We survived the great waters... how about you?

Our unit on rain could not have been timed any better! The children learned all about the water cycle and the basics of storms.  They were lucky and you were unlucky enough to have had the pleasure of seeing big storms first hand.  It was quite the experience. I hope they have been sharing with you.

We recently moved on to the plant cycle.  We learned about seeds and then onto the parts of a flower.  We are growing seeds now.  We hope to see some growth later this week. In another week or 2 they will bring them home.  This is something great to do at home.  It gives them responsibility for something they want to see do well.  Get them a cup or pot, some wild flower or grass seeds and a spray bottle.  Watch them learn through real life activities.

We started with The Tug of War last week.  This is a story taking placing in the rainforests of Africa.  Needless to say they are all excited about that.  We looked at the parts of the world where rainforests exist and why they are there and not say, here, in Chicago. We are learning the animals and other life that lives primarily there.  It's been pretty awesome.  In this unit we introduced Rr, Ss, Tt.  We are nearly done with the alphabet.

Our recent Artist was a revisit from Van Gogh.  This time, we used impasto paints.  We put flour in paint to thicken it up and used a couple of different tools and stiff brushes.  Our inspiration was "Sunflowers".  They talked to each other about how it was a little harder to just PAINT using this thicker paint. 

JG and his mom made OOBLEK.  We talked about liquids vs. solids.  Each child was able to explore the oozey gooey substance with different materials. We also had science with TS and it was a hit.  He and his mom made chocolate clay.  It was pliable like playdough and then they could eat it.  We sent home a recipe, but here are the basic ingredients for a large batch: 1 can frosting (any flavor), 1 small jar of creamy peanut butter and approximately 4 cups of powdered sugar.  The sugar keeps it from being sticky.

I sent home a field trip slip.  Please have that with the payment back on or before May 6. Finally, Open Houses have been very well received.  If your plan is to return to prek next year, be sure to turn in your registration.  Space is limited to 24 and we already have 16 registered!

Until next time....
TBoyle