This week we traced our hands and the children colored them all the colors of the rainbow using crayons. The next day we made handprints using black paint. Some children painted more afterwards.
We read Here Are My Hands, Hands Can, and Hands Are Not For Hitting. We waved hello, clapped, shook hands, and waved bye. We used our hands to eat snacks, help ourselves in the bathroom, and we washed our hands. We also read Wash Your Hands. We reviewed the hand washing steps and talked about how many pumps of soap and paper towels to use.
We made a list of things we use our hands for. It is hanging in the classroom. As is our list of what people did this summer.
We sang Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes. We sang it as fast as we could. We sang it in s l o w motion.
We are encouraging using our words to ask friends for a toy, and for speaking up for ourselves. In the beginning of the year we give the children words to use in negotiating with friends. "I want a turn." "Can I use the truck when you're finished?" "I want to play alone right now." And making sure friends stop and listen to each other.
Many of our returning children are doing a lovely job of helping the younger ones. We've seen several gentle pats on the back and invitations to play.
Next week, feet. All about feet.
Have a nice long weekend,
Therese