Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

We started our new study about reduce, reuse, and recycle. The boys and girls are excited! This study offers opportunities for children to explore a topic that not only interests them but allows them to become more aware of the world around them. Our class is exploring our community, learning new information, and proposing solutions to problems. We decided to make a recycling center of our own and they have enjoyed sorting and reusing the trash collected.

The Paper Bag Princess

One of the books that is part of the recycling unit is The Paper Bag Princess and we had so much fun acting it out. The story is about an unconventional princess named Elizabeth that happily prepares to marry Prince Ronald. Before they are able to marry, a dragon swoops down, burns down the castle and everything with it, and kidnaps Prince Ronald. Elizabeth puts on a paper bag and sets off to save Ronald. Elizabeth outwits the dragon by asking him to perform feats of strength until he passes out. When Ronald sees Elizabeth in a paper bag rather than beautiful princess clothes, he is disgusted. Ronald tells her to come back when she looks like a “real princess.” Elizabeth responds by telling the prince he’s a bum.

V is for Vinegar and Volcano

The kids had a blast making a volcano. We used a cup, play-doh, baking soda, and vinegar. This hands-on activity helps develop the children's concept knowledge, builds vocabulary, encourages them to make predictions, and they learn that the ingredients can be combined to make a chemical reaction.

The Butterfly Life Cycle

Our butterflies are in their chrysalis phase and the children can't wait to have butterflies next week! We read the book A Very Hungry Caterpillar and made a painting of the one from the book.

What are balls made of?

To answer our focus question this week, the children got to make their own ball. They got to pour the material into a mold and then submerged it in water for a few minutes. After it was set and dry, they got to open it and see if it could bounce.

Wall Ball

We played wall ball this week to practice letter sounds. I gave each child a letter sound and they had to throw the ball to the correct letter. This was also a fun way to practice eye-hand coordination.

RESURRECTION Eggs

Resurrection eggs enable children to see, touch, and hear the Easter story. I read along as each child opened an egg and discovered what's inside - the praying hands, the Passover cup, silver coins, and more - each representing an important element of the Easter story.

Easter party

Ball Activities

We had a ball of a time with math skills this week! We did activities such as measuring, sorting, classifying, and had a contest to see how many times the children could bounce and catch a ball in a row. By using a ramp, the children also learned about gravity and how it affects balls. They found out the higher the ramp, the faster a ball will roll.

P.E.

St. Patrick’s Day Treat

This yummy treat was a fun way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and was a great way to practice fine motor skills!

Special Guest and safety first

We were thrilled to have Mr. Kuhn, Hudson's dad, visit our school. Mr. Kuhn is with CK Southern and he talked to the students about building materials. The children had working stations where they observed and drew tools. Each child had a yellow hard hat on as they used a power drill and hammer. A special thank you to Mr. Kaun for giving us a WOW moment as we end the building unit.

Tooth fairy

We had another surprise visitor this week, Twinkles the Tooth Fairy! Her and her partner from Pediatric Dentistry of Texarkana talked to the children about how to take care of their teeth. She also sprinkled some fairy dust to help remind them to brush their teeth.

R is for Rainbow

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Why do we sing?

Benefits of singing on stage: Builds self - confidence , engages emotions , and builds social skills.

Valentines Party

We had a great party for Valentine’s day! The children passed out their cards and then enjoyed a delicious treat. We then ended the party with a great game of valentine bingo and dancing.

What happens inside buildings?

The children had a blast this week acting out some things that happen inside buildings. We had a hair salon, a vet clinic, cafe, and a mechanic shop! Dramatic not only has a big impact on developing language, but also helps children have a better understanding of the world around them.