TREES

We are really branching out with the tree unit. The first couple of weeks we discussed animals that live in trees and food that comes from trees. Birds and squirrels were just a few of our favorite animals that live in trees. We learned that lemons, peaches , pecans and coconuts are just some of the foods that come from trees. We had a blast examining, smelling and eating some of these wonderful foods. Trees provide food for animals and people.

One of our activities had us searching the playground for sticks. We used sticks to form letters. Handwriting Without Tears introduces letters that are formed with straight lines first. Letters made with straight lines are easier for your child to learn to write than curved line letters. Each child used their sticks to form letters E, F, H, I, L, T. As your child puts together a letter from sticks they are using fine motor skills and their ability to remember the letter they are making is enhanced.

One of our favorite books for this unit is Abiyoyo. As I read the story I had the children participate in a interactive read -aloud. This is a literacy event where the class activity engages in listening and talking about the text throughout the duration of the read-aloud. The class is free to express ideas as I read, this read-aloud helps your child with comprehension and promotes conversations.

We loved our living history reenactment of the first Thanksgiving. The primary classes left England in search of religious freedom. We crossed the ocean on the Mayflower. It was a long journey and we were thrilled to finally reach land! When we landed we searched the woods for timber to build shelter. We pretended to cut down trees and plant a garden. It was a blessing when Squanto showed up and told us a better way to plant corn. Your three year old may be too young to fully grasp the meaning of Thanksgiving, but we can educate through dramatic play. During this activity we leaned to work as a group and appreciate other cultures.

After all of our hard work, it was time for a feast. The primary classes came together for a wonderful lunch. Thank you to all of our parents for making this a wonderful Thanksgiving lunch for the children. A special thank you to Bryan and Jennifer Ogburn for the delicious turkey and dressing.