Half-Day Happenings

We were so grateful for cooler weather, 

so we could be outside longer today.

It was wonderful!

Look what we noticed on the playground today!

More playground fun!

Sometimes it's just fun to roar on the playground, because you can.

Once inside we had fun playing with the Handwriting Without Tears curves. The objective these first few weeks is to introduce the children to the language we will use to support their letter writing development.

We were quite amazed we could make two narrow curves to stand on their own.

Our first painting project

We used just blue and green to remind us of the earth God created.

During Jesus time, we started our prayer wall. We prayed for our friends who are sick to feel better soon. We also prayed for people to feel better after their dog has died. 

We also learned three listening strategies. These strategies help us to get our wiggles out while we listen. What strategies does your child remember?

Settling In

We went outside this morning, but it was so hot!

We came inside and drank our water while we sat on the red rug.

They are doing a great job "reading" books.

Look at this guy tracking the words while reading. That's awesome!

Today for Jesus time I read This is the World that God Made. After reading about what God made, we all said, "And God said that it was good."

Today the children really settled 

in to playing and exploring during our discovery time.

The first group playing with the magna tiles. Thank you, Mrs. Cruz, for helping them see how they work and what they could build.

The second group came to build. Since they were using the tiles for the first time, just stacking them was pretty fun!

Team Play Dough hard at work!

The cardboard blocks are so fun, because the children can quickly build a tall tower and then knock it down.

The old cellphones are a popular addition to the kitchen.

Who are they calling?

A couple of our black line drawing artists focused on their creations.

Make sure to check out their drawings displayed on the wall near Bear.

The block building duo moved to the creation station and enjoyed cutting and building with paper.

The new magnetic tray and magnets provide the children with another choice for exploring letters.

 

That sure does look like great fun!

New Week, New Materials, New Learning

Kicking Off our New Week!

Big glasses and big ears remind us to use our eyes and ears to listen.

A microphone reminds us to use our quiet voice during our circle time. 

Sorting our names - Children's names with an "L" in their name and those who do not.

These names were added to the "L" page in our "ABC Name Book."

Showing the children some new food being added to the kitchen

What food did we add? I think your children will remember.

The children were very busy during free choice time today.

Some play in one space the whole time; others explore in many areas.

Creation Station Creations

Kitchen play with the new food, a tablecloth, and napkins

The magna tiles made their debut, as well as Playmobil people and animals.

Other happenings during our morning

Activities not photographed

• the outside heat
• singing the story of creation
• drawing pictures to hang on the wall by Bear
• coloring "Thank You" notes for Zion's PTL because our class was blessed with new furniture purchased by them
• reading Bear's Toothache by David McPhail
• going to the gym
• hearing that "Jesus loves you" after the lights are out at rest time

Full Friday

Morning Work

Wow! She built a tower using all the letter blocks.

One of our many puzzle workers

The best part of the puzzle work was listening to the more advanced puzzle workers patiently help others put their puzzle together.

Outdoor fun!

We love the rocks!

Doing the Wood Piece Pokey

They did a great job listening and following the directions during the song. They also had a great time just playing with the big line, the little line, the big curve, and the small curve.

A Full Discovery Time as they settled into an area and enjoyed playing and creating with their friends.

Now it's their turn to tell the creation story.

A wonderful bridge structure

Watching herself as she reads "like a teacher."

She put all the star stickers on her paper!

She is so focused on her work!

And we went to the gym to run and play!

Fire Drill Day

Today was our first fire drill. 

Instead of having the alarm go off, Mrs. Haun came into our room and shouted, "Fire, Fire." We went to our back door and carefully walked across the parking lot to our safe place. Then we waited for permission to return inside. 

We will practice again, so all the children are able to have a "no alarm" practice. 

During some of our wait times, we have been reading books written and illustrated by David McPhail. Of course, we think it's kind of fun to read books about a big, brown bear next to OUR big, brown bear.

Throughout the week, more children have had a job. Here is today's teacher's assistant dismissing children to go outside.

I retold the story of God's creation today.

Then we didn't take anymore pictures today....

But we ...

Sang "If You're Happy that God Made You Clap your Hands."

Moved to Thomas Moore's version of "Itsy Bitsy Spider."

Continued our "backpack" sharing at the end of the day. We've enjoyed talking about what is on our backpacks, where we purchased them, and how they are different.

God Created

Another day filled with playing with new friends and exploring our room.

It sure is fun when you find someone with matching shoes.

Telling the Story of Creation

Before God created our world, there was only darkness.

Watching and listening

God created light.

God created water. 

God created the land and the sea and plants.

God created the sun, moon, and stars.

God created the birds in the air and the animals in the water.

God created animals and people.

On the seventh day God rested.

Wondering about which day of creation we like the best.

Discovery Time

Operating the small paper shredder.

They found the dinosaurs.

They found the hats.