Peace and Light and Birds

We celebrated the upcoming solstice, or return of more light, with a lot of light play in the classroom.  We projected a light show onto the screen and it proved very popular.  The light table was accessible on the floor, and the children were busy with reflecting light.  We turned off the overhead lights, and used battery lanterns while we sat at tables.  The rice table was light by a solar lantern, and the table blocks had battery votive candles that the children used inside and outside of their structures. We experienced light in a new way this week, in play and shadows!

Lunch by lantern light!

The light reflected upon the children building in the block corner.

Reflected light made it a little difficult to write during morning meeting! We talked about ways that we can be a friend, as we launched our donation for refugees project.  We "signed" letters to send home about our project. 

Wednesday was a celebratory PAJAMA DAY and a time to talk about birds with Leianna. We felt the breeze that a silent flyer, an owl, makes with its wings, and talked about all kinds of feathers and dinosaurs and hollow bird bones.  There was an important discovery about how birds land- they tilt backwards like a parachute and then grab with their talons!

we watched readalouds to have an authentic pajama party with popcorn!

"teamwork is dreamwork" paper chain making-each child worked to create a small chain, and then we attached them all together to make a very long chain that is hanging in the hallway! We invited other classes to add to the chain, and they have......

We created snow globes with pine cones and "snow" polymer and some glitter bits.  The children embraced this simple project and loved shaking their globes to make it "snow". 

AND we are eagerly anticipating our outdoor time tomorrow with the PreK 3's.  We created a very colorful fire pit and seating to share. 

Until Next Time,

Michele and Charlene

We Can Create Peace

 We've created a bulletin board for the hallway that reflects our conversations this month about Peace.  

Each child created a self portrait, and we attached their comments regarding the question: "How can you create peace in our classroom?"  We learned that each child knows what peace could potentially feel like (calm, quiet, comforting) and also that each child realizes the impact that they have on their environment.   We can comfort others, we can be quiet and peaceful, we can sit in quiet conversation at lunch time.  

We asked each child how they can create PEACE, and each had an answer.  We thought that you would like to see the display! 

Until Next Time,

Michele and Charlene