100th Day of School!!!

We did everything from making hats to...

Counting to 100 with different items to...

deciding what we would do with $100 to...

exercising and looking at 100 in different forms! 

Finally, some photos (#1) January

Simple Lines

Piet Mondrian

How do you stand up next to an emperor penguin?

The Shedd Trip

Drop Everything and Read.  Try it for 10 minutes at home at least once a week.  It is a GREAT independent reading skill.

Somebody is a HUGE Sparky fan!

Here Comes the FUN! (not that every day ISN'T fun...)

These little balls of sunshine are well on their way to kindergarten.  Last week we starting ADDING!  That's right.  These kiddos are working on word families and addition.  This is NOT something they need to know before leaving prek, but some are really interested in numbers so it was natural to begin.  Here are some ways to keep it fun with numbers at home. PLEASE no worksheets.  Let's focus on manipulatives, things they can use to learn number concepts.

Use a pair of dice and some noodles or paperclips or even pennies.  Have them roll and count out the manipulatives.  Once they are done counting out, combine and have them count the whole group.  You can also use the 10 frame that I sent home last week.  They know how to use it and really love it.  For that you can give them a number between 1-20 to create using the 10 frame.

So I spoke of word families above.  Again, let's stay away from worksheets.  You can simply make an index card with -at, -it, -ot and use magnetic letters or letter cards to put in front of the word family card.  The idea is they can swap out different consonants and be able to "read" because they know that word family.  Remember at this age nonsense is ok.  As long as they can sound out the first letter with the word family, I am happy.    Speaking of sounding out, we are all the way through letter N.  They should be working on those sounds.

We are getting ready for Easter by observing Lent. We spoke a bit today about sacrifice and giving things up for Lent, but we also talked about ADDING something we don't always do.  Please don't be upset if they suddenly feel the need to make their beds or take the laundry to the basement or something different.  LOL.  

Finally, A Soup OPera is coming along so well.  I hope you hear a lot about it.  I would love to give you a peek, but it is just too cute and MUST remain a surprise. Please work on those costumes and don't forget to RSVP.  After Soup Opera, we will begin a unit on Music which will flow right into our amazing trip to the CSO.  

I will be posting some examples of the word work and addition practice along with our latest artist Michelangelo later.  Check back soon. 

Take care and stay warm,

TB

The More You Know...

Well, here we are February 1 and another snow day.  I decided to take a minute to share our latest classroom accomplishments and new endeavors.

In Math, we are "perfecting" numbers 1-10.  They should be practicing 1:1 correspondence as well as writing the number.  We have also been and will continue to focus a lot on shapes. They are using rulers and white boards some days along with shape cards and they can make some amazing shapes!  This week we celebrate the 100th day.  They count daily to 100 either by 10's and 1's or just 1's.  Ask them to do this at home too.  It is amazing.

In Reading, we just finished Jingles and Rhymes.  We are starting our unit on The Nightingale.  We will discuss birds, look at China on the map and learn vocabulary like emperor and Nightingale.  We continue working on rhyming word families and syllables.  Please practice these at home.  They are actually learning to "read" their rhyming word lists.  It has been VERY exciting.  This week we introduce Ll and Mm as well.   Sounds and writing should be practiced A-M by the end of the week.

In Religion we are focusing on friendships and families.  We have mass again on February 25th, so we will be doing the readings and prayers again.  I hope if you were unable to join us in November that you are available in February.

In Science and Social Studies we will be talking about China and birds.  We will look at maps and traditions of China and will be using different birds and bird books to try and identify different birds.  By the way, SCIENCE FAIR was so great.  I love how some of you used photos to show your child helping with the project.  Remember, if you have NOT been scientist of the week, KEEP your board and use it on your assigned date.  If you have not signed up yet, PLEASE email me.

Finally, our Opera is coming along nicely.  We had a couple of casting changes, but you will get that info well in advance for any "costumes".  This is simple and light hearted.  The children are in love with this project.

Stay warm and have fun digging out. 
TB

ps... please check folders daily and don't forget to check instagram once a week.

Some January Photos!

We made "snow" using baby oil and flour.  They measured, estimated and got messy learning!

They just looked so cute all bundled up!  Thanks for remembering those essentials.  They go out if it is above 30 and not raining.

We have been working with rhyming.  As long as the understand the concept of rhyming, "nonsense" words are fully acceptable.  Soon they will learn to differentiate nonsense from regular words.  Right now it's all about the concept.  Try it at home.

Painting snow scenes.

We have been focusing a lot of shapes.  They can practice with rulers and it is easier for them to draw Straight lines. PLUS, they get very creative making square people and line designs.  VERY COOL.

Did You Know???

Maria Montessori was a wonderful advocate for natural learning environments.   This is a wonderful list that is AGE appropriate if we just trust in our children and be patient teachers.  They CAN do it.  

FROZEN OVER???

I hope you are warm and toasty at home.  I decided to put some indoors fun ideas for you all to do while the weather continues to be frightful!

1.  Play bingo with letters or numbers, clap out words as we are practicing syllables or make rhyming games up.

2. Make some "snow".  How?
8 cups of flour and 1 cup of baby oil
Mix.  That's it.  It is awesome fun and your hands smell lovely. :)

3. Make Frozen Bubbles! Check the link below
http://www.housingaforest.com/frozen-bubbles/

4.  Create your own game.  Have the children come up rules that you write down and try to follow.

5.  Paint with ICE!  Add food coloring to water and freeze in small cubes with Popsicle sticks.  When they are frozen they become automatic paint "brushes".  It has a water color effect.

6.  Stained Glass Windows.  Tape clear contact paper onto the window.  Allow children to tear different color tissue paper and stick to the contact paper.  Encourage them to be creative!


GOOD LUCK and Have fun .

TB