Crazy Outfits, Shells, and Puzzles - What could be more fun?

The first week of school has been full of wonderful learning experiences for all! We spent most of the week learning about the rules and routines at SON Shine. We learned about how to stay safe inside and outside and just what to expect everyday. Since many of the kiddos are experiencing school for the first time, this process is a huge adjustment. The preschoolers from last year have been patient and taken an important role in helping the new preschoolers learn everything. They have become excellent role models, and the new kiddos have been picking everything up quickly!

So far, I have introduced Blocks, Dramatic Play, Sand & Water, Discovery, Library, Art, and Toys and Games. Here are some pictures of all the things the kiddos have explored this week:

 They dressed up in all kinds of crazy outfits.

 They relaxed in the library while reading some great books.

 They sorted, scooped, collected, and analyzed shells and rocks.

 They put together many, many puzzles.

We studied the story of creation during our Faith Time this week. I made some felt board pieces for the kids to use to retell the story. Most of them can tell exactly how the world was created! It’s very exciting to see!

On to some news – I’ll be sending folders home every Thursday (Wednesday for my friends who don’t come on Thursday). Please check them as there will likely be important papers in them. This week, I sent home some information about Parks and Recreation activities, a book order, and a note about our first unit of study. I will be sending home bi-weekly newsletters with a review of what we have been up to and information about important dates and events. These newsletters will be in your child’s folder as well.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I’m looking forward to a full week next week! We’ll be continuing to work on learning rules and routines and starting a study on Balls!

Library

Library

The library is an important part of our classroom. Like any community or school library, the library is where the children build their interest in reading and writing. This is also the quiet spot in the classroom; children can head to the library if they need some alone time to relax. 

In the library, child have a chance to look at, listen to, retell, and write stories and books. Children in the library are readers and writers in their own ways, and I do everything I can to encourage them to build on their skills in this center.

I read aloud to the children everyday. While reading, I encourage children to think about what they are hearing. We talk about what is happening, make predictions about what might happen, and practice retelling the story. My goal is to instill a great love for reading in each child; the library area is the perfect place for that love to start. 

Ideas for Home:

Read, read, read! Emilie Buchwald once said, "Children are made readers in the laps of their parents." You are an important key in the emerging reading skills of your children. Try to make time every day to read to your child. 

While you are reading:

• talk about the story.
• make predictions about what might happen next.
• read the same story multiple times.
• have your child retell the story.
• let your child experiment with writing by providing paper and writing utensils.
• visit the library together and have your child pick out books that interest him/her.

If you need any tips/help with how reading to your child, please feel free to ask me at any time!

Source:
Dodge, Diane T., Colker, Laura J., Heroman, Cate. (2002). The Creative Curriculum.
        Washington DC: Teaching Strategies Inc.