ENACTING LITTLE MISS MUFFET:

The children were able to use spider hats to re-enact/retell Little Miss Muffet.  Retelling encourages a child to picture the characters and story line in her head. A good way to further enhance your child’s recount of the story is to ask questions. Comprehension is an important skill needed for children.  If the child can not retell events from a story, they probably did not understand what they read/heard.  

HUMPTY DUMPTY:

The children were able to use plastic eggs and blocks to retell Humpty Dumpty.  A big part of this activity was having the children roll a die, count the dots or identify the dot pattern and then make a wall with that amount of blocks. We also looked at a real egg and cracked it to talk about how we could help Humpty Dumpty. We charted our answers and then discussed whether Humpty Dumpty could really be put back together again.   

GREEN EGGS RHYMING:

To practice our rhyming skills, the children flipped green eggs using a spatula.  They then had to match the rhyming pairs.  Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps young children become more fluent readers later in life.   

WHAT WILL IT BE:

Each child picked a piece of paper with 2 googly eyes glued onto it.  They then were told that they were going to be a creative illustrator like Dr. Seuss and create a character.  It could be a person, animal, insect or some kind of a monster.  After they drew the character, they then dictated what they made.  You can check them out on the classroom bulletin board.

DINOSAUR SYLLABLES: 

The children were quickly assessed on how they clapped out syllables.  I used dinosaurs vocabulary and pictures to make it more interesting for the children.   Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older.  

DINOSAUR HABITAT:  

This week we talked about what a habitat is and what kind of habitat dinosaurs lived in.  The children cut out a black dinosaur shape to work on their fie motor and cutting skills.  For an art experience, the children painted the dinosaurs habitat using blue for water and the sky, brown for dirt, mud or tree trunks and green for grass, trees and plants.  When they were done painting, the children added their dinosaur to their habitat.

DIGGING FOR DINOSAURS: 

Kinetic sand was added to let the children become paleontologists to dig through the sand, find shells and then clean them off with brushes.  We also added dinosaurs and blue sand in the sensory table for exploration.  The science table had bones, rocks and shells for the children to investigate.  Children discover their world through sensory play.  They are able to explore by using all of their senses.  The sensory table is a fun science station that allows children to work on math, science and social skills all while playing.  

BOOKS FOR THE CLASSROOM:  Thank you to everyone that brought in change for the classroom.  We were able to raise $80.60 to purchase books for.  

LOVE POTION:

The little scientists were busy making "love potion" this week.  The children added baking soda to their empty glass.  They then had to decide what color potion they wanted to make, using liquid water colors.  We then poured vinegar on top to see what happened.  The children needed to follow directions and then were encouraged to talk about what they observed.  Science is a way for children to explore the world around them and create theories or ideas on why things are happening.   

VALENTINES:

This week we talked about valentines and how valentines are a way to tell someone that we love them, like them or that they are just our friends.  We cut out a small heart and colored in the shapes to tell our parents that they color our heart.  

I LOVE:

With love in the air, the children worked on drawing pictures of who or what they love.  They then dictated their response to be written down. Since children are not born to understand the purpose of writing.  Through dictation, I am able to model writing to children in a purposeful way that brings meaning to their drawings.  

KING JASPER AND QUEEN BRIANNA:

Homecoming king and queen Jasper Hosey and Brianna George visited our afternoon class and read King Bidgood's in the Bathtub by Don and Audrey Wood or The Paperbag Princess by Robert Munsch.  

MEASURING FARM ANIMALS:

To work on measuring, the children were given a farm animal on a piece of paper and then we talked about how to use a ruler, measuring tape or blocks to measure how long each animal was. The children were encouraged to place the ruler, tape measure and blocks at the edge of the animal and count the numbers or state the number that the animal ended at. 

SYLLABLES:

The children worked on clapping out the "chunks" of sounds in words, called syllables.  Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older.  

PRETEND SNOW:

Pretend snow was added to the sensory table for exploration.  If the children have talked about playing with diapers, that is because the "snow" is similar to what is used inside diapers. Children discover their world through sensory play.  They are able to explore by using all of their senses.   The children used various containers to manipulate the snowed.  The sensory table is a fun science station that allows children to work on math, science and social skills all while playing. 

PENGUIN SYLLABLES: 

The children worked on clapping out the "chunks" of sounds in words, called syllables.  I used terminology that we have been learning about penguins, such as antarctica, rookeries, camouflage and tobogganing.  Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older. 

SELF PORTRAITS:

The children were encouraged to draw their best picture of themself.  We also talked about how we are the same and how we are different.  We compared our skins to our friends skin and talked about how even though we are all similar colors, we are different too.  The children were also encouraged to talk about how we would feel if someone didn't want to play with you if you had different color skin, didn't think like them or just looked different.  The classes decided it would not be a nice place to live. While drawing their self-portraits, I am looking what body parts the children are able to draw along with pencil grasp and what hand they use to write with.  These pictures will be shared with parents at conferences.

PENGUIN RHYMING:

More penguins....this week we worked on rhyming words.  Each child had each word read and would try to find the word that sounded the same at the end of the word.  Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps young children become more fluent readers later in life.  

MOVING "SNOWBALLS":

The children practiced refining their small muscles by using chopsticks, tongs and spoons to move "snowballs" into a bowl or ice cube tray.  Small or fine motor activities help young children to increase their hand and finger strength to perform small tasks such as writing, coloring, buttoning and zipping.  The more they practice these skills, the more independent they will become.

HOT COCOA FOR DRAMATIC PLAY:

For some winter fun, we added pretend hot cocoa and marshmallows to the kitchen area.  Some people think that pretend play is fun and imaginative and that it is not really educational.  In fact, children are learning to problem solve, cooperate, be flexible and are re-enacting things they they have observed.

SIMPLE ADDITION-SUBTRACTION-COUNTING:

For a simple addition activity, the children turned over 2 cards, they counted how many snowballs there were all together and then found the hat for the snowman with the number on it.  With this activity, we worked not only on addition, but counting and number identification.  To work on simple subtraction, the children are given 10 fish.  They flip over a card that tells them how many fish the penguin should eat.  After they feed the penguin, they count how many fish are left. To work on counting, the children had to feed a penguin fish.  As they put the fish in the penguins mouth, they counted how many it ate.  

IN THE WINTER I LIKE TO....:

The children worked on dictation by completed the sentence, In the winter I like to . . .  They were then encouraged to write their response,which may be scribbles, letter like shapes or pictures.  I then wrote their dictation for them. All children go through the stages of writing.  First they scribble and then move into picture writing.  A more deliberate writing is the next stage  when they are using letter like shapes to write.  Writing using beginning sounds is the next stage and then they start to actually sound out words and write.  Encourage your child to write, draw and scribble it will help them to become better writers.

E-LEARNING DAYS:

E- Learning Days will take place in the event that school needs to close due to the weather or other circumstances. When an E-Learning Day is called by the school, have your child complete 5 boxes of things on the bingo card, while not in school that day.  You will find the bingo card under the E-Learning section on this Google Site.  Have your child color each box that they complete.  You will send the completed bingo card, a picture of the bingo card or a note of which 5 boxes were completed to Heidi, either by paper in the backpack, by email, text or through Remind.  This will be counted as attendance for your child for that day.  If you do not notify Heidi, your child will be marked absent.   Heidi's information: hhuotari@g.sebeka.k12.mn.us    Cell #:  218-640-3021 or download the Remind app and use the Remind code: @sebekap.

PENGUINS:

This week we have been learning about penguins.  We have talked about how most penguins live in Antarctica.  They have wings, but do not fly.  They are really good swimmers and almost "fly" through the water.  They eat fish, squid and krill.  The mother penguin will feed the chick by spitting up the food that it has chewed into the chicks mouth.  Eagles, hawks, sharks, killer whales and leopard seals will prey on penguins and their eggs.  Penguins have camouflage, the dark blends into the water and the white blends into the sunlight.  The Emperor penguin will hold the eggs and chicks on their feet to keep them warm.  A group of penguins are called rookeries or they live in a colony.  Penguins have feathers to keep them warm and dry.  Penguins like to slide on their belly, called tobogganing.  The children made their own penguins by cutting out ovals and a triangle beak and then putting all the parts 

LETTER IDENTIFICATION:

We played a game for letter and number identification.  For the alphabet, a small group of children took turns picking out a penguin out of a bag.  We then identified the letter that was on the penguin, talked about the sound it makes and then tried to find that letter on their paper and put a dauber spot on top of it.  

SNOWMAN:  SMALL-MEDIUM-LARGE:

This week we revisited small, medium and large by creating a snowman.  This activity required the children to follow directions.  Each small group of children were given step by step directions as to what they needed to do to make their snowman.  They used their eyes to visually discriminate differences between items and use fine motor skills to cut and glue.  When children are able to understand that items can be compared by size/weight and can be arranged from smallest to largest it will help them to understand that numbers can also be put in order from lowest to highest. 

SHAPES & COLORS:

This week, I worked on assessing what shapes and colors the children could identify.  I pointed to the shape or color and they had to name it.  This takes a little bit more knowledge than just asking where the color or shape is.

SEEDS IN THE SENSORY TABLE:

Birdseed was added to the sensory table this week.  The children are using funnels, cups, scoops and other various containers to manipulate the seeds.  The sensory table is a fun science station that allows children to work on math, science and social skills all while playing.  

CONCERT:  

The Preschool winter concert will be held on Tuesday, December 19th at 6:00 pm in the elementary gym.  The children will be singing some holiday songs.  See you there!

REINDEER FOOD:

This was a measuring activity that included following a recipe to create reindeer food for Rudolph to find their home.  Measuring activities help teach everyday math skills.  By following the recipe, the children were working on reading skills while counting the number of spoons needed and make sure that their spoon was full.    

DREAM SNOW:

The class was read Dream Snow by Eric Carle.  After reading the story, the children talked in small groups about the characters, what their names where and why they thought they were named that.  We talked about why the farmer rushed outside, who the presents were for and what might have been inside them.  At the end of the story the farmer decorated "Tree" and pushed a button and it made a twinkling sound.  After all the discussion about the book, the children painted "Tree" with rubber bands and white paint and added glitter.  Many studies have shown that children build vocabulary, use more complex sentences, and improve comprehension when the are frequently read to.  Retelling stories helps children become more familiar with the story, to use their imagination, expand their ideas, and create visual images as they retell the plot of the story.

COOKIE BAKING CENTER:

For a change to the dramatic play center, I have added tools to pretend to bake cookies and muffins.  The children have been busy mixing, rolling out, baking, stirring and flipping cookies.  Through pretend play, children are learning to problem solve, cooperate, be flexible and are re-enacting things they they have observed.

ORDERING TREES:  SMALL-MEDIUM-LARGE:

Creating trees was a multi-step task this week.  First the children had to cut out 4 triangles.  They then were told to find the largest triangle and put it on top of their stump.  They continued on until they completed their tree.  This activity required the children to follow directions, use their eyes to visually discriminate differences between items, use fine motor skills to cut, glue, write their name and add decorations.  Children are able to understand that items can be compared by size/weight and can be arranged from smallest to largest.  This will also help them to understand that numbers can also be put in order from lowest to highest. 

TREE CUTTING:

Cutting was the skill that was assessed this week.  Children were given a tree to cut out and then were able to paint it with bingo daubers.  Children cut completely on their own, so I could collect a cutting sample.  We will continue to work on cutting through out the school year.  This sample will be shared at conferences.

GIFTS FOR PARENTS:

Christmas gifts for parents have been in the works this week, but it is a secret.  You will have to wait until Christmas to unwrap and see what we your child has been doing.  

DEAR SANTA... & IF SANTA WERE STUCK IN THE CHIMNEY....:

The children were able to write letters to Santa this week.  We discussed what a letter or note is and what is needed to write Santa a letter.  Each child wrote to Santa and then signed their name at the bottom.  We also completed the sentence:  If Santa were stuck in the chimney, I would . . . This is writing activity that helped to refine their writing skills. I am looking at handedness, hand positioning while writing, if they wrote letters, letter like shapes, drew pictures or just scribbled.  I also noted what kind of response they made.  

ORNAMENTS:

To work on fine motor skills along with patterning, the children strung beads onto pipe cleaners and wire.  To practice patterning, the children created a candy cane ornament, completing a simple red, white pattern. By age 3 children should be able to complete a simple pattern with some assistance.  By age 4, children should be able to complete a pattern without assistance.  Patterning has been shown to support mathematical reasoning to build understanding rules and regularities in math concepts.  Working on patterning in preschool is the beginning of mastering life-long math skills.  The children were able to decorate die cut shapes and add glitter and beaded a spiral ornament.  Some of the children chose to bring their ornaments home while some put them on the classroom tree.  

I'M BEARY THANKFUL FOR:

The children were asked to dictate the response to I'm beary thankful for. . .  They then were encouraged to work on their writing skills and write what they were thankful for.  The teacher also wrote their response.   While doing this activity, I was looking at hand positioning while writing, if they wrote letters, letter like shapes or drew pictures.  I also noted what kind of response they made.  

TURKEY PUPPET:

The preschoolers were able to color a turkey die-cut shape to create a puppet, they then used that puppet to tell a turkey story.  This week we talked about turkeys.  We talked about the parts of a turkey.  Did you know that turkeys have toes?  We learned that a snood, wattle and gobbler are the red flap that hangs over the turkey's beak.  Depending on where you research, they all give different names. We also watched videos of turkeys strutting, running and heard what they sound like when they gobble.  We talked about how baby turkeys are called poults and turkeys can have beards. 

TURKEY LETTERS:

We played a game for letter identification.  A small group of children took turns picking out a turkey out of a bag.  We then identified the letter that was on the turkey, talked about the sound it makes and then tried to find that letter on their paper and put a dauber spot on top of it.  If the children drew a picture of a turkey, they had to gobble like  turkey.

HOW DOES YOUR STORY BEGIN?:

The children told their story this week.  Each child was asked, "How does your story begin?"  The children were encouraged to tell a story about themselves, their families, what they do at home or school.  They could also tell a story they heard in a book or on a movie.  As they told their story, Heidi wrote it out, just as they dictated.  

RHYMING:

We worked on rhyming again this week.  Each child had each word read and would try to find the word that sounded the same at the end of the word. Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps young children become more fluent readers later in life. 

SYLLABLES:

We used vocabulary from the Pete the Cat stories by Eric Litwin to clap the syllables or "chunks" of sounds in words. Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older. 

BINGO FOR BOOKS:  

Thank you to everyone that played bingo for books this past week.  The classroom received $27.15 to purchase books.  With that money I was able to buy:  Stick and Stone Best Friends Forever! by Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld, Perfectly Pegasus by Jessie Sima, I'm a Unicorn by Helen Yoon and Lou by Breanna Carzoo.  Thank you again, it is always fun to get new books for the classroom.

SORTING ANIMALS:

This week, the children practiced sorting skills, by sorting animals by color and shapes such as cows, sheep, horses, rabbits, chickens and ducks.  Sorting is an early math skill that helps children understand that things are same and different and can be organized into groups.  

PATTERNING:

After discussing what a pattern was and how to complete it, the children were shown how to make a pattern using pumpkins to make them go big, little, big, little. If they mastered that pattern, the children were then able to try big, big, little, as a pattern. Patterning is a math skill that other math concepts are built upon. In preschool, identifying and creating patterns is just the beginning of the mastery of life-long mathematical skills.

HALLOWEEN PARTY:

We had a Halloween party this week.  The children were able to dress in costumes and play some games (pin the nose on the pumpkin, ring toss, bean bag toss, drop the clothes pin in the pumpkin, musical chairs and go bowling). The children helped clean out pumpkins and then watched as we made them erupt. We also were able to color and cut out some puppets.  Spooky stories, songs and snacks were also a favorite.  Thank you to all the parents and grandparents that spent the day with us.  We loved having you!

HAMMERING PUMPKINS:

To work on fine motor skills along with hand-eye coordination, the children hammered golf tees into pumpkins using hammers. 

SHAPE MONSTER:

The children worked with shapes to create a monster this week.  They practiced holding the scissors correctly to cut on a straight or curved line.  The children practiced writing their name on the back along with some of the children learning how to use glue.   

MEASURING & ORDERING PUMPKINS:

Putting pumpkins in order from smallest to largest was the task this week.  We used both real pumpkins and slid pumpkins on the Smart Board.   When children are able to understand that items can be compared by size/weight and can be arranged from smallest to largest, this will also help them to understand that numbers can also be put in order from lowest to highest. The children were also introduced to measuring tapes and rulers.  We talked about how and why we measure things.

MOONS AND BATS:

To work on our cutting skills, the children cut out a zig-zag bat and a round moon.  We need to do a lot of cutting practice.  It's a hard skill to master. The children were thrilled with their end result.  Spooky....

FIRE STATION VISIT:

Tuesday, October 10th the preschool classes along with ECFE, met at the fire station to learn about fire safety, meet some firefighters and check out all the fire trucks and equipment.

RHYMING:

Each child had each word read and would try to find the word that sounded the same at the end of the word. Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps young children become more fluent readers later in life. 

SYLLABLES:

The children worked on clapping out the "chunks" of sounds in words, called syllables. Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older. 

ABC & NUMBER IDENTIFICATION:

For a baseline, I finished up assessing what letters and numbers the children were able to identify in a random order.

RHYMING:

Each child had each word read and would try to find the word that sounded the same at the end of the word. Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps young children become more fluent readers later in life. 

SYLLABLES:

The children worked on clapping out the "chunks" of sounds in words, called syllables. Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older. 

ABC & NUMBER IDENTIFICATION:

For a baseline, I assessed the children on what letters and numbers they were able to identify in a random order.

COUNTING: 

Counting marbles was how the children were assessed on counting skills.

THOUGHT BUBBLES:

Throughout the school year, we will be talking to the preschool classes about thought bubbles and how you can think in your mind and do not have to always say what you are thinking.  We have been working hard with the to remember to keep their thoughts in their thought bubbles and if they really need to have to say something to raise their hand until the teacher is done talking.

THIRD GRADE READERS:

Each week Miss. Jenkins's and Mrs. Lillquist's classes will be coming into the preschool classroom to have their children read to the preschoolers. This is an excellent way to have the third graders brush up on their oral reading skills while the preschoolers get some one on one reading time. What a fun way to show the importance of reading.

REAL - VS- FANTASY:

While looking at pictures, the children talked about what items were real and which were pretend.  We discussed what makes something real and what makes something fantasy.  

IPADS - LOCATIONS AND OCCUPATIONS:

Throughout the school year, the preschool classes will be able to play with learning apps on the iPads. Locations and occupations were explored using games.  The children sorted items into the kitchen, living room and bathroom.  For occupations, the app asks them to touch the corresponding person that fits the job described.  When everyone had completed the tasks, the children were able to explore a variety of math, literacy, science and social studies games.

MARBLE PAINTING:

The children were able to explore their creative side along with using science to create a marble painted leaf.  Each child picked out the leaf shape (rounded, pointed or just bumpy looking) and then wrote their name on it. After talking about how the seasons change and in autumn (the leaves will change from green to red, yellow, orange and brown), the children then picked which colors they wanted to paint with and used marbles in a box cover to paint their leaf. The children were encouraged to talk about what was happening with the marbles and paint.

FALL EXPLORATION: 

Taking a closer look at leaves, pinecones, gourds, acorns, corn and apples was the science activity this week.  The children were introduced to a variety of different magnifying glasses along with the balance to help them further their investigations.  We compared the objects, (looking at color, sizes, weights and shapes) trying to gather as much information as possible.  

APPLE PRINTS:

This week we talked about apples.  We learned that apples have a core, stem, seeds, flesh, skin and stars inside.  Apples can be yellow, green and red.  Apples grow on trees and a large group of apple trees is called an orchard.  Apples grow from blossoms in the spring into big juicy apples in the fall.  The children practiced cutting out their apple shape and then were encouraged to try painting with apples to see if they could find a star inside.

APPLE PIE MAKING:

Learning about apples this week, we talked about things that we use apples to make.  So I created an apple pie making dramatic play area to the classroom. No, it was not real apple pie making, just pretend.  The children pretended to roll out crust (felt circles) and added: red, yellow or green apples, along with blueberries (which were actually colored pom-poms).  They all turned out delicious!  Some people think that pretend play is fun and imaginative and that it is not really educational. In fact, children are learning to problem solve, cooperate, be flexible and are re-enacting things that they have observed.

COLORS AND SHAPES:

Colors and shapes was the name of the game this week.  The children identified colors and shapes.  They were able to use a variety of colors and shapes to create a collage.  Some of the children told me that they were going to use their collage to teach their parents the shapes and colors.  

HANDWRITING WITHOUT TEARS:

Each week the children will be working in their Handwriting Without Tears workbook. This curriculum was created by an occupational therapist to help young learners to learn letters, numbers, colors, shapes and letter sounds while learning how to write letters, shapes and numbers.  This week the children worked on their pencil grasp and using little scribbles to color in stars and fireworks. We also sang the ABC Song while pointing to each letter.

WRITING AND DICTATION:

The children had to complete the sentence:  It makes me happy when . . .  and then were asked to write what makes them happy.  I observed the kids to see which hand they use to write with and if they are using a pincher grasp to hold a marker.  This activity also helped me to see what stage of writing the children were in.  All children begin writing by scribbling, moving into letter like shapes and symbols, then starting to sound out words and using initial letter sounds to write and then finally writing words.

CUTTING:

One skill that was assessed this week was cutting. Children were given a triangle to cut out and then were able to use water colors to paint a picture. Children cut completely on their own, so I could collect an initial cutting sample. We will be working on cutting through out the school year. This sample will be shared at conferences.

PAINTING:

Each child was able to explore with paints to create their own masterpiece.  The children were given red, yellow and blue paint to mix and paint in any way they chose.  Each child was also asked if they wanted to have their paper horizontal or vertical. 

OUTDOOR PLAY:

In Preschool we will be going outside daily, weather permitting. If it is raining or below 0 degrees with or without windchill, we will then stay inside.  Outdoor play is an important part of physical development for children. Children are able to learn a variety of skills such as:  climbing, running, swinging, jumping, leaping, hopping, balancing an so much more.  Besides large muscles skills, children are also working on social and communication skills.  Play is so important in a child's life.  

PRESCHOOL PAPERWORK: 

Please complete all paperwork and return to Heidi in the preschool classroom.  These forms are required to continue receiving preschool services.

OPEN HOUSE 2023: 

Come check out the classroom (Room 110) with your child on Thursday, August 31st from 3:30 - 6:30 pm. We will have packets of paperwork for parents to fill out and an activity for the children to take home. This will help your child be acquainted with the classroom before your child attends class on September 11th or 12th. I am excited to meet all the new families that will be attending preschool. We look forward to meeting you! 

2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR:

Due to so many families requesting their child's pictures not to be posted on social media, links to classroom pictures will not be shared on this Google Site.  Families will receive copies of all the pictures I have taken, throughout the school year, at conferences.

COMPLETING OUR BOOKS ABOUT ME:

We completed our "All About Me" books.  I hope you enjoyed reading all of their comments.  The best part of doing these books ...that I get to hear all the answers, sometimes I have to hold back my laughter.  Love them!

END OF THE YEAR STUFF:

The last few days of class, we put the kids to work.  They helped wash all, well most of, the toys in the classroom.  We also pulled out some of their favorite activities for them to play with.

CATCH A BUG:

This math game, the children had to roll dice to find how many colored bugs they need to put in their jar.  Working on colors while counting and identifying number patterns on the dice were the skills worked on in this activity.

FFA BARNYARD:

On Thursday, May 11th, the preschool classes was invited to attend the FFA Barnyard that was held in the back parking lot.  The children were able to get an up close an personal look at  calves, a fainting goat, chicks, a donkey, a dog, rabbits, a horse, a lama, bulls, geese and lambs.  

ALL ABOUT ME BOOK:

Now through the end the year, we wanted the children to create a keepsake about themselves, so we are making a book that is all about them.  Each child is working on drawing pictures and answering questions about themselves and their parents.   

ICE CREAM SHOP:

The children were able to scoop up ice cream this week.  So many skills are worked on in the dramatic play area:  math, writing, socialization, conflict resolution, re-enacting life skills and so much more.  I also added scoops, cups and cones to the kinetic sand for more sensory play.

BEEKEEPING WITH DON ISAACSON:

Don Isaacson came into the classroom this week to talk about beekeeping with the preschool classes along with the first grade classes. The children were able to hold male honey bees (Males do no have stingers.), investigate honeycomb and wax and see how other beekeeping tools are used. 

KINDERGARTEN VISIT TO MRS. CRABB'S CLASSROOM:

This week we visited Mrs. Crabb's kindergarten classroom.  This is a transition activity for the preschoolers to see what the kindergarten classrooms are like and to see what some of the expectations are.   

COUNTING DEAD FLIES:

To work on our counting skills, along with sorting, the children had a handful of "flies" that they dropped on the table.  They then had to sort which flies were dead (on their backs) and which were alive (on their feet).  They then proceeded to count how many dead, how many alive.  We also talked about more and less in this math activity.

INSECT SYLLABLES:

Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older.  The children were able to use fly swatters to slap out the chunks of sounds in insect pictures/words.

METAMORPHOSIS: 

Metamorphosis was taught this week.  The children learned how the process of metamorphosis starts with an egg, then it hatches into a caterpillar which builds a chrysalis around itself and then hatches from the chrysalis into a butterfly.  To help the children remember, they cut out a butterfly shape and then added noodles to represent the life cycle of a butterfly.  

FLORAL SHOP:

To the dramatic play area, we added a floral shop.  The children were able to fill out order forms of what their clients requested, run the cash register, plant flowers and make arrangements.  So many skills are worked on in the dramatic play area:  math, writing, socialization, conflict resolution, re-enacting life skills and so much more.

HONEYBEES AND HIVES:

This week we learned about honeybees.  Honeybees are insects with 6 legs and three body parts (head, thorax and abdomen).  They have 5 eyes, have paper thin wings and have strips on their abdomen.  Female honeybees have stingers and males do not.  If they sting you, they die.  There are thousands of different kinds of bees.  Honeybees live in colonies and the queen job is to lay thousands and thousands of eggs.  The queen is the mother to every single bee in the colony.  Worker bees build the hive out of wax.  Hives are full of little rooms called cells.  Baby bees live in those cells and the worker bees will also fill the cells with honey.  Bees drink nectar using a straw-like tube called a proboscis. When the bees turn the nectar into honey, the flap their wings to dry it.  When bees visit flowers, they get covered in pollen and it falls on ther flowers which causes new flowers to grow.  The children created their own bees and painted hives using egg dippers.

FUR INVESTIGATION:

The children were able to investigate and explore animal furs, porcupine quills, antlers, paper wasp nests, snake skins, beaver chewings and feathers from a variety of birds.  We talked about similarities and differences.  Hands-on science lets kids observe, ask questions, touch, smell and experiment.  Giving them a chance to discover things on their own and talking with their friends to further their investigations to meet their interest levels.  

SHAVING CREAM ART AND PLANET EARTH:

The children had to use some strong finger muscles to cut through a circle on card stock.  The children then were able to play with shaving cream.  They were encouraged to write the letters in their name while they played. After washing their hands, they came back to the table and added liquid water colors and made big circles/swirls through the paint and shaving cream.  After placing the circle shape on the paint/shaving cream mixture, we used a scraper to scrape everything off to show the marbleized looking design taht looked like planet Earth.  We added a heart to say that we love planet Earth.  

CREATING RABBITS:

Each child was able to create a rabbit for Easter.  They had to use their fine motor skills to cut out the head and ears, we then had to follow directions and glue the rabbit together and put it onto a bright colored piece of paper.  They then added eyes, nose and a mouth to complete their rabbit. 

PLANTING FLOWERS:

Going with the spring theme, the children each planted their own seeds.  We talked about what plants need to grow:  dirt, sun and water.  We then followed a recipe card that showed what the children needed to do and in what order to do it in.  We talked about the stages a flower grows, from a seed to a plant.  They watched a short video about the life cycle of a flower.   We will be monitoring the plants for the next few weeks.

FLOWERS:

The Preschoolers talked about the stages a flower grows, from seed to plant.  They were able to watch 2 short videos with time lapse photography of flowers growing. We talked about the parts of a plant and what they do.  The flower head calls the bees and birds to pollinate the plants and the stamen is where the bees collect pollen and nectar.  The leaves catch the sun and rain and bring it down to the roots so that the stem can carry the nutrients up to the flower.  It also holds the head of the flower up.   

SYLLABLES:

The children worked on clapping out the "chunks" of sounds in words, called syllables.  Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older.  After rolling a large die with chicken terminology/pictures on each side, we talked about the picture and then clapped out the syllables.  The children learned about beaks, feathers, tails, hen, rooster, chick, eggs, chicken coops, claws, wattles, comb and hatching.  We then reviewed the terms again during circle time and clapped the syllables as a whole group.

RHYME TIME:

Each child played a rhyming game with me this week.  The words were read to each child and then they had to find the one that sounded the same at the end of the word.  Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps children to break words into smaller parts which is important for reading and spelling.  Rhyming helps become a successful reader.

MEASURING FARM ANIMALS:

To work on measuring, the children were given an animal shape on a piece of paper and then we talked about how to use a ruler, measuring tape or blocks to measure how long each animal was.  The children were encouraged to place the ruler, tape measure and blocks at the edge of the animal and count the numbers or state the number that the animal ended at. 

PIGS IN THE MUD:

This week we read the story of The Three Little Pigs.  The children cut out and finger painted pigs which gave the children a tactile and sensory experience while the cutting worked on fine motor skills.  We also practiced writing names in the finger paint.

COW AND BARN DICE ROLLING -

To work on counting, number identification and subitizing, the children had to roll a die, counted the dots or identified how many dots (subitizing) and then had to put that many of dots on their cow or identify the number and/or put the dot on that numeral that was identified.  

ROCK YOUR SOCKS:

World Down Syndrome Awareness Day is observed on March 21st.  The preschoolers wore clothes that were blue and yellow along with crazy, funk socks to celebrate those with Down Syndrome like our friend Emmett!

“Down Syndrome, which is a 3rd copy of the 21st chromosome, is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition, being universally present across racial, gender or socioeconomic lines in approximately 1 in 800 live births, although there is considerable variation worldwide. Down syndrome usually causes varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues.” 

A LEPRECHAUN VISITS THE CLASSROOM:

A sneaky leprechaun came into the classroom and messed things up.  Toys were tossed around the room and chairs knocked over.  The leprechaun did leave some clues that led the class to a pot of gold under the rainbow.  Ask you child about what happened, see what story they tell you.

IF A LEPRECHAUN GRANTED YOU A WISH...:

The afternoon class completed the sentence, "If a leprechaun granted me a wish, it would be. . ."  The children then wrote down their response.  Some scribbled or drew pictures, some wrote letter like shapes while others have started to sound out words and write them.  This activity is to get children verbally talking about their thoughts and then working on writing skills to communicate those thoughts.

RAINBOWS:

The children were able to use "magic" paper to help them finger paint without getting dirty.  The children first had to cut out a rainbow shape to work on fine motor skills.  Then they were given red, yellow and blue paint squirted in an arc across their rainbow.  "Magic" paper (wax paper) was placed on top and then the children were encouraged to find other colors of the rainbow as they blended the red, yellow and blue paint together.  We talked about the colors and how you can mix colors to make other colors.  A fun science activity to promote discussion and the kids were really watching others to see what colors they were making.  

HEINASIRKKA, HEINASIRKKA GO AWAY:

Heinasirkka, heinasirkka go away!  (Grasshopper, grasshopper go away!) The preschool children could be heard chanting this phrase this week as we talked about St. Urho.   We talked about how grasshoppers have antennas that they use to smell and feel.  Grasshoppers can be brown, green or sand color that help them blend into their surroundings.  They can be up to 4" long and the girls are longer than the boys.  Grasshoppers are insects with 3 body parts and 6 legs.  They use their legs to jump and walk and not all grasshoppers have wings.  Grasshoppers have large eyes that let them see in all directions.  They eat plants, vegetables, dead animals and other insects. After discussing grasshoppers, the children were able to use some fine motor skills to create a grasshopper hat, cutting out the 2 long jumping legs and the head and then created the face.  

ROLLING RAMPS:

This week we worked with ramps.  The children explored vehicles and how they move using ramps, trying to get the cars to move when the ramp is flat.  How can they get the car to move without any hands?  Then they were given blocks to explore with the ramps.  How can you make the car move faster, farther, slower?  How can you make it stop?  

WHAT WAS I SCARED OF?

The story What Was I Scared Of by Dr. Seuss was read at circle time.  The children then dictated their response to what they are scared of and then were encouraged to write about it and/or draw a picture.  We worked on writing skills along with dictation. 

E-LEARNING:

E- Learning Days will take place in the event that school needs to close due to the weather or other circumstances. When an E-Learning Day is called by the school, have your child complete 5 boxes of things to do, while not in school that day.  You can find the bingo card on the E0Learning page on this Google Site. Have your child color each box that they complete.  You will send the completed bingo card, a picture of the bingo card or a note of which 5 boxes were completed to Heidi, either by paper in the backpack, by email, text or through Remind.  This will be counted as attendance for your child for that day.  If you do not notify Heidi, your child will be marked absent.   Heidi's information: hhuotari@g.sebeka.k12.mn.us    Cell #:  218-640-3021 or download the Remind app and use the Remind code: @sebekap.

STATE WRESTLING:  

Since we are unable to have a Pepfest for the UNC Wrestling Team, who made it to State, we are asking that students create a poster to cheer them on and either post it to Sebeka Public School Facebook page or send it to me. We want to light up Facebook showing our support for the Wrestling Team.

CUTTING SAMPLE:

A cutting sample was created by the preschoolers this week.  Each child cut out a star and a square and then painted them with water color paints.  The square will be shared at conferences to show how each child has progressed with their cutting skills.  Each child also wrote their name without a model on the back to show how they can write their name on their own.

WHAT WILL IT BE:

Each child picked a piece of paper with 2 googly eyes glued onto it.  They then were told that they were going to be a creative illustrator like Dr. Seuss and create a character.  It could be a person, animal, insect or some kind of a monster.  After they drew the character, they then dictated what they made.  The pictures were then shared during circle time as a classroom book.  

DR SEUSS REAL -VS- FANTASY:

While looking at pictures of Dr. Seuss characters and real pictures of items, the children talked about what items were real and which were pretend.  We discussed what makes something real and what makes something fantasy.

RE-ENACTING LITTLE MISS MUFFET AND JACK BE NIMBLE:

The children were able to use spider hats to re-enact/retell Little Miss Muffet.  They were also able to pretend to be Jack and jump over the candlestick (flameless, of course). Retelling encourages a child to picture the characters and storyline in her head. A good way to further enhance your child’s recount of the story is to ask questions. Comprehension is an important skill needed for children.  If the child can not retell events from a story, they probably did not understand what they read/heard.  

HUMPTY DUMPTY:

The children were able to use plastic eggs and blocks to retell Humpty Dumpty.  A big part of this activity was having the children roll a die, count the dots or identify the dot pattern and then make a wall with that amount of blocks. We also looked at a real egg and cracked it to talk about how we could help Humpty Dumpty. We charted our answers and then discussed whether Humpty Dumpty could really be put back together again.   

LOVE POTION:

The little scientists were busy making "love potion" this week.  The children added baking soda to their empty glass.  They then had to decide what color potion they wanted to make, using liquid watercolors.  We then poured vinegar on top to see what happened.  The children needed to follow directions and then were encouraged to talk about what they observed.  Science is a way for children to explore the world around them and create theories or ideas on why things are happening.   

I LOVE:

With love in the air, the children worked on drawing pictures of who or what they love.  They then dictated their response to be written down. Since children are not born to understand the purpose of writing.  Through dictation, I am able to model writing to children in a purposeful way that brings meaning to their drawings.  

VALENTINE BAG DECORATING:

The children were able to paint their own valentine bag for Valentine's Day.  After they were done painting, the children were then able to attach a heart that they wrote their name on.  They are all ready to add their friends valentines next week.  The children also used their small muscles and hand-eye coordination to cut out a heart shape and paint it.  Art is a great way to express how you are feeling, enhance self expression and reflect on what they are doing.  Art can help children learn and explore with color and  shape.

VALENTINES:

This week we talked about valentines and how valentines are a way to tell someone that we love them, like them or that they are just our friends.  We cut out a heart shape and tore paper into tiny pieces to work our small muscles, because "I love you to "pieces".  The kids also had to complete the card by signing their name, so parents would know who made the card.

KING HANK AND QUEEN ANNA:

Homecoming king and queen Hank Tellers and Anna Vargo visited our classes and read Smelly Bill: Love Stinks by Daniel Postgate.  The children were able to ask the king and queen their questions and had got their picture taken.  

NUMBER IDENTIFICATION:

The children were assessed on numbers. numbers were in random order and the children had to tell Heidi which numbers they knew and name them for her. 

LETTER IDENTIFICATION:

The children were assessed on letter identification.  Letters were in random order and the children had to tell Heidi which letters they knew and name them for her.    

SIMPLE ADDITION-SUBTRACTION-COUNTING:

For a simple addition activity, the children turned over 2 cards, they counted how many snowballs there were all together and then found the hat for the snowman with the number on it.  With this activity, we worked not only on addition, but counting and number identification.  To work on simple subtraction, the children are given 10 fish.  They flip over a card that tells them how many fish the penguin should eat.  After they feed the penguin, they count how many fish are left. To work on counting, the children had to feed a penguin fish.  As they put the fish in the penguins mouth, they counted how many it ate.  

E-LEARNING DAYS:

E- Learning Days will take place in the event that school needs to close due to the weather or other circumstances. When an E-Learning Day is called by the school, have your child complete 5 boxes of things on the bingo card, while not in school that day.  You will find the bingo card under the E-Learning section on this Google Site  Have your child color each box that they complete.  You will send the completed bingo card, a picture of the bingo card or a note of which 5 boxes were completed to Heidi, either by paper in the backpack, by email, text or through Remind.  This will be counted as attendance for your child for that day.  If you do not notify Heidi, your child will be marked absent.   Heidi's information: hhuotari@g.sebeka.k12.mn.us    Cell #:  218-640-3021 or download the Remind app and use the Remind code: @sebekap.

IN THE WINTER I LIKE TO....:

The children worked on dictation by completed the sentence, In the winter I like to . . .  They were then encouraged to write their response,which may be scribbles, letter like shapes or pictures.  I then wrote their dictation for them. All children go through the stages of writing.  First they scribble and then move into picture writing.  A more deliberate writing is the next stage  when they are using letter like shapes to write.  Writing using beginning sounds is the next stage and then they start to actually sound out words and write.  Encourage your child to write, draw and scribble it will help them to become better writers.

PENGUIN SYLLABLES: 

The children worked on clapping out the "chunks" of sounds in words, called syllables.  I used terminology that we have been learning about penguins, such as antarctica, rookeries, camouflage and tobogganing.  Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older. 

SELF PORTRAITS:

The children were encouraged to draw their best picture of themself.  We also talked about how we are the same and how we are different.  We compared our skins to our friends skin and talked about how even though we are all similar colors, we are different too.  The children were also encouraged to talk about how we would feel if someone didn't want to play with you if you had different color skin, didn't think like them or just looked different.  The classes decided it would not be a nice place to live. While drawing their self-portraits, I am looking what body parts the children are able to draw along with pencil grasp and what hand they use to write with.  These pictures will be shared with parents at conferences.

PUZZLES: 

Puzzles are a wonderful way for children to use their fine motor and cognitive skills. Physically, they have to hold the puzzle piece and then turn them until the fit correctly.  Cognitively they have to problem solve to complete the puzzle and emotionally they have to learn patience and perseverance to complete the puzzle.  

PENGUIN RHYMING:

More penguins....this week we worked on rhyming words.  Each child had each word read and would try to find the word that sounded the same at the end of the word.  Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps young children become more fluent readers later in life.  

PENGUINS:

This week we have been learning about penguins.  We have talked about how most penguins live in Antarctica. They have wings, but do not fly.  They are really good swimmers and almost "fly" through the water.  They eat fish, squid and krill.  The mother penguin will feed the chick by spitting up the food that it has chewed into the chicks mouth.  Eagles, hawks and leopard seals will prey on penguins and their eggs.  Penguins have camouflage, the dark blends into the water and the white blends into the sunlight.  The Emperor penguin will hold the eggs and chicks on their feet to keep them warm.  A group of penguins are called rookeries or they live in a colony.  Penguins have feathers to keep them warm and dry.  Penguins like to slide on their belly, called tobogganing.  The children then worked on fine motor skills to cut out shapes to create a penguin.  The then assemble the penguins using their cut out pieces.

MOVING "SNOWBALLS":

The children practiced refining their small muscles by using chopsticks, tongs and spoons to move "snowballs" into a bowl or ice cube tray.  Small or fine motor activities help young children to increase their hand and finger strength to perform small tasks such as writing, coloring, buttoning and zipping.  The more they practice these skills, the more independent they will become.

HOT COCOA FOR DRAMATIC PLAY:

For some winter fun, we added pretend hot cocoa and marshmallows to the kitchen area.  Some people think that pretend play is fun and imaginative and that it is not really educational.  In fact, children are learning to problem solve, cooperate, be flexible and are re-enacting things they they have observed.

SEEDS IN THE SENSORY TABLE:

Birdseed was added to the sensory table this week.  The children are using funnels, cups, scoops and other various containers to manipulate the seeds.  The sensory table is a fun science station that allows children to work on math, science and social skills all while playing.  

ON A PERFECT SNOWBALL DAY:

After reading Snowballs by Lois Ehlert, the children were asked, "On a perfect snowball day, I would build..."  They then drew a picture of what kind of snowman they would build and dictated their answer.

SNOWMAN:  SMALL-MEDIUM-LARGE:

This week we revisited small, medium and large by creating a snowman.  This activity required the children to follow directions.  Each small group of children were given step by step directions as to what they needed to do to make their snowman.  They used their eyes to visually discriminate differences between items and use fine motor skills to cut and glue.  When children are able to understand that items can be compared by size/weight and can be arranged from smallest to largest it will help them to understand that numbers can also be put in order from lowest to highest. 

GUITAR SERINADE:

The eighth grade music class surprised the afternoon class with a guitar serenade of Jingle Bells.  The children were silent and knew right away what song they were playing.  We reciprocated, by singing We With You A Merry Christmas. 

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM:

On Tuesday night, the children stood before a very large crowd of family and friends and sang some simple winter and holiday songs. I am immensely proud of each and every one of the preschoolers, whether they belted out the tunes or were silent.  I am truly blessed to be able to be part of their lives.  

MATH AND LITERACY APPS:

This week we were looking at counting and number recognition along with literacy games.  Ipads are a fun way to learn or work on letters and numbers.  By incorporating Ipads into the curriculum, the children are getting another mode of learning.

RHYMING:

Each child had a present with a word/picture on it.  Each word was read and your child would try to find the word that sounded the same at the end of the word and put it under the Christmas tree. Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps young children become more fluent readers later in life. 

DREIDELS:

We talked about how dreidels are tops that are used during Hannukah.  This game is played by spinning the dreidel and whichever symbol/letter lands on the top tells you if you get to put 2 tokens in the middle.  If you do nothing, take all the tokens or if you take half of the tokens that are in the middle. The children had fun just spinning the top others actually played the game.  

REINDEER FOOD:

This was a measuring activity that included following a recipe to create reindeer food for Rudolph to find their home.  Measuring activities help teach everyday math skills.  By following the recipe, the children were working on reading skills while counting the number of spoons needed and make sure that their spoon was full.    

CHRISTMAS CONCERT:

The Christmas concert will be held on Tuesday, December 20th at 6:00 pm in the Elementary Gym.  The preschoolers will sing some holiday songs starting promptly at 6:00 pm.  See you there!

TREE CUTTING:

Cutting was the skill that was assessed this week.  Children were given a tree to cut out and then were able to paint it with bingo daubers.  Children cut completely on their own, so I could collect a cutting sample.  We will continue to work on cutting through out the school year.  This sample will be shared at conferences.

COOKIE BAKING CENTER:

For a change to the dramatic play center, I have added tools to pretend to bake cookies and muffins.  The children have been busy mixing, rolling out, baking, stirring and flipping cookies.  Through pretend play, children are learning to problem solve, cooperate, be flexible and are re-enacting things they they have observed.

SYLLABLES:

The children worked on clapping out the "chunks" of sounds in words, called syllables.  Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older.   The children learned and talked about a variety of vocabulary words and then clapped out the syllables.  

ORDERING TREES:  SMALL-MEDIUM-LARGE:

Creating trees by ordering rectangle stips from largest to smallest was the task this week.  First the children were told to put the trunk of the tree on the very bottom of their paper.  They then had to find the largest rectangle and put it on top of their trunk.  They continued from largest to smallest, using 4 sizes, until they completed their tree.  This activity required the children to follow directions, use their eyes to visually discriminate differences between items, use fine motor skills to glue, write their name and add decorations.  When children are able to understand that items can be compared by size/weight and can be arranged from smallest to largest.  This will also help them to understand that numbers can also be put in order from lowest to highest.

GIFTS FOR PARENTS:

Christmas gifts for parents have been in the works this week, but it is a secret.  You will have to wait until Christmas to see what we have been doing.  We spent time working on creating the gift bags as well.  The kids are excited to share their gifts.

DEAR SANTA... & AT CHRISTMAS I....:

The children were able to write letters to Santa this week.  We discussed what a letter or note is and what is needed to write Santa a letter.  Each child wrote to Santa and then signed their name at the bottom.  We also completed the sentence:  At Christmas I . . . This is writing activity that to refine their fine motor/writing skills. I also am looking at handedness, hand positioning while writing, if they wrote letters, letter like shapes or drew pictures.  I also noted what kind of response they made.  

BEADED ORNAMENTS:

To work on fine motor skills along with patterning, the children strung beads onto pipe cleaners and wire.  To practice patterning, the children created a candy cane ornament, completing a simple red, white pattern. By age 3 children should be able to complete a simple pattern with some assistance.  By age 4, children should be able to complete a pattern without assistance.  Patterning has been shown to support mathematical reasoning to build understanding rules and regularities in math concepts.  Working on patterning in preschool is the beginning of mastering life-long math skills.

GLITTER ORNAMENTS:

The children insisted that our classroom tree needed ornaments, so this week the children were able to decorate die-cut shapes and add glitter to them to hang on the tree.  

Friendship Salad   

(This is a lesson to help children learn about rules and manners.) Parents,  you could change this to fit the rules in your home.

1 container plain yogurt                                  1 large bowl

3 cans fruit – different varieties                  1 large mixing spoon

Marshmallows                                                 1 rotten banana

 Explain to the kids that the big bowl is like our classroom and that there are many important things that our room needs, especially good friends and happy days at school. Add one can of fruit.  These ___ are the kind kids in our room.  They help each other at school and wait their turn in line.Add one can of fruit.  These ___ are the hard workers in our room.  They get their work done and always try their best, even when the work is hard. Add one can of fruit.  These ___ are the kids that share.  They know how to share supplies and they share the toys. Add some marshmallows.  These marshmallows are the kind words being said in our room.  Words like please and thank you and I’m sorry, when someone gets hurt. Add the yogurt.  This yogurt is the happiness we feel when we are at school.  When we laugh, when we learn, when we have treats and when we get to do things we like. Talk about the yummy friendship salad, how good it looks and how good it will taste.  Begin to peel the rotten banana.  (The kids have always yelled to stop before I even get the banana peeled.)  I tell them that this is the Rotten Banana that could cause trouble in our happy classroom.  This might be a banana that calls names, does not share, refuses to do work or hurts our friends.  Do you want to add this banana to our classroom?  We all vote NOT to put the rotten banana in our friendship salad.

TURKEY PUPPET:

The preschoolers were able to color a turkey die-cut shape to create a puppet, they then used that puppet to tell a turkey story.  This week we talked about turkeys.  We talked about the parts of a turkey.  Did you know that turkeys have toes?  We learned that a snood, wattle and gobbler are the red flap that hangs over the turkey's beak.  Depending on where you research, they all give different names.  We also watched videos of turkeys strutting, running and heard what they sound like when they gobble.  We talked about how baby turkeys are called poults and turkeys can have beards. 

TURKEY NUMBERS:

We played a game for number identification, while using our small muscles to practice coloring in the lines. Each child rolled a die, counted the dots and then found the appropriate numeral on the turkey and colored that area.  

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

The children were asked to dictate the response to I am thankful for. . .  They then were encouraged to work on their writing skills and write what they were thankful for.  The teacher also wrote their response.   While doing this activity, I was looking at hand positioning while writing, if they wrote letters, letter like shapes or drew pictures.  I also noted what kind of response they made. 

HOW DOES YOUR STORY BEGIN?:

The children told their story this week.  Each child was asked, "How does your story begin?"  The children were encouraged to tell a story about themselves, their families, what they like to do at home or school.  They could also tell a story they heard in a book or on a movie.  As they told their story, it was written, just as they dictated.  Dictation offers a way for a teacher to record a child's thoughts or idea while allowing an adult to model writing. 

OWLS:

The children learned about owls this week.  We talked about:  An owl is a bird that has feathers, wings and can fly.  Owls feathers can be used like camouflage to blend into their surroundings.  Owls have large eyes, have sharp talons and have a beak. Owls come out at night, that is called being nocturnal.  Owls eat small animals like mice, insects, lizards and small birds.  An owls head can swivel around.  Owls have ear holes on the side of their heads, with one higher than the other to hear multiple sounds at the same time.  Baby owls are called owlets or fledglings.  Owls spit up pellets that contain bones, feathers and fur of the animals it has eaten.  The children cut out their bodies and eyes of the owl and then glued them together.  They added talons and eyeballs.  Heidi then helped them add their handprints for wings.

ANIMAL SORTING:

This week, the children practiced sorting skills, by sorting animals by color and shapes such as cows, sheep, rabbits, chickens, ducks and horses.  Sorting is an early math skill that helps children understand that things are same and different and can be organized into groups.   

PREPOSITIONS:  

This week the children worked on prepositions. The children had to use their listening skills to put a small pumpkin on their head, under their arm, in front of, behind, above, in my hands and on top of the table.  Prepositions are important terms to help children expand vocabulary, follow directions and thinking. 

BOOKS FOR THE CLASSROOM:

Thank you to everyone that brought in change for classroom books.  The class received $48.54 and were able to purchase 6 books from the Scholastic Book Fair.  Books chosen were:  How to Catch a Unicorn by Adam Wallace & Andy Elkerton, Gabby's Dollhouse:  Purr-fect Family Visit by DreamWorks, Marvel Spidey and his Amazing Friends by Disney Junior,  PJ MAsks:  Monster of the Deep by by Simon Spotlight, How to Hide a Turkey by Sue Fliess and The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster! by Mo Willems. 

PUMPKIN PATTERNING:

To work on patterning skills, the children were able to paint with carrots.  After discussing what a pattern was and how to complete it, the children were shown how to use carrots to show big and little.  If they mastered that pattern, the children were then able to try big, big, little as a pattern. Patterning is a math skill that other math concepts are built upon.  In preschool, identifying and creating patterns is just the beginning of the mastery of life-long mathematical skills.

TOOTHY CRITTER MATH:

To play this game the children worked on their counting skills.  They had to roll the die, count the dots and put that many teeth in the monster's mouth.

HALLOWEEN PARTY:

We had a Halloween party this week.  The children were able to dress in costumes and play some games (pin the nose on the pumpkin, ring toss, bean bag toss, drop the clothes pin in the pumpkin, musical chairs and go bowling). The children helped clean out pumpkins and then watched as we made them erupt. Spooky stories, songs and snacks were also a favorite.

MEASURING & ORDERING PUMPKINS:

Putting pumpkins in order from smallest to largest was the task this week.  We used both real pumpkins and slid pumpkins on the Smart Board.   When children are able to understand that items can be compared by size/weight and can be arranged from smallest to largest, this will also help them to understand that numbers can also be put in order from lowest to highest. The children were also introduced to measuring tapes and rulers.  We talked about how and why we measure things.  Thank you to the Bettin family for donating pumpkins.

SPOOKY GHOSTS:

For a fun craft, the children used shower poofs to paint and create a spooky ghost.  We also read spooky stories like:  Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds and The Little Shop of Monsters by R.L Stine.

HAMMERING PUMPKINS:

To work on fine motor skills along with hand-eye coordination, the children were able to hammer golf tees into pumpkins using hammers. 

FIRE STATION VISIT:

Tuesday night the preschool classes along with ECFE, met at the fire station to learn about fire safety, meet some firefighters and check out all the fire trucks and equipment.

FIRE FIGHTERS:

This week we talked about fire safety.  We learned about the tools and equipment firefighters use along with some of the things they do to help us.  The children worked on their dictation and writing/drawing skills to complete the sentence, Firefighters . . .  Dictation offers a way for a teacher to record a child's thoughts or ideas while allowing an adult to model writing.  We continue to work on fine motor skills to enhance their writing skills.  Each child had their picture taken dressed up as a firefighter.

STOP-DROP-ROLL:

The children learned and practiced what to do if their clothes catch on fire, stop-drop and roll.  We also practiced staying low to stay out of the smoke.  The afternoon class used forks to paint shirts with red, orange and yellow to make it look like fire and then added a patch to remind them to stop-drop-roll.  

FIRE STATION:

This week a fire station was added to the classroom.  The children pretended to be fire fighters driving the fire truck and putting out fires.  They also were able to spray actual water at number and shape "flames." Some people think that pretend play is fun and imaginative and that it is not really educational.  In fact, children are learning to problem solve, cooperate, be flexible and are re-enacting things they they have observed.

RHYMING:

Each child had each word read and would try to find the word that sounded the same at the end of the word. Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps young children become more fluent readers later in life. 

SYLLABLES:

The children worked on clapping out the "chunks" of sounds in words, called syllables. Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older. 

ABC & NUMBER IDENTIFICATION:

For a base line, I finished up assessing what letters and numbers the children were able to identify in a random order.

PRESCHOOL DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENER:

The Minnesota Department of Education requires that every child needs to have a preschool screening completed within the first few weeks of preschool or they will not be eligible to continue to attend preschool classes.  Please make an appointment with Public Health at 631-7629 or 1-888-883-0351.  

THIRD GRADE READERS:

Each week Miss. Jenkins's and Mrs. Lillquist's classes will be coming into the preschool classroom to have their children read to the preschoolers. This is an excellent way to have the third graders brush up on their oral reading skills while the preschoolers get some one on one reading time. What a fun way to show the importance of reading.

REAL - VS- FANTASY:

While looking at pictures, the children talked about what items were real and which were pretend.  We discussed what makes something real and what makes something fantasy.  

IPADS - LOCATIONS AND OCCUPATIONS:

Throughout the school year, the preschool classes will be able to play with learning apps on the iPads. Locations and occupations were explored using games.  The children sorted items into the kitchen, living room and bathroom.  For occupations, the app asks them to touch the corresponding person that fits the job described.  When everyone had completed the tasks, the children were able to explore a variety of math, literacy, science and social studies games.

MARBLE PAINTING:

The children were able to explore their creative side along with using science to create a marble painted leaf.  Each child picked out the leaf shape (rounded, pointed or just bumpy looking) and then wrote their name on it. After talking about how the seasons change and in autumn (the leaves will change from green to red, yellow, orange and brown), the children then picked which colors they wanted to paint with and used marbles in a box cover to paint their leaf. The children were encouraged to talk about what was happening with the marbles and paint.

BUS SAFETY:

Bus safety is important to teach all young children about during the first few days of school.  Al McGraw and Lowell Stuart helped to teach the children what they need to do on the bus.  The kids practiced:  Getting on and off the school bus, how to cross the street in front of the bus, how to sit in the seat, keeping items in your backpack, getting off the bus through the back door in an emergency.  So many important safety tips were addressed.

THOUGHT BUBBLES:

Throughout the school year, we will be talking to the preschool classes about thought bubbles and how you can think in your mind and do not have to always say what you are thinking.  We have been working hard with the to remember to keep their thoughts in their thought bubbles and if they really need to have to say something to raise their hand until the teacher is done talking.

FALL EXPLORATION: 

Taking a closer look at leaves, pinecones, gourds, acorns, corn and apples was the science activity this week.  The children were introduced to a variety of different magnifying glasses along with the balance to help them further their investigations.  We compared the objects, (looking at color, sizes, weights and shapes) trying to gather as much information as possible.  

APPLE PRINTS:

This week we talked about apples.  We learned that apples have a core, stem, seeds, flesh, skin and stars inside.  Apples can be yellow, green and red.  Apples grow on trees and a large group of apple trees is called an orchard.  Apples grow from blossoms in the spring into big juicy apples in the fall.  The children practiced cutting out their apple shape and then were encouraged to try painting with apples to see if they could find a star inside.

APPLE PIE MAKING:

Learning about apples this week, we talked about things that we use apples to make.  So I created an apple pie making dramatic play area to the classroom. No, it was not real apple pie making, just pretend.  The children pretended to roll out crust (felt circles) and added: red, yellow or green apples, along with blueberries (which were actually colored pom-poms).  They all turned out delicious!  Some people think that pretend play is fun and imaginative and that it is not really educational. In fact, children are learning to problem solve, cooperate, be flexible and are re-enacting things that they have observed.

PUZZLES:

Puzzles are a wonderful way for children to use their fine motor and cognitive skills. Physically, they have to hold the puzzle piece and then turn them until the fit correctly.  Cognitively they have to problem solve to complete the puzzle and emotionally they have to learn patience and perserverence to complete the puzzle.  

COLORS, SHAPES, COUNTING AND LEAVES ON TREES:

Following along the fall theme, the children were able to add leaves to a tree.  The children cut out a triangle tree trunk glued on leaves, they counted how many leaves were on their tree and talked about the shapes and colors.  I looked for how the children could put their finger on each leaf and count it one to one along with how high they were able to count.  The children were allowed to put as many or as few leaves as they wished.  We then practiced writing their name at the bottom of the page.

HANDWRITING WITHOUT TEARS:

Each week the children will be working in their Handwriting Without Tears workbook. This curriculum was created by an occupational therapist to help young learners to learn letters, numbers, colors, shapes and letter sounds while learning how to write letters, shapes and numbers.  This week the children worked on their pencil grasp and using little scribbles to color in stars and fireworks. We also sang the ABC Song while pointing to each letter.

WRITING AND DICTATION:

The children had to complete the sentence:  At school I like to . . .  and then were asked to write what they like to do at school.  I observed the kids to see which hand they use to write with and if they are using a pincher grasp to hold a marker.  This activity also helped me to see what stage of writing the children were in.  All children begin writing by scribbling, moving into letter like shapes and symbols, then starting to sound out words and using initial letter sounds to write and then finally writing words.

CUTTING:

One skill that was assessed this week was cutting. Children were given a triangle to cut out and then were able to use water colors to paint a picture. Children cut completely on their own, so I could collect an initial cutting sample. We will be working on cutting through out the school year. This sample will be shared at conferences.

SELF PORTRAITS:

The children were encouraged to draw their best picture of themself.  I am looking what body parts the children are able to draw along with pencil grasp and what hand they use to write with.  These pictures will be shared with parents at conferences.

PAINTING:

Each child was able to explore with paints to create their own masterpiece.  The children were given red, yellow and blue paint to mix and paint in any way they chose.  Each child was also asked if they wanted to have their paper horizontal or vertical. 

OUTDOOR PLAY:

In Preschool we will be going outside daily, weather permitting. If it is raining or below 0 degrees with or without windchill, we will then stay inside.  Outdoor play is an important part of physical development for children. Children are able to learn a variety of skills such as:  climbing, running, swinging, jumping, leaping, hopping, balancing an so much more.  Besides large muscles skills, children are also working on social and communication skills.  Play is so important in a child's life.  

OPEN HOUSE 2022: 

Come check out the classroom (Room 110) with your child. We will have packets of paperwork for parents to fill out and an activity for the children to take home. This will help your child be acquainted with the classroom before your child attends class on September 12th or 13th. I am excited to meet all the new families that will be attending preschool. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, September 1st from 3:30 - 6:30 pm in the preschool classroom.

2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR:

Due to so many families requesting their child's pictures not to be posted on social media, links to classroom pictures will not be shared on this Google Site.  Families will receive copies of all the pictures I have taken, throughout the school year, at conferences.

LAST DAY OF PRESCHOOL:

Our last day of preschool will be Wednesday, May 11th for the Monday/Wednesday class and Thursday, May 12th for the afternoon and Tuesday/Thursday morning classes.  Have a wonderful summer! 

CATCH A BUG:

This math game, the children had to roll dice to find how many colored bugs they need to put in their jar.  Working on colors while counting and identifying number patterns on the dice were the skills worked on in this activity.

FFA BARNYARD:

On Wednesday, May 11th, the preschool class was invited to attend the FFA Barnyard that was held behind the school.  The children were able to get an up close an personal look at  cows and calves, goats, dogs, a rabbit, horses, geese and a sheep.  Thank you to all the FFA members that brought in their farm animals for the school children to enjoy.

INSECT SYLLABLES:

Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older.  The children were able to use fly swatters to slap out the chunks of sounds in insect pictures/words.

ALL ABOUT ME BOOK:

We completed our All About Me book.  This is a book I wanted the children to create for a keepsake about themselves.  Each child is worked on drawing pictures and answering questions about themselves and their parents.   

KINDERGARTEN VISIT TO MRS STRAYER'S:

This week we visited Mrs. Strayer's kindergarten classroom.  This is a transition activity for the preschoolers to see what the kindergarten classrooms are like and to see what some of the expectations are.  Mrs. Strayer read a story and had the kindergarten children talk about what they do that is different than preschool and the preschoolers were able to get their questions answered. 

BEE KEEPING:

Don Isaacson came into Sebeka School to help the  preschoolers and first grade classes learn about honey bees and beekeeping.  We learned that female honey bees have stingers and males do not.  If the female stings you, they die.  Honey bees live in colonies and the queen lays thousands of eggs and is the mother to every single bee in the hive.  Worker bees are females.  Bees pollinate flowers and use nectar from flowers to create honey.  Don demonstrated how each tool is used and explained why he uses it.  

ICE CREAM SHOP:

The children were able to scoop up ice cream this week.  So many skills are worked on in the dramatic play area:  math, writing, socialization, conflict resolution, re-enacting life skills and so much more.  I also added scoops, cups and cones to the kinetic sand for more sensory play.

COUNTING DEAD FLIES:

To work on our counting skills, along with sorting, the children had a handful of "flies" that they dropped on the table.  They then had to sort which flies were dead (on their backs) and which were alive (on their feet).  They then proceeded to count how many dead, how many alive.  We also talked about more and less in this math activity.

ALL ABOUT ME BOOK:

Now through the end the year, we wanted the children to create a keepsake about themselves, so we are making a book that is all about them.  Each child is working on drawing pictures and answering questions about themselves and their parents.   

KINDERGARTEN VISIT TO MRS. CRABB:

This week we visited Mrs. Crabb's kindergarten classroom.  This is a transition activity for the preschoolers to see what the kindergarten classrooms are like and to see what some of the expectations are.  Mrs. Crabb read a story and had the kindergarten children talk about what they do that is different than preschool and the preschoolers were able to get their questions answered. 

PLANTING FLOWERS:

Going with the spring theme, the children each planted their own seeds.  We talked about what plants need to grow:  dirt, sun and water.  We then followed a recipe card that showed what the children needed to do and in what order to do it in.  We talked about the stages a flower grows, from a seed to a plant.  They watched 2 short videos with time lapse photography of flowers growing.   We will be monitoring the plants for the next few weeks.

WE LOVE PLANET EARTH:

Marble painting consisted of moving marbles back and forth through paint inside a box cover to create our earth.  The children had to cut out a circle and write their name on it before they were able to paint it.  We talked about how planet earth is where we live and we need to keep it clean by throwing away garbage, recycling, picking up litter.  

FUR INVESTIGATION:

The children were able to investigate and explore animal furs, porcupine quills, antlers, paper wasp nests, snake skins, beaver chewings and feathers from a variety of birds.  We talked about similarities and differences.  Hands-on science lets kids observe, ask questions, touch, smell and experiment.  Giving them a chance to discover things on their own and talking with their friends to further their investigations to meet their interest levels.  

THE EASTER BUNNY VISITS:

The Easter Bunny came to visit the classes this week.  Every child got a treat from the Easter Bunny along with getting their picture taken.  Check your child's backpack for the pictures.. 

SHAVING CREAM ART:

The children had to use some strong finger muscles to cut through an egg shape on card stock.  The children then were able to play with shaving cream.  They were encouraged to write the letters in their name while they played. After washing their hands, they came back to the table and added liquid water colors and made big circles/swirls through the paint and shaving cream.  After placing the egg shape on the paint/shaving cream mixture, we used a scraper to scrape everything off to show the marbleized looking design.  

FORK CHICK:

The children painted with forks to create a chick and then used a paint brush to make a beak, legs and toes. When preschoolers use a paintbrush, their fine motor skills improve,  When they experiment with different tools to paint with, they are learning science.  When children are happy and feel good while they paint or create art, they are boosting their self-confidence.  

HONEYBEES & HIVES:

This week we learned about honeybees.  Honeybees are insects with 6 legs and three body parts (head, thorax and abdomen).  They have 5 eyes, have paper thin wings and have stripes on their abdomen.  Female honeybees have stingers and males do not.  If they sting you, they die.  There are thousands of different kinds of bees.  Honeybees live in colonies and the queen's job is to lay thousands and thousands of eggs.  The queen is the mother to every single bee in the colony.  Worker bees build the hive out of wax.  Hives are full of little rooms called cells.  Baby bees live in those cells and the worker bees will also fill the cells with honey.  Bees drink nectar using a straw-like tube called a proboscis. When the bees turn the nectar into honey, the flap their wings to dry it.  When bees visit flowers, they get covered in pollen and it falls on other flowers which causes new flowers to grow. The children created their own bees and painted hives using egg dippers.

FLOWERS:

This week we tried to hurry winter along and talked about flowers.  We learned the stages a flower grows, from seed to plant.  They were able to watch 2 short videos with time lapse photography of flowers growing. We talked about the parts of a plant and what they do.  The flower head calls the bees and birds to pollinate the plants and the stamen is where the bees collect pollen and nectar.  The leaves catch the sun and rain and bring it down to the roots so that the stem can carry the nutrients up to the flower.  It also holds the head of the flower up.  The children were eager to try this science activity.  To create their flowers, they had to really work on fine motor skills by first cutting out the stamen and then tearing or ripping paper to create the petals, stem and leaves.  They were then glued all together to create their end art piece.  

NITRO:  On Monday, the afternoon class was able to join the rest of the elementary and watch Wadena County officer Troy Wangsness and his K-9, Nitro work together and show the children some of the things Nitro can do.  I think the preschoolers were impressed with his skills and enjoyed being able to watch this demonstration.  Thank you to the Wadena County Sheriff's Department for coming to Sebeka,

BARN RHYMES:

To work on rhyming, the children had each word read and would try to find the word that sounded the same at the end of the word and place it into the correct barn.  Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps young children become more fluent readers later in life.  

SORTING ANIMALS:

This week, the children practiced sorting skills, by sorting animals by color and shapes such as cats, dogs, birds, fish, hamsters and rabbits.  Sorting is an early math skill that helps children understand that things are same and different and can be organized into groups.   

MEASURING FARM ANIMALS:

To work on measuring, the children were given an animal shape on a piece of paper and then we talked about how to use a ruler, measuring tape or blocks to measure how long each animal was. The children were encouraged to place the ruler, tape measure and blocks at the edge of the animal and count the numbers or state the number that the animal ended at. 

CHICKEN SYLLABLES: 

The children worked on clapping out the "chunks" of sounds in words, called syllables.  I used terminology that we have been learning about chickens, such as wattle, beak, feathers, comb, chick, coop, hen, rooster, hatching, claws, eggs and tail.  The children would roll a large die, we would talk about the picture and then clap out the syllables.  We revisited these terms at circle time as well.  Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older. 

World Down Syndrome Awareness Day is observed on

Monday, March 21st.  Sebeka Preschool will be Wearing Clothes that are Blue and Yellow along with Mismatched, Crazy, Funky Socks to celebrate those with Down Syndrome like our friend Emmett!

“Down Syndrome, which is a 3rd copy of the 21st chromosome, is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition, being universally present across racial, gender or socioeconomic lines in approximately 1 in 800 live births, although there is considerable variation worldwide. Down syndrome usually causes varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues.” www.worlddownsyndromeday.org 

RAINBOWS:

The children worked on a simple number recognition and counting activity. Each child picked a rainbow with a number on it that had a pipe cleaner attached.  They then had to identify the number and string beads onto the pipe cleaner to show how many that number is.  

RAINBOWS:

The children were able to use "magic" paper to help them finger paint without getting dirty.  The children first had to cut out a rainbow shape to work on fine motor skills.  Then they were given red, yellow and blue paint squirted in an arc across their rainbow.  "Magic" paper (wax paper) was placed on top and then the children were encouraged to find other colors of the rainbow as they blended the red, yellow and blue paint together.  We talked about the colors and how you can mix colors to make other colors.  A fun science activity to promote discussion and the kids were really watching others to see what colors they were making.  

HEINASIRKKA, HEINASIRKKA GO AWAY:

Heinasirkka, heinasirkka go away!  (Grasshopper, grasshopper go away!) The preschool children could be heard chanting this phrase this week as we talked about St. Urho.   We talked about how grasshoppers have antennas that they use to smell and feel.  Grasshoppers can be brown, green or sand color that help them blend into their surroundings.  They can be up to 4" long and the girls are longer than the boys.  Grasshoppers are insects with 3 body parts and 6 legs.  They use their legs to jump and walk and not all grasshoppers have wings.  Grasshoppers have large eyes that let them see in all directions.  They eat plants, vegetables, dead animals and other insects. We talked about how grapes hang in a cluster, they are usually green and purple (We even discussed how the purple grapes are usually called red.) The children were then encouraged to make a pattern using cotton balls and paint.  Start with 5 at the top, then 4 and 3 and all the way to 1.  It looked kind of like a triangle.  They also counted how many grapes they had.  They then added a grasshopper to their grapes for St. Urho to chase away.  

BIBBITY BOBBITY BOO, I KNOW THIS LETTER DO YOU?:

The children worked on naming letters, writing their upper case letters and talked about what sounds they make and words that start that sound.  We made it more fun by stating..."Bibbity bobbity boo, I know this letter, do you?" We used small white boards so everyone had their own area to write on.  

RE-ENACTING LITTLE MISS MUFFET:

The children were able to use spider hats to re-enact/retell Little Miss Muffet.  Retelling encourages a child to picture the characters and story line in her head. A good way to further enhance your child’s recount of the story is to ask questions. Comprehension is an important skill needed for children.  If the child can not retell events from a story, they probably did not understand what they read/heard.  

HUMPTY DUMPTY:

The children were able to use plastic eggs and blocks to retell Humpty Dumpty.  A big part of this activity was having the children roll a die, count the dots or identify the dot pattern and then make a wall with that amount of blocks. We also looked at a real egg and cracked it to talk about how we could help Humpty Dumpty. We charted our answers and then discussed whether Humpty Dumpty could really be put back together again.   

PAINTING STARS:

The children cut out a star shape and then were able to explore watercolor paints to create their own star.  This week we have been talking about Dr. Seuss and the books he illustrated and wrote.  On of the stories was about the Star Bellied Sneetches.  We talked about no matter what you look like or how you dress it really only matters what you are like on the inside.  We want to be kind to everyone and treat them the way we would want to be treated.  We are all friends at school.    

WHAT WAS I SCARED OF?

The story What Was I Scared Of by Dr. Seuss was read at circle time to the afternoon class.  The children then dictated their response to what they are scared of and then were encouraged to write about it and/or draw a picture.  We worked on writing skills along with dictation. 

WHAT WILL IT BE:

Each child picked a piece of paper with 2 googly eyes glued onto it.  They then were told that they were going to be a creative illustrator like Dr. Seuss and create a character.  It could be a person, animal, insect or some kind of a monster.  After they drew the character, they then dictated what they made.  The pictures were then shared during circle time as a classroom book and hung on the bulletin board in the hallway for everyone to enjoy. 

RHYMING DUST BUNNIES:

Each child played a rhyming game with me this week.  The words were read to each child and then they had to find the one that sounded the same at the end of the word and put a dust bunny on top of the one that rhymed.  Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps children to break words into smaller parts which is important for reading and spelling.  Rhyming helps become a successful reader.

LOVE POTION:

The little scientists were busy making "love potion" this week.  The children added baking soda to their empty glass.  They then had to decide what color potion they wanted to make, using liquid water colors.  We then poured vinegar on top to see what happened.  The children needed to follow directions and then were encouraged to talk about what they observed.  Science is a way for children to explore the world around them and create theories or ideas on why things are happening.   

VALENTINES:

This week we talked about valentines and how valentines are a way to tell someone that we love them, like them or that they are just our friends.  We tore paper into little pieces to work our small muscles and then glued them to a small heart they cut out, to tell our parents that we love them to pieces.  

I LOVE:

With love in the air, the children worked on drawing pictures of who or what they love.  They then dictated their response to be written down. Since children are not born to understand the purpose of writing.  Through dictation, I am able to model writing to children in a purposeful way that brings meaning to their drawings.  

VALENTINES PAINTING:

This week the children were able to paint valentine bags and hearts..  They were then able to choose what colors they wanted to paint with. While painting the children where encouraged to talk about what was happening.  They also were encouraged to ask and answer questions.   

KING SPENCER AND QUEEN KYLYNN:

Homecoming king and queen Spencer Erickson and Kylnn Warmbold visited our classes and read King Bidgood's in the Bathtub by Don and Audrey Wood.  The children were able to ask some questions and take a picture with them.

SORTING:  

This week, the children practiced sorting skills, by sorting shapes by color and shapes such as circles, squares, stars and triangles.  Sorting is an early math skill that helps children understand that things are same and different and can be organized into groups.   

SELF PORTRAIT: 

The children were encouraged to draw their best picture of themself.  I am looking what body parts the children are able to draw along with pencil grasp and what hand they use to write with.  These pictures will be shared with parents at conferences.

PETE THE CAT ROLL AND COLOR: 

We played a game for number identification.  Each child was given a die and when they rolled a number, they counted the spots,  identified the number and would try find that letter on their paper and colored it.  The children were also assessed on what numbers they could identify.

PLAYING CATCH-UP:

With the shorter week, I used this time to play catch up with children that have been gone.  The children were also able to play some sorting games on the ipads, play number games, work on puzzles and the afternoon class even created, cleaned off and got ready for a dance party.  Imagination is such a big part of learning and growing.

HOW MANY MITTENS TALL ARE YOU?:

This week we worked on measuring by seeing how many mittens tall we were.  The children first talked about the colors of the mittens and then, in groups of 2, we measured each other and compared heights.  This activity I was looking to see what colors they knew, counting skills and if they took part in measuring along with terminology used for comparing heights.  This was an activity to give foundational skills for measuring.  

HOT COCOA FOR DRAMATIC PLAY:

For some winter fun, we added pretend hot cocoa and marshmallows to the kitchen area.  Some people think that pretend play is fun and imaginative and that it is not really educational.  In fact, children are learning to problem solve, cooperate, be flexible and are re-enacting things they they have observed.

SIMPLE SUBTRACTION AND COUNTING FISH:

To work on simple subtraction, the children are given 15 fish.  They flip over a card that tells them how many fish the penguin should eat.  After they feed the penguin, they count how many fish are left. To work on counting, the children had to feed a penguin fish.  As they put the fish in the penguins mouth, they counted how many it ate.  

SIMPLE ADDITION:

For a simple addition activity, the children turned over 2 cards, they counted the how many snowballs there were all together and then found the hat for the snowman with the number on it.  With this activity, we worked not only on addition, but counting and number identification.

IN THE WINTER I LIKE TO....:

After cutting out a mitten shape, the children worked on dictation by completed the sentence, In the winter I like to . . .  They were then encouraged to write their response,which may be scribbles, letter like shapes or pictures.  I then wrote their dictation for them. All children go through the stages of writing.  First they scribble and then move into picture writing.  A more deliberate writing is the next stage  when they are using letter like shapes to write.  Writing using beginning sounds is the next stage and then they start to actually sound out words and write.  Encourage your child to write, draw and scribble it will help them to become better writers.

PENGUIN SYLLABLES: 

The children worked on clapping out the "chunks" of sounds in words, called syllables.  I used terminology that we have been learning about penguins, such as antarctica, rookeries, camouflage and tobogganing.  Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older. 

PENGUINS:

This week we have been learning about penguins.  We have talked about how most penguins live in Antarctica. They have wings, but do not fly.  They are really good swimmers and almost "fly" through the water.  They eat fish, squid and krill.  The mother penguin will feed the chick by spitting up the food that it has chewed into the chicks mouth.  Eagles, hawks and leopard seals will prey on penguins and their eggs.  Penguins have camouflage, the dark blends into the water and the white blends into the sunlight.  The Emperor penguin will hold the eggs and chicks on their feet to keep them warm.  A group of penguins are called rookeries or they live in a colony.  Penguins have feathers to keep them warm and dry.  Penguins like to slide on their belly, called tobogganing.

LETTER IDENTIFICATION:

We played a game for letter identification.  A small group of children took turns picking out a penguin out of a bag.  We then identified the letter that was on the penguin, talked about the sound it makes along with words that begin with that letter sound.  We then tried to find that letter on their paper and put a dauber spot on top of it.  The children were also assessed on what uppercase and lowercase letters they could identify.

SNOWMEN:  SMALL-MEDIUM-LARGE:

This week we revisited small, medium and large by creating a snowman.  This activity required the children to follow directions.  Each small group of children were given step by step directions as to what they needed to do to make their snowman.  They used their eyes to visually discriminate differences between items and use fine motor skills to cut and glue.  When children are able to understand that items can be compared by size/weight and can be arranged from smallest to largest it will help them to understand that numbers can also be put in order from lowest to highest. 

CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES:

The children were able to spread a little Christmas cheer with each other and with others.  We talked about the word caroling and did some caroling to the office staff and to our 3rd grade friends along with kindergarteners.  We colored Christmas pictures, watched Mickey Mouse Saves Santa,  had a special snack, played on the ipads, went bowling and some of the children prefered to just do what they normally would.  The children were excited no matter what they did. Have a very, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  See you Monday, January 3rd.

CHRISTMAS RHYMING:

Each child had each word read and would try to find the word that sounded the same at the end of the word.  Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps young children become more fluent readers later in life. 

REINDEER FOOD:

This was a measuring activity that included following a recipe to create reindeer food for Rudolph to find their home.  Measuring activities help teach everyday math skills.  By following the recipe, the children were working on reading skills while counting the number of spoons needed and make sure that their spoon was full.

CHRISTMAS SYLLABLES:

The children worked on clapping out the "chunks" of sounds in words, called syllables.  Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older. 

WRAPPING GIFTS FOR PARENTS:

Christmas gifts for parents have been in the works, but it is a secret.  You will have to wait until Christmas to see what we have been doing.  Today was the wrapping.  They were sent home with your child this week.  They were told to put them under the tree until Christmas and then their parents can open them. 

COOKIE BAKING CENTER:

For a change to the dramatic play center, I have added tools to pretend to bake cookies and muffins.  The children have been busy mixing, rolling out, baking, stirring and flipping cookies.  Through pretend play, children are learning to problem solve, cooperate, be flexible and are re-enacting things they they have observed.

TREES:

The children worked on cutting out a simple tree shape.  They were given no assistance and this cutting sample will be used to show your child's progress in cutting.  After cutting, the children were then able to use rubber bands to paint "snow" onto their trees.  This was a lot of fine motor skills the children were using.  Cutting and painting will help refine those small muscles to help them become better writers, drawers and help them with cutting as well.

DREAM SNOW:

The class was read Dream Snow by Eric Carle.  After reading the story, the children talked in small groups about the characters, what their names where and why they thought they were named that.  We talked about why the farmer rushed outside, who the presents were for and what might have been inside them.  At the end of the story the farmer decorated "Tree" and pushed a button and it made a twinkling sound.  After all the discussion about the book, the children painted "Tree" with rubber bands and white paint and added glitter.  Many studies have shown that children build vocabulary, use more complex sentences, and improve comprehension when the are frequently read to.  Retelling stories helps children become more familiar with the story, to use their imagination, expand their ideas, and create visual images as they retell the plot of the story.

ORDERING TREES:  SMALL-MEDIUM-LARGE:

Creating trees by ordering rectangle strips from largest to smallest was the task this week.  First the children were told to put the trunk of the tree on the very bottom of their paper.  They then had to find the largest rectangle and put it on top of their trunk.  They continued from largest to smallest, using 4 sizes, until they completed their tree.  This activity required the children to follow directions, use their eyes to visually discriminate differences between items, use fine motor skills to glue, write their name and add decorations.  When children are able to understand that items can be compared by size/weight and can be arranged from smallest to largest.  This will also help them to understand that numbers can also be put in order from lowest to highest.

ORNAMENTS:

To work on fine motor skills along with patterning, the children strung beads onto pipe cleaners and wire.  To practice patterning, the children created a candy cane ornament, completing a simple red, white pattern. By age 3 children should be able to complete a simple pattern with some assistance.  By age 4, children should be able to complete a pattern without assistance.  Patterning has been shown to support mathematical reasoning to build understanding rules and regularities in math concepts.  Working on patterning in preschool is the beginning of mastering life-long math skills.  Since the classroom tree looked a little empty, the children were able to decorate die cut shapes and add glitter to them to hang on the tree.

DEAR SANTA... & AT CHRISTMAS I LIKE TO....:

The children were able to write letters to Santa this week.  We discussed what a letter or note is and what is needed to write Santa a letter.  Each child wrote to Santa and then signed their name at the bottom.  We also completed the sentence:  At Christmas I like to . . . This is writing activity that to refine their fine motor/writing skills. I also am looking at handedness, hand positioning while writing, if they wrote letters, letter like shapes or drew pictures.  I also noted what kind of response they made.  

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

The children were asked to dictate the response to I am thankful for. . .  They then were encouraged to work on their writing skills and write what they were thankful for.  The teacher also wrote their response.   While doing this activity, I was looking at hand positioning while writing, if they wrote letters, letter like shapes or drew pictures.  I also noted what kind of response they made.  

TURKEY NUMBERS:

We played a game for number identification.  The children rolled a die, identified the number/counted the dots and colored that section on the turkey.

RAINBOW FISH:

After hearing the story The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister, the children used water colors to create their own rainbow fish with one glittery scale. When preschoolers use a paintbrush, their fine motor skills improve, when they experiment with different tools or art mediums to paint with, they are learning science.  When children are happy and feel good while they paint or create art, they are boosting their self-confidence.   

SYLLABLES:

Fishing for syllables was the name of the game this week.  Each child used a fishing rod to fish for a fish.  They then identified the picture and worked on clapping out the "chunks" of sounds in words, called syllables.  Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older.  

WATER CREATURE SORTING:

This week, the children practiced sorting skills, by sorting water animals by color and shapes such as sharks, crabs, squid and eels.  Sorting is an early math skill that helps children understand that things are same and different and can be organized into groups.   

CATCH UP:

This week was also a week to play catch up.  Heidi assessed children on skills that were taught when they were absent.  Each child had a report card sent home along with a variety of pictures from the school year.  If you would like to meet to discuss how your child is doing in preschool, give Heidi a call, 218-837-5101, ext. 110.

OWLS:

The children learned about owls this week.  We talked about:  An owl is a bird that has feathers, wings and can fly.  Owls feathers can be used like camouflage to blend into their surroundings.  Owls have large eyes, have sharp talons and have a beak. Owls come out at night, that is called being nocturnal.  Owls eat small animals like mice, insects, lizards and small birds.  An owls head can swivel around.  Owls have ear holes on the side of their heads, with one higher than the other to hear multiple sounds at the same time.  Baby owls are called owlets or fledglings.  Owls spit up pellets that contain bones, feathers and fur of the animals it has eaten.  The children cut out the body of an owl and drew their own eyes, talons and beaks. Heidi then helped them add their handprints for wings.

SORTING:

This week, the children practiced sorting skills.  Sorting is an early math skill that helps children understand that things are same and different and can be organized into groups.  The children sorted animals by shape and color.

ABC & NUMBER IDENTIFICATION:

For a baseline, the children were assessed on what letters and numbers they were able to identify/name in a random order.

HALLOWEEN PARTY:

We had a Halloween party this week. The children were able to dress in costumes and play some games (pin the nose on the pumpkin, ring toss, bean bag toss, drop the clothespin in the pumpkin, musical chairs and go bowling). The children helped clean out pumpkins and then watched as we made them erupt. We also were able to play with floam dough. Spooky stories, songs and snacks were also a favorite. 

HAMMERING PUMPKINS:

To work on fine motor skills along with hand-eye coordination, the children hammered golf tees into pumpkins using hammers. 

PATTERNING:

After discussing what a pattern was and how to complete it, the children were shown how to make a pattern using small bears to make them go red, blue, red blue. If they mastered that pattern, the children were then able to try blue, blue yellow, as a pattern. Patterning is a math skill that other math concepts are built upon. In preschool, identifying and creating patterns is just the beginning of the mastery of life-long mathematical skills.

ORDERING PUMPKINS:

Putting pumpkins in order from smallest to largest was the task this week.  We used both real pumpkins and slid pumpkins on the Interactive TV.   When children are able to understand that items can be compared by size/weight and can be arranged from smallest to largest, it can also help them to understand that numbers can also be put in order from lowest to highest. A BIG thank you to Kaylee Bettin and Kassie Meech for donating pumpkins for the classroom.  

MOONS AND BATS:

To work on our cutting skills, the children cut out a zig-zag bat and a round moon for sign-in.  The children were thrilled with the end result.  Spooky....

TOOTHY CRITTER MATH:

To play this game the children worked on their counting skills.  They had to roll the die, count the dots and put that many teeth in the monster's mouth. 

RHYMING:

During our morning meeting, we work on finding rhyming pairs and sing a little rhyming song.  This activity, each child had each word read and would try to find the word that sounded the same, at the end of the word.  Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps young children become more fluent readers later in life.  The children were able to play a variety of rhyming games throughout our short week.

SYLLABLES:

The children worked on clapping out the "chunks" of sounds in words, called syllables.  Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older.  

RHYMING:

Each child had each word read and would try to find the word that sounded the same at the end of the word. Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps young children become more fluent readers later in life. 

STOP-DROP-ROLL:

The children learned and practiced what to do if their clothes catch on fire, stop-drop and roll.  We also practiced staying low to stay out of the smoke.  

FIRE STATION VISIT:

Tuesday night the preschool classes along with ECFE, met at the fire station to learn about fire safety, meet some firefighters and check out all the fire trucks and equipment.

FIRE FIGHTERS:

This week we talked about fire safety. We learned about the tools and equipment firefighters use along with some of the things they do to help us. The children worked on their dictation and writing/drawing skills to complete the sentence, Firefighters . . . Dictation offers a way for a teacher to record a child's thoughts or ideas while allowing an adult to model writing. We continue to work on fine motor skills to enhance their writing skills. Each child had their picture taken dressed up as a firefighter.

FIRE STATION:

This week a fire station was added to the classroom. The children pretended to be fire fighters driving the fire truck and putting out fires. They also were able to spray actual water at number and shape "flames." Some people think that pretend play is fun and imaginative and that it is not really educational. In fact, children are learning to problem solve, cooperate, be flexible and are re-enacting things they they have observed.

THIRD GRADE READERS:

Each week Mrs. Lee's and Mrs. Lillquist's classes will be coming into the preschool classroom to have their children read to the preschoolers. This is an excellent way to have the third graders brush up on their oral reading skills while the preschoolers get some one on one reading time. What a fun way to show the importance of reading.

REAL - VS- FANTASY:

While looking at pictures, the children talked about what items were real and which were pretend.  We discussed what makes something real and what makes something fantasy.  

IPADS - LOCATIONS AND OCCUPATIONS:

Throughout the school year, the preschool classes will be able to play with learning apps on the iPads. Locations and occupations were explored using games.  The children sorted items into the kitchen, living room and bathroom.  For occupations, the app asks them to touch the corresponding person that fits the job described.  When everyone had completed the tasks, the children were able to explore a variety of math, literacy, science and social studies games.

MARBLE PAINTING:

The children were able to explore their creative side along with using science to create a marble painted leaf.  Each child picked out the leaf shape (rounded, pointed or just bumpy looking) and then wrote their name on it. After talking about how the seasons change and in autumn (the leaves will change from green to red, yellow, orange and brown), the children then picked which colors they wanted to paint with and used marbles in a box cover to paint their leaf. The children were encouraged to talk about what was happening with the marbles and paint.

COUNTING:

Another beginning of the year assessment is counting. Working one on one with the children, I had them count marbles on a piece of paper to see how high they could count along with how far they could count by putting their finger on each marble as they counted.

HANDWRITING WITHOUT TEARS:

Each week the children will be working in their Handwriting Without Tears pages. This curriculum was created by an occupational therapist to help young learners to learn letters, numbers, colors, shapes and letter sounds while learning how to write letters, shapes and numbers. 

APPLE PIE MAKING:

Learning about apples this week, we talked about things that we use apples to make.  So I created an apple pie making dramatic play area to the classroom. No, it was not real apple pie making, just pretend.  The children pretended to roll out crust (felt circles) and added: red, yellow or green apples, along with blueberries (which were actually colored pom-poms).  They all turned out delicious!  Some people think that pretend play is fun and imaginative and that it is not really educational. In fact, children are learning to problem solve, cooperate, be flexible and are re-enacting things that they have observed.

APPLE PRINTS:

This week we talked about apples.  We learned that apples have a core, stem, seeds, flesh, skin and stars inside.  Apples can be yellow, green and red.  Apples grow on trees and a large group of apple trees is called an orchard.  Apples grow from blossoms in the spring into big juicy apples in the fall.  The children practiced cutting out their apple shape and then were encouraged to try painting with apples to see if they could find a star inside.

LEAF EXPLORATION: 

Taking a closer look at leaves and apples was the science activity this week.  The children were introduced to a variety of different magnifying glasses along with the balance to help them further their investigations.  We compared the objects, (looking at color, sizes, weights and shapes) trying to gather as much information as possible.  This was a great lesson to work on their budding math and science skills.

LINES AND CURVES:

Through the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum, the children learn to how use big lines, little lines, big curves and little curves to create letters, numbers and shapes.  To familiarize them with these terms and shapes, the children were able to polish and share the lines and curves.

CREATING LETTERS:

The preschoolers used  letter templates to help the children create uppercase letters.  We worked on listening and following oral directions, alphabet identification and the sounds they make all while creating the letter with big lines, little lines, big curves and little curves.

EMOTIONS:

The children looked at pictures of children and discussed what emotion they were showing along with why they thought that.  We looked at the different parts of the face that show those emotions, for example how your mouth moves when you are happy or sad.  What do your eyes do when you are angry.  Preschool children need help interpret their own feelings along with others.  With this lesson, we were helping to teach your child to use their words to express their feelings and respond to others emotions.   

WRITING AND DICTATION:

The children had to complete the sentence:  My family likes to . . .  and then were asked to write what their family likes to do.  I observed the kids to see which hand they use to write with and if they are using a pincher grasp to hold a marker.  This activity also helped me to see what stage of writing the children were in.  All children begin writing by scribbling, moving into letter like shapes and symbols, then starting to sound out words and using initial letter sounds to write and then finally writing words.

BUS SAFETY:

Bus safety is important to teach all young children about during the first few days of school.  Glen Kimball and Lowell Stuart helped to teach the children what they need to do on the bus.  The kids practiced:  Getting on and off the school bus, how to cross the street in front of the bus, how to sit in the seat, keeping items in your backpack and talked about  getting off the bus through the back door in an emergency.  So many important safety tips were addressed. 

NAME WRITING:

Through-out the school year, the children will be working on writing their names.  We are teaching them how to pinch their pencil/marker at the bottom along with writing each letter in the same order each time.  Children will write letters in random, thinking that these letters are their name and it doesn't matter which order they are in.  This is hard work for little fingers and little children.  Encourage your child to work on writing their name at home.

SHAPES & COLORS:

This week, I worked on gathering what shapes and colors the children could identify.  This was done during an art activity.  The children were able to use a variety of shapes to create their own little monster.  Glue sticks were also introduced.

HANDWRITING WITHOUT TEARS:

Each week the children will be working in their Handwriting Without Tears workbook. This curriculum was created by an occupational therapist to help young learners to learn letters, numbers, colors, shapes and letter sounds while learning how to write letters, shapes and numbers.  This week the children worked on their pencil grasp and using little scribbles to color in stars and fireworks. We also sang the ABC Song while pointing to each letter.

PLAYDOUGH:

Playdough was a highlight for the week.  Playdough is a fun way to let children use their imaginations while building small muscles in their fingers—the same muscles they will use to hold a pencil and write. Using playdough also helps with social skills.  They learn to share, take turns and use their language skills to visit with friends around them.

OUTDOOR PLAY:

In Preschool we will be going outside daily, weather permitting. If it is raining or below 0 degrees with or without windchill, we will then stay inside.  Outdoor play is an important part of physical development for children.  Children are able to learn a variety of skills such as:  climbing, running, swinging, jumping, leaping, hopping, balancing an so much more.  Besides large muscles skills, children are also working on social and communication skills.  Play is so important in a child's life.  

CUTTING:

One skill that was assessed this week was cutting. Children were given a triangle to cut out and then were able to paint a picture on it, using watercolors. Children cut completely on their own, so I could collect an initial cutting sample. We will be working on cutting through out the school year. This sample will be shared at conferences.  Scissor skills help with small muscle skill development but also foster creativity and cognitive growth. As children manipulate scissors to cut they use their hand-eye coordination, bilateral coordination, and spatial awareness. 

SELF PORTRAITS:

The children were encouraged to draw their best picture of themself. I am looking what body parts the children are able to draw along with pencil grasp and what hand they use to write with. These pictures will be shared with parents at conferences.

PAINTING:

Each child was able to explore with paints to create their own masterpiece. The children were given red, yellow and blue paint to mix and paint in any way they chose. Each child was also asked if they wanted to have their paper horizontal or vertical. 

RULES, ROUTINES AND CLASSROOM EXPLORATION:

This week was all about learning the rules and routines in the classroom along with exploring the classroom. We also worked on staying in a line, which is always a little difficult for all the little ones. It is amazing how well they did, just after a couple days of preschool. The children met a lot of new friends and are getting use to taking turns, sharing and working together. There are so many options for play and learning. 

OPEN HOUSE 2021: 

Come check out the classroom (Room 110) with your child. We will have packets of paperwork for parents to fill out and an activity for the children to take home. This will help your child be acquainted with the classroom before your child attends class on September 13th or 14th. I am excited to meet all the new families that will be attending preschool. See you Thursday, September 2nd from 3:30 - 6:30 pm in the preschool classroom.

2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR:

FFA BARNYARD:

On Wednesday, May 12th the preschool classes were invited to attend the FFA Barnyard that was held behind the school.  The children were able to get an up close an personal look at  cows/calves, goats/kids, sheep/lambs, chickens/chicks, dogs/puppies, horses and donkeys.  

MEASURING FLOWERS:

To work on measuring, the children were given flower shapes on a piece of paper and then we talked about how to use a ruler, measuring tape or blocks to measure how long each flower was.  The children were encouraged to place the ruler, tape measure and blocks at the edge of the flower and count the numbers or state the number that the flower ended at. 

PAINTING:

Each child was able to explore with paints to create their own masterpiece.  The children were given red, yellow and blue paint to mix and paint in any way they chose.  Each child was also asked if they wanted to have their paper horizontal or vertical. 

CLEANING TOYS:

This week the preschoolers got to work washing toys.  To help with the end of the year cleaning, and learn about keeping your toys clean, the preschoolers were able to wash toys with soap and water.  

ALL ABOUT ME BOOK:

Now through the end the year, I wanted the children to create a keepsake about themselves, so I am helping your child make a book to remember this school year.  Each child is working on drawing pictures and answering questions about themselves and their parents.   

ICE CREAM SHOP:

The children were able to scoop up ice cream this week.  So many skills are worked on in the dramatic play area:  math, writing, socialization, conflict resolution, re-enacting life skills and so much more.  I also added scoops, cups and cones to the kinetic sand for more sensory play.

FUR INVESTIGATION:

The children were able to investigate and explore animal furs, porcupine quills, antlers, paper wasp nests, snake skins, beaver chewings and feathers from a variety of birds.  We talked about similarities and differences.  Hands-on science lets kids observe, ask questions, touch, smell and experiment.  Giving them a chance to discover things on their own and talking with their friends to further their investigations to meet their interest levels.  

CATCH A BUG:

This math game, the children had to roll dice to find how many colored bugs they need to put in their jar.  Working on colors while counting and identifying number patterns on the dice were the skills worked on in this activity.

RHYMING FINAL ASSESSMENT:

Each year the Sebeka teachers pick a literacy goal to work on with the children.  This year I chose rhyming. My goal was to provide rhyming activities and/or instruction 2-4 times each week to increase the children’s ability to recognize and/or produce rhyming words. When given 18 cards (composed of 9 rhyming pairs) that contain a word/picture combination, the majority of the 4 and 5 year old students will correctly match rhyming  pairs, identifying 6 of the 9 pairs.  This week was my final assessment so I can share my student achievements with Mr. Fjeldheim and my peers.  For the assessment, each child played a rhyming game with me.  The words were read to each child and then they had to find the one that sounded the same at the end of the word.  

METAMORPHOSIS: 

Metamorphosis was taught this week.  The children learned how the process of metamorphosis starts with an egg, then it hatches into a caterpillar which builds a chrysalis around itself and then hatches from the chrysalis into a butterfly.  To help the children remember, they cut out a butterfly shape and then added noodles to represent the life cycle of a butterfly.  

COUTING DEAD FLIES:  

To work on our counting skills, along with sorting, the children had a handful of "flies" that they dropped on the table.  They then had to sort which flies were dead (on their backs) and which were alive (on their feet).  They then proceeded to count how many dead, how many alive.  We also talked about more and less in this math activity.

HONEYBEES AND HIVES:

This week we learned about honeybees.  Honeybees are insects with 6 legs and three body parts (head, thorax and abdomen).  They have 5 eyes, have paper thin wings and have strips on their abdomen.  Female honeybees have stingers and males do not.  If they sting you, they die.  There are thousands of different kinds of bees.  Honeybees live in colonies and the queen job is to lay thousands and thousands of eggs.  The queen is the mother to every single bee in the colony.  Worker bees build the hive out of wax.  Hives are full of little rooms called cells.  Baby bees live in those cells and the worker bees will also fill the cells with honey.  Bees drink nectar using a straw-like tube called a proboscis. When the bees turn the nectar into honey, the flap their wings to dry it.  When bees visit flowers, they get covered in pollen and it falls on ther flowers which causes new flowers to grow.  The children created their own bees and painted hives using egg dippers.  They were also able to move pollen (yellow pom-poms) with tweezers like a bee would move the pollen from flower to flower.

FLOWER SHOP:

To the dramatic play area, we added a floral shop.  The children were able to fill out order forms of what their clients requested, run the cash register, plant flowers and make arrangements.  So many skills are worked on in the dramatic play area:  math, writing, socialization, conflict resolution, re-enacting life skills and so much more.

FLOWERS:

This week we tried to hurry winter along and talked about flowers.  We learned the stages a flower grows, from seed to plant.  They were able to watch 2 short videos with time lapse photography of flowers growing. We talked about the parts of a plant and what they do.  The flower head calls the bees and birds to pollinate the plants and the stamen is where the bees collect pollen and nectar.  The leaves catch the sun and rain and bring it down to the roots so that the stem can carry the nutrients up to the flower.  It also holds the head of the flower up.  The children were eager to try this art activity.  To create their flowers, they had to look at a vase of flowers and try replicate it using paints.  

LETTER IDENTIFICATION AND RHYMING:

Letter identification  and rhyming was worked on this week again.  The children played games to assess what letters they know and how they could match rhyming pairs. 

PLANTING FLOWERS:

Going with the spring theme, the children each planted their own seeds.  We talked about what plants need to grow:  dirt, sun and water.  We then followed a recipe card that showed what the children needed to do and in what order to do it in.  We talked about the stages a flower grows, from a seed to a plant.  They watched 2 short videos with time lapse photography of flowers growing.   We will be monitoring the plants for the next few weeks.

THE EASTER BUNNY VISITS:

The Easter Bunny came to visit the classes this week.  The Easter Bunny brought along real baby bunnies and a variety of eggs to show sizes and colors.  The children were able to take their picture with the Easter Bunny along with checking out the rabbits and investigating the eggs.  Every child got an Easter egg to take home. 

CREATING RABBITS:

Each child was able to create a rabbit for Easter.  They had to use their fine motor skills to cut out the head and ears, we then had to follow directions and glue the rabbit together and put it onto a bright colored piece of paper.  They then added eyes, nose and a mouth to complete their rabbit. 

SHAVING CREAM ART:

The children had to use some strong finger muscles to cut through an egg shape on card stock.  The children then were able to play with shaving cream.  We talked about  what it smelt and felt like. They were encouraged to write the letters in their name while they played. After washing their hands, they came back to the table and added liquid water colors and made big circles/swirls through the paint and shaving cream.  After placing the egg shape on the paint/shaving cream mixture, we used a scraper to scrape everything off to show the marbleized looking design.  

ROCK YOUR SOCKS:

World Down Syndrome Awareness Day is observed on March 21st.  The preschoolers wore clothes that were blue and yellow along with crazy, funk socks to celebrate those with Down Syndrome like our friend Emmett!

“Down Syndrome, which is a 3rd copy of the 21st chromosome, is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition, being universally present across racial, gender or socioeconomic lines in approximately 1 in 800 live births, although there is considerable variation worldwide. Down syndrome usually causes varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues.” 

DINOSAURS: SYLLABLES, NUMBERS, COUNTING, SORTING & PREPOSITIONS:

The children worked on clapping out syllables (chunks of sounds in words), counting, identifying numbers and sorting with dinosaurs.   Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older.   Playing games to work on counting skills help  set the foundation for learning more advanced math skills. By sorting dinosaurs they worked on early math skill that helps children understand that things are same and different and can be organized into groups.  The children were also quickly assessed on what positional words they understood, by placing dinosaurs around a volcano.  Positional words or prepositions is important to help expand their vocabulary along with helping them prepare for math and geography.

PAINTING DINOSAURS:

We started out by writing our name on the dinosaur shape we wanted. They could have picked a stegosaurus, ankylosaurus or a brachiosaurus. We talked about herbivores, carnivores, paleontologists and how dinosaurs are extinct. We also talked about how dinosaurs were scaley like a snake or iguana. We used our fine motor skills to paint the dinosaur using bubble wrap to show scales. This is a fun way to refine their fine motor skills without knowing that they are actually working on skills. 

DIGGING FOR DINOSAURS:

Kinetic sand was added to let the children become paleontologists to dig through the sand, find shells and then clean them off with brushes.  We also added dinosaurs and blue sand in the sensory table for exploration.  The science table had bones, rocks and shells for the children to investigate.  Children discover their world through sensory play.  They are able to explore by using all of their senses.  The sensory table is a fun science station that allows children to work on math, science and social skills all while playing.  

PET STORE:

The children were able to play with a variety of "pets" in our pet store this week.  So many skills are worked on in the dramatic play area:  math, writing, socialization, conflict resolution, re-enacting life skills and so much more.  Children were seen using the order form to claim their pet, counting money along with taking care of their pets.

LEPRECHAUN VISITS:

A sneaky leprechaun came into the classroom and messed things up.  Toys were tossed around the room and chairs knocked over.  The leprechaun did leave a note with a scavenger hunt that led us to a pot of gold under the rainbow.  Ask you child about what happened, see what story they tell you.

GRASSHOPPERS & GRAPES:

Heinasirkka, heinasirkka go away!  (Grasshopper, grasshopper go away!) The preschool children could be heard chanting this phrase this week as we talked about St. Urho.   We talked about how grasshoppers have antennas that they use to smell and feel.  Grasshoppers can be brown, green or sand color that help them blend into their surroundings.  They can be up to 4" long and the girls are longer than the boys.  Grasshoppers are insects with 3 body parts and 6 legs.  They use their legs to jump and walk and not all grasshoppers have wings.  Grasshoppers have large eyes that let them see in all directions.  They eat plants, vegetables, dead animals and other insects. After discussing grasshoppers,  the children worked on creating a grasshopper hat.  They used fine motor skills to cut out the body shapes and then then created a face for their grasshopper.  The children were also able to use some creative talents to create a grape cluster for their grasshopper to eat.  We talked about how grapes hang in a cluster, they are usually green and purple (We even discussed how the purple grapes are usually called red.) The children were then encouraged to make a pattern using cotton balls and paint.  Start with 5 at the top, then 4 and 3 and all the way to 1.  It looked kind of like a triangle.

IF A LEPRECHAUN GRANTED ME A WISH...

The classes then completed the sentence, "If a leprechaun granted you a wish, it would be. . ."  The children then wrote down their response.  Some scribbled or drew pictures, some wrote letter like shapes while others have started to sound out words and write them.  This activity is to get children verbally talking about their thoughts and then working on writing skills to communicate those thoughts.

HOW DOES YOUR STORY BEGIN?:

The children told their story this week.  Each child was asked, "How does your story begin?"  The children were encouraged to tell a story about themselves, their families, what they do at home or school.  They could also tell a story they heard in a book or on a movie.  As they told their story, Heidi typed it out, just as they dictated.  

JACK BE NIMBLE: 

The children re-enacted/retold Jack Be Nimble.  Retelling encourages a child to picture the characters and story line in her head. A good way to further enhance your child’s recount of the story is to ask questions. Comprehension is an important skill needed for children.  If the child can not retell events from a story, they probably did not understand what they read/heard. 

TWINKLE, TWINKLE LITTLE STAR:

Cutting stars was the sign in activity this week.  After cutting, each child wrote their name on the back and then were encouraged to explore with water color paints to create their own masterpiece.  The children were encouraged to talk about what they were painting along with what was happening while they painted.  Painting is a way for children to express emotions while using colors to explore the process of painting and see what will happen.   Painting also allows children to work on their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

LITTLE MISS/MR MUFFETT:

The children re-enacted/retold Little Miss Muffet.  Retelling encourages a child to picture the characters and story line in her head. A good way to further enhance your child’s recount of the story is to ask questions. Comprehension is an important skill needed for children.  If the child can not retell events from a story, they probably did not understand what they read/heard.  

GREEN EGGS RHYMING:

To practice our rhyming skills, the children flipped green eggs using a spatula.  They then had to match the rhyming pairs.  Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps young children become more fluent readers later in life.   

WHAT WILL IT BE:

Each child picked a piece of paper with 2 googly eyes glued onto it.  They then were told that they were going to be a creative illustrator like Dr. Seuss and create a character.  It could be a person, animal, insect or some kind of a monster.  After they drew the character, they then dictated what they made.  You can check them out on the classroom bulletin board.

WHAT WAS I SCARED OF?

The story What Was I Scared Of by Dr. Seuss was read at circle time.  The children then dictated their response to what they are scared of and then were encouraged to write about it and/or draw a picture.  We worked on writing skills along with dictation. 

THIS IS ME:

The children worked on drawing self-portraits.  As they draw, I am looking at which hand they are using, if they are pinching the marker at the bottom and which body parts they are able to create.  All children go through stages of writing and drawing.  The very first stage is scribbling.  Scribbling is a very important skill needed for all children. 

RAMPS:

This week we used our critical thinking and problem solving skills while we worked with ramps to understand and explore the science of motion (force and gravity).  The children explored vehicles and how they move using ramps, trying to get the cars to move when the ramp is flat.  How can they get the car to move without any hands?  Then they were given blocks to explore with the ramps.  How can you make the car move faster, farther, slower?  How can you make it stop?  

MY TRAIN CARRIES:

This week we talked about transportation.  After talking about all the different types of things a train can carry, the children cut out rectangles and a square to create a train.  They were also given a triangle and ovals to complete the train.  They then had to draw what their train would carry and were encouraged to write about it.  The children dictated their response to Heidi.  This activity had many lessons rolled into one activity.  We worked on following step by step instructions, learning how to glue (which some still struggle with), using small muscles to cut, draw and write.  Dictation is another important skill for children to learn. Dictation is a way for a teacher to model and write down the child's thoughts, when they are not able to write it themselves.  Dictation also helps model writing skills for the children.   

CARS AND LETTERS:

Tracing letters with cars was the name of thIs game.  To practice writing a letter, children were able to take a race car and drive it on the letter road to make that letter.  This was a fun way to work on letter identification and how to form letters.

ASSESSMENTS:

I will be doing final assessments with the children to see where they are at.  We will be looking at colors, shapes, letter numbers, ordering, patterning, emotions and so many other areas.  Progress reports will go home the beginning of March and we can schedule conferences after that.

MUDDY PIGS:

The children cut out and finger painted pigs which gave the children a tactile and sensory experience while the cutting worked on fine motor skills.  We learned that pigs are sometimes called hogs.  They have snouts, can be different colors, have thick skin and are covered in bristly hair.  Pigs also have teeth that can grow into sharp tusks.  Female pigs are called sows and males are boars, with babies being called piglets.  Pigs will eat pretty much anything, including oats, grains and even leftovers.  Pigs don't sweat, so they roll in the mud to stay cool.  We painted our pigs with red, white and brown paint.

THREE LITTLE PIGS:

This week we read the story of The Three Little Pigs.  After hearing the story, the children worked on coloring and cutting out pages to create their own Three Little Pigs book to bring home and tell the story to their family.   Story retelling helps children comprehend what they hearing.  They have to recall story events as well verbally tell it to another person.  

LOVE POTION:

The little scientists were busy making "love potion" this week.  The children added baking soda to their empty glass.  They then had to decide what color potion they wanted to make, using liquid water colors.  We then poured vinegar on top to see what happened.  The children needed to follow directions and then were encouraged to talk about what they observed.  Science is a way for children to explore the world around them and create theories or ideas on why things are happening.   

VALENTINES:

This week we talked about valentines and how valentines are a way to tell someone that we love them, like them or that they are just our friends.  We cut out a small heart and colored in the shapes to tell our parents that they color our heart.  

I LOVE:

With love in the air, the children worked on drawing pictures of who or what they love.  They then dictated their response to be written down. Since children are not born to understand the purpose of writing.  Through dictation, I am able to model writing to children in a purposeful way that brings meaning to their drawings.  

PAINTING AND VALENTINE BAGS:  

To start thinking about Valentines Day, each child cut out a heart of the choice and wrote their name on it. They then were told to paint their heart so that that could give it to someone they love for Valentines Day.  Each child was able to explore with paints to create their own masterpiece.  The children were given blue, red, white, pink, peach and purple paint to mix and paint in any way they chose.   The children were also able to paint their own valentine bag for Valentine's Day.  After they were done painting, the children were then able to attach a heart that they wrote their name on.  They are all ready to add their friends valentines.

SIMPLE SUBTRACTION AND COUNTING FISH:

To work on simple subtraction, the children are given 15 fish.  They flip over a card that tells them how many fish the penguin should eat.  After they feed the penguin, they count how many fish are left. To work on counting, the children had to feed a penguin fish.  As they put the fish in the penguins mouth, they counted how many it ate.  

SIMPLE ADDITION:

For a simple addition activity, the children turned over 2 cards, they counted the how many snowballs there were all together and then found the hat for the snowman with the number on it.  With this activity, we worked not only on addition, but counting and number identification.

IN THE WINTER I LIKE TO....:

The children worked on dictation by completed the sentence, In the winter I like to . . .  They were then encouraged to write their response,which may be scribbles, letter like shapes or pictures.  I then wrote their dictation for them. All children go through the stages of writing.  First they scribble and then move into picture writing.  A more deliberate writing is the next stage  when they are using letter like shapes to write.  Writing using beginning sounds is the next stage and then they start to actually sound out words and write.  Encourage your child to write, draw and scribble it will help them to become better writers.

PENGUIN SYLLABLES: 

The children worked on clapping out the "chunks" of sounds in words, called syllables.  I used terminology that we have been learning about penguins, such as antarctica, rookeries, camouflage and tobogganing.  Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older. 

SELF PORTRAITS:

The children were encouraged to draw their best picture of themself.  We also talked about how we are the same and how we are different.  We compared our skins to our friends skin and talked about how even though we are all similar colors, we are different too.  The children were also encouraged to talk about how we would feel if someone didn't want to play with you if you had different color skin, didn't think like them or just looked different.  The classes decided it would not be a nice place to live. While drawing their self-portraits, I am looking what body parts the children are able to draw along with pencil grasp and what hand they use to write with.  These pictures will be shared with parents at conferences.

PUZZLES: 

Puzzles are a wonderful way for children to use their fine motor and cognitive skills. Physically, they have to hold the puzzle piece and then turn them until the fit correctly.  Cognitively they have to problem solve to complete the puzzle and emotionally they have to learn patience and perseverance to complete the puzzle.  

RHYMING:

Each child played a rhyming game with me this week.  The words were read to each child and then they had to find the one that sounded the same at the end of the word.  Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps children to break words into smaller parts which is important for reading and spelling.  Rhyming helps become a successful reader.

HOT COCOA FOR DRAMATIC PLAY:

For some winter fun, we added pretend hot cocoa and marshmallows to the kitchen area.  Some people think that pretend play is fun and imaginative and that it is not really educational.  In fact, children are learning to problem solve, cooperate, be flexible and are re-enacting things they they have observed.

PENGUINS:

This week we have been learning about penguins.  We have talked about how most penguins live in Antarctica. They have wings, but do not fly.  They are really good swimmers and almost "fly" through the water.  They eat fish, squid and krill.  The mother penguin will feed the chick by spitting up the food that it has chewed into the chicks mouth.  Eagles, hawks and leopard seals will prey on penguins and their eggs.  Penguins have camouflage, the dark blends into the water and the white blends into the sunlight.  The Emperor penguin will hold the eggs and chicks on their feet to keep them warm.  A group of penguins are called rookeries or they live in a colony.  Penguins have feathers to keep them warm and dry.  Penguins like to slide on their belly, called tobogganing.

MATCHING TINY PICTURES TO BIG PICTURES:

The children used magnifying glasses to take a closer look at some tiny pictures of polar bears.  They then had to find the larger picture that looked just like it.  This science activity encouraged the children to use the magnifying glass to take a closer look at the pictures, while giving them another tool to use in their explorations.

SNOWMAN LETTER IDENTIFICATION:

We played a snowman game for letter identification.  A small group of children took turns picking out a mitten out of a bag.  We then identified the letter that was on the mitten, talked about the sound it makes along with words that begin with that letter sound.  We then tried to find that letter on their paper and put a dauber spot on top of it.  The children were also assessed on what uppercase and lowercase letters they could identify.

SNOWMEN:  SMALL-MEDIUM-LARGE:

This week we revisited small, medium and large by creating a snowman.  This activity required the children to follow directions.  Each small group of children were given step by step directions as to what they needed to do to make their snowman.  They used their eyes to visually discriminate differences between items and use fine motor skills to cut and glue.  When children are able to understand that items can be compared by size/weight and can be arranged from smallest to largest it will help them to understand that numbers can also be put in order from lowest to highest. 

CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES:

The children were able to spread a little Christmas cheer with each other.  We colored Christmas pictures, watched Wild Kratts Creature Christmas, had a special snack, played on the ipads, went bowling, played pin the beard on Santa and had an obstacle course.  Some of the children prefer to just do what they normally would.  The children were excited no matter what they did. Have a very, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  See you Monday, January 4th.

This was a measuring activity that included following a recipe to create reindeer food for Rudolph to find their home.  Measuring activities help teach everyday math skills.  By following the recipe, the children were working on reading skills while counting the number of spoons needed and make sure that their spoon was full.    

CHRISTMAS RHYMING:

Each child had each word read and would try to find the word that sounded the same at the end of the word.  Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps young children become more fluent readers later in life. 

RUDOLPH: 

For a simple craft, the children used their fine motor skills as they continue practicing to cut out a reindeer head.  They then added eyes, a nose and pink ears to create their very own reindeer.  Some of the children needed to add a mouth as well and even antlers.  

COLOR AND SHAPE ASSESSMENTS:

Colors and shapes were assessed this week.  The children were asked to name the color or shape that was in front of them.  

WRAPPING GIFTS FOR PARENTS:

Christmas gifts for parents have been in the works, but it is a secret.  You will have to wait until Christmas to see what we have been doing.  Today was the wrapping.  They were sent home with your child this week.  They were told to put them under the tree until Christmas and then their parents can open them. 

CHRISTMAS GAMES:

This week the children were able to play a variety of Christmas games.  Following the rules are always in important skill to work on in preschool.  Games are a way to teach children that it is okay to win and lose.  Games also teach children how to use social skills, take turns and communicate with others.  Depending on the game that is played, children also may work on counting, naming and matching colors, number identification and so many other skills needed in life.

COOKIE BAKING CENTER:

For a change to the dramatic play center, I have added tools to pretend to bake cookies and muffins.  The children have been busy mixing, rolling out, baking, stirring and flipping cookies.  Through pretend play, children are learning to problem solve, cooperate, be flexible and are re-enacting things they they have observed.

SENSORY TABLE PLAY:

Forest animals, trees and pine boughs were added to the sensory table for exploration.  Children discover their world through sensory play.  They are able to explore by using all of their senses. This week they are able to recreate events by playing with animals in their habitat.  

ORDERING TREES:  SMALL-MEDIUM-LARGE:

Creating trees by ordering rectangle strips from largest to smallest was the task this week.  First the children were told to put the trunk of the tree on the very bottom of their paper.  They then had to find the largest rectangle and put it on top of their trunk.  They continued from largest to smallest, using 4 sizes, until they completed their tree.  This activity required the children to follow directions, use their eyes to visually discriminate differences between items, use fine motor skills to glue, write their name and add decorations.  When children are able to understand that items can be compared by size/weight and can be arranged from smallest to largest.  This will also help them to understand that numbers can also be put in order from lowest to highest.

TREES:

The children worked on cutting out a simple tree shape.  They were given no assistance and this cutting sample will be used to show your child's progress in cutting.  After cutting, the children were then able to use rubber bands to paint "snow" onto their trees.  This was a lot of fine motor skills the children were using.  Cutting and painting will help refine those small muscles to help them become better writers, drawers and help them with cutting as well.

ORNAMENTS:

To work on fine motor skills along with patterning, the children strung beads onto pipe cleaners and wire.  To practice patterning, the children created a candy cane ornament, completing a simple red, white pattern. By age 3 children should be able to complete a simple pattern with some assistance.  By age 4, children should be able to complete a pattern without assistance.  Patterning has been shown to support mathematical reasoning to build understanding rules and regularities in math concepts.  Working on patterning in preschool is the beginning of mastering life-long math skills.  Since the classroom tree looked a little empty, the children were able to decorate die cut shapes and add glitter to them to hang on the tree.

CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN:

Tara had the kids continue to follow a group plan to make a Santa that will count down the days until Christmas.  The children had to follow step by step directions to put the Santa face together.  They then had to count the days until Christmas and put the correct number of cotton balls to start the countdown.  This will be an activity that you will complete at home.  We want families to continue to count how many days there are until Christmas, each day.

DEAR SANTA... & AT CHRISTMAS I....:

The children were able to write letters to Santa this week.  We discussed what a letter or note is and what is needed to write Santa a letter.  Each child wrote to Santa and then signed their name at the bottom.  We also completed the sentence:  At Christmas I . . . This is writing activity that to refine their fine motor/writing skills. I also am looking at handedness, hand positioning while writing, if they wrote letters, letter like shapes or drew pictures.  I also noted what kind of response they made.  

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

The children were asked to dictate the response to I am thankful for. . .  They were encouraged to work on their writing skills and write what they were thankful for.  The teacher also wrote their response.   While doing this activity, I was looking at hand positioning while writing, if they wrote letters, letter like shapes or drew pictures.  I also noted what kind of response they made.  

THE GROUP PLAN:

Part of the Incredible Flexible You curriculum talks about following a group plan.  This week Tara worked with the children on following a group plan or recipe to create pumpkin pie.  They used pudding, pumpkin spice and added whipped topping to their pie crust.  They had to wait between steps and work together to create their own mini-pie.  

GIFTS FOR PARENTS:

Christmas gifts for parents have been in the works, but it is a secret.  You will have to wait until Christmas to see what we have been doing.  We did spend some time decorating the gift bags with our hands.  I want to make sure that if we do have to move to Distance Learning again, the children will still be able to have a present to give to you.

RHYMING:

Each child had each word read and would try to find the word that sounded the same at the end of the word.  Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps young children become more fluent readers later in life.  

SORTING:

This week, the children practiced sorting skills.  Sorting is an early math skill that helps children understand that things are same and different and can be organized into groups.   

SYLLABLES:

The children worked on clapping out the "chunks" of sounds in words, called syllables.  Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older.  

DISTANCE LEARNING:  Due to a child testing positive for COVID 19 and staff being considered in close contact, all preschool classes will be quarantining and return to in person learning on Tuesday, November 17th.  On the Distance Learning Page, on this Google Site, you will find daily lessons.  If you have questions, please e-mail me at hhuotari@g.sebeka.k12.mn.us.  

If your family would like to receive breakfast and lunch during quarantine, please call the Sebeka School at 837-5101, ext 102.

CHICKEN COOP: 

This week a chicken coop was added to the classroom. The children pretended to pick eggs from the nests in the coop with baskets and then bring them and sort them into egg cartons. Some of the children even used them to make soup and just eggs to eat. Animal dress up clothes and stick horses were also added to the classroom.  Some people think that pretend play is fun and imaginative and that it is not really educational. In fact, children are learning to problem solve, cooperate, be flexible and are re-enacting things they they have observed.  Farm animal food was also added for extra investigation.

SORTING:

This week, the children practiced sorting skills.  Sorting is an early math skill that helps children understand that things are same and different and can be organized into groups.   

SYLLABLES:

The children worked on clapping out the "chunks" of sounds in words, called syllables.  Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older.  

VOTING FOR PRESIDENT:

The preschoolers voted this week for President. We talked about how Donald Trump and Joe Biden both wanted to be President of the United States.  We talked about what the presidents job is and whoever wins, will move into the White House.  The children were then each given a ballot with both candidates names and pictures and the children were encouraged to put an X or mark in the box next to the person that they wanted to win.  They then put the ballots into the ballot collection box and received a sticker for voting.  The Monday morning class Donald Trump won.  Sadlly, the other classes didn't get a chance to vote because of quarantining.    

HALLOWEEN PARTY:

We had a Halloween party this week.  The children were able to dress in costumes and play some games (pin the nose on the pumpkin, ring toss, bean bag toss, drop the clothes pin in the pumpkin, musical chairs and go bowling). The children helped clean out pumpkins and then watched as we made them erupt. We also were able to color and cut out some puppets.  Spooky stories, songs and snacks were also a favorite.

FINE MOTOR MONSTER:  

Everyday the Preschoolers have "sign-in".  This is a time each day where they practice writing their name, cutting, coloring, tracing lines or drawing, to name just a few of the "sign-in" activities.  This week, the children had to complete a picture of a monster and name it. 

HAMMERING TEES INTO PUMPKINS: 

To work on fine motor skills along with hand-eye coordination, the children were able to hammer golf tees into pumpkins using hammers.

CARROT PATTERNING:

To work on patterning skills, the children were able to paint with carrots.  After discussing what a pattern was and how to complete it, the children were shown how to use carrots to show big and little.  If they mastered that pattern, the children were then able to try big, big, little as a pattern. Patterning is a math skill that other math concepts are built upon.  In preschool, identifying and creating patterns is just the beginning of the mastery of life-long mathematical skills.

BIG......MONSTER GLYPHS:

Creating monsters is always fun in preschool. After reading Go Away Big Green Monster by Ed Emberly and The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams, the children created a glyph. The children had to follow directions to create a monster. The color of the face was their favorite color. If they liked the story Go Away Big Green Monster by Ed Emberly best, they cut out a red mouth. If they liked the story The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams best, they cut out a pink mouth. They then had to add yellow eyes, a bluish-greenish nose, sharp white teeth and hair. For the hair, they children had to say how old they are and then count out that many hairs to glue on. When they were done completing their monster, we shared the pictures during circle time. It is always so interesting how different each one turns out. 

TOOTHY CRITTER MATH:

To play this game the children worked on their counting skills.  They had to roll the die, count the dots and put that many teeth in the monster's mouth. 

SPOOKY GHOSTS:

For a fun craft, the children used shower poofs to paint and create a spooky ghost. 

MEASURING & ORDERING PUMPKINS:

Putting pumpkins in order from smallest to largest was the task this week.  We used both real pumpkins and slid pumpkins on the Smart Board.   When children are able to understand that items can be compared by size/weight and can be arranged from smallest to largest, it can also help them to understand that numbers can also be put in order from lowest to highest. The children were also introduced to measuring tapes and rulers.  We talked about how and why we measure things.

RHYMING:

During our morning meeting, we work on finding rhyming pairs and sing a little rhyming song.  This activity, each child had each word read and would try to find the word that sounded the same, at the end of the word.  Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps young children become more fluent readers later in life.  

FIRE FIGHTERS:

This week we talked about fire safety.  We learned about the tools and equipment firefighters use along with some of the things they do to help us.  The children worked on their dictation and writing/drawing skills to complete the sentence, Firefighters . . .  Dictation offers a way for a teacher to record a child's thoughts or ideas while allowing an adult to model writing.  We continue to work on fine motor skills to enhance their writing skills.  Each child had their picture taken dressed up as a firefighter.

STOP-DROP-ROLL:

The children learned and practiced what to do if their clothes catch on fire, stop-drop and roll.  We also practiced staying low to stay out of the smoke.  The afternoon class used forks to paint shirts with red, orange and yellow to make it look like fire and then added a patch to remind them to stop-drop-roll.  

FIRE STATION:

This week a fire station was added to the classroom.  The children pretended to be fire fighters driving the fire truck and putting out fires.  They also were able to spray actual water at number and shape "flames." Some people think that pretend play is fun and imaginative and that it is not really educational.  In fact, children are learning to problem solve, cooperate, be flexible and are re-enacting things they they have observed.

IPADS - LOCATIONS AND OCCUPATIONS:

Throughout the school year, the preschool classes will be able to play with learning apps on the iPads. Locations and occupations were explored using games.  The children sorted items into the kitchen, living room and bathroom.  For occupations, the app asks them to touch the corresponding person that fits the job described.  When everyone had completed the tasks, the children were able to explore a variety of math, literacy, science and social studies games.

EMOTIONS:

The children looked at pictures of children and discussed what emotion they were showing along with why they thought that.  We looked at the different parts of the face that show those emotions, for example how your mouth moves when you are happy or sad.  What do your eyes do when you are angry.  Preschool children need help interpret their own feelings along with others.  With this lesson, we were helping to teach your child to use their words to express their feelings and respond to others emotions.   

REAL - VS- FANTASY:

While looking at pictures, the children talked about what items were real and which were pretend.  We discussed what makes something real and what makes something fantasy.  

IPADS - LOCATIONS AND OCCUPATIONS:

Throughout the school year, the preschool classes will be able to play with learning apps on the iPads. Locations and occupations were explored using games.  The children sorted items into the kitchen, living room and bathroom.  For occupations, the app asks them to touch the corresponding person that fits the job described.  When everyone had completed the tasks, the children were able to explore a variety of math, literacy, science and social studies games.

MARBLE PAINTING:

The children were able to explore their creative side along with using science to create a marble painted leaf.  Each child picked out the leaf shape (rounded, pointed or just bumpy looking) and then wrote their name on it. After talking about how the seasons change and in autumn (the leaves will change from green to red, yellow, orange and brown), the children then picked which colors they wanted to paint with and used marbles in a box cover to paint their leaf. The children were encouraged to talk about what was happening with the marbles and paint.

COUNTING LEAVES:

Following along the fall theme, the children were able to add leaves to a tree.  After the children glued on their leaves, they counted how many leaves were on their tree.  I looked for how the children could put their finger on each leaf and count it one to one along with how high they were able to count.  The children were allowed to put as many or as few leaves as they wished.  We then practiced writing their name at the bottom of the page.

LEAF EXPLORATION: 

Taking a closer look at leaves and apples was the science activity this week.  The children were introduced to a variety of different magnifying glasses along with the balance to help them further their investigations.  We compared the objects, (looking at color, sizes, weights and shapes) trying to gather as much information as possible.  

BUILDING CAPITALS:

One station was using a letter template to help the children create uppercase letters.  We worked on listening and following oral directions, alphabet identification and the sounds they make all while creating the letter with big lines, little lines, big curves and little curves.

PLAYDOUGH:

Playdough was a highlight for the week.  Playdough is a fun way to let children use their imaginations while building small muscles in their fingers—the same muscles they will use to hold a pencil and write. Using playdough also helps with social skills.  They learn to share, take turns and use their language skills to visit with friends around them.  Each child has their own tub of playdough with their name and picture one it, so no need to share the playdough.

APPLE PRINTS:

This week we talked about apples.  We learned that apples have a core, stem, seeds, flesh, skin and stars inside.  Apples can be yellow, green and red.  Apples grow on trees and a large group of apple trees is called an orchard.  Apples grow from blossoms in the spring into big juicy apples in the fall.  The children practiced cutting out their apple shape and then were encouraged to try painting with apples to see if they could find a star inside.

GOOD CHOICES-BAD CHOICES: 

To teach good choices and bad choices in the classroom, we played a game together, in the afternoon, where the children moved ahead if they made a good choice and moved backwards if they made a bad choice.  This game included the manners, rules and routines along with safety.  Everyone received a sticker when they made it to the finish line. 

SHAPE BUS:

The children worked with shapes to create a bus this week.  They practiced holding the scissors correctly to cut on a straight line.  The children practiced writing their name on the back, along with some of the children learning how to use glue.  They were also assessed on what shapes they could identify, along with colors.

PUZZLES: 

This week the preschoolers had opportunity to complete simple puzzles.  Puzzles are a great learning tool to use for children.  They promote cognitive thinking, problems solving while using fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.  Puzzles can include social interaction and build self esteem for these little learners.

BUS SAFETY:

Bus safety is important to teach all young children about during the first few days of school.  Jim Brockpahler and Lowell Stuart helped to teach the children what they need to do on the bus.  The kids practiced:  Getting on and off the school bus, how to cross the street in front of the bus, how to sit in the seat, keeping items in your backpack, what you would do if you had to get off the bus through the back door, in an emergency.  So many important safety tips were addressed.

FRIENDSHIP SALAD:

For snack, the children made friendship salad.  The recipe was sent home in each child's backpack and I have included it here as well.  We all want to be friends at school and not "rotten bananas".  

Friendship Salad   

(This is a lesson to help children learn about rules and manners.) Parents,  you could change this to fit the rules in your home.

1 container plain yogurt                                  1 large bowl

3 cans fruit – different varieties                  1 large mixing spoon

Marshmallows                                                 1 rotten banana

 Explain to the kids that the big bowl is like our classroom and that there are many important things that our room needs, especially good friends and happy days at school. Add one can of fruit.  These ___ are the kind kids in our room.  They help each other at school and wait their turn in line.Add one can of fruit.  These ___ are the hard workers in our room.  They get their work done and always try their best, even when the work is hard. Add one can of fruit.  These ___ are the kids that share.  They know how to share supplies and they share the toys. Add some marshmallows.  These marshmallows are the kind words being said in our room.  Words like please and thank you and I’m sorry, when someone gets hurt. Add the yogurt.  This yogurt is the happiness we feel when we are at school.  When we laugh, when we learn, when we have treats and when we get to do things we like. Talk about the yummy friendship salad, how good it looks and how good it will taste.  Begin to peel the rotten banana.  (The kids have always yelled to stop before I even get the banana peeled.)  I tell them that this is the Rotten Banana that could cause trouble in our happy classroom.  This might be a banana that calls names, does not share, refuses to do work or hurts our friends.  Do you want to add this banana to our classroom?  We all vote NOT to put the rotten banana in our friendship salad.

HANDWRITING WITHOUT TEARS:

Each week the children will be working in their Handwriting Without Tears worksheets. This curriculum was created by an occupational therapist to help young learners to learn letters, numbers, colors, shapes and letter sounds while learning how to write letters, shapes and numbers.  This week the children worked on their pencil grasp and using little scribbles to color in stars and fireworks.

WRITING AND DICTATION:

The children had to complete the sentence:  At school I like to . . .  and then were asked to write what they like to do at school.  I observed the kids to see which hand they use to write with and if they are using a pincher grasp to hold a marker.  This activity also helped me to see what stage of writing the children were in.  All children begin writing by scribbling, moving into letter like shapes and symbols, then starting to sound out words and using initial letter sounds to write and then finally writing words.

CUTTING:

One skill that was assessed this week was cutting. Children were given a square to cut out and then were able to draw a picture. Children cut completely on their own, so I could collect an initial cutting sample. We will be working on cutting through out the school year. This sample will be shared at conferences.

SELF PORTRAITS:

The children were encouraged to draw their best picture of themself. I am looking what body parts the children are able to draw along with pencil grasp and what hand they use to write with. These pictures will be shared with parents at conferences.

PAINTING:

Each child was able to explore with paints to create their own masterpiece. The children were given red, yellow and blue paint to mix and paint in any way they chose. Each child was also asked if they wanted to have their paper horizontal or vertical. 

RULES, ROUTINES AND CLASSROOM EXPLORATION:

This week was all about learning the rules and routines in the classroom along with exploring the classroom. We also worked on staying in a line, which is always a little difficult for all the little ones. It is amazing how well they did, just after a couple days of preschool. The children met a lot of new friends and are getting use to taking turns, sharing and working together. There are so many options for play and learning. 

PRESCHOOL START DATES:  

Morning classes will start on Mon., Sept. 14th, from 8:00 – 11:00 am for the Mon./Wed. class.  Tues., Sept. 15th, from 8:00 – 11:00 am will be the first day for the Tues/Thurs class.  If your child is going to ride the school bus to school, please have an older child, who rides the same bus, walk your child to the preschool classroom.  If you plan on bringing your child to Preschool, staff will meet you in the main entry way, on the south side of the building.  There are also labels included in the packet to put on your child’s coat to help staff know where your child needs to go.  The morning class will receive breakfast at 8:00 in the morning.  Breakfast is free to all preschoolers.  Please make sure your child is picked up no later than 11:00 am in the main entry area, in the front of the school.  Preschool staff will bring your child to you.

Afternoon classes will start on Mon., Sept. 14th, from 12:00 – 3:00 pm.  Parents will need to bring their child to preschool and the school bus will bring them home after school. Please make sure your child is dropped off no earlier than 12:00 pm. Parents and children will need to wait in the main entry area, in the front of the school.  Preschool staff will meet you there and bring your child to the classroom at 12:00 pm. The afternoon class will received lunch at 12:00 pm.  Preschool parents need to make arrangements to pay for their child’s lunch with Laura Kimball in the business office; cost is $2.00 per meal.   If your child is going to be absent or have a lunch from home, please call each morning to notify the preschool staff.  We need meal counts before your child arrives.

Distance Learning classes will begin on September 14th.  Circle Time lessons will be viewed using the Seesaw app.  Circle Time lessons will be posted by the end of the day, due to not having time during class time to post them. I know it is not the best option, but for right now that is all I can do. Lesson packets will be sent home weekly.  Parent will need to pick up their lesson packets on Thursday afternoon or Friday each week.

OPEN HOUSE 2020: 

Come check out the classroom (Room 110) with your child. We will have packets of paperwork for parents to fill out and an activity for the children to take home. This will help your child be acquainted with the classroom before your child attends class on September 14th or 15th. I am excited to meet all the new families that will be attending preschool. See you Thursday, September 3rd from 3:00 - 6:00 pm in the preschool classroom.

2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR:

THANK YOU!:

Thank you for an active preschool year.  I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know your child and your entire family.  I look forward to seeing some of you again net year and others around the school or town.  Enjoy your summer vacation!

FFA BARNYARD:

On Thursday, May 18th, the preschool class was invited to attend the FFA Barnyard that was held in the ag room.  The children were able to get an up close an personal look at  cows, goats, sheep, chickens, dogs, rabbits, horses and donkeys.  

COMPLETING OUR BOOKS ABOUT ME:

We completed our "All About Me" books.  I hope you enjoyed reading all of their coments.  The best part of doing these books ...that I get to hear all the answers.  I have to hold back my laughter.  Love them!

END OF THE YEAR STUFF:

The last two days of class, we put the kids to work.  They helped wash all, well most of, the toys in the classroom.  We also pulled out some of their favorite activities for them to play with.

LAST DAY:

Just a reminder that the last day of preschool will be Wednesday, May 17 for the Monday-Wednesday morning class and Thursday, May 18th for the Tuesday-Thursday morning and afternoon classes.

MOTHER'S DAY:

Happy Mother's Day! The kids have been working on their mother's gifts for several weeks now.  We hope you enjoy them all summer long.

WORKING ON OUR ALL ABOUT ME BOOKS:

We are almost finished with our "All ABout Me" books.  The best part of doing these books...that I get to hear all the answers.  I have to hold back my laughter.  Love them!  They will be going home next week.  

BEE KEEPING WITH DON ISAACSON:

Don Isaacson came into the classroom to talk about bee keeping with the classes.  The children were able to hold male honey bees (Males do no have stingers.), investigate honey comb along with other bee keeping tools. We are still working on the difference between a statement and a question.

PRE-SCHOOL PIZZA PARLOR AND ICE CREAM SHOP:

Pizza was a highlight this week for the preschoolers.  A pizza parlor was added to the play area for the children to take orders, make, deliver, serve and take money or pay for the pizza.  They were also able to serve up ice cream.  Pretend play is not only fun and imaginative, it is also a way for children to problem solve, cooperate, be flexible and are re-enacting things they they have observed.

CHANGES TO THE CLASSROOM: 

This week we worked on identifying and writing letters, matching uppercase locks to lowercase letter keys.  The children were also able to use pipes to build structures, sculptures and figures.  To work on math and counting skills, the children were able to put the correct number of frogs in the pond.  

PRESCHOOL CONCERT:

I was so proud of all the preschoolers of all their hard work this school year and especially the concert (May 4, 2017), they did a fabulous job!  

ALL ABOUT ME BOOK:

To end the year, we wanted the children to create a keepsake about themselves.  Each child is working on drawing pictures and answering questions about themselves and their parents.  

FINAL WORKBOOK PAGES:

This week we completed our workbooks.  The kids were so excited to be able to bring them home.  We completed the number review pages.  The children identified the number, counted items along with practicing writing them. We continued to work on tracing, coloring objects, trying to stay in the lines and using just little scribbles to color.  The children had to be active listeners and follow instructions.  As before, we continued to work on writing grasp and stabilizing the paper as we write.

BOUNCE HOUSE:

The elementary invited the preschool classes to use the bounce houses as a reward for a great year.  The children were able to use their large muscles and burn some energy off by jumping in the bounce houses together.  

KINDERGARTEN VISIT TO MRS. CRABB:

This week we visited Mrs. Crabb's kindergarten classroom.  This is a transition activity for the preschoolers to see what the kindergarten classrooms are like and to see what some of the expectations are.  

CHANGES TO THE CLASSROOM:

This week we added new games.  Dead flies was a favorite.  Each child got a handful of flies (fake, of course) and then had to toss them on the table and count all the dead flies (the ones that landed on their backs).  This was a fun way to work on counting with the kids.  They also were able to play an ice cream cone game where they counted out the scoops of ice cream that the number showed on the cone.  We always have paints at the easel, but this week the kids have asked to do some painting.  

END OF YEAR CONCERT:

Just a reminder that Thursday, May 4th at 6:00 pm is the Preschool Concert.  The children will be singing some of their favorite songs from the school year.  Each child will receive a certificate for the school year, a book along with a copy of the picture video of the school year.

LAST DAY OF PRESCHOOL:

Our last day of preschool will be Wednesday, May 17th for the Monday/Wednesday class and Thursday, May 18th for the afternoon and Tuesday/Thursday morning classes.

 KINDERGARTEN VISIT TO MISS HENDRICKX:

This week we visited Miss Hendrickx kindergarten classroom.  This is a transition activity for the preschoolers to see what the kindergarten classrooms are like and to see what some of the expectations are.   

PUPPY VISITS:

The afternoon class got to meet Capone, Natalie's puppy.  Thanks Courtney and Emma for bringing him into the classroom for us all to see.

WORKBOOK - 8, 9 & 10:

Throughout the school year, the Sebeka Preschoolers have been using the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum and we are getting close to completing the workbook. This week the children worked on the numbers 8, 9 and 10. The preschoolers had to identify the number, count the items along with practicing writing that number.  We also work on coloring objects with little scribbles, while staying in the lines.  The children have to be active listeners and follow directions.  We also work on their writing grasp and stabilizing the paper as they write. 

FLORAL SHOP:

To the dramatic play area, we added a floral shop.  The children were able to fill out order forms of what their clients requested, run the cash register, plant flowers and make arrangements.  So many skills are worked on in the dramatic play area:  math, writing, socialization, conflict resolution, re-enacting life skills and so much more.

CATCH A BUG:

This math game, the children had to roll dice to find how many colored bugs they need to put in their jar.  Working on colors while counting and identifying number patterns on the dice were the skills worked on in this activity.

INSECTS-CHANGES TO THE CLASSROOM:

This week we have looked at bees and insects.  Large insects were added to the block area.  We also added math games including identifying the number putting that number of beans, eggs, matching rhyming pairs along with matching shapes on a spider web.  Ipads were pulled out to work on math apps.  Wings were added to the dramatic play area and bug stamps were added to the playdough.  

HONEYBEES:

This week we learned about honeybees.  Honeybees are insects with 6 legs and three body parts (head, thorax and abdomen).  They have 5 eyes, have paper thin wings and have strips on their abdomen.  Female honeybees have stingers and males do not.  If they sting you, they die.  There are thousands of different kinds of bees.  Honeybees live in colonies and the queen job is to lay thousands and thousands of eggs.  The queen is the mother to every single bee in the colony.  Worker bees build the hive out of wax.  Hives are full of little rooms called cells.  Baby bees live in those cells and the worker bees will also fill the cells with honey.  Bees drink nectar using a straw-like tube called a proboscis. When the bees turn the nectar into honey, the flap their wings to dry it.  When bees visit flowers, they get covered in pollen and it falls on ther flowers which causes new flowers to grow.  The children created their own bees and painted hives using egg dippers.

CROCODILE ALPHABET:

To work on letter identification and letter sounds, the children helped recite the rhyme..."Crocodile, crocodile by the lake.  I'm going to reach in and see what you ate."  They then put their hand in the "crocodile's" mouth and pulled out a letter.  We discussed the letter name, the sound it makes and words that start with that letter sound.  If they got a crocodile "snap" card, the crocodile would snap its mouth shut. 

BUTTERFLIES:

Each child was able to use their small muscles to cut out a butterfly shape and wrote their name on the back.  They were then able to use watercolor paints to paint their butterfly.    Painting is a fun way for children to work on fine motor control while exploring their creative side.  It helps them to use their senses to explore emotions and experience cause and effect.  

THANK YOU EASTER BUNNY:

The preschoolers worked on their writing, drawing and fine motor skills by writing thank yous to the Easter Bunny.  Each child had their own idea of what they needed to tell the Easter Bunny.  I feel that it is important for young children to understand that we need to be kind to others and let them know that we care about them and are thankful fo things that they do.

CHANGES TO THE CLASSROOM:

This week we continued to talk about spring. Pussy willows, flowers, seeds, dirt and paper wasp hives are still available in the science area for exploration.  We also added insect wings (butterfly, bees and ladybugs).  

WORKBOOK - 5, 6 & 7:

Throughout the school year, the Sebeka Preschoolers have been using the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum and we are getting close to completing the workbook. This week the children worked on the numbers 5, 6 and 7. The preschoolers had to identify the number, count the items along with practicing writing that number.  We also work on coloring objects with little scribbles, while staying in the lines.  The children have to be active listeners and follow directions.  We also work on their writing grasp and stabilizing the paper as they write. 

THE EASTER BUNNY VISITS:

The Easter Bunny came to visit the classes this week.  The Easter Bunny brought along real baby bunnies and a variety of eggs to show sizes and colors.  The children were able to take their picture with the Easter Bunny along with petting the rabbits and investigating the eggs.  Every child got a pencil and egg tablet to take home. 

FLOWERS:

Once again we talked about the stages a flower grows, from seed to plant.  They were able to watch 2 short videos with time lapse photography of flowers growing. We talked about the parts of a plant and what they do.  The flower head calls the bees and birds to pollinate the plants and the stamen is where the bees collect pollen and nectar.  The leaves catch the sun and rain and bring it down to the roots so that the stem can carry the nutrients up to the flower.  It also holds the head of the flower up.  The children were eager to try this science activity.

FORK CHICK:

The children painted with forks to create a chick and then used a paint brush to make a beak, legs and toes. When preschoolers use a paintbrush, their fine motor skills improve,  When they experiment with different tools to paint with, they are learning science.  When children are happy and feel good while they paint or create art, they are boosting their self-confidence.  

WORKBOOK - NUMBER 3 &4:

This week we worked on the numbers 3 and 4.  The children identified the number, counted items along with practicing writing them. We continued to work on coloring objects, trying to stay in the lines and using just little scribbles to color.  The children had to be active listeners and follow instructions.  As before, we continued to work on writing grasp and stabilizing the paper as we write.

SHAVING CREAM ART:

The children had to use some strong finger muscles to cut through an egg shape on card stock.  The children then were able to play with shaving cream.  They were encouraged to write the letters in their name while they played. After washing their hands, they came back to the table and added liquid water colors and made big circles/swirls through the paint and shaving cream.  After placing the egg shape on the paint/shaving cream mixture, we used a scraper to scrape everything off to show the marbleized looking design.  

CHANGES TO THE CLASSROOM FOR EASTER:

Changes included:  feathers, egg shells in the magnifying cups, rabbit food, books about rabbits and eggs, egg shakers to match sounds and moving them with scissor tongs.  We also added baskets and rabbit ears for pretend play.  New file folder games were also put out along with plastic beads in the sensory table. 

PLANTING FLOWERS:

Going with the spring theme, the children each planted their own seeds.  We talked about what plants need to grow:  dirt, sun and water.  We then followed a recipe card that showed what the children needed to do and in what order to do it in.  We talked about the stages a flower grows, from a seed to a plant.  They watched 2 short videos with time lapse photography of flowers growing.   We will be monitoring the plants for the next few weeks.

AVMR MATH APPS:

To reinforce the children's math skills, the children played math games on the Ipads.  One of the math curriculum we use is called AVMR, which works on counting, number recognition, dot patterns along with finger patterns.

WORKBOOK- MATMAN, 1 AND 2:

This week we worked on shape review by creating Matman and all of his body parts.  We have now started working on writing and recognizing numbers.  This week it was the number 1 and 2.  The children counted 1 and 2 items along with practicing writing them.  We continued to work on coloring objects, trying to stay in the lines and using just little scribbles to color.  The children had to be active listeners and follow instructions.  As before, we continued to work on writing grasp and stabilizing the paper as we write.

SPRING CHANGES TO THE CLASSROOM:

This week we have switched gears and are looking at spring. Pussy willows, flowers, seeds, dirt and paper wasp hives were added to the science area for exploration.  Water animals were added to the block area along with community helper vehicles and people.  We also added math games including identifying the number on the flower, counting petals and building the stamen that number high. The children also spent time in the kitchen area playing with dolls and food items. 

COW AND BARN DICE ROLLING -

To work on counting, number identification and subitizing, the children had to roll a die, counted the dots or identified how many dots (subitizing) and then had to put that many of dots on their cow or identify the number and put the dot on that numeral that was identified.  

WORKBOOK - Y, Z and LETTER REVIEW:

This week we worked on writing the letters Y and Z.  We talked about what sound the letter makes and what words start with that letter/sound.We talked about how to use big lines and slide down at an angle to create the letters. We always start our letters at the top.  We now have gone through all the letters of the alphabet, so we are now reviewing all the letters.  Children have to be active listeners and follow instructions, while responding to simple questions.  We continued to work on writing grasp and stabilizing the paper as we write and color.

COLOR AND SHAPE CHICKENS: 

To create their chicken, the children had to follow step by step directions along with understanding prepositions to know where they needed to put the various shapes.  We worked on naming the shapes and colors as well.  

FARM ADDITIONS:

This week was farm week.  New farm animals, barn and fence were added to the block area along with some small farm animals for sorting and counting.  To the science area we added a variety of farm animal foods, such as corn, cotton seed, hay, rabbit pellets, dog food/bones, cat food etc..  New puzzles and games were also added.

A LEPRECHAUN VISITS THE CLASSROOM:

A sneaky leprechaun came into the classroom and messed things up.  Toys were tossed around the room and chairs knocked over.  The leprechaun did leave a note with a scavenger hunt that led us to a pot of gold under the rainbow.  Ask you child about what happened, see what story they tell you.

RAINBOWS:

The children were able to use "magic" paper to help them finger paint without getting dirty.  The children first had to cut out a rainbow shape to work on fine motor skills.  Then they were given red, yellow and blue paint squirted in an arc across their rainbow.  "Magic" paper (wax paper) was placed on top and then the children were encouraged to find other colors of the rainbow as they blended the red, yellow and blue paint together.  We talked about the colors and how you can mix colors to make other colors.  A fun science activity to promote discussion and the kids were really watching others to see what colors they were making.  

WORKBOOK-THE LETTER V, W AND X:

This week we worked on writing the letters V,W, and X.  We talked about what sound the lettesr make and what words start with that letter/sound.We talked about how to use diagonal lines to create the letters.  We talked about how the lines move in angles to create the letters. When making letters, we always start our letters at the top.  Children have to be active listeners and follow instructions, while responding to simple questions.  We continued to work on writing grasp and stabilizing the paper as we write and color.

CHANGES TO THE CLASSROOM FOR ST.URHO/ST.PATRICK

This week potatoes, grapes, snakes and grasshoppers were added to the science center.  The train set was also brought back out after several children were requesting it.

HEINASIRKKA, HEINASIRKKA GO AWAY:

Heinasirkka, heinasirkka go away!  (Grasshopper, grasshopper go away!) The preschool children could be heard chanting this phrase this week as we talked about St. Urho.  Each child used their fine motor skills to cut out a grasshopper shape and then assembled their grasshopper.  We talked about how grasshoppers have antennas that they use to smell and feel.  Grasshoppers can be brown, green or sand color that help them blend into their surroundings.  They can be up to 4" long and the girls are longer than the boys.  Grasshoppers are insects with 3 body parts and 6 legs.  They use their legs to jump and walk and not all grasshoppers have wings.  Grasshoppers have large eyes that let them see in all directions.  They eat plants, vegetables, dead animals and other insects. After discussing grasshoppers, the children were able to use some creative talents to create a grape cluster for their grasshopper to eat.  We talked about how grapes hang in a cluster, they are usually green and purple (We even discussed how the purple grapes are usually called red.) The children were then encouraged to make a pattern using cotton balls and paint.  Start with 5 at the top, then 4 and 3 and all the way to 1.  It looked kind of like a triangle.

HOW DOES YOUR STORY BEGIN?:

The children told their story this week.  Each child was asked, "How does your story begin?"  The children were encouraged to tell a story about themselves, their families, what they do at home or school.  They could also tell a story they heard in a book or on a movie.  As they told their story, Heidi typed it out, just as they dictated.  

HUMPTY DUMPTY:

The children were able to use plastic eggs and blocks to retell Humpty Dumpty.  A big part of this activity was having the children roll a die, count the dots or identify the dot pattern and then make a wall with that amount of blocks. We also looked at a real egg and cracked it to talk about how we could help Humpty Dumpty. We charted our answers and then discussed whether Humpty Dumpty could really be put back together again.   

WORKBOOK-THE LETTER N AND SHAPES:

This week we worked on writing the letter N along with learning about shapes.  We talked about what sound the letter makes and what words start with that letter/sound.We talked about how to use straight, curved and diagonal lines to create the letter N and the shapes.  We talked about how many corners the shapes have along with how the lines move in angles to create shapes and the letter N. When making letters and shapes, we always start our at the top.  Children have to be active listeners and follow instructions, while responding to simple questions.  We continued to work on writing grasp and stabilizing the paper as we write and color.

RE-ENACTING LITTLE MISS MUFFET:

The children were able to use their spider hats they created and then re-enact/retell Little Miss Muffet.  Retelling encourages a child to picture the characters and story line in her head. A good way to further enhance your child’s recount of the story is to ask questions. Comprehension is an important skill needed for children.  If the child can not retell events from a story, they probably did not understand what they read/heard. 

NURSERY RHYMES - CHANGES TO THE CLASSROOM:

This week listening tubes, egg shells, spiders, bones, fleece and hay were added to the science center.  Sand was also added to the sensory table for exploration. The children were also able to use stamps and stamp pads to create the nursery rhyme...Hey Diddle, Diddle.  We also had the opportunity to revisit and retell a variety of nursery rhymes. For sign-in, the children also were able to create a clock and mouse to retell Hickory Dickory Dock.

GREEN EGGS RHYMING:

To practice our rhyming skills, the children flipped green eggs using a spatula.  They then had to match the rhyming pairs.  Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps young children become more fluent readers later in life.   

WHAT WILL IT BE:

Each child picked a piece of paper with 2 googly eyes glued onto it.  They then were told that they were going to be a creative illustrator like Dr. Seuss and create a character.  It could be a person, animal, insect or some kind of a monster.  After they drew the character, they then dictated what they made.  The pictures were then shared during circle time as a classroom book.  

DR. SEUSS-CHANGES TO THE CLASSROOM:

This week kaleidoscopes, rain sticks, sensory water bottles and other viewing objects were added to the science center.  To the housekeeping area green eggs were added along with props to be the Cat in the Hat and Lorax were a hit.  Blue sand was added to the sensory table for exploration along with new playdough, thanks to Mrs. Oyster.  We also added new books on CD to listen to along with all the Dr. Seuss books.  Gears were a hit this week as well.  The children worked on creating all kinds of sculptures, from boats, to cars or anything else their imagination could create.

STAR BELLIED SNEETCHES:

The classes watched a short video about Star Bellied Sneetches this week.  We talked about no matter what you look like or how you dress it really only matters what you are like on the inside.  We want to be nice to everyone and treat them the way we would want to be treated.  We are all friends at school.    The children then cut out a star and used water colors to paint it.  

WORK BOOK - TRIANGLE, DIAMOND AND THE LETTER M:

This week we worked on writing the letter M along with creating a triangle and diamond.  We talked about what sound the letter makes and what words start with that letter/sound. We talked about how to use lines to create the letter M and a triangle and diamond.  We always start at the top.  Children have to be active listeners and follow instructions, while responding to simple questions.  We continued to work on writing grasp and stabilizing the paper as we write.

ABC & NUMBER IDENTIFICATION:

The children were assessed on what letters and numbers they were able to identify in a random order.  We also touched on colors, shapes, parts of a book and got caught up on any missing assessment pieces for children that have been absent.  The final parent/teacher conferences are coming up the beginning of March.  Please give Heidi a call at 218-837-5101, ext. 119 to set up an appointment.  

NAME WRITING:

Each day the children sign-in.  This week we continued to work on writing our names.  It takes a lot of work to get all of their small muscles working to form letters.  While writing we work on pencil grasp and stabilizing the paper.  We also try to help children remember the letter names that they have in their name. 

CHANGES TO THE CLASSROOM:

At the science table, children were able to explore sensory bottles that the bubbles rose to the top instead of going down.  New magnifying glasses were added along with magnifying cups to take a closer look at different types of rope and twine.  The children were able to build with and sort with "Flexanimals."  Color and shape bingo is always a hit with all three classes.  So much learning going on, just while the kids are playing.

WORK BOOK - LETTER A:

This week we worked on writing the letter A along with diagonal lines.  We talked about what sound the letter makes and what words start with that letter/sound.We talked about how to use lines to create the an A and how we always start our letters at the top.  Children have to be active listeners and follow instructions, while responding to simple questions.  We continued to work on writing grasp and stabilizing the paper as we write.

THANK YOU!

Thank you to all the families that brought in pennies, dimes, nickels and quarters to help purchase books for the classroom.  We raised $71.11 for books and were able to purchase 8 new books for the classroom.

LOVE POTION:

The little scientists were busy making "love potion" this week.  The children added baking soda to their empty glass.  They then had to decide what color potion they wanted to make, using liquid water colors.  We then poured vinegar on top to see what happened.  The children needed to follow directions and then were encouraged to talk about what they observed.  Science is a way for children to explore the world around them and create theories or ideas on why things are happening.   

VALENTINES:

This week we talked about valentines and how valentines are a way to tell someone that we love them, like them or that they are just our friends.  We cut out a heart shape to work our small muscles and then put thumb prints on it, because "Thumb-body" loves you.  The kids also had to complete the card by signing their name, so parents would know who made the card.

I LOVE:

With love in the air, the children worked on drawing pictures of who or what they love.  They then dictated their response to be written down. Since children are not born to understand the purpose of writing.  Through dictation, I am able to model writing to children in a purposeful way that brings meaning to their drawings.  

CHANGES TO THE CLASSROOM - VALENTINES:

Some additions to the classroom included matching colors to create a heart, matching uppercase letters to lowercase letters, completing a heart pattern along with identifying a number and putting that many heats into the jars. The children were also able to put a variety of heart shaped boxes in order from smallest to largest.  A variety of items were available for exploration at the science table, including:  lace, ribbon, flowers, sparkles and glitter.

WORKBOOK - DIAGONALS AND THE LETTER K:

This week we worked on writing the letter K along with diagonal lines.  We talked about what sound the letter makes and what words start with that letter/sound.We talked about how to use lines to create the letter K and how we always start our letters at the top.  Children have to be active listeners and follow instructions, while responding to simple questions.  We continued to work on writing grasp and stabilizing the paper as we write.

SORTING ANIMALS:

This week, the children practiced sorting skills, by sorting animals by color and shapes such as cats, dogs, birds, fish, hamsters and rabbits.  Sorting is an early math skill that helps children understand that things are same and different and can be organized into groups.   

SELF PORTRAITS:

The children worked on self portraits this week.  We have been using Mat Man from Handwriting Without Tears to help remind us what body parts are needed when drawing a picture of a person.

COMPARING HEIGHTS:

To work on some math skills of measuring and comparing, the children compared their heights to various animals and friends.  We discussed how tall some animals are along with learning some simple facts about each animals we then measured how tall each child is.  The children were then encouraged to discuss similarities and differences, including heights and physical characteristics.

KING WYATT AND QUEEN ANNA:

Homecoming king and queen Wyatt Meech and Anna Olson returned to visit with the Tuesday morning preschool class.  They read The Paperbag Princess by Robert Munsch.  

CHANGES TO CLASSROOM:

This week furs/pelts were added to the science center along with feathers, quills, beaver chewings and a log that a woodpecker has pecked out of.  The children also played with bamboo blocks and pandas and zoo animals .  We played file folder games, sorting items by habitat.  A favorite was using tweezers to feed rabbits monkeys and a dog carrots, bananas and bones to work on fine motor skills.  

MARBLE PAINTING ZEBRAS:

This week the children were able to cut out zebra shapes and using marbles in a box cover to paint them.  We talked about the stripes on a zebra and how they help to protect them so that predators can not tell where one zebra starts and another ends.  While marble painting the children where encouraged to talk about what was happening as the marbles moved through the paint and across the zebra.  They also were encouraged to ask and answer questions.   For science exploration, the children used the marbles to learn about motion and positions.  

WORKBOOK - P, B AND R:

This week we worked on writing the letters P, B and R.  We talked about what sound the letters make and what words start with that letter/sound.We talked about how to use curves and lines to create the letters and how we always start our letters at the top.  Children have to be active listeners and follow instructions, while responding to simple questions.  We continued to work on writing grasp and stabilizing the paper as we write.

PAINTING:  

Each child was able to explore with paints to create their own masterpiece.  The children were given red, yellow and blue paint to mix and paint in any way they chose.  Each child was also asked if they wanted to have their paper horizontal or vertical. When their painting was completed, the children then were asked, "Tell me about your painting."  Check out these masterpieces in the hallway or on the bulletin board in the classroom.  

VALENTINE BAG DECORATING:

The children were able to paint their own valentine bag for Valentine's Day.  After they were done painting, the children were then able to attach a heart that they wrote their name on.  They are all ready to add their friends valentines.

KING WYATT AND QUEEN ANNA:

Homecoming king and queen Wyatt Meech and Anna Olson visited the preschool classes on Wednesday and read The Paperbag Princess by Robert Munsch.  They will be returning this coming Tuesday to read to the morning class.

RHYMING:

Each child played a rhyming game with me this week.  The words were read to each child and then they had to find the one that sounded the same at the end of the word.  Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps children to break words into smaller parts which is important for reading and spelling.  Rhyming helps become a successful reader.

MATCHING TINY PICTURES TO BIG PICTURES:

The children used magnifying glasses to take a closer look at some tiny pictures of polar bears.  They then had to find the larger picture that looked just like it.  This science activity encouraged the children to use the magnifying glass to take a closer look at the pictures, while giving them another tool to use in their explorations.

WORKBOOK- LETTER J, D AND CURVES:

This week we worked on writing the letters J, D and curved lines.  We talked about what sound the letter makes and what words start with that letter/sound.We talked about how to use curves and lines to create the letters and how we always start our letters at the top.  Children have to be active listeners and follow instructions, while responding to simple questions.  We continued to work on writing grasp and stabilizing the paper as we write.

CHANGES TO THE CLASSROOM:

The children were able to match uppercase and lowercase letters with the beginning sounds of words while building a snowman.  They also played with magnatiles, blocks ipads and played board games.

OCCUPATIONS-FAMILY ROLES-LOCATIONS:

We played ipad games and discussed what jobs people do, what roles family members have and locations of items in their home.  

REAL - VS- FANTASY:

While looking at pictures, the children talked about what items were real and which were pretend.  We discussed what makes something real and what makes something fantasy.

PARTS OF A BOOK:

Everyday we talk about the parts of the book:  front cover, back cover, title, spine, author and illustrator.  This week the children were assessed on their understanding of these parts.

If I WERE A SNOWFLAKE:

The children worked on dictation by completed the sentence, If I were a snowflake . . .  They were then encouraged to write their response,which may be scribbles, letter like shapes or pictures.  I then wrote their dictation for them. All children go through the stages of writing.  First they scribble and then move into picture writing.  A more deliberate writing is the next stage  when they are using letter like shapes to write.  Writing using beginning sounds is the next stage and then they start to actually sound out words and write.  Encourage your child to write, draw and scribble it will help them to become better writers.

WORKBOOK - CURVES & S:

This week we worked on writing the letter S and curves.  We talked about what sounds the letter make and what words start with that letters/sound. We talked about how to use curves to create an S. We always start our letters at the top.  Children have to be active listeners and follow instructions, while responding to simple questions.  We continued to work on writing grasp and stabilizing the paper as we write and most importantly to take your time and not rush through the pages. 

ICE FISHING:

For and addition to the dramatic play area, we added an ice fishing house.  The children are fishing for numbers and letters and an occasional tire, boot or Sponge Bob.  

CLASSROOM ADDITIONS:

Each week the classroom environment is changed for the kids to explore.  This week some patterning and graphing games were added to the classroom.  New puzzles were added along with some books on CD.  The children were able to investigate playdough and foam along with birdseed in the sensory table.  So much to explore.

SNOWMAN LETTER IDENTIFICATION:

We played a snowman game for letter identification.  A small group of children took turns picking out a mitten out of a bag.  We then identified the letter that was on the mitten, talked about the sound it makes along with words that begin with that letter sound.  We then tried to find that letter on their paper and put a dauber spot on top of it.  

SYLLABLES:

The children worked on clapping out the "chunks" of sounds in words, called syllables.  Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older.  

WORKBOOK - CIRCLE, Qq and Gg:

This week we worked on writing the letters G and Q along with making a circle.  We talked about what sounds the letters make and what words start with that letters/sounds.We talked about how to use curves and lines to create a G, Q and a circle. We always start our letters at the top.  Children have to be active listeners and follow instructions, while responding to simple questions.  We continued to work on writing grasp and stabilizing the paper as we write and most importantly to take your time and not rush through the pages. 

BEGINNING SOUNDS:

Each day during Circle Time, the whole group talks about the beginning sounds of words.  This week I did a quick assessment to see how the kids do with this literacy skill.  Each child was shown a picture card and then stated what the picture was and then what sound they heard at the beginning of the word.  Being able to hear the sounds in words is important to learn how to read and write.   

PRETEND SNOW:

Pretend snow was added to the sensory table for exploration.  If the children have talked about playing with diapers, that is because the "snow" is similar to what is used inside diapers. Children discover their world through sensory play.  They are able to explore by using all of their senses.   The children cups, shovels and other various containers to manipulate the snowed.  The sensory table is a fun science station that allows children to work on math, science and social skills all while playing. 

HOT COCOA FOR DRAMATIC PLAY:

For some winter fun, we added pretend hot cocoa and marshmallows to the kitchen area.  Some people think that pretend play is fun and imaginative and that it is not really educational.  In fact, children are learning to problem solve, cooperate, be flexible and are re-enacting things they they have observed.

CHANGES TO CLASSROOM:

This week we added number and counting games along with some fine motor activities.  They were able to use a variety of  tongs, chop sticks and spoons to move cotton balls into ice cube trays. 

SIMPLE ADDITION:

For a simple addition activity, the children turned over 2 cards, they counted the how many snowballs there were all together and then found the hat for the snowman with the number on it.  With this activity, we worked not only on addition, but counting and number identification.

SIMPLE SUBTRACTION AND COUNTING PENGUINS:

To work on simple subtraction, the children are given 6 fish.  They flip over a card that tells them how many fish the penguin should eat.  After they feed the penguin, they count how many fish are left. To work on counting, the children had to feed a penguin fish.  As they put the fish in the penguins mouth, they counted how many it ate.  

ON A PERFECT SNOWBALL DAY:

After reading Snowballs by Lois Ehlert, the children were asked, "On a perfect snowball day I would build..."  They then drew a picture of what kind of snowman they would build and dictated their answer.

PENGUIN FRIENDS:  

This game was played by reading friends name and finding their picture and placing it on the penguin body.  So many children recognize their friends name or know that the initial letter is for them.

PENGUINS:

This week we have been learning about penguins.  We have talked about how most penguins live in Antarctica. They have wings, but do not fly.  They are really good swimmers and almost "fly" through the water.  They eat fish, squid and krill.  The mother penguin will feed the chick by spitting up the food that it has chewed into the chicks mouth.  Eagles, hawks and leopard seals will prey on penguins and their eggs.  Penguins have camouflage, the dark blends into the water and the white blends into the sunlight.  The Emporer penguin will hold the eggs and chicks on their feet to keep them warm.  A group of penguins are called rookeries or they live in a colony.  Penguins have feathers to keep them warm and dry.  Penguins like to slide on their belly, called tobogganing.

WORKBOOK - LETTER C and O:

This week we worked on writing the letters C and O.  We talked about what sound each letter makes and what words start with that letter/sound. We talked about how to use big curves and little curves to create the letters. We always start our letters at the top.  Children have to be active listeners and follow instructions, while responding to simple questions.  We continued to work on writing grasp and stabilizing the paper as we write.

CHANGES TO CLASSROOM, WEEK OF 1/9/17:

This week the children were able to play with wooden penguins and icebergs along with zoo animals.  The children continued to build with Lego's and investigated Magnatiles and water sensory bottles.  At the request of the children we pulled out the boat and fished for letters.  We also played a color sorting game.

WHO'S THE STAR - YOU ARE:

The afternoon class was invited to join the rest of the elementary to take part in the program called Who's the Star - You Are.  This anti-bullying program was interactive and entertaining for the children.

SNOWMEN:  SMALL-MEDIUM-LARGE:

This week we revisited small, medium and large by creating a snowman.  This activity required the children to follow directions.  Each small group of children were given step by step directions as to what they needed to do to make their snowman.  They used their eyes to visually discriminate differences between items and use fine motor skills to cut and glue.  When children are able to understand that items can be compared by size/weight and can be arranged from smallest to largest it will help them to understand that numbers can also be put in order from lowest to highest. 

SHAPES AND COLOR IDENTIFICATION:

This week, I did a quick assessment to see what shapes and colors the children could identify.  This was done using cut outs of shapes along with the lids from markers.  

CHANGES TO THE CLASSROOM:

Foam dough was added to the sensory area this week.  It really felt like you were playing with rice crispy bars.  The foam is a fun way to let children use their imaginations while building small muscles in their fingers—the same muscles they will use to hold a pencil and write. Using playdough also helps with social skills, they learn to share, take turns and use their language skills to visit with friends around them.  A free choice activity was to sort snowballs into small, medium and large snowman heads.  This activity worked along the ordering activity they did to create a snowman.  At the science table this week was a variety of sensory bottles along with kaleidoscopes.  Each bottle has a liquid that moves in a different way.  The children are encouraged to watch and describe what they are seeing or what is happening to the liquid along with what happens when you look through the kaleidoscope.  Small Lego's and the train set were also added for building and exploration. 

WORKBOOK U AND A RAIN COLORING PAGE:

This week we worked on writing the letter U.  We talked about what sound the letter makes and what words start with that letter/sound.We talked about how to use big lines and little lines to create shapes and letters.  We always start our letters at the top.  Children have to be active listeners and follow instructions, while responding to simple questions.  We continued to work on writing grasp and stabilizing the paper as we write. We also worked on using little scribbles to stay within the lines while we color.  This coloring page also consisted of pictures and words at the top of the paper in which we discussed and also helps the children to work on "reading" left to right.

CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES:

The children were able to spread a little Christmas cheer with each other.  We colored Christmas pictures, watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas, had a special snack, played on the ipads and with new Lego's.  Some of the children prefer to just do what they normally would.  The children were excited no matter what they did. Have a very, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  See you Tuesday, January 3rd.

BEGINNING SOUNDS:

Each day during Circle Time, the whole group talks about the beginning sounds of words.  This week I did a quick assessment to see how the kids do with this literacy skill.  Each child was shown a picture card and then stated what the picture was and then what sound they heard at the beginning of the word.  Some of the children were only able to name the picture, some where able to tell me what letter the picture started with and others were able to state just the beginning sounds. Being able to hear the sounds in words is important to learn how to read and write. 

CATCH-UP:

With so many children sick this week, we played a lot of catch-up and had the children complete some of the activities they have missed while gone.  Hopefully everyone will be feeling better when we come back to school in January.

WORKBOOK - LETTER I & T:

This week we worked on writing the letter T and I.  We talked about what sound the letter makes and what words start with that letter/sound.We talked about how to use big lines and little lines to create shapes and letters.  We always start our letters at the top.  Children have to be active listeners and follow instructions, while responding to simple questions.  We continued to work on writing grasp and stabilizing the paper as we write. 

TREES:

The children worked on cutting out a simple tree shape.  They were given no assistance and this cutting sample will be used to show your child's progress in cutting.  After cutting, the children were then able to use rubber bands to paint "snow" onto their trees.  This was a lot of fine motor skills the children were using.  Cutting and painting will help refine those small muscles to help them become better writers, drawers and help them with cutting as well.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM:

On Tuesday night, the children stood before a very large crowd of family and friends and sang some simple winter and holiday songs.  I am immensely proud of each and every one of the preschoolers, whether they belted out the tunes, were silent, those to scared to make it to the risers and those that had to leave the program early because of tears. I am truly blessed to be able to be part of their lives.  

REINDEER FOOD:

This was a measuring activity that included following a recipe to create reindeer food for Rudolph to find their home.  Measuring activities help teach everyday math skills.  By following the recipe, the children were working on reading skills while counting the number of spoons needed and make sure that their spoon was full.    

RUDOLPH:

For a simple craft, the children used their fine motor skills as they continue practicing to cut out a reindeer head.  They then added eyes, a nose and pink ears to create their very own reindeer.  Some of the children needed to add a mouth as well and even antlers.  

IPADS:

Math on the Ipads was a station the children could choose from.  We were looking at counting and number recognition this week. Some of the kids also worked on some science apps as well.

WORKBOOK - RECTANGLES AND THE LETTER H:

This week we worked on making a rectangle and writing the letter H.  We talked about what sound the letter makes and what words start with that letter/sound.We talked about how to use big lines and little lines to create shapes and letters.  We always start our letters at the top.  Children have to be active listeners and follow instructions, while responding to simple questions.  We continued to work on writing grasp and stabilizing the paper as we write. 

ORDERING TREES:  SMALL-MEDIUM-LARGE:

Creating trees by ordering rectangle stips from largest to smallest was the task this week.  First the children were told to put the trunk of the tree on the very bottom of their paper.  They then had to find the largest rectangle and put it on top of their trunk.  They continued from largest to smallest, using 4 sizes, until they completed their tree.  This activity required the children to follow directions, use their eyes to visually discriminate differences between items, use fine motor skills to glue, write their name and add decorations.  When children are able to understand that items can be compared by size/weight and can be arranged from smallest to largest.  This will also help them to understand that numbers can also be put in order from lowest to highest.

CHANGES TO THE CLASSROOM - WEEK OF DECEMBER 12TH:

Some connectors were put out for the children to explore and use their small muscles to build structures and other creations.  Blocks and building materials have children working on spatial thinking.  They are using math, science and engineering all while creating.  Sorting and stringing were a few other extra activities available for the children to choose from.  They were able to sort small bulbs by color along with counting them.  They also were able to "sew" Hanukkah cards to work on their fine motor skills.

INDOOR RECESS - FROZEN YOGA:

When temperatures are below zero (with windchill or not) we keep the children indoors for recess.  Sometimes we are able to go to the gym, go for a walk around the school, otherwise we stay in the classroom and do a variety of activities to work on large motor skills.  This week we used Cosmic Kids on Youtube  and heard part of the story of Frozen and worked on doing yoga poses throughout the story.  It's so cool to see the children so engaged in the story and trying so hard to make their bodies do the poses.

WORKBOOK - HORIZONTAL LINES & LETTER E:

This week we worked on making horizontal lines and writing the letter E.  We talked about what sound the letter makes and what words start with that letter/sound.We talked about how to use big lines and little lines to create shapes and letters.  We always start our letters at the top.  Children have to be active listeners and follow instructions, while responding to simple questions.  We continued to work on writing grasp and stabilizing the paper as we write. 

PAINTING:

Candy cane painting along with painting ornaments was a part of the kids week.  We continued to work on patterning, this week using paint.  When they were done, they were able to paint an ornament if they wanted to.  Painting is a fun way for the children to refine their fine motor skills without them knowing that they are actually working on skills. 

GIFTS FOR PARENTS:

Christmas gifts for parents have been in the works this week, but it is a secret.  You will have to wait until Christmas to see what we have been doing.  We spent time working on creating the gift bags as well.  The kids are excited to share their gifts.

CHANGES TO THE CLASSROOM:

Other centers this week included putting the number of ornaments on a tree that were shown on the star.  Playing with dreidels was a favorite.  We also worked on using cards to "sew" and playing color and shape bingo.  And of course the sensory table is still filled with birdseed for exploration. 

CLASSROOM CHRISTMAS TREE:

The classroom Christmas tree is finally decorated.  The past week we have been gradually adding ornaments to the tree.  My favorite are the paper ones, done entirely by the children on their own when the tree was empty.  They thought it needed something.  The glitter and beaded ornaments were also added decorations.

BEADED ORNAMENTS:

To work on fine motor skills along with patterning, the children strung beads onto pipe cleaners and wire.  To practice patterning, the children created a candy cane ornament, completing a simple red, white pattern. By age 3 children should be able to complete a simple pattern with some assistance.  By age 4, children should be able to complete a pattern without assistance.  Patterning has been shown to support mathematical reasoning to build understanding rules and regularities in math concepts.  Working on patterning in preschool is the beginning of mastering life-long math skills.

GLITTER ORNAMENTS:

The children insisted that our classroom tree needed ornaments, so this week the children were able to decorate die-cut shapes and add glitter to them to hang on the tree.  

PUMPKIN SCIENCE:

For a science activity, we cut open a pumpkin, added dirt and water.  The whole group then charted the classes predictions of would happen to the pumpkin.  We had a variety of ideas including:  a flower growing, a pumpkin growing on top of the other pumpkin or vines and leaves growing.  Over the next few weeks, we will be watching these pumpkins and charting any changes that we will be seeing.  This week we documented what actually happened to our pumpkins.  As you can see in the pictures, we now have pumpkin seedlings growing from moldy pumpkins.  

WORKBOOK - SQUARES AND LETTER F:

This week we worked on drawing a square and writing the letter F.  We talked about how to use big lines and little lines to create shapes and letters.  We always start our letters at the top.  Children have to be active listeners and follow instructions, while responding to simple questions.  We continued to work on writing grasp and stabilizing the paper as we write. 

DEAR SANTA... & AT CHRISTMAS I....:

The children were able to write letters to Santa this week.  We discussed what a letter or note is and what is needed to write Santa a letter.  Each child wrote to Santa and then signed their name at the bottom.  We also completed the sentence:  At Christmas I . . . This is writing activity that to refine their fine motor/writing skills. I also am looking at handedness, hand positioning while writing, if they wrote letters, letter like shapes or drew pictures.  I also noted what kind of response they made.  

CHANGES TO THE CLASSROOM:

This week birdseed was added to the sensory table.  The children are using funnels, cups, scoops and other various containers to manipulate the seeds.  The sensory table is a fun science station that allows children to work on math, science and social skills all while playing.  We also investigated pinecones, tree stumps, twigs and boxes at the science table.  New holiday books were added along with Santa hats and reindeer antlers for the children to use for pretend play.  The children have also enjoyed playing with the forest animals and small trees that were added to the block area.  They have been creating enclosures for them along with having them travel through the entire room.  

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

The children were asked to dictate the response to I am thankful for. . .  They then were encouraged to work on their writing skills and write what they were thankful for.  The teacher also wrote their response.   While doing this activity, I was looking at hand positioning while writing, if they wrote letters, letter like shapes or drew pictures.  I also noted what kind of response they made.  

WRITING LETTERS AND NUMBERS:

We used the white boards this week to practice writing letters and numbers.  We talked about what letter it was, what sound it makes and what words start with that sound.  The kids enjoy this activity and there is so much learning going on, including:  handwriting skills, fine motor skills, verbal conversations,  letter naming, letter sounds, beginning word sounds along with socialization and so much more.

FIRST SNOW:

Pure enjoyment is how I would describe the children's excitement for the new snow.  The Tuesday morning class didn't get to go out and enjoy because it was raining and icy.

HAND PRINT TURKEY:

To create a memento of your child, we created a hand print turkey.  This was a sensory activity that included staff painting the children's hands multiple times.  The children then had to follow directions to complete the turkey.  We also talked about the parts of a turkey.  Did you know that turkeys have toes?  We learned that a snood, wattle and gobbler are the red flap that hangs over the turkey's beak.  Depending on where you research, they all give different names.  We also watched videos of turkeys strutting, running and heard what they sound like when they gobble.  We talked about how baby turkeys are called poults and turkeys can have beards.  

BEGINNING SOUNDS:

Each day during Circle Time, the whole group talks about the beginning sounds of words.  This week I did a quick assessment to see how the kids do with this literacy skill.  Each child was shown a picture card and then stated what the picture was and then what sound they heard at the beginning of the word.  Some of the children were only able to name the picture, some where able to tell me what letter the picture started with and others were able to state just the beginning sounds. There were also several games set out for the children to practice, including matching turkey feathers to the turkey and putting the picture with the same beginning sound as the letter pouch. Being able to hear the sounds in words is important to learn how to read and write.    

WORKBOOK:  HORIZONTAL & VERTICAL LINES, CROSS AND THE LETTER L:

This week we worked on writing from top to bottom and left to right by tracing fence posts down into the dirt and fence rails from left to right.  We also worked writing the letter L.  We talked about how to use big lines and little lines to create letters.  We always start our letters at the top.  This helps children to be active listeners and follow instructions, while responding to simple questions.  We continued to work on writing grasp and stabilizing the paper as we write.  

LITERACY APPS:

Ipads were used to practice some literacy skills this week. Skills included:  matching uppercase to lowercase letters, matching beginning sounds of words, tracing letters and playing games that name letters and states the sounds they make.

PARTS OF A BOOK:

Everyday we talk about the parts of the book:  front cover, back cover, title, spine, author and illustrator.  This week the children were assessed on their understanding of these parts.

WELCOME:

Please welcome Emily Peterson into our afternoon classroom.  She will be our Early Childhood Special Education paraprofessional in the classroom and working one-on-one or in small groups with children who may need a little extra help during the day. 

SORTING:

This week, the children practiced sorting skills.  Sorting is an early math skill that helps children understand that things are same and different and can be organized into groups.   

MATMAN: 

Matman is a part of the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum that helps children remember what parts of a person are needed when creating or drawing a person. We used lines and curves along with other props to create Matman.

EMOTIONS:

The children looked at pictures of children and discussed what emotion they were showing along with why they thought that.  We looked at the different parts of the face that show those emotions, for example how your mouth moves when you are happy or sad.  What do your eyes do when you are angry.  Preschool children need help interpret their own feelings along with others.  With this lesson, we were helping to teach your child to use their words to express their feelings and respond to others emotions.   

REAL - VS- FANTASY:

While looking at pictures, the children talked about what items were real and which were pretend.  We discussed what makes something real and what makes something fantasy.  

CHANGES TO CLASSROOM:

Each week the classroom environment is changed for the kids to explore.  The science table has new items to investigate.  This week the children would take a closer look at a variety of ropes and twine, sensory/water bottles, phones that make your voice louder, a variety of rocks along with books.  To the sensory table, magnetic sand was added with dinosaurs, scoops and molds.  New puzzles were also added for the children to work on their fine motor skills along with cognitive thinking.

WORK BOOK:

This week we worked on black.  Part of the pages worked on identifing a square, oval, a triangle and rectangle.  The children have to follow directions and respond to simple questions about the pages.  We also work on crayon grip, how to stabilize papers while writing and using small scribbles to color the objects.

NUMBER IDENTIFICATION AND COUNTING:

Along with other games, the children played a math game where they picked a cat with a number and then had to put that many buttons on the cats shirt. Number skills set the foundation for learning more advanced math skills.  

VOTING FOR PRESIDENT:

The preschoolers voted this week for President. We talked about how Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton both wanted to be President of the United States.  We talked about what the presidents job is and whoever wins, will move into the White House.  The children were then each given a ballot with both candidates names and pictures and the children were encouraged to put an X or mark in the box next to the person that they wanted to win.  They then put the ballots into the ballot collection box and received a ballot for voting.  The Tuesday morning class Hillary Clinton won and the afternoon class and the Wednesday morning class, Donald Trump won.  

PUMPKIN GROWING:

For a science activity, we cut open a pumpkin, added dirt and water.  The whole group then charted the classes predictions of would happen to the pumpkin.  We had a variety of ideas including:  a flower growing, a pumpkin growing on top of the other pumpkin or vines and leaves growing.  Over the next few weeks, we will be watching these pumpkins and charting any changes that we will be seeing.

RHYMING:

Each child had each word read and would try to find the word that sounded the same at the end of the word.  Rhyming is an important literacy skill that helps young children become more fluent readers later in life.  

SYLLABLES:

The children worked on clapping out the "chunks" of sounds in words, called syllables.  Syllables help children to hear the sounds in words to help them read more fluently and to spell words correctly as they get older.  

WORKBOOK-BROWN & GREY:

This week we worked on brown and grey.  Part of the pages worked on identifying a square, oval, triangle and rectangle.  The children have to follow directions and respond to simple questions about the pages.  We also work on crayon grip, how to stabilize papers while writing and using small scribbles to color the objects. 

ABC & NUMBER IDENTIFICATION:

For a base line, I finished up assessing what letters and numbers the children were able to identify in a random order.

BAMBOO BUILDERS:

Bamboo blocks and panda bears were added to the classroom.  The children used math and science skills such as area, size and spacial awareness, balance, symmetry, height, weight, length and cause and effect.  So much learning takes place, all while playing.

SONGS AND TALES OF WESTERN TRAILS: 

The Wednesday morning class was able to listen to Suzie and Gary Solomon tell stories and sing songs in an interactive program that made history come alive. Tanner was asked to join other elementary students on stage to help play spoons.  Tanner and the kindergarteners picked, shook shaker eggs.

AVMR - MATH APPS: 

As a free choice center, the children were able to play math games on the Ipads.  We continued to work on counting and number recognition this week.

HALLOWEEN PARTY 10/27/2016:

The Monday/Wednesday class along with the afternoon class, had their Halloween party on Monday The children were able to dress in costumes and play some games (pin the nose on the pumpkin, ring toss, bean bag toss, drop the clothes pin in the pumpkin and musical chairs).  We also were able to color and cut out some puppets.  Spooky stories, songs and snacks were also a favorite.

HALLOWEEN PARTY 10/27/2016:

The Tuesday/Thursday class had their Halloween party on Thursday.  The children were able to dress in costumes and play some games (pin the nose on the pumpkin, ring toss, bean bag toss, drop the clothes pin in the pumpkin and musical chairs).  We also were able to color and cut out some puppets.  Spooky stories, songs and snacks were also a favorite.

ORDERING PUMPKINS:

Putting pumpkins in order from smallest to largest was the task this week.  We used both real pumpkins and slid pumpkins on the Smart Board.   When children are able to understand that items can be compared by size/weight and can be arranged from smallest to largest, this will also help them to understand that numbers can also be put in order from lowest to highest. 

CARROT PATTERNING:

To work on patterning skills, the children were able to paint with carrots.  After discussing what a pattern was and how to complete it, the children were shown how to use carrots to show big and little.  If they mastered that pattern, the children were then able to try big, big, little as a pattern. Patterning is a math skill that other math concepts are built upon.  In preschool, identifying and creating patterns is just the beginning of the mastery of life-long mathematical skills.

SPOOKY GHOSTS:

For a fun craft, the children used shower poofs to paint and create a spooky ghost.  We also read spooky stories like:  Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds and The Little Shop of Monsters by R.L Stine.

HAMMERING PUMPKINS:

To work on fine motor skills along with hand-eye coordination, the children were able to hammer golf tees into pumpkins using hammers. 

HALLOWEEN PARTIES:

The preschool classes will be having a Halloween party on your child's last day for the month, either Thursday, October 28th or Monday, October 31st.  Your child is able to wear non-violent costumes.

PRESCHOOL DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENER:

The Minnesota Department of Education requires that every child needs to have a preschool screening completed within the first few weeks of preschool or they will not be eligible to continue to attend preschool classes.  Please make an appointment with Public Health at 631-7629 or 1-888-883-0351.  

BIG......MONSTER GLYPHS:

Creating monsters is always fun in preschool.  After reading Go Away Big Green Monster by Ed Emberly and The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams, the children created a glyph.  The children had to follow directions to create a monster.  The color of the face was their favorite color. If they liked the story Go Away Big Green Monster by Ed Emberly best, they cut out a red mouth.  If they liked the story The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams best, they cut out a pink mouth.   They then had to add yellow eyes, a bluish-greenish nose, sharp white teeth and hair.  For the hair, they children had to say how old they are and then count out that many hairs to glue on.   When they were done completing their monster, we shared the pictures during circle time.  It is always so interesting how different each one turns out. 

LETTER & NUMBER TRACING:

For a free choice activity, the children were able to practice tracing letters and numbers.  We also talked about the names and sounds the letters make along with identifying the numbers.

ABC & NUMBER IDENTIFICATION:

For a base line, the children were assessed on what letters and numbers they were able to identify in a random order.

THOUGHT BUBBLES:

Throughout the school year, we will be talking to the preschool classes about thought bubbles and how you can think in your mind and do not have to always say what you are thinking.  We have been working hard with the to remember to keep their thoughts in their thought bubbles and if they really need to have to say something to raise their hand or to blow it into their fist and keep it there until the teacher is done talking. 

WORKBOOK-ORANGE & PINK:

This week we worked on the orange and pink.  Part of the pages worked on idenitifying shapes and of course the colors orange and pink.  The children have to follow directions and respond to simple questions about the pages.  We also work on crayon grip, how to stabilize papers while writing and using small scribbles to color the objects.

PUPPET PLAYS:

The preschool classes were invited to watch Mrs. Lillquist's third graders perform shadow puppet plays.  After the entertainment, each preschooler was able to make their own shadow.

AVMR MATH APPS:

With our new math curriculum, my goal is to incorporate more math games into the classroom.  One way I will be working on math is through math apps on the Ipads.  We were looking at counting and number recognition this week.

THIS IS ME:

The children worked on drawing self-portraits.  As they draw, I am looking at which hand they are using, if they are pinching the marker at the bottom and which body parts they are able to create.  All children go through stages of writing and drawing.  The very first stage is scribbling.  Scribbling is a very important skill needed for all children. 

WORKBOOK-PURPLE & BLUE:

This week we worked on the purple and blue.  Part of the pages worked on identifying shapes and location of items.  The children have to follow directions and respond to simple questions about the pages.  We also work on crayon grip, how to stabilize papers while writing and using small scribbles to color the objects.

FIRE FIGHTERS:

This week we talked about fire safety.  We learned about the tools and equipment firefighters use along with some of the things they do to help us.  The children worked on their dictation and writing/drawing skills to complete the sentence, Firefighters . . .  Dictation offers a way for a teacher to record a child's thoughts or ideas while allowing an adult to model writing.  We continue to work on fine motor skills to enhance their writing skills.  Each child had their picture taken dressed up as a firefighter.

FIRE STATION VISIT:

Tuesday night the preschool classes along with ECFE, met at the fire station to learn about fire safety, meet some firefighters and check out all the fire trucks and equipment.

OUTDOOR PLAY:

Each day the children will be going outside to work their large muscles.  I monitor the children if they are able to climb steps alternating feet, climb a ladder, walk on a balance beam along with following the rules of the playground.  This is also a great place to work on social skills.  With the weather being so nice on Monday, we spent a little more extra time outside. Please remember to send winter weather clothing as the temps are now getting cooler.  We will go outside daily as long as it is not raining and it is about 0 degrees.

STOP-DROP-ROLL:

The children learned and practiced what to do if their clothes catch on fire, stop-drop and roll.  We also practiced staying low to stay out of the smoke.  The children used their senses as they finger painted shirts with red and yellow to make it look like fire and then added a patch to remind them to stop-drop-roll, which they cut out, using their fine motor skills.  

CHANGES TO CLASSROOM:

Stringing beads was a choice activity this week.  The children were working on grasping the large beads, which will help them to hold a pencil in a pincer grasp while helping to strengthen their small muscles. Beading helps create strength, hand-eye coordination, control along with planning skills.  The children also worked on completing puzzles.  While working on these puzzles, the children are using fine motor skills from holding the pieces and then turning them until they fit into the correct spot.  They are using their cognitive skills to solve the problems of the puzzle and learn to be patient to complete the puzzle.  The children were also able to dress up and pretend to be firefighters, putting out fires.  Plastic beads were also added to the sensory table for a science exploration.  The children were also able to match fall colors, match numbers and play with some new connecting blocks.

THIRD GRADE READERS:

Each week Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Lillquist's classes will be coming into the preschool classroom to have their children read to the preschoolers.  This is an excellent way to have the third graders brush up on their oral reading skills while the preschoolers get some one on one reading time.  What a fun way to show the importance of reading.

LEAF EXPLORATION: 

Taking a closer look at leaves and apples was the science activity this week.  The children were introduced to a variety of different magnifying glasses along with the balance to help them further their investigations.  We compared the objects, (looking at color, sizes, weights and shapes) trying to gather as much information as possible.  

CREATING LETTERS:

One station was using a letter template to help the children create uppercase letters.  We worked on listening and following oral directions, alphabet identification and the sounds they make all while creating the letter with big lines, little lines, big curves and little curves.

APPLE PRINTS:

This week we talked about apples.  We learned that apples have a core, stem, seeds, flesh, skin and stars inside.  Apples can be yellow, green and red.  Apples grow on trees and a large group of apple trees is called an orchard.  Apples grow from blossoms in the spring into big juicy apples in the fall.  The children practiced cutting out their apple shape and then were encouraged to try painting with apples to see if they could find a star inside.

COUNTING LEAVES:

Following along the fall theme, the children were able to add leaves to a tree.  After the children glued on their leaves, they counted how many leaves were on their tree.  I looked for how the children could put their finger on each leaf and count it one to one along with how high they were able to count.  The children were allowed to put as many or as few leaves as they wished.  We then practiced writing their name at the bottom of the page.

WORKBOOKS - GREEN & YELLOW:

This week was about green and yellow.  The children worked on identifying basic shapes and colors.  They had to listen to oral directions to attend to the task and also be able to respond to simple questions.  We worked on using their helping hand to stabilize their paper, using the same hand consistently to hold crayons along with using a pincer grasp to color. Little fingers get very tired from all that coloring.

IPADS - LOCATIONS AND OCCUPATIONS:

Throughout the school year, the preschool classes will be able to play with learning apps on the iPads. Locations and occupations were explored using games.  The children sorted items into the kitchen, living room and bathroom.  For occupations, the app asks them to touch the corresponding person that fits the job described.  When everyone had completed the tasks, the children were able to explore a variety of math, literacy, science and social studies games.

LINES AND CURVES:

Through the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum, the children learn to how use big lines, little lines, big curves and little curves to create letters, numbers and shapes.  To familiarize them with these terms and shapes, the children were able to polish and share the lines and curves.

WORKBOOK - VERTICAL, HORIZONTAL & THE COLOR RED:

We continue to work those fine motor skills by coloring insects, using a pincher grasp.  We discussed the top, bottom and corner of the book along with colors.  The children worked on following a line down and up and making their bee flyin a swirl pattern.   We also talked about the color red.  The children worked on identifing basic shapes and colors.  They had to listen to oral directions to attend to the task and also be able to respond to simple questions.  We worked on using their helping hand to stabilize their paper, using the same hand consistently to hold crayons along with using a pincer grasp to color. 

MARBLE PAINTING:

The children were able to explore their creative side along with using science to create a marble painted leaf.  Each child picked out the leaf shape they liked and then wrote their name on it for sign-in.  After talking about how the seasons change and in autumn (the leaves will change from green to red, yellow, orange and brown), the children then picked which colors they wanted to paint with and used marbles in a box cover to paint their leaf. The children were encouraged to talk about what was happening with the marbles and paint.

PUZZLES:

Puzzles are a wonderful way for children to use their fine motor and cognitive skills. Physically, they have to hold the puzzle piece and then turn them until the fit correctly.  Cognitively they have to problem solve to complete the puzzle and emotionally they have to learn patience and perserverence to complete the puzzle.  

GIANT SUNFLOWER:

A big thank you to Raina Connor for donating a giant sunflower head for the kids to explore.  We talked about what plants need to grow and the parts of the flower (stem, roots, stamen, leaves and of course the seeds.). 

CHANGES TO THE CLASSROOM:

The children continue to pull out the playdough each day.  There are so many wonderful skills the children learn from playdough. New items were added to the science table:  pinecones, gourds, stump that a woodpecker had pecked on, wheat, corn and wood knots.  They can also explore those items using magnifiying glasses, color paddles and a balance. Magnets and magnet exploration items were added along with new games and the listening center.  The easel is another favorite for the kids.  They love to explore with colors, textures on a variety of different shaped papers.  This week we had leaves at the easel.

WRITING AND DICTATION:

The children had to complete the sentence:  At school I like to . . .  and then were asked to write what they like to do at school.  I observed the kids to see which hand they use to write with and if they are using a pincher grasp to hold a marker.  This activity also helped me to see what stage of writing the children were in.  All children begin writing by scribbling, moving into letter like shapes and symbols, then starting to sound out words and using initial letter sounds to write and then finally writing words.

COUNTING:

Another beginning of the year assessment is counting.  Working one on one with the children, I had them count marbles on a piece of paper to see how high they could count along with how far they could count by putting their finger on each marble as they counted.

BUS SAFETY:

Bus safety is important to teach all young children about during the first few days of school.  Al McGraw and Lowell Stuart helped to teach the children what they need to do on the bus.  The kids practiced:  Getting on and off the school bus, how to cross the street in front of the bus, how to sit in the seat, keeping items in your backpack, getting off the bus through the back door in an emergency.  So many important safety tips were addressed.

NAME WRITING:

Through-out the school year, the children will be working on writing their names.  We are teaching them how to pinch their pencil/marker at the bottom along with writing each letter in the same order each time.  Children will write letters in random, thinking that these letters are their name and it doesn't matter which order they are in.  This is hard work for little fingers and little children.  Encourage your child to work on writing their name at home.

SHAPES & COLORS:

This week, I worked on gathering what shapes and colors the children could identify.  This was done during an art activity.  The children were able to use a variety of shapes and colors to create a collage. Glue sticks were also introduced.

HANDWRITING WITHOUT TEARS:

Each week the children will be working in their Handwriting Without Tears workbook. This curriculum was created by an occupational therapist to help young learners to learn letters, numbers, colors, shapes and letter sounds while learning how to write letters, shapes and numbers.  This week the children worked on their pencil grasp and using little scribbles to color in stars and fireworks. We also sang the ABC Song while pointing to each letter.

PLAYDOUGH:

Playdough was a highlight for the week.  Playdough is a fun way to let children use their imaginations while building small muscles in their fingers—the same muscles they will use to hold a pencil and write. Using playdough also helps with social skills.  They learn to share, take turns and use their language skills to visit with friends around them.

OUTDOOR PLAY:

In Preschool we will be going outside daily, weather permitting. If it is raining or below 0 degrees with or without windchill, we will then stay inside.  Outdoor play is an important part of physical development for children.  Children are able to learn a variety of skills such as:  climbing, running, swinging, jumping, leaping, hopping, balancing an so much more.  Besides large muscles skills, children are also working on social and communication skills.  Play is so important in a child's life.  

CHANGES TO CLASSROOM:

We are still investigating the classroom and seeing what there is to do.  To the tables this week we added a number to bus match and patterning game.  We also played with geo-boards, board games.  Each week something new is added to the tables for the children to explore, investigate and learn with.

INDOOR RECESS:

When it is raining or too cold to go outside, we will spend time either doing large motor activities in the classroom such as an obstacle course.  When the gym is open, we will also do some running and playing in there.  Thursday we went through the obstacle course (steps, balance beam, tunnel, hopping and balancing).

BUNNIES VISIT:

Thursday afternoon Chelsea's mom brought in bunnies in for the children to check out.  Since it was raining and we couldn't go outside, it was a fun alternative.

CUTTING:

Another skill that was assessed this week was cutting.  Children were given a circle to cut out and then were able to paint it with watercolors.  Children cut completely on their own, so I could collect an initial cutting sample.  We will be working on cutting through out the school year.  This is another sample that will be shared at conferences.  Scissor skills help with small muscle skill development but also foster creativity and cognitive growth. As children manipulate scissors to cut they use their hand-eye coordination, bilateral coordination, and spatial awareness. 

SELF PORTRAITS:

The children were encouraged to draw their best picture of themself.  I am looking what body parts the children are able to draw along with pencil grasp and what hand they use to write with.  These pictures will be shared with parents at conferences.

PAINTING:

Each child was able to explore with paints to create their own masterpiece.  The children were given red, yellow and blue paint to mix and paint in any way they chose.  Each child was also asked if they wanted to have their paper horizontal or vertical. 

RULES, ROUTINES AND CLASSROOM EXPLORATION:

This week was all about learning the rules and routines in the classroom along with exploring the classroom.  We also worked on staying in a line, which is always a little difficult for all the little ones.  It is amazing how well they did, just after a couple days of preschool.  The children met a lot of new friends and are getting use to taking turns, sharing and working together.  There are so many options for play and learning.  Here you can see the children lining up in the hall after using the bathroom.

OPEN HOUSE - SEPTEMBER 1, 2016:

Come check out the classroom with your child  We will have packets of paperwork for parents to fill out and along with an activity for the children.  A scavenger hunt will help your child become acquainted with the classroom before your child attends class on September 12th or 13th.  I am excited to meet all of the new families along with catching up with our returning families.  See you soon.