sunflowers and all

 We took a closer look at the sunflowers that are growing outside our classroom! Looking closely in the PreK classroom gives us opportunity to stretch our pre-kindergarten skills.  

When we compare our own size to the size of a giant sunflower that we have brought into our classroom, we are using math skills including number worth, comparisons, and size.  We learn that a measuring tape has numbers that tell us how tall or long something or someone is. 

When we talk about "what we notice" with our peers, we are using conversational skills, and  the social skills of waiting our turn and contributing to a conversation.  

When we look closely at sunflower heads, we use the tools and language of science to consider our environment. We label the petals, the seeds, the stem, and the leaves. 

When we remove seeds from the sunflower heads, we use our fine motor skills.  It takes some strength to work the seeds away from the flower! Brushing the seeds around the table gives us a sensory motor experience. 

When we respond to the beauty of a sunflower with paint and glue and paper,  or markers, we are using our senses to communicate what we see.  We saw a lot of sunflower drawings go home this week!

Finally, when we gather the seeds and bring them out to the gardens to feed the birds and chipmunks, we are being kind to nature! 

The sunflower heads are now in the outdoor kitchen, and have been made into cakes, birdfeeders, and red/green lights!

A Day in the Life of PreK 4

Believe it or not, it's still September but the PreK classroom is in full swing! We wanted to take a moment to describe some of what is happening, as we know it's not easy to get the whole story from your child.  

Our day begins outside on our playground.  We take turns unloading our backpacks, but the children are given time to play in the sand, run, climb, and generally greet each other.  

When we come in, it's time for snack, journals, and bathrooming, as well as preparing for morning meeting.  

For journal time, we offer felt tip pens or pencils, and the children spend time filling the pages. We love to add words if we are asked, but we are also happy to let each child interact with their journal as they choose.  

Morning Meeting happens by 9:15 or 9:30, and usually takes about 20-30 minutes.  We have a schedule for our morning meeting, and the children help the meeting to happen.  We gather in a large circle on the rug, and  each child has a responsibility including "mindfulness" which involves shaking the glitter jar and leading five deep breaths. 

After breathing and settling our brains, we sing a greeting song, which is led by two other children. Each job this year has two children cooperating to get it done, which is a way to encourage teamwork!

"Hello, how are you?" is the way the song begins!

The Weather People check outside the window for the weather, and help each other to draw what's happening.  

"What is the weather, the weather, the weather, 

what does the weather person say today? And the weather person is......"

Our Message is written by the Message writers.  We have a message that we like to share that includes "Dear Friends....and the children will dictate an encouraging note to their peers, and we also share the day of the week, and maybe a note about what we will be talking about for the day.  

Our Morning Meeting continues with some sort of activity to engage all of us. Sometimes it's "NEWSDAY" and the children are welcome to share a thought with the group.  This week, we looked closely at nuts and talked about what we know about them, and the children were able to ask questions or comment as I wrote on chart paper.  We also celebrated colors and Latin Heritage by listening to "de Colores" and watching as a rainbow was formed in water with drops of food coloring. 

When it's time to move on from Morning Meeting, there is a job called "Quiet Eyes" and they call the names of children to leave the rug and make their choices. 

After Morning Meeting, the children have choice time.  The Science table is open now with acorns and hickory nuts that we've collected and magnifying glasses and a nutcracker.  We know now why squirrels chew acorns-there's a nut inside of the shell! There's typically an art project or two, markers and paper and tape, building options at the tables or on the rug, dress up, and a sensory table available as well. The children are very capable as they move about the room, making choices that feel right to them.  They are engaged and active for their time in the room. There's also time for just reading on the rug!  

The children  help with washing tables (spray bottles and cloths after we've also washed).

AND one of the jobs in our classroom is "comforter".  The comforters are available if you're feeling bad or need help, and will offer a comforting pat on the shoulder or some kind words. 

After CHOICE time, there's a story and song or two, and then it's OUTSIDE until lunch time.  

The jobs change for the children every two days, so they get to experience each job frequently.  

There are of course line leaders, snack, and lunch in all of that mix! 

Our afternoons include a rest time, activities in the classroom, story, snack, and more outside time until closing circle and dismissal.  

Our days are packed! 

Until Next Time,

Michele