We are learning about manners and have been practicing good manners all week! We are learning how to properly set a table, and that the first thing you do when you sit down to eat is put your napkin in your lap. We split up into teams and had a table setting contest. So impressive. We learned about how to not touch things when visiting someone's house, unless it's toys or something you have been given to play with. We learned to let our friends go first when we come to a doorway at the same time. We also learned to cover our mouths when we yawn. I am quite sure these amazing children could teach many adults some lovely manners! :) I know they teach me something everyday.
Literacy:
Reading groups are concentrating on different blends and letter sounds that are different than the first sounds we learned. We made class charts of the letters at beginning of words that sound like the first sound we learned and then made an exceptions list. Learning the different strategies and using them as we decode will continue to be our focus to the end of the year. We are doing many activities to better prepare them for beginning their Kindergarten year in the fall!
We are excited to observe the Pre-K butterflies, who have just left their Chrysalis and are ready to fly! We are noticing many things in nature that are further signs of spring.
We joined Ms. Bixby and planted our classroom bean plants in the Roycemore garden. She educated the children on composting (which we are now doing as part of our daily recycling at lunch time) and about the hay bales and how they have become an efficient way to grow plants in a limited space-offering protection from ground level planting. We helped weed and learned to pull from the roots to properly get the entire plant.
We measured liquids and dry ingredients, and compared less and more as we baked bread. We talked about the proper way to determine if the ingredients are at the correct line and which numbers to look for. We also talked about halves and whole.
Kindness Day!
We have been talking about different ways to show kindness and the children have come up with some great ideas. They have been making cards for their friends, sharing their markers and toys, offering to let friends go first, asking a friend to join them if they are sitting on the bench outside, helping a friend clean up their supplies, gently reminding a friend who might be doing something they shouldn't, and in general being more patient when sitting close to friends, if they accidentally touch or lean against us.
Fine Motor:
We are coloring place settings and learning all of the different utensils. We are using patterns and measuring distances so we know where to place the utensils. We are also talking about left and right when placing the spoon, knife, salad fork and dinner fork.
Have a great weekend!
Ms. Massey
