Group Meeting: This time of year is typically garden planting time. During group meeting time, we talked about vegetable gardens and flower gardens. Hopefully, the weather will shape up soon so that we can get some planting done.
Story: The story I selected for today was The Surprise Garden. In this story, children are given a mixture of unidentified seeds to plant. As the plants grow and mature, they are able to tell what kind of seeds that they had planted. After the story, we talked about what seeds need in order to grow. We are going to try to grow a plant from a seed.
Small Group: The children played a game called, "What's Missing?" I placed 7 toys on the table. I asked the children to close their eyes and then removed one item. The children had to figure out which item was missing. The children took turns taking toys away. Then we tried taking two items, three items, etc.
Large Group: The children planted seeds in plastic bags so that we can watch them grow. Each child was given a Ziploc bag, a paper towel to get wet, and two seeds. We will tape the bags onto the window so that they will get sunlight. In about a week, we should be able to see the roots seeking water. Then a stem will grow up and out of the bag. In a few weeks, they will be ready to take home. What seeds are we planting? We'll find out.
Snacks: The morning class had Go-gurt and juice brought by Parker. The afternoon class had trail mix and juice brought by Allison. Thank you!
The shaving cream was so much fun yesterday that we decided put it at the art table. Ask your child to tell you if they did anything with the shaving cream today.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Kazoo Time
Group Meeting: Yesterday, we learned that the sound of our voices comes from the vibrations of our vocal chords. Today, we learned about the kazoo that also uses vibrations to make a sound.
Story: To prepare us for our kazoo band, I selected The Pirate and the Kazoo. In this story, a young pirate is left on a deserted island because his crew thought he wasn't mean enough. One day, while he is fishing, he catches a pelican by mistake. The pelican is wearing a kazoo around his neck. The pirate blows into the kazoo, but it doesn't make a sound. His parrot reminds him that to make the kazoo work, he needs to hum into it. The other pirates hear his kazoo music and come back to the island. He is now the musician on the ship.
Small Group: The children spread shaving cream onto the table and used their fingers to make letters in the shaving cream. A lot of the children really enjoyed this activity. It's great for fine motor experiences as well as learning letters, numbers, shapes, etc. It's especially fun if the grown-ups get involved. Just an idea...
Large Group: Every child was given a kazoo and became a member of our kazoo band. We played our favorite songs such as "Mary Had a Little Lamb" and "Twinkle, Twinkle". After a few more practices, they will be bringing their kazoos home.
Snacks: The morning class had cheese, crackers, and juice brought by Lucie. The afternoon class had Teddy Grahams and juice brought by Campbell. Thank you!
Story: To prepare us for our kazoo band, I selected The Pirate and the Kazoo. In this story, a young pirate is left on a deserted island because his crew thought he wasn't mean enough. One day, while he is fishing, he catches a pelican by mistake. The pelican is wearing a kazoo around his neck. The pirate blows into the kazoo, but it doesn't make a sound. His parrot reminds him that to make the kazoo work, he needs to hum into it. The other pirates hear his kazoo music and come back to the island. He is now the musician on the ship.
Small Group: The children spread shaving cream onto the table and used their fingers to make letters in the shaving cream. A lot of the children really enjoyed this activity. It's great for fine motor experiences as well as learning letters, numbers, shapes, etc. It's especially fun if the grown-ups get involved. Just an idea...
Large Group: Every child was given a kazoo and became a member of our kazoo band. We played our favorite songs such as "Mary Had a Little Lamb" and "Twinkle, Twinkle". After a few more practices, they will be bringing their kazoos home.
Snacks: The morning class had cheese, crackers, and juice brought by Lucie. The afternoon class had Teddy Grahams and juice brought by Campbell. Thank you!
Monday, April 28, 2014
Salsa!
Group Meeting: This week, we will be talking about music that we make with our voices. I held up a rubber band and ask the children to pluck it. I asked them to see if they could tell how the rubber band was making noise. They said that it was moving up and down very fast. It was vibrating. I told them about the vocal chords in their throat. They held their throat while we sang "Mary Had a Little Lamb". They could feel the vibrations in their throat.
Story: I read My Name is Celia, which I read last Monday as well. This is the story of the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz. Following the story, we looked at YouTube videos of Celia Cruz singing and dancing. Celia passed away in 2003, but her music lives on. The salsa music made everyone want to wiggle and dance.
Small Group: The children learned a rhyming words song today called "A Hunting We Will Go". The children had to think of an animal that we could catch and put into something that would rhyme with the animal name such as bat in a hat, snake in a cake, duck in a truck. Ask your child to sing it for you.
Large Group: I had planned for the children to watch a video on salsa dancing, but we ran out of time. Hopefully, we can squeeze it in tomorrow!
Snacks: The morning class had Rice Krispie treats and juice brought by Carter. The afternoon class had granola bars and juice brought by Gavin. Thank you!
Story: I read My Name is Celia, which I read last Monday as well. This is the story of the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz. Following the story, we looked at YouTube videos of Celia Cruz singing and dancing. Celia passed away in 2003, but her music lives on. The salsa music made everyone want to wiggle and dance.
Small Group: The children learned a rhyming words song today called "A Hunting We Will Go". The children had to think of an animal that we could catch and put into something that would rhyme with the animal name such as bat in a hat, snake in a cake, duck in a truck. Ask your child to sing it for you.
Large Group: I had planned for the children to watch a video on salsa dancing, but we ran out of time. Hopefully, we can squeeze it in tomorrow!
Snacks: The morning class had Rice Krispie treats and juice brought by Carter. The afternoon class had granola bars and juice brought by Gavin. Thank you!
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Monster Day!
Group Meeting: Since tonight is our "Monster in the House" Art Show, we decided to make today Monster Day. I started by reading Go Away, Big Green Monster to the children at Group Meeting time. The Big Green Monster has yellow eyes, a bluish greenish nose, purple squiggly hair, etc. On every page, a new feature is added to the monster. Then the children say, "go away, big green monster", and on every following page, a part of the monster disappears.
Story: I read Glad Monster, Sad Monster, a Book of Feelings which is written by Ed Emberly, the same author of Go Away, Big Green Monster. In this book, the monsters describe what makes them glad, sad, angry, worried, etc. The children discussed what makes them feel the same way.
Small Group: I gave the children a picture of the Big Green Monster. They had to color him as he appeared in the story. They had to make bluish-greenish, which was the color of his nose.
Large Group: The children played "What time is it Mr. Monster?" which is the same as the familiar "What time is it Mr. Shark?" game. Lots of running, screaming, and giggling.
Snacks: The morning class had graham crackers and juice brought by Hudson. The afternoon class had bananas, granola, and milk brought by Robert. Thank you!
We hope to see everyone at the Art Show tonight. A name tag was sent home in your child's backpack today.
Story: I read Glad Monster, Sad Monster, a Book of Feelings which is written by Ed Emberly, the same author of Go Away, Big Green Monster. In this book, the monsters describe what makes them glad, sad, angry, worried, etc. The children discussed what makes them feel the same way.
Small Group: I gave the children a picture of the Big Green Monster. They had to color him as he appeared in the story. They had to make bluish-greenish, which was the color of his nose.
Large Group: The children played "What time is it Mr. Monster?" which is the same as the familiar "What time is it Mr. Shark?" game. Lots of running, screaming, and giggling.
Snacks: The morning class had graham crackers and juice brought by Hudson. The afternoon class had bananas, granola, and milk brought by Robert. Thank you!
We hope to see everyone at the Art Show tonight. A name tag was sent home in your child's backpack today.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Group Meeting: We made a "to do" list of things that needed to be done by the end of the week, which is tomorrow. The children need to complete any monsters that they are working on for the art show. They also need to draw the face that will be put onto our class T-shirts.
Story: Today, I read Jamaica and Brianna. This is a book from a series of "Jamaica" book written by Juanita Havill. These books, which feature a girl named Jamaica, are usually based on friendship and feelings. In this story, Jamaica has to wear her brother's boots to school because hers are too small. Her friend, Brianna, makes fun of her "boy boots". When Jamaica goes to the store to get new boots, she selects cowboy boots instead of pink boots like Brianna so that Brianna doesn't think that she copied her. However, Brianna thinks that Jamaica selected cowboy boots because she thinks that pink boots are ugly. The children learned that sometimes things we say can hurt friend's feelings. We talked about how they needed to talk to each other to explain how they felt and how to be good friends to each other.
Small Group: The children drew the face that they wanted to put on our class T-shirts. They will be ordered soon!
Large Group: We went to the Outdoor Classroom.
Snacks: The morning class had crackers, cheese, and juice brought by Evie. The afternoon class had Go-gurt, granola, and milk brought by Leah F. Thank you!
Story: Today, I read Jamaica and Brianna. This is a book from a series of "Jamaica" book written by Juanita Havill. These books, which feature a girl named Jamaica, are usually based on friendship and feelings. In this story, Jamaica has to wear her brother's boots to school because hers are too small. Her friend, Brianna, makes fun of her "boy boots". When Jamaica goes to the store to get new boots, she selects cowboy boots instead of pink boots like Brianna so that Brianna doesn't think that she copied her. However, Brianna thinks that Jamaica selected cowboy boots because she thinks that pink boots are ugly. The children learned that sometimes things we say can hurt friend's feelings. We talked about how they needed to talk to each other to explain how they felt and how to be good friends to each other.
Small Group: The children drew the face that they wanted to put on our class T-shirts. They will be ordered soon!
Large Group: We went to the Outdoor Classroom.
Snacks: The morning class had crackers, cheese, and juice brought by Evie. The afternoon class had Go-gurt, granola, and milk brought by Leah F. Thank you!
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Working on our T-shirts
Group Meeting: It is time for us to draw the faces that will be put on the t-shirts that we are designing as a class project. Each child will draw his/her face inside of a 2" square. As easy as that sounds, I knew that we would need a little practice. We will do this during small group time.
Story: Today, I read Boom Boom, Go Away! This story takes place in a child's nursery. It is time for the little boy to go to bed, but he wants to play with his toys. The toys are "playing" musical instruments. The parents tell them to be quiet and go to bed, but they won't want to stop. They say, "Go away!" Is it the boy who is making the sounds or are the toys really playing the instruments? We couldn't decide. Finally, the boy falls asleep with the toys in bed with him.
Small Group: The children were given a piece of paper with 2" squares drawn on them so that they could practice drawing their faces for our T-shirts. I think we are ready to make our final drawings tomorrow.
Large Group: We went to the Outdoor Classroom to enjoy the beautiful day.
Snacks: The morning class had Minion Grahams, peanut butter crackers, and juice brought by Luca. The afternoon class had strawberries, grapes, carrots, and juice brought by Ryan. Thank you!
Story: Today, I read Boom Boom, Go Away! This story takes place in a child's nursery. It is time for the little boy to go to bed, but he wants to play with his toys. The toys are "playing" musical instruments. The parents tell them to be quiet and go to bed, but they won't want to stop. They say, "Go away!" Is it the boy who is making the sounds or are the toys really playing the instruments? We couldn't decide. Finally, the boy falls asleep with the toys in bed with him.
Small Group: The children were given a piece of paper with 2" squares drawn on them so that they could practice drawing their faces for our T-shirts. I think we are ready to make our final drawings tomorrow.
Large Group: We went to the Outdoor Classroom to enjoy the beautiful day.
Snacks: The morning class had Minion Grahams, peanut butter crackers, and juice brought by Luca. The afternoon class had strawberries, grapes, carrots, and juice brought by Ryan. Thank you!
Monday, April 21, 2014
Preparing for the Art Show
Group Meeting: The children are starting a count down to the Art Show. They are working on their class monster again during small group. We decided to add arms, feet, hair, and horns today. Some of the children have been creating their own monsters to put on the bulletin board in the hallway.
Story: I read the story My Name is Celia. This is the true story of The Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz. Celia was born in 1924 in Havana, Cuba. She tells about how she grew up around music and was influenced by her family and lifestyle to help create a new kind of music called Salsa. When the revolution started in Cuba, Celia moved to Mexico and then to the United States. Celia died in 2003. When we read the book again, I will have some of Celia's music for them to hear.
Small Group: The groups added pieces to our monster today. We can't wait for you to see it!
Large Group: Because it was raining outside, we stayed in and played Musical Chairs. However, instead of having someone sit out each time, the person who did not have a chair had to sit on some one's lap. This got very interesting when we were down to just a few chairs. Lots of sharing and giggling!
Snacks: The morning class had granola bars and juice brought by Jordyn. The afternoon class had Rice Krispie treats and milk brought by Chloe. Thank you!
Story: I read the story My Name is Celia. This is the true story of The Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz. Celia was born in 1924 in Havana, Cuba. She tells about how she grew up around music and was influenced by her family and lifestyle to help create a new kind of music called Salsa. When the revolution started in Cuba, Celia moved to Mexico and then to the United States. Celia died in 2003. When we read the book again, I will have some of Celia's music for them to hear.
Small Group: The groups added pieces to our monster today. We can't wait for you to see it!
Large Group: Because it was raining outside, we stayed in and played Musical Chairs. However, instead of having someone sit out each time, the person who did not have a chair had to sit on some one's lap. This got very interesting when we were down to just a few chairs. Lots of sharing and giggling!
Snacks: The morning class had granola bars and juice brought by Jordyn. The afternoon class had Rice Krispie treats and milk brought by Chloe. Thank you!
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Spring Party!
We had a wonderful time celebrating Spring today. It was a little chilly in the morning, but warmed up nicely in the afternoon. Thank you to all of the parents who were able to attend and help us. Thanks also to those who sent items for snacks and games!
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
We are ready to party!
Group Meeting: Well, even if it doesn't feel like Spring yet, we are ready to celebrate. We made our final preparations for our party tomorrow.
Story: We haven't talked a lot about Spring in our classroom because it has been so cold. Today, we read People In Spring to learn about the changes that are beginning to take place. We learned about how the weather will become warmer which will make us dress differently, make plants grow, and allow us to do more outdoor activities.
Small Group: The children divided the eggs in to four groups according to color. Then, they put candy into the eggs. Tomorrow, the grown-ups will hide them for us to find.
Large Group: In the afternoon class, Mason's sisters, Lauren and Emma, came to play their violin and saxophone. The children enjoyed their performances.
The morning class went outside and hid the eggs for the 3 year olds Easter Egg hunt.
Snacks: The morning class had apples, carmel dip and juice brought by Reese. The afternoon class had apples, carmel dip, and milk brought by Mason. Thank you!
Story: We haven't talked a lot about Spring in our classroom because it has been so cold. Today, we read People In Spring to learn about the changes that are beginning to take place. We learned about how the weather will become warmer which will make us dress differently, make plants grow, and allow us to do more outdoor activities.
Small Group: The children divided the eggs in to four groups according to color. Then, they put candy into the eggs. Tomorrow, the grown-ups will hide them for us to find.
Large Group: In the afternoon class, Mason's sisters, Lauren and Emma, came to play their violin and saxophone. The children enjoyed their performances.
The morning class went outside and hid the eggs for the 3 year olds Easter Egg hunt.
Snacks: The morning class had apples, carmel dip and juice brought by Reese. The afternoon class had apples, carmel dip, and milk brought by Mason. Thank you!
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Music and Monster Making
Group Meeting: Our small group activity for today was to add a face to our monster for the Art Show. During Group Meeting, we decided that the red group would design the eyes, the green group would create a nose, and the yellow group would make the mouth. We did some brainstorming to generate ideas for all three groups.
Story: Yesterday, I read Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo. This is a story written by John Lithgow. Today, we played the CD that accompanies the story. Mr. Lithgow reads the text while an orchestra plays the background music. It really makes you feel like you are at the concert listening to the animals play. I hope that the children enjoyed it as much as I did.
Small Group: The groups designed the facial features for our monsters. I am not going to share this information so that it will be a surprise for you when you attend the Art Show next week.
Large Group: The morning class had a visitor. Lucy's brother, Carter, is an 11 year old student who plays the violin, piano, drums, and bells. He brought his instruments and gave a very nice talk and demonstration of how to play them. The children were very impressed. He couraged them to join the orchestra or band when they were old enough.
The afternoon class will have a visit tomorrow from Mason's sisters. They play musical instruments in the school band. Today, the children played Animal Action.
Snacks: The morning class had Go-gurt and juice brought by Mason. The afternoon class had Triscuits, cheese, and juice brought by Evelyn. Thank you!
Story: Yesterday, I read Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo. This is a story written by John Lithgow. Today, we played the CD that accompanies the story. Mr. Lithgow reads the text while an orchestra plays the background music. It really makes you feel like you are at the concert listening to the animals play. I hope that the children enjoyed it as much as I did.
Small Group: The groups designed the facial features for our monsters. I am not going to share this information so that it will be a surprise for you when you attend the Art Show next week.
Large Group: The morning class had a visitor. Lucy's brother, Carter, is an 11 year old student who plays the violin, piano, drums, and bells. He brought his instruments and gave a very nice talk and demonstration of how to play them. The children were very impressed. He couraged them to join the orchestra or band when they were old enough.
The afternoon class will have a visit tomorrow from Mason's sisters. They play musical instruments in the school band. Today, the children played Animal Action.
Snacks: The morning class had Go-gurt and juice brought by Mason. The afternoon class had Triscuits, cheese, and juice brought by Evelyn. Thank you!
Monday, April 14, 2014
Preparing for two big days
Group Meeting: We have two big events coming up. We took a little time to go over our Spring Party plans. On Wednesday, we will stuff the eggs for the egg hunt. On Thursday, we will prepare our fruit salad for the spring snack. Next week, we will need to be ready for the Art Show. Our theme this year is "Monster in the House". We will be making a monster decoration during small group time this week.
Story: Our story today was Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo. This is the story of a boy who attends a concert with his parents at a band shelter which happens to be next to a zoo. The boy finds the concert a little long and settles back to take a nap. Suddenly, the animals from the zoo burst onto the stage and take over the instruments. They enjoy playing music until the concert is over. When it is time to go home, the boy's sister must wake him up to go home. My question for the children was "did the boy dream about the animals or was it real?" I had many different responses. What did your child think?
Small Group: The children are creating a class monster to hang on our door for the Art Show. Today, I covered the table with a large piece of paper and asked the children to think of how we could decorate it to look like a monster's body. The morning class suggested finger paint. I got out the colors they asked for and they stamped their hands onto the paper. The afternoon class suggested paint and rollers. They rolled many colors of paint all over another paper. Tomorrow, they will think of what we can use for eyes, nose and a mouth.
Large Group: The children played a shadow shape game. I used the film projector to shine light on the wall. Then we put shapes in front of the light for the children to identify. After that, they enjoyed making their own shadow puppets on the wall, a good game for a cold day.
Snacks: The morning class had graham crackers and juice brought by Maddie. The afternoon class had grapes and milk brought by Lana. Thank you!
Story: Our story today was Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo. This is the story of a boy who attends a concert with his parents at a band shelter which happens to be next to a zoo. The boy finds the concert a little long and settles back to take a nap. Suddenly, the animals from the zoo burst onto the stage and take over the instruments. They enjoy playing music until the concert is over. When it is time to go home, the boy's sister must wake him up to go home. My question for the children was "did the boy dream about the animals or was it real?" I had many different responses. What did your child think?
Small Group: The children are creating a class monster to hang on our door for the Art Show. Today, I covered the table with a large piece of paper and asked the children to think of how we could decorate it to look like a monster's body. The morning class suggested finger paint. I got out the colors they asked for and they stamped their hands onto the paper. The afternoon class suggested paint and rollers. They rolled many colors of paint all over another paper. Tomorrow, they will think of what we can use for eyes, nose and a mouth.
Large Group: The children played a shadow shape game. I used the film projector to shine light on the wall. Then we put shapes in front of the light for the children to identify. After that, they enjoyed making their own shadow puppets on the wall, a good game for a cold day.
Snacks: The morning class had graham crackers and juice brought by Maddie. The afternoon class had grapes and milk brought by Lana. Thank you!
Thursday, April 10, 2014
We're making pizza!
Group Meeting: Today was birthday day. For a snack, the children will be making pizza. At the art table, the children have been busy making decorations for our upcoming Spring Party.
Story: Our story for today was The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza. Not too long ago, we read The Little Red Hen so the children were familiar with the plot of this story. However, this time, the hen is making pizza instead of bread. The hen asks for help in making the pizza but her friends are too busy to help. Will the hen share her pizza with the other animals when it is finished? Will the friends help her at all? Ask your child to tell you!
Small Group: The children followed the recipe to make a pizza using English muffins, pizza sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni.
Large Group: The children completed the workbook page for the letter V. The morning class did not have enough time for outdoor play, so we played a quick game of Four Corners. The afternoon class did get outdoor time.
Snacks: The children had pizza and birthday brownies.
Story: Our story for today was The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza. Not too long ago, we read The Little Red Hen so the children were familiar with the plot of this story. However, this time, the hen is making pizza instead of bread. The hen asks for help in making the pizza but her friends are too busy to help. Will the hen share her pizza with the other animals when it is finished? Will the friends help her at all? Ask your child to tell you!
Small Group: The children followed the recipe to make a pizza using English muffins, pizza sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni.
Large Group: The children completed the workbook page for the letter V. The morning class did not have enough time for outdoor play, so we played a quick game of Four Corners. The afternoon class did get outdoor time.
Snacks: The children had pizza and birthday brownies.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Do You Like to Dance?
Group Meeting: We talked about patterns and made several patterns with felt shapes on the felt board. The children will be doing patterns in our small group activity and this gave them some reminders of how patterns work. Also, the children were encouraged to make decorations for our spring party at the art table.
Story: I read How Can You Dance? This books asks the children if they can dance like animals and things in nature. We danced like bee, snakes, kangaroos, and trees in the wind, to name a few. We found that we could dance, even without music.
Small Group: The children made patterns using cards that had movement pictures on them. Then, we performed the movements. We did touch your nose, pat your head, touch your nose, pat your head. We added and took away movements to make all kinds of patterns that we would make us move. Ask your child to show you a few.
Large Group: After dancing, we went outdoors to play. Things are starting to come together in the outside classroom. I just need to get some more playground sand. Perhaps it will get warm enough for water toys soon.
Snacks: The morning class had blueberry muffins and milk brought by Lucy. The afternoon class had Go-gurt, animal crackers, and juice brought by Leah Z. Thank you!
Story: I read How Can You Dance? This books asks the children if they can dance like animals and things in nature. We danced like bee, snakes, kangaroos, and trees in the wind, to name a few. We found that we could dance, even without music.
Small Group: The children made patterns using cards that had movement pictures on them. Then, we performed the movements. We did touch your nose, pat your head, touch your nose, pat your head. We added and took away movements to make all kinds of patterns that we would make us move. Ask your child to show you a few.
Large Group: After dancing, we went outdoors to play. Things are starting to come together in the outside classroom. I just need to get some more playground sand. Perhaps it will get warm enough for water toys soon.
Snacks: The morning class had blueberry muffins and milk brought by Lucy. The afternoon class had Go-gurt, animal crackers, and juice brought by Leah Z. Thank you!
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Making a Musical Instrument
Group Meeting: I brought a metal bowl, some aluminum foil, and a spoon to group meeting today. I asked the children if they could think of a way to make a musical instrument using all three materials. The children offered several suggestions and finally came up with stretching the foil over the bowl to make a drum. The spoon was the drum stick.
Story: Our story today was Hush. This Caldecott award winning book is based on a Thai lullaby. The mother in the story is trying to put her baby to bed, but animals keep making noises. She sings a soothing song to calm the animals so that her baby will sleep. At the end of the story, the animals and mom are sleeping, but how about baby? Ask your child to tell you.
Small Group: The children played a game called Jelly Bean. I had paper jelly beans programed with the letters of the alphabet on them. The children took turns selecting a jelly bean out of a bag. If they knew the letter, they could put the bean in their candy dish. If they did not, they had to put it back in the bag. For those who know all of the letters, I asked them to name a word that began with the chosen letter.
Large Group: The children enjoyed an elephant musical movement activity that we did a few weeks ago and have been asking to do it again. This activity works in well with our musical making study as the music changes tempo through out. We also went outdoors to enjoy the wonderful weather. We plan to do this every day that the weather is favorable.
Snacks: The morning class had Rice Krispie treats and juice brought by Logan. The afternoon class had banana bread and milk brought by Marlie. Thank you!
Story: Our story today was Hush. This Caldecott award winning book is based on a Thai lullaby. The mother in the story is trying to put her baby to bed, but animals keep making noises. She sings a soothing song to calm the animals so that her baby will sleep. At the end of the story, the animals and mom are sleeping, but how about baby? Ask your child to tell you.
Small Group: The children played a game called Jelly Bean. I had paper jelly beans programed with the letters of the alphabet on them. The children took turns selecting a jelly bean out of a bag. If they knew the letter, they could put the bean in their candy dish. If they did not, they had to put it back in the bag. For those who know all of the letters, I asked them to name a word that began with the chosen letter.
Large Group: The children enjoyed an elephant musical movement activity that we did a few weeks ago and have been asking to do it again. This activity works in well with our musical making study as the music changes tempo through out. We also went outdoors to enjoy the wonderful weather. We plan to do this every day that the weather is favorable.
Snacks: The morning class had Rice Krispie treats and juice brought by Logan. The afternoon class had banana bread and milk brought by Marlie. Thank you!
Monday, April 7, 2014
Spring May Finally Be Here!
Group Meeting: In about two weeks, we will be celebrating the arrival of spring with a Spring Party. At group meeting time, we talked how we could celebrate. The children made a list of possible snacks and games. I will be sending out a note tomorrow for items that the children would like to have for our party games and snacks. We would appreciate any help!
Story: I read the story Chrysanthemum to the children again. I read this book last week as well. It is such a good book that leads into wonderful discussions of friendships. A word that kept coming up was "bully". I talked to the children about what it means to be a bully and what you should do if you feel you are being bullied. We also talked about what you should do if you see someone being bullied. Perhaps this is a discussion that you can have at home as well.
Small Group: The children have been working on sorting. Today, I had a mixed bag of toys and ask the children to put them into groups. They sorted them by color, shape, type of toy, and texture. We compared the groups by size.
Large Group: We went outside! Even though all of our toys aren't out yet, they enjoyed just being outdoors to run and be loud.
Snacks: The morning class had Goldfish and juice brought by Max. The afternoon class had granola bars and milk brought by Lucy. Thank you!
Story: I read the story Chrysanthemum to the children again. I read this book last week as well. It is such a good book that leads into wonderful discussions of friendships. A word that kept coming up was "bully". I talked to the children about what it means to be a bully and what you should do if you feel you are being bullied. We also talked about what you should do if you see someone being bullied. Perhaps this is a discussion that you can have at home as well.
Small Group: The children have been working on sorting. Today, I had a mixed bag of toys and ask the children to put them into groups. They sorted them by color, shape, type of toy, and texture. We compared the groups by size.
Large Group: We went outside! Even though all of our toys aren't out yet, they enjoyed just being outdoors to run and be loud.
Snacks: The morning class had Goldfish and juice brought by Max. The afternoon class had granola bars and milk brought by Lucy. Thank you!
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Show and Tell
Group Meeting: I asked the children if they had found anything at home that could make music. A few children volunteered saying they could play music with spoons and pots and pans. Some children shared that they had toys instruments at home with which they liked to play.
Story: Our story today was Violet's Music. Violet has loved music since she was a baby with a rattle in her crib. When she was two, she loved to make paper horns to make music around the house. When she started Kindergarten, she thought that she would find someone else who liked music as much as she did, but no one loved music as much as Violet. Then, when Violet was older, she was playing her guitar in the park. What did she find in the park? Ask your child to tell you!
Small Group: The children played a game called "Appy, Tappy". Each child had a numeral card that they hid in their lap. When it was their turn, each child said the "appy tappy" verse and showed their card to see who could identify it. We are trying to identify numerals up to 20.
Large Group: The children brought items for show and tell. We took turns listening to what they had to tell us about their items. It was good practice for speaking to a group and listening when it wasn't your turn to talk.
Snacks: The morning class had Go-gurt and juice brought by Addisyn. The afternoon class had Cheez-its and juice brought by Jameson. Thank you!
Story: Our story today was Violet's Music. Violet has loved music since she was a baby with a rattle in her crib. When she was two, she loved to make paper horns to make music around the house. When she started Kindergarten, she thought that she would find someone else who liked music as much as she did, but no one loved music as much as Violet. Then, when Violet was older, she was playing her guitar in the park. What did she find in the park? Ask your child to tell you!
Small Group: The children played a game called "Appy, Tappy". Each child had a numeral card that they hid in their lap. When it was their turn, each child said the "appy tappy" verse and showed their card to see who could identify it. We are trying to identify numerals up to 20.
Large Group: The children brought items for show and tell. We took turns listening to what they had to tell us about their items. It was good practice for speaking to a group and listening when it wasn't your turn to talk.
Snacks: The morning class had Go-gurt and juice brought by Addisyn. The afternoon class had Cheez-its and juice brought by Jameson. Thank you!
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
What can we use to make music?
Group Meeting: We have added several new things to the art table lately, so I took a few minutes to show them to the children. It always amazes me at how the children can come up with such creative things to do with the items that we have. They think of things to do that I would have never thought of. It's always interesting.
Story: Today, I read Chrysanthemum. This is the story of a little girl mouse who is adored by her parents. They give her the name Chrysanthemum because they feel it is special like her. However, when she gets to school, the other girls tease her because her name is long and is the name of a flower. Chrysanthemum no longer thinks her name is special and wishes to change her name. Then, she meets the school music teacher. Her music teacher thinks her name is wonderful. Ask your child to tell you why. (Hint: Delphinium)
Small Group: I gave the children a collection of farm animals and asked them to help me think of ways that we could put them into groups. We sorted them by color, how many legs they had, if they had horns, adult animals/baby animals, etc. It was interesting when someone said that we should sort them by ears and no ears. I had to explain that ducks, chickens and turkeys have ears-you just can't see them :)
Large Group: I brought a basket of household items to the group and asked the children if any of the items were musical instruments. Most of the children said no, but a few said that they could be made into musical instruments. The keys would jingle if shaken. The rubber bands could be strummed if stretched across the basket. The wooden spoon could be drum stick. I told the children to find something at home that could be a musical instrument and to tell me about it tomorrow.
Snacks: The morning class had peanut butter crackers and juice brought by Addison. The afternoon class had Rice Krispie treats and juice brought by Noah. Thank you!
Show and Tell tomorrow!
Story: Today, I read Chrysanthemum. This is the story of a little girl mouse who is adored by her parents. They give her the name Chrysanthemum because they feel it is special like her. However, when she gets to school, the other girls tease her because her name is long and is the name of a flower. Chrysanthemum no longer thinks her name is special and wishes to change her name. Then, she meets the school music teacher. Her music teacher thinks her name is wonderful. Ask your child to tell you why. (Hint: Delphinium)
Small Group: I gave the children a collection of farm animals and asked them to help me think of ways that we could put them into groups. We sorted them by color, how many legs they had, if they had horns, adult animals/baby animals, etc. It was interesting when someone said that we should sort them by ears and no ears. I had to explain that ducks, chickens and turkeys have ears-you just can't see them :)
Large Group: I brought a basket of household items to the group and asked the children if any of the items were musical instruments. Most of the children said no, but a few said that they could be made into musical instruments. The keys would jingle if shaken. The rubber bands could be strummed if stretched across the basket. The wooden spoon could be drum stick. I told the children to find something at home that could be a musical instrument and to tell me about it tomorrow.
Snacks: The morning class had peanut butter crackers and juice brought by Addison. The afternoon class had Rice Krispie treats and juice brought by Noah. Thank you!
Show and Tell tomorrow!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
A New Month...I Got Fooled
Group Meeting: The children and I looked at the calendar to see what school events would be coming up for us in April. Some of the children knew it was April Fool's day. I was even fooled by a student who told me that she brought brownies to school. When I opened the package, I found brown E's. Very funny!
Story: I read a non-fiction book today. Music is a book that tells about different kinds of music and how it is made. The pictures in this book were from all over the world. It told of different ways we can make music and different reasons for playing music.
Small Group: The children used rhythm sticks to follow the beat of our favorite children's songs. They found that when they sang faster that they needed to make the beats a little faster, too.
Large Group: The children used the percussion instruments that we have to create a marching band. I played marching music on the CD player and the children followed the drum major.
Snacks: The morning class had blueberry muffins and juice brought by Dawson. The afternoon class had cheese popcorn and juice brought by Wyatt.
Story: I read a non-fiction book today. Music is a book that tells about different kinds of music and how it is made. The pictures in this book were from all over the world. It told of different ways we can make music and different reasons for playing music.
Small Group: The children used rhythm sticks to follow the beat of our favorite children's songs. They found that when they sang faster that they needed to make the beats a little faster, too.
Large Group: The children used the percussion instruments that we have to create a marching band. I played marching music on the CD player and the children followed the drum major.
Snacks: The morning class had blueberry muffins and juice brought by Dawson. The afternoon class had cheese popcorn and juice brought by Wyatt.
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