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!