This week in 2B, we took a trip to Morgan’s to buy mini pumpkins to paint, created our Halloween costumes, made sensory bottles, and cooked healthy pancakes!
Specialists
Spanish
Cooking
Soccer
Music
Pumpkins
On Monday, we went on a neighborhood walk to Morgan’s Deli. The children took a vote: should we buy one big pumpkin to carve/cut open, or mini pumpkins to paint? They decided that we should buy mini pumpkins! We paid for our pumpkins, and went back to school to have lunch. While they ate, the children discussed what color they were going to paint their pumpkins, what expressions their pumpkins would have, and what shapes they were going to incorporate.
On Wednesday, we started painting! The children chose which color paint they wanted, and we poured that color into a cup. They dripped the paint onto the pumpkin, then used a brush to continue painting.
Halloween Costumes
Thank you for all of your help with our Halloween costumes! The children are so excited to wear their “If You Give A Pig A Pancake” costumes.
Sensory Bottles
On Thursday, we made sensory bottles! The children have been interested in exploring our classroom sensory bottles, and wanted to make their own. The children began by filling up plastic bottles 3/4’s to the top with water. Then, we added a little bit of baby oil. The children then chose a glitter color (or two) to add to their bottles. Lastly, we twisted the cap on and gave it a shake! We can’t wait to keep adding materials to our sensory bottles.
Sensory bottles are an amazing tool for the classroom, as well as at home. When they create them, children have the opportunity to engage their fine motor muscles, as well as make choices about what they want to put in their bottles. Sensory bottles can often be used as a calming tool, offering children the opportunity for steady breathing and self-regulation.
Cooking
On Friday, we made healthy pancakes! Amalia’s Mom, Chloe, came in to help us cook. We talked about the different ingredients we were going to use, and each child had the chance to smell, taste, and look at some of the ingredients. The children were fascinated when we added the vinegar - they noticed that it started bubbling! Then, we cooked the pancakes, and enjoyed.
Vegan Pancakes
· 1 cup rolled oats
· Any milk of choice (we used dairy-free pea milk)
· 1 medium banana
· 1 tbsp baking powder
· 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
· 1 tbsp maple syrup (standard or sugar-free)
· 1 tsp vanilla extract
· 1/2 cup blueberries fresh or frozen
Instructions
1. In a high-speed blender or food processor, add all your ingredients, except for the blueberries, and blend until a thick batter remains. Fold in the blueberries but do not blend.
2. Preheat a lightly greased pan on medium heat. Once hot, pour a quarter cup portions of the batter in the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the edges start to brown. Flip and cook for a further minute or two. Repeat until all the batter is used up.
3. Serve and enjoy!
Other activities this week included:
Using sensory blocks
Exploring clay
“We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” in the gym
Seashell exploration
Finishing our Fall painting for the front windows of BMS
Exploring bubble wrap
Changing our fish tank
Observational painting
Carving a pumpkin
Reminders
Please let us know if you or your caregiver will not be able to come to the Halloween parade on Thursday, October 31st. Find the parade route below:
Please sign up for a time slot for conferences. Note that there will be teaching staff available to watch your little ones as you attend your conference.
Have a great weekend!