Me, Myself and I and Apple Picking Fun!

We traced the children and they completed very energetic self portraits that are so filled with color I can't wait to get them up on the walls. Except for the children who had other more important things to do, which is definitely the "way" in the PreK 4 classroom. Different projects appeal in different ways, and we're happy to leave it up to the children to decide whether something deserves more of their attention. We have also started a book writing project wherein each child has a "me" book and draws in it to depict themselves, their family, their favorite color, and finally why they are special. Some of the reasons for being special have included "I have a grandma!" and "I have a big family" and "I'm really smart and I know how to tell if a car is coming."

The children also drew self portraits with sharpies (sharpies are very motivating!) and colored them in with crayon. We'll give them the option of adding watercolor tones later. We've measured everyone with tape on the door, and they are comparing their heights with each other. This week we also sang songs about our emotions, to the tune of "If You're Happy and You Know It" and acted out each emotion. We discussed feelings and what to do with them-"You can be angry but you may not hit. What could you do if you're angry?" The children had wonderful ideas, like telling the teacher, stomping, or crying.

We made it through some very hot days in the classroom, and Thursday was such a breath of fresh air! The heat did not keep us from enjoying a wonderful apple picking time at the orchard. Some of the favorites for the children were the hay ride and the apple picking. Of course, a few children said "everything!"

"twist painting" was very popular!

the sensory table has corn, tractors and farm animals.

a  favorite moment this week-individual microphones and stages, but altogether a group of "harmonizing" children....they made it all work together, even to sharing pieces so that everyone had a "microphone" that they could use.

Until Next Time,
Michele

Rainbows and Butterflies

Our room is a busy and colorful place to be! We have released more butterflies to the wild and have been observing all of the stages of the butterflies' metamorphosis from caterpillar to "j" shape to chrysalis to butterfly hatching.

Our artwork, books, and songs have reflected the colors of the rainbow, and have included shaving cream marbling, watercolor explorations, and a rainbow fish to paint. We shared the story of the rainbow fish a few times as it coincides with our themes of kindness and sharing. The children could relate to being the "rainbow fish" and not wanting to share scales, and the little blue fish who wanted to try on a shiny scale from the fish. In the end, the rainbow fish shares scales with all of the fish who ask and learns that sharing feels good.

We've met our music teacher, Sarah, and our PE teacher, Darcy. We have a student teacher in our room, Anne, and will be meeting another student teacher on Friday.

butterfly stories.......

"rainbow fish"

marbling with shaving cream-it smells wonderful and makes beautiful swirls on the paper!

 color exploration with liquid watercolors. The children shared the ice trays full of paint and enjoyed the absorption of the color into the paper as they painted.

this is a "museum"!

We needed a "comforter" to step in this week, and I just love the candidness of this photo-the empathy is immediately evident as the bumped child tells his story. With an ice pack applied, all good feelings were restored.

Until Next Time,
Michele