Although it was a half day...it was a great day!
One quick reminder...
No school on Monday, September 5 in observance of Labor Day.
All of our friends were a bit surprised when check-in was a bit different this morning! Each friend was given the opportunity to measure "How Many Inches Tall Are You?" (Using and understanding standard forms of measurement is an early math skill).
Then, each friend found that number on our graph and wrote his/her name in the correct box on the graph! I did help them quite a bit this morning. But, as we do more of this type of check-in throughout the year, they will become much more independent!
Once everyone has been measured, we will use our graph to learn about more, less, and the same!
We had a set of "twins" in the classroom today!
Then...we went outside and found their "triplet" in Mrs. Lohman's class!
A little gloomy outside, but all smiles from our friends as they enjoy large motor time outside!
We explored more today with our Handwriting Without Tears wood pieces. We focused on big lines and little lines. We held a big line in different positions. First imitating me, then positioning them on his/her own. This enables children to watch and follow directions while learning words that describe positions (spatial relationships). Understanding spatial relationships is an early math skill.
Put the big line UP!
Put the big line UNDER your arm!
We then used the same wood pieces to begin understanding vertical, horizontal, and diagonal. Moving the pieces in vertical and horizontal directions prepares children to make capital letters E, F, H, I, L, and T. While moving the lines diagonally prepares to make capitals A, K, M, N, R, V, W, X, Y and Z.
Time for small groups (centers)!
With me we practiced letter identification/recognition (early literacy skill), and writing 6 different letters (E, F, H, L, I, and T). I showed the group the letter, if a friend knew the letter he/she would shout it out (yes...we were excited to get to shout in the classroom!). We would then say it together. Finally each child did his/her best to write the letter as I spoke how to write the letter (for L, big line down, little line across the bottom). This may have been a first time to write letters not in his/her name...very proud of each friend!
With Mrs. Dose we worked collaboratively on a piece of art for our classroom! We remembered that "God Keeps His Promises" by coloring and creating an awesome rainbow. Excellent job following directions and working as a team!
After working hard as artists, we improved large motor control with a little dance party (to 2016 VBS songs). Not only did we get the wiggles out, we had to remember 2 directions:
No running
Stay on the brown carpet
We sorted pom poms again by size (small, medium, and big). But, today, we did it by ourselves AND we had to use tongs (strengthens finger, wrist, and hand muscles) to pick up the poms! No fingers allowed!!!
Before calling it a "short" day, we enjoyed more outside time with other preschool classes!
During Jesus Time today I read a Noah's Ark book, telling us the story of how God used Noah to build an ark to keep his family and animals safe. We then enjoyed singing along to the "arky, arky" song on the smartboard!
