Sand Letter Review

In class, we combined our sand unit with letter practice by having the children write letters in the sand. This hands-on activity not only allowed them to practice forming each letter we have learned so far this year but also reinforced their ability to identify each letter and its corresponding sound. This activity offered a perfect blend of reinforcing literacy skills while exploring the textures and themes of our current sand unit, creating a dynamic and interactive learning environment.

Beach Landscapes

The children engaged in a fun craft where they created a beach landscape using real sand. This activity not only enhanced their fine motor skills but also deepened their understanding of the various species that inhabit sandy environments. Before adding these animals to their landscapes, we had a discussion about the creatures that reside at the beach.

Buried in the Sand

Digging in the sand to find shapes of various colors and sizes offers young children a fun way to learn about size, color, and shape. This hands-on activity boosts cognitive development, enhances fine motor skills, and encourages problem-solving. Socially, it promotes teamwork and communication among peers as children share findings and collaborate. Overall, it turns learning into a playful adventure.

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Letter of THE WEEK

During our focus on the letter "P," we explored it in various creative ways. Our first activity involved pointillism with the letter "P." Using Q-tips for painting not only enhances letter recognition but also fosters hand-eye coordination, grip, and fine motor skills.

Opposites

Teaching preschoolers about opposites is vital for their cognitive and language growth. Concepts like big and small or hot and cold enhance critical thinking and vocabulary. This foundational knowledge helps them categorize their world and communicate effectively. Learning opposites also fosters problem-solving and curiosity, setting the stage for more complex development later.

During circle time, we explored various examples of opposites through an engaging book we read together. After finishing the story, we played a game where each child received a card and was challenged to find their opposite partner. Finally, the children were given the cards to sort, aiming to create as many correct opposite pairs as possible.

Sand Exploration

As we begin on a new unit, what better way to engage the children than by introducing a sand table in the classroom? The children have really enjoyed playing at the sand table, unearthing creatures like crabs and turtles that inhabit the sand. Sensory bins offer numerous advantages for three- and four-year-olds, including: fine motor skill development, cognitive growth, enhancing social skills, and learning emotional regulation.

Sand Writing

An exciting activity we did this week involved having the children trace their names with glue, followed by sprinkling sand over the glue. This not only provided a fun experience but also served as an excellent practice for writing their names and letters.

Letter D

In our exploration of the letter D, we enjoyed special visits. Our visitors included a dog and duck hunter, who shared various items that begin with the letter D. The hunter also brought along additional items, including duck calls and decoys, all starting with the letter D.

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Celebration Learning: Tree Unit

We did this activity as a celebration of our learning, wrapping up our tree study. The children discovered that food could originate from trees, and today, they witnessed exactly how that process unfolds.

Tree Unit:

Building Christmas Trees

What better opportunity to introduce Christmas trees into a math lesson than during the holiday season when the tree unit is happening! The children not only enjoyed crafting but also engaged in measurement as part of the project, organizing from longest to shortest.

Counting Bows

Each child was given a number, and they had to pull the corresponding number of bows out of the bag, this is a fun activity that helps with number recognition and value recognition all while soaking in the Christmas spirit!

Leaf Rubbings

Making a leaf rubbing allows the children to engage their senses and enhance their understanding of trees in a tactile and visual way. By placing a leaf under a piece of paper and rubbing a crayon over it, children can observe the patterns and veins that are unique to each type of leaf. This activity helps them recognize the differences of trees and connects them to nature. The process of creating leaf rubbings also aids in improving fine motor skills.

Christmas Caparisons

For one of our math lessons this week, we included Christmas ornaments as a fun tool to get into the spirit. Each child was given two ornaments and then was instructed to examine the ornament, answering questions like:

• “Which one is larger?”

• “Which one is smaller?”

• “What are the similarities?”

• “What are the differences?”

• “Is one smooth while the other is rough?”

During this unit we will be observing and comparing trees to learn about what lives in them, what they're made of, and who cares for them. As we study trees, we will use literacy, math and the arts to explore our topic.

Nature Walk

Nature walks offer preschoolers an opportunity to explore, generating curiosity and a sense of wonder. These walks can help enhance their sensory development as they observe vibrant colors, listen to different sounds, and touch various textures in nature. Additionally, being in nature supports physical well-being by encouraging movement and exercise, which is essential for their growing bodies.

Leaf Observations

To kick off our tree unit, we went outside where all the children collected a leaf. We then brought them inside and examined the leaves as well as other parts of a tree. Observing leaves and other parts of trees allows preschoolers to develop cognitive and sensory skills by enhancing their observational abilities and stimulating curiosity. This interaction with nature improves focus, supports emotional well-being, and fosters a lasting connection to the environment.

Tree Painting

Using an easel helps with hand-eye coordination, as well as core strength and balance. Having the children stand at the easel to paint builds shoulder, arm and trunk strength. The vertical position encourages the wrist to bend upward, similar to handwriting.

Pumpkins

Primary had a week consisting of all things pumpkin-related. In class, we carved pumpkins and explored their insides, making guesses about what we would discover within. Then, we enjoyed a skit presented by the students from St. James Middle School, which illustrated the lifecycle of a pumpkin. This was followed by books written for each student and a visit to the pumpkin patch itself.

Hayrides, Carnival Games, and Trick-Or-Treat the Trail

A very special thank you to Mrs. Denise and all of middle school for hosting these wonderful festivities for us.