Our Reading Corner was a hit during Letter R week! Friends had fun retelling stories to each other and listening to stories being read. They also enjoyed collaborating on a recycled art project. This artwork started last year, and we added more recycled items to it this week. Our artists loved it so much that we'll keep working on it next week. Additionally, artists made Valentine’s Day boxes to hold their cards and treats for our special snack next week, and they painted reptiles and coral reefs with watercolors.
Friends engaged in a variety of creative and educational activities that not only fostered their fine motor skills but also encouraged imaginative play and cognitive development. They practiced writing their names using vibrant red pens, carefully tracing each letter to gain confidence in their writing abilities. Additionally, they enjoyed a fun and tactile experience by spelling their names with letter rocks, which not only made the activity visually appealing but also reinforced letter recognition and spelling skills.
In another area, they assembled puzzles that depicted the lush ecosystem of the rain forest and the vibrant ecosystem of the coral reef. This activity not only challenged their problem-solving abilities but also sparked discussions, fostering curiosity about nature.
Friends also took part in building roads, which allowed them to explore concepts of construction and engineering. This hands-on experience encouraged teamwork and collaboration as they planned and executed their designs, learning the principles of spatial awareness and structure.
Using snap cubes, they created an array of red objects, including a cardinal, a flower, a cherry, and an umbrella. This activity was particularly engaging as it combined color recognition with creative expression, allowing the children to experiment with different shapes and sizes while discussing the characteristics of each object they built. Rubber bands and Geoboards were utilized to review shapes and letters, providing a dynamic way to visualize and manipulate geometric forms and the alphabet. This tactile approach helped reinforce their understanding of spatial relationships and the foundational concepts of geometry and literacy.
Friends also explored the concept of balance and construction through activities involving rainbows and stacking rocks. They experimented with different configurations, learning about gravity, weight distribution, and the importance of a stable base in their structures. This playful exploration not only enhanced their physical coordination but also encouraged critical thinking as they adjusted their designs to achieve the desired outcomes. Through these diverse activities, the children not only developed essential skills but also enjoyed the process of learning through play.
This week, our Imagination Station underwent an exciting transformation as it turned into a vibrant Restaurant, creating an engaging environment for our young learners. The Restaurant was fully equipped with all the essential roles: a skilled Chef who took charge of the kitchen, a friendly Server who ensured that all guests were well taken care of, and enthusiastic diners who brought the atmosphere to life. The children embraced their roles. In addition, our engineers took on the challenge of designing a robot using colorful magnatiles, a hands-on activity that encouraged collaboration and problem-solving. They followed detailed directions to create snap-together robots, allowing them to explore the principles of engineering and robotics in a playful manner. Our sensory invitations engaged them in sorting vibrant rainbow pompoms, which not only enhanced our fine motor skills but also introduced concepts of color recognition and categorization. To add an element of discovery, our second sensory invitation offered the opportunity for exploration of various items commonly found in a Coral Reef, sparking discussions about marine life and ecosystems.
In our science exploration this week, we delved into fascinating topics such as reflection, refraction, the excitement of racing, the phenomenon of rain, and the intriguing world of reptiles. A highlight of our week was the visit from a turtle, which captivated the children's attention during our reptile discussion. While most of our friends were thrilled to meet the turtle, a few exhibited a touch of skepticism at first, providing an excellent opportunity to discuss the importance of understanding and respecting different creatures. Wiggle Room offered a unique twist on racing, allowing the children to engage in physical activity while learning about speed and competition in a fun, safe environment. This week also introduced them to the art of ribbon dancing, a joyful activity that combined movement with creativity, allowing the children to express themselves through dance and rhythm.
Throughout the week, our journal prompts inspired imaginative thinking and personal expression. The children wrote about what they would do if they encountered a rhino, shared their favorite foods, and designed their very own rattletrap cars, showcasing their creativity and storytelling skills. In light of the wild wild weather on Wednesday evening, we seized the opportunity on Thursday to have an important discussion about weather emergencies. We talked about the meaning of ‘weather emergency’, such as a tornado warning, and discussed the appropriate actions to take in such situations. The children learned about what to expect from the teacher in such an event, including what instructions would be given and how to respond effectively. We practiced these procedures together, reinforcing the significance of preparation and understanding what to do in case of an emergency. I am so proud of how they responded, participated, and the questions they asked during our severe weather drill!
Have a great weekend,
Ms. Leah, Ms. Jacquita and the Smart Start team
Comments