March 13, 2020

Art

Painting can be an excellent podium for children to progress and discover their creativity. They learn about various color mixtures and how they go together. Painting on the table and at the easel promotes a different perspective on art.  It allows the child to explore how their painting looks and develop their decision-making skills.  They need to plan as they choose which color to use for different parts of the picture. Through the use of different colors, they can express themselves without the use of words. Painting foster hand-eye coordination; while they learn to paint the parts that they see, they are making sure their hand movement is at par with their vision. Ericksen and Wallace seem to enjoy the way their art looks as they smear the paint, and they hear the sound their brush makes as it crosses the paper.  As they manipulate the paintbrush, their fine and gross motor skill improves. 

We are using the first letter of each child's name to create a book of letters. The book will be on the shelf when completed—this a fun way for young children to learn and absorb information naturally.

Two letters are already completed, T and E.

Color/Sensory

During circle time, we used our sensory scarfs to talk about colors. Each child selected the color of their choice, and they explored them in different ways. We incorporated them into our singing, waving them up, down, and side to side. Ericksen: "Look, Sandra, I see purple!" We verbalized the color in English and Spanish. Classroom 1A joined us, and it appeared that our young friend sitting with his mother was interested in everything the teacher was articulating.   

To continue our color exploration, the teacher asked the children, What color are you wearing today?  They each selected one color from their clothing, recognized, and identified the color on the wall.  They used their wood people shape with their picture on it to place the color they chose.  

Color/Fine Motor Skills/Creativity

Coffee filters are the perfect medium for a variety of art projects. On Thursday, the children used eye droppers to drip the watercolor onto the coffee filter; the absorbent paper soaked and blended the colors. They each started with one color but finished with multi-colors.    Each created a beautiful art piece. The teacher placed the coffee filter in a wooden embroidery hoop. All the children will have the opportunity to explore this project. 

Annabelle’s

Teagan’s

Ericksen’s

Soccer

Soccer benefits children's overall development.   Playing soccer is an excellent exercise that improves cardiovascular health, increases coordination, improves strength, and enhances flexibility.  It will also boost self-confidence and self-esteem. 

Exploring different Manipulative Toys

Imagination/Creativity/Fine Motor Skills/Language

Kieran appeared focused as he selected and pressed each block, one on top of another. He is experimenting and exploring!  Even though Kieran did not articulate his words, his ideas transpired through his interaction with the materials. 

Annabelle and Aria were interacting with the animal props in a separate area of the room.  We have been discussing in class about straight and zig-zag lines.  Annabelle tells the teacher: "Sandra, I made a line with the animals.  Aria also arranged the animals in a line.  They each used a different style in arranging the animals in a line.  Fantastic!!

Wallace was busy connecting and disconnecting the blocks to make them fit. As he maneuvers the blocks, he is using his thinking skills to build.

Color/Language/Cognitive

We have other sticky blocks in the classroom but these are new magnetic stick and stack blocks. The children manipulate and maneuver them to create a design.

Teagan made three structures and called them, “Teagan’s houses!”

Ophelia is connecting the rectangle shapes as sings!

Celebrating Purim

Teagan’s mom, Rachel, read a story about Purim celebration, and also brought in a grogger. Everyone had a turn as they spin the instrument. Parents are always welcome to share a holiday or an event that is celebrated by their culture.

Holi

We also celebrated Holi, is the most vibrant of all Hindu festivals.  It marks the end of winter and welcomes the spring season.  People throw colored powder at each other and dance to beautiful music.