March 2, 2018

We sang a variety of songs using musical instruments or using our hands to clap.  Throughout the week, we read a variety of books.  Our reading sessions are during circle time, snack and lunch time, and free play.  We enjoy accommodating children when they want a specific book for the teacher to read.  Pete the Cat, I love My White Shoes, Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes, Hooray for Hats and Mother Goose Rhymes are among of their favorites.  

Sensory Exploration:

Oobleck incorporates both science and sensory exploration; is a substance that's somewhere between a liquid and a solid.   It pours like a liquid but acts like a solid when you squeeze it.  The children explored with their hands and smalls cups were available for them to extend their exploration.   The children are always mesmerized when they see the mixture, Oobleck!  They look curious and explore the properties slowly by dropping their hands into the oobleck, feeling and squeezing its texture.   They touched, tapped and pressed the oobleck using their hands.  We added liquid watercolor (red), and as the teacher mixed all the ingredients, some of the children couldn't wait to delve into the activity.  Not all children participated in this activity; some decided to observe and explore with their eyes until they are ready to explore.  They smiled and appeared intrigued as they touched the oobleck.  The children used descriptive words to describe the composition: “Soft, cold, hard, water”    These different elements the children used to interpret their impression of the oobleck, encouraged them to continue exploring.    The stimulus prompted a calm and soothing disposition.   The activity promotes fine motor, language, sensory, and cognitive skills. 

Highlights of the week:

Circle Time:

 During circle time we sang songs, reflected on our facial features; we used our hands or a bean bag to point to each feature that was articulated. 

I had some items to be counted in a brown box.  The children were interested and eager as I demonstrated the box to them.   We counted ten lego blocks. 

The teacher wrote the first letter of their names, and as they recognized or articulated their letter, they erased the letter. 

Art:

Various techniques in art promote a different sensory exploration and experience as children use materials.  Adding texture to their art with paper towel and watercolor, they can create abstract textures in their painting.

This is a 3 step project they first applied or poured the glue on the cardboard piece, and spread the glue using a paintbrush.  Using brown and white crinkle cut shredded paper, the children placed them in different areas on the cardboard.  The cardboard piece is air dried for a day before going to the next step, painting.   

Painting recycled paperrolls.

Manipulative Toys:

"Sandra, look a birthday cake!"