THE FIRST 2 DAYS

During these first days of Pre-K, we have very simple goals for our students. We want them to get to know the routines of the day, explore the materials in the classroom, interact with others and to begin to feel secure and confident in their new community.

Making cookies and banana bread with playdough

Exploring nature with the magnifier

Working with staplers, tape and glue in the writing center.  

Our first day together was AWESOME! Most of our morning was spent in what we call "Work Choice Time." This is a self-directed, play-based learning,  children can choose an activity, alone or with friends.

I was happy to see how engaged the children were during this time. They moved between activities easily, chatting happily while others were focused intently on what they were doing. Each child helped him or herself to a snack when they were hungry. Each child helped clean up the materials they were using (with some reminders).

Snack, always a popular choice

Artist at work

practicing pouring water without spilling

It is heartwarming to see how well the children are playing together.  Finding many of the same activities they enjoy. 

Zingo!

Police officer Nolan, Fang and Leonard on duty

We introduced rice with chopsticks which a lot of the students tried.  They had the option of using a spoon or trying to use chopsticks if they had not tried using them before.

"Can we have more?"

Using an eyedropper to add soy sauce

Eyedroppers are one way we help a child develop their pincer grasp which is needed when writing.  It is also important for manipulating zippers, buttons, and shoe laces.

Delicious!

We always try and end our day outside on the  playground.  Lots of fun by all.

Enjoy the weekend.  See you on Monday.

Books we read this week

Questions 

What items in the classroom are fragile?

What happened to Larry in the story 'Don't push the button'?

What was for snack?

How many bowls of rice did you eat?

Which areas of the room do you share with the other class?

What is the sign you learned to show you need the bathroom?

What does hypothesis mean? (From our story 'Charlotte the Scientist is squished')