9/3/2015 - End of Ocean/Summer theme

Today was great! We continued our exploration of W by talking about Watermelons!  In circle time we read a fabulous book called The Watermelon Seed.  It is really cute and children loved it.  We looked at a real watermelon and discussed it's size, shape, texture, weight, etc.

 We cut it open (well, I cut it open) and looked at the contents inside, I had meant for the children to just explore the contents with their fingers but they decided it was much more appropriate to eat it instead.  :)

 Turns out watermelon is delicious!

 Then we made a science experiment.  A watermelon volcano!  I meant to get a great video of the first time it exploded but I didn't push the record button so I only got a video of the end. Oh well. :(

This is after we had made it explode many times so it had lost most of it's um-pa-pa but you get the idea.

 We went up for centers.

 Today was the end of our Ocean/Summer theme so these centers and sensory items will be cleaned and packed away for next year.  I think the children really enjoyed this theme.

 This picture makes me so happy!  I spent hours agonizing about how the room should be set up to maximize it's potential and make a good learning space for the children.  It seriously makes me giddy to see how well it works for them.  It really is a peaceful space.  I play classical/lullaby music while they do their centers.  The music, combined with the sound of the running water of the fishtank really brings a sense of peace and tranquility to what otherwise could be chaos.  ;)

 We made quite a mess in the kitchen with the watermelon so we decided to have snack time in the classroom today.  Thanks Kinsley!

 We had a fun craft today.  We made Watermelon W's.

Goodbye Ocean/Summer unit.  See you next year.  We are ready to work on something new!

9/1/15 - Beach and Ocean Theme

What a fabulous day in preschool!  Our color of the week is BLUE, our shape of the week is a CIRCLE, and our letter of the week is a W.  I am repeating the color and circle just to make sure everyone knows them well.  

 We always start with outside time.  When things cool down we will transition this to after snack.  The kids were having lots of fun with the new basketball hoop.  I will try to change things every so often to keep the children's interest.

 The kiddie pool has been great fun.  It was a little disheveled this morning because of the storm last night but the kids helped me put everything where it should be.

 After outside time, we went in for circle time where we learned all about the letter W.  Then we transitioned into the kitchen for a little cooking class.  We learned how to read and follow a simple recipe, added ingredients, mixed and poured.  I was so proud of their patience.  We made Waffles!

Here are the ingredients before we started.  We divided into two groups. Every child got to put something into the bowls.

 Here is a copy of our recipe.  I would encourage you to create similar simple recipes for your children and include them in simple cooking methods.  The kids were thrilled.

We took turns adding our ingredients into the bowls and reading the recipe.

 After the ingredients were added, each child took a turn mixing.

 Then I gave the children assignments to pass out silverware, plates, napkins and cups.  We briefly spoke about table manners such as how to use a napkin and not to eat with our fingers.

 We made chocolate chip Mickey Mouse waffles.  The kiddos were so excited.

 I guess they tasted pretty good.  Every single kid ate most of his or her waffle.

 These sweet pictures say it all.  :)  I love my job!

 After our adventure in the kitchen we went upstairs for our usual centers.  This will be our last week of the beach/ocean theme.

 Jaxon always tells me how he is remembering to put his center away.  Sweet little boy!

 Our daring cousins love building towers together.  They were so cute!  They were careful that no blocks fell on anyone.

 Luke and Branson were having a great time in the sensory boxes today.  Those water beads are a hit!

 After centers we had a quick craft.  The children made Walter W. Walrus puppets.  I had to rush them a little bit because our day went by so quickly so I encouraged them to finish coloring at home.

 Happy hands making great progress!

I am so proud of your littles.  They are truly grasping what it means to be at school.  In addition to scholastics I am working with them on distinguishing which voices are appropriate for school.  For example when someone whines or shouts, we stop and discuss what voice we should use in preschool.  I am so happy with the progress we are making.