December 14, 2018

We read different books and sing a variety of songs each week (Spanish and English). Learning occurs as the children interact and engage with different materials and activities. They also learn from each as they work in pairs and groups. As teachers, we try to make learning fun and interactive. Learning is about understanding how everything works in our environment.

As we took a stroll in the neighborhood, we saw a variety of things. We talked about the different color and shape (big, small) of cars and trucks we saw.

We saw Christmas trees and talked about the color and how some are tall and short.

We saw a tall tree displayed with beautiful white ornaments. The children observed the different decorations and articulated the name of some of them.

We also visited the Balloon Saloon Store. We saw different color balloons in which the children recognized and articulated the colors. As we prepare to return to school, the children said, "Bye, Bye, balloons!"

The children built and connected blocks as the teacher prepare the tables for lunch.

Highlights of the week:

Art:

The children painted Snowy Owls using a brown paper bag, glued eyes, nose, and feathers. Their owls are going to be displayed at the Buckle My Shoe window. We are creating a wintry theme. Their owls look fantastic!!!

Some of the skills can be discovered and practiced while painting at the easel:

Eye-hand coordination- dipping the paintbrush in and out of the paint pot requires a steady hand, and a keen eye working simultaneously. This is excellent practice for toddlers, as the paint pots are held firmly in the easel pockets.

Small motor control- Holding the paintbrush itself and whooshing it across the paper in the direction they want it to go. Think of all the pre-writing skills they are learning just by holding the brush! Also, dipping into pots hones the small motor control muscles.
Creative independence- There are no rules when it comes to painting. There is no determined product. Just a process. The kind of art where children can create and have fun.

The children are painting on canvas, selecting two or three colors and using a painting tool of their choice, rubber-band art tool, paintbrush or pom poms. Each child is creating their specific canvas art.

It is essential to allow children to explore painting on different surfaces. It stimulates their thinking process as they explore and discover different ways to delve into an art activity. Flipping the tables over and painting plastic wrap intrigued the children. They were busy painting lines, dots, or circles. We will have this art activity again next week for the children that did not have the opportunity to explore it.

Manipulative Toys:

As children interact with manipulative, they experiment and investigate each piece. They select and rotate to design; this helps them visualize their creation. They like to explore materials, focus on each piece and manipulate each selection to produce a design.

Nathaniel: “Choo-Choo Train!”

James: “Train!”

As James added one more Bristle Block, he changed his structure.

James: “A tunnel!”

As Leo was singing, he walked to the manipulative center and connected four pegs. Leo continued singing but holding the pegs close to his mouth. It will seem that Leo created a microphone with the pegs! Children become more confident, creative, imaginative, and develop a stronger sense of identity through play.

Specialists:

Karate