Mixing Colors and Bouncing Balls

Dear Parents,

On Monday we began our week mixing two colors into our white play dough. The children had a choice of adding the color of a tomato, or a lemon, to their play dough. We squeezed and squished to mix the colors. 

Everyone took turns using our easel. Some could hardly wait for their turn. It takes a couple of days for everyone, but eventually we all get many turns. 

In the big room we have been tricycling, bicycling, running, pushing grocery carts, kicking balls, bouncing balls, and climbing all over the jungle gym.

Outside we have been digging in the sandbox, climbing in the jungle gym, and swinging up to the trees, or on our bellies, on the swings.

We are working on: sitting on the toilet even if we think we don’t have to pee, waiting our turn, listening to friends’ words, keeping the sand low to the ground so we don’t accidentally spill it on a friend, holding onto the rail, and following in line when going up and down to the yard. 

It is a new routine for many, and repetition is the name of the game. We are learning routines and practicing repeating them, over and over. We are learning each others’ names, and looking at body language to see what our friends are feeling, in addition to speaking up to each other. 

We are off to a good start!

Have a great weekend,

Therese 

The First Week

Dear Parents,

On our first day we accomplished more than anticipated. After swinging and climbing in the jungle gym outside, we came in for snacks and circle. During circle we sang Good Morning and the A,B,C's, read Cornelius P. Mud, Are You Ready For School?, Spot Goes To School, and Time for School Little Dinosaur. We asked if we had any pigs, dogs, or dinosaurs in our classroom. “Nooooooooo!” exclaimed some. What kind of animals do we have? “Only children,” they said. 

We played with play dough and the children made pancakes, sculptures, snakes, a fly trap, a birthday cake, and more. We rolled, patted, and pinched the dough.

We went to the bathroom several times as is our regular schedule. A few children said they didn’t need to go. We let them know that we all go to the bathroom many times a day. Some needed help pulling down pants, pulling up underwear first, getting on the toilet, getting off, remembering to wash hands, and drying them using one paper towel. It takes time. Don’t forget to let your child help themselves at home too if you know they’re struggling in this department. 

After snacks, we played in the big room riding wheels and bouncing balls. 

Our line is somewhat mumbo jumbo in the beginning, a little more like a small stampede, but smooths out just fine. 

We also read Biscuit Goes To School, Five Little Monsters Went To School, We Love School!, Everybody Takes Turns, and The Feelings Book. 

It was a great first week. Next week, we will begin adding art to our walls.

Have a colorful weekend!

Therese