Autumn with a touch of winter :o)

This week continued to be an adventure of colors and happenings of Autumn. We explored popcorn in song and play, and made some popcorn to share. It was very exciting to watch it all happen!

We printed leaves, painted with leaves and pine cones, and sang about trees and the happenings of fall. The children have begun to enjoy "science" books which are factual rather than fictional. We wrote our book about Autumn and it has been added to the book shelf.

Words We've Heard:

"You don't like candy? The sweetest thing in the whole world?"

"I've got a job for you. Can you hold this?"

(while popping corn) "I can feel the hot on my face!"

Until Next Time,

Michele

Autumn Activities

Autumn has so many exciting colors and activities and we're enjoying all of it in the PreK4 classroom! We were seed scatterers on a breezy sunny day, and sent the seeds flying with the help of a parachute.

We painted with autumn colors and acorns, marbles, and other rolling objects and added glitter to make colorful leaves.

The hollow blocks provide many hours of construction work and have been built into rocket ships, walls, beds and other furniture, and platforms for games.

One of the tricks of a rainy autumn day is to keep moving and have an exciting indoor time. We set up an obstacle course with many steps to follow and move through, and enjoyed a bean bag balancing game (a favorite amongst the 4's, as they need to stop and help their friend when their beanbag drops)



Words We've Heard:

"Ohhhh, my, that's a long word".

"this is actually my munchkin home. If you want to stay here you have to only eat munchkin food...spicy little chickpeas..."

"I'm the coach. Of the girls."

A new addition to our classroom is a "safe chair" to sit in when you're feeling overwhelmed and very angry or just need to get away. The chair has been decorated and will be the child's choice to use or not. We had a very interesting discussion (led by puppets) about how to handle your emotions in a classroom so that everyone feels listened to and safe. The children had some very astute observations and always knew the words to tell the puppets. You're welcome to take a look at the safe space :o)

Until Next Time,

Michele

Autumn is in full swing in the PreK4 room! We made applesauce and pearsauce and everyone enjoyed it. We'll be writing a book with pictures soon.

Children are making their way to the journal table slowly, at which time we write their name on their own journal. We will date entries if we're asked to. We are fostering a love of contemplation and just communicating in a new way.

The science table continues to be related to the theme of autumn, with seeds to pick apart and chrysalis to explore. We've sprouted some seeds in the window, including Queen Anne's lace, apple seeds, and beans. We might try an acorn, but that might try our patience! We have read a few beautiful books about trees, and continue to talk about gifts from the earth and celebrate the season of fall in song.

The 4's are gearing up to perform at assembly, and we'll let you know the date!

Words We've Heard:

"it's like a huge playdate with all of my friends are there. I love it!" (school)

A reminder, book orders are due TOMORROW (10/17)

Until Next Time,

Michele

A MEDLEY OF AUTUMN

As you can see from our medley of photos, this week was a wonderful celebration of autumn! We baked "crisps" with our fresh picked apples and pears, travelled to a favorite farm to pick pumpkins, and took a gathering walk with our buddies.

The children worked as a group to make large chairs to sit in.
We enjoyed letting the milkweed seeds blow away to plant new plants for next spring.










Our book this week was about our "favorites" at the pumpkin patch. The big bumpy slide was mentioned often!








We had a guest reader this week and we made and sang with shakers (thank you for the tp tubes!)





WORDS WE'VE HEARD....

"25! That's how old my grandma is! 25!"

"We're not playing fairies, we're playing fairy detectives"

"You know what, I went to the movies, and there are mermaids, really"

"I'd love to live on a farm, just like Dorothy." "oh, but then you have to have a witch."

Until next time,

Michele

Apples, Running, and Colorful Work

Colors, Apple picking, and a very fast week! We were able to go picking apples on Thursday, as you know, and it was beautiful and sunny in the orchard! Our artwork has reflected the "fall" theme, with apples and pears painted in beautiful colors. We sang apple picking songs and enjoyed books about apples and farming. The children are fully participating in gym class and are learning to play games with rules and follow directions in a large group while moving quickly. Lots of smiles and excitement! Our "me" books and "me" boxes are coming together, and journals will be added to the writing table soon....Next week we'll continue with our farm/fall/harvest theme with books and songs and artwork.

Until Next Time,

Michele