We’ve had some small classes this week with kids out sick, but the kids who were here have really enjoyed the snow while we’ve had it! We’ve made forts, climbed snowbanks, and searched for animal tracks. This week we’re focusing our Animals in Winter study on OTTERS, a fun-loving animal that kids so easily relate to. We’ve read some great non-fiction books, and have learned about all the fun things otters like to do, like swim, dive, slide, wrestle, and even play tug-of-war. The snow banks are the perfect spots to make our own otter slides.
Last week we introduced a Mystery Sound box to the class. Inside the box there is a small object. Kids are encouraged to say the name of the object, then figure out the first sound that they hear. If they think they know the letter that makes that sound they can write it on a piece of paper and put it in the sound jar. Ask your child to show you the box during you drop off or pick up. You can also work on noticing the beginning sounds of words at home - being able to isolate sounds in a word is an important precursor to learning how to read!
Self Care Tip - Wiping
It’s the time of year when we start thinking about ways to support pre-k kids in their independence in order to help them feel successful as they enter kindergarten. One way to do this is to have them wipe themselves after they go to the bathroom. Teach your child how to wipe on their own and give them opportunities to practice. Don’t feel discouraged if they are resistant to trying this new skill - they’ll soon feel proud of their independence. We support kids with their wiping in pre-k, but the expectation is that they can do it all by themselves by kindergarten!
Whittling sticks (with potato peelers). We used the sticks to cook bread in the fire.
Careful control with a new tool.
We had a wonderful fire last Friday and experimented with a new cooking technique - bread dough wrapped around a stick and cooked over the fire. It was such fun, but next time we'll add a little more butter and salt to the dough!
We expanded our block area and the extra space is used every day.
Creative den-making in the dramatic play center!
Getting into the woods on Tuesday morning was a brand new adventure.
We had a great time making new tracks through the snow.
This guy discovered that salt and water are a perfect combination when rescuing plastic animals from ice cubes.
The beginnings of a city
These two love our new book, Otters Love to Play. Non-fiction is such fun!
Climbing snowbanks on our walk to the woods
A den? A hot tub? Depends on the group of kids.
We tracked out the beginning of the nature-trail as we headed into lunch on Wednesday. It's hard work walking through the deep snow!
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