NEWS FROM THE PRE-K "A" PAD

SOPAPILLAS

2011-06-01T13:25:00.000-07:00

Today's Spanish class was a "sweet treat". Senora Robeano brought sopapillas to eat. Be sure to ask your child what these are and what toppings they chose to have on their sopapilla!

SENIORS' TRIP TO CHINA

2011-06-01T13:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, four seniors visited our class to share with us about their recent trip to China. Each senior wrote a children's story describing the trip.

FUN WITH BUDDIES!

2011-05-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

Today we went on a nature walk with our 2nd grade buddies. During our walk, we were trying to find things in nature that begin with each letter of the alphabet. Then, we enjoyed eating popsicles and some playground time with our buddies!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELLA!

2011-05-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we helped Ella celebrate her summer birthday a little early. Ella's mom read the story, Not Norman and then we enjoyed yummy donuts for snack! Happy early Birthday Ella!

PLAY BALL!

2011-05-25T13:06:00.000-07:00

We played baseball today! When each child was up to bat, he/she would have to answer a question related to the many things we have learned this year in Pre-K. Be sure to ask your child what question he/she had to answer!

OUTDOOR WEEK FUN!

2011-05-25T12:57:00.000-07:00

For the last 2 school days, we have lucked out and had DRY weather. We have done our Station Rotations, our Free choice, and our snack OUTSIDE!!!!!! Enjoy the smiles in the photos below!

2011-05-24T12:38:00.000-07:00

Today, Eleanor brought in a story she found at the public library that she enjoyed so much she wanted to share it with the class. The children really enjoyed it, so we wanted to pass on the title and author to you! The story is Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake by Michael B. Kaplan. Thanks, Eleanor!

STATION ROTATIONS

2011-05-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

This week's OUTDOOR station rotations include.....

...playing in the sandbox.

...bubbles, bubbles, bubbles!!

...painting beautiful butterflies!

...a problem-solving activity with Mrs. "B".

GOTTA GO! GOTTA GO!

2011-05-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

Today we read and discussed information about butterflies, specifically Monarchs, and how they migrate to Mexico in the cold weather. We also looked at our map of North America to see how far these butterflies need to fly to get from the Northeastern part of North America to Mexico. Next, we read a story called Gotta Go! Gotta Go!, which is fiction story about a butterfly's journey to Mexico. After the story, we predicted where our butterflies (Blue, Milo, and Sally) would go. Then, we went outside (during the 10-minute break from rain we had this morning) and set free our butterflies!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WILL!

2011-05-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

Today we helped Will celebrate his summer birthday a little early! Will's dad read the story, In A People House by Dr. Seuss. Then, we enjoyed donuts with sprinkles for snack! Happy Birthday, Will!

ZERO THE HERO DAY!

2011-05-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated our 160th day of school and our last Zero the Hero day!! Genevieve and her Mom helped us celebrate by providing us with materials to make our own door hanger decoration. Genevieve's sister, Isabelle, came to help too! Thanks for a great activity!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EMMA!

2011-05-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated Emma's birthday! Emma's sister, Ashely, who is in 2nd grade read us Emma's birthday story, Silverlicious. Then, we enjoyed eating Timbits for Emma's birthday snack.

Happy Birthday, Emma!

STATION ROTATIONS

2011-05-10T16:55:00.000-07:00

This week's Station Rotations include...

...activities from the Fine Motor Shelf.

...creating a Venn diagram with characteristics of moths and butterflies.

...creating a symmetrical butterfly.

...a follow-up activity to the story, Heartprints.

BUTTERFLY/MOTH VENN DIAGRAM

2011-05-10T12:58:00.000-07:00

Today we made a Venn diagram using characteristics of moths and butterflies. Be sure to ask your child which characteristics belong to a moth; which ones belong to a butterfly; and which ones belong to both the moth and the butterfly.

KINDERGARTEN, HERE WE COME!

2011-05-09T13:42:00.000-07:00

Today we read the story, Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!, in preparation for our visit to meet the Kindergarten teachers and tour the Kindergarten classrooms. Be sure to ask your child what he/she saw on the tour!

SYMMETRY

2011-05-05T17:00:00.000-07:00

Today we did a lesson on symmetry. Using an outline of a butterfly, we designed symmetrical butterfly wings using shapes and colors. The teacher would place one sticker on one side of the butterfly and would then give an identical sticker to a child to put on the other side of the butterfly. The children did very well making the butterfly symmetrical.

"MOVING UP DAY"

2011-05-05T16:24:00.000-07:00

On Monday May 9th, each grade level in the Lower School will spend 20-30 minutes in the grade level they will "move up" to for the following school year. Pre-K students will meet the Kindergarten teachers and tour the Kindergarten classrooms. Kindergarten, here we come!

CLASS BOOKS

2011-05-05T16:22:00.000-07:00

We have 2 class books--one about the 100th day of school and one that includes rhyming objects--that we will be circulating among the class to bring home and share with you. Please take one evening to share these books with your child and return them to school the next day. Thanks!

PRE-K AUTHORS ARE FLYING HIGH!

2011-05-05T16:19:00.000-07:00

From now until the end of the school year, each child in the class will illustrate and dictate a butterfly story. This assignment can be done during Free Choice time at the writing center. Be on the look-out for your child's butterfly story in his/her blue folder. After sharing his/her butterfly story with you at home, please remind your child to bring the story back to school to put in his/her portfolio. Pre-K

CATERPILLAR~CHRYSALIS~BUTTERFLY GRAPH

2011-05-05T16:15:00.000-07:00

Each day, we are documenting on a graph the stage of our caterpillars. We are using green on the graph to indicate the caterpillar stage. We will use brown to indicate when the caterpillars are in their chrysalis stage and will use orange to indicate when they are in the butterfly stage. Stay tuned!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALAINA!

2011-05-05T15:46:00.000-07:00

Today we helped Alaina celebrate her upcoming June birthday. Alaina's mom read the story, If You GiveA Mouse A Cookie. Then, we enjoyed eating donuts for Alaina's birthday snack. Happy Birthday, Alaina!

ZERO THE HERO DAY!

2011-05-04T15:21:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated our 150th day of school! WOW! To celebrate, Paige and her mom provided us with a great activity--making caterpillars!! Thank you for helping us to celebrate!

CATERPILLAR FRIENDS

2011-05-02T13:09:00.000-07:00

Look who arrived today! We have 3 live caterpillars that we are going to observe during the last month of school as they make their transformation from a caterpillar into a chrysalis and finally a butterfly. Today, the children suggested names with the following names chosen: Blue, Milo, and Sally. Stay tuned as we keep you informed of the changes we observe!

BUTTERFLIES!

2011-05-02T10:57:00.000-07:00

Look what happened to our egg carton caterpillars that were wrapped inside a chrysalis. They emerged as butterflies!

LIFE CYCLE OF A BUTTERFLY QUILT

2011-05-02T04:44:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out our "Life Cycle of a Butterfly' quilt hanging outside of our classroom!

FROM CATERPILLAR TO CHRYSALIS!

2011-05-01T17:15:00.000-07:00

After painting our egg-carton caterpillars, we added eyes and antenna. Then we wrapped each up inside a chrysalis and hung them around the classroom. We are eagerly awaiting to see what happens!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MRS. "B"!

2011-04-27T07:36:00.000-07:00

Mrs. "B" was pleasantly surprised with all of her birthday goodies! The children were SO excited to present Mrs. "B" with her gifts.

Happy Birthday, Mrs. "B"!

CATERPILLARS, BUTTERFLIES, AND MOTHS--OH MY!

2011-04-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

Today, Ms. King (Director or CASE and Special Programs), visited our classroom to share her knowledge of the life cycle of a butterfly. She had wonderful visuals and activities to involve the class in learning more about butterflies and moths.

~learning the different body parts of a butterfly...

Ms. King had some amazing close-up, magnified photos of the different body parts of a butterfly. Be sure to ask your child what body parts are in the photos below......

~antenna~

~foot~

~proboscis~

~eye~

~The photo below are close-up photos of the scales on a butterfly's wings.

~Be sure to ask your child how he/she knows the monarch butterfly in the photo below is a male butterfly.

~Ms. King taught us the differences between butterflies and moths.

~Ms. King explained to us how butterflies see color. They don't see color the same way people do. The colors they see are ultraviolet.

~Ms. King had a special ultraviolet light that she shined on our clothes to determine if a butterfly could see the color.

STATION ROTATIONS

2011-04-26T20:07:00.000-07:00

This week's Station Rotations include....

....building in the construction zone.

...coloring a cover page for our Pre-K Alphabet Memory Books.

...Sudoku using unifix cubes.

...caterpillar measuring.

STAR OF THE WEEK~AMYA!

2011-04-26T19:51:00.000-07:00

Today we learned more about our friend, Amya, including her favorite food~pizza and her favorite animal~an elephant. Amya also shared some wonderful photos with us. Thank you for sharing more about yourself with us, Amya!

STATION ROTATIONS

2011-04-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

This week's Station Rotations include...

...painting a part of an egg carton that we will turn into caterpillars.

...choosing tasks from "Activity Shelf".

...illustrating a dictating a story about Spring at the Writing Center.

...listening to a story about the life cycle of a butterfly and then drawing pictures of the different stages of the life cycle that we will make into a quilt.

ZERO THE HERO DAY!

2011-04-20T10:11:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated our 140th day of school! Nick and his mom provided us with a great project to help us celebrate. We put together the body and wings of a butterfly using circles (the shape of a zero).

Thanks for a great activity to help us celebrate!

PARTNER READING

2011-04-20T05:17:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, we read our "Books In A Bag" with a classmate, instead of the teacher. The children did a nice job reading their book to a partner and then listening to their partner read to them.

STAR OF THE WEEK~MAGGIE!

2011-04-20T05:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we learned more about our friend, Maggie. She likes to go to the beach; her favorite color is pink; and she likes to eat strawberry cake! Thanks for sharing your photos and favorite things with us, Maggie!

BUTTERFLY GARDEN

2011-04-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

What are these bugs that invaded our Butterfly Garden?!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMYA!

2011-04-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

Today we helped Amya celebrate her birthday. Amya's dad read the story, Dora and the Birthday Wish. Then we enjoyed ice cream cake for snack. Happy Birthday, Amya!

Station Rotations

2011-04-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

This week's Station Rotations include.....

....making caterpillar patterns.

....using cereal and pasta noodles to represent the different stages of the butterfly life cycle.

...activities from our classroom library, including retelling the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar on the flannel board.

...playing in the Butterfly Garden!

...

PEOPLE PATTERNS

2011-04-08T18:42:00.000-07:00

Look at the photos below and see if you can figure out what the pattern is in each. Your child will probably be able to help you. This was a great activity which the children really enjoyed!

BUTTERFLY GARDEN--cont'd

2011-04-08T18:39:00.000-07:00

During today's station rotations, the group working at the art center created butterflies for our butterfly garden. Our butterfly garden will officially be open for play on Monday!

STAR OF THE WEEK~ELEANOR!

2011-04-08T18:24:00.000-07:00

Today we learned more about our friend, Eleanor. Her favorite color is pink and she loves caramel or chocolate ice cream. Eleanor's favorite places to visit are Myrtle Beach and San Diego. Thanks for sharing your great photos, Eleanor!

LIFE CYCLE OF A BUTTERFLY

2011-04-07T13:44:00.000-07:00

In the photos below, you see the photos of the life cycle of a butterfly posted on the bulletin board in our classroom. During Free Choice time, children have the opportunity to remove the photos; mix them up; and then put them back up in the correct order. Emma is doing this activity in the bottom photo.

BUTTERFLY GARDEN--cont'd

2011-04-07T11:03:00.000-07:00

During today's Station Rotations, children working at the Art Center made a chrysalis using cut up rubber gloves and scraps of paper. You can see them hanging on leaves in the photos below.

ZERO THE HERO DAY!

2011-04-06T12:35:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated our 130th day of Pre-K! Ryan's dad visited us and helped us celebrate. We made paper plate bunnies and ducks. They are drying right now but will come home tomorrow. Thanks to Ryan and his dad for helping us celebrate!

BUTTERFLY GARDEN

2011-04-06T12:28:00.000-07:00

Our Butterfly Garden continues to evolve. Today we added leaves with caterpillar eggs (marshmallows) to our tree. During Free Choice, children can create items for the Butterfly Garden and add to it as you see in the photos below.

During Station Rotations, the group at the Art Center today made caterpillars for the Butterfly Garden.

STATION ROTATIONS

2011-04-05T18:35:00.000-07:00

This week's station rotations include new activities at the Fine Motor Shelf, the Discovery Shelf, and the Activity Shelf. Our fourth station is creating different stages of the life cycle of a butterfly at the art center that we are using to transform our dramatic play area into a butterfly garden.

Busy at the Art Center.....

Today's group at the Art Center made caterpillar eggs on leaves for the butterfly garden.

Beckett hanging clouds in the Butterfly Garden.

New activities from the Activity Shelf.....

New activities from the Discovery Shelf....

New activities from the Fine Motor Shelf...

MAKING LETTER "X" WITH OUR BODIES

2011-04-05T16:47:00.000-07:00

Today we thought of the various ways to make the letter "X" using our bodies. Check out the photos below!

"THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR"

2011-04-05T16:36:00.000-07:00

Today we read the story, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle. The second time we read the story, we did so with flannel board pieces. Finally, we had each child draw a picture of what he/she would eat if he/she was a hungry caterpillar. Their drawings are posted on a large caterpillar on the bulletin board outside of our classroom. Be sure to ask your child what food he/she drew!

SOUND BOX FOR /X/

2011-04-04T11:11:00.000-07:00

Since we typically here the /X/ sound at the end of a word (except for x-ray), children may bring in items that BEGIN OR END with the /X/ sound. A xylophone doesn't count for sound box this week. Although it begins with letter X, it does not begin with the /X/ sound. Words/Pictures of exercise, excellent, examine, etc. can be brought in also!

WHERE BUTTERFLIES GROW

2011-04-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

We are continuing with our study of the life cycle of a butterfly. Today we read the story, Where Butterflies Grow. Be sure to ask your child what part of its body the butterfly uses for tasting!

We are transforming our dramatic play area into the "Pre-K Butterfly Garden". In the photos below, you can see our life cycle of a butterfly hanging from the ceiling. We also have a bare brown tree. This week, the children will create caterpillar eggs on leaves, caterpillars, chrysalises, and butterflies for our tree and butterfly garden. Stay tuned! We'll post photos of our completed garden!

LIFE CYCLE OF A BUTTERFLY

2011-04-02T04:45:00.000-07:00

Who is that lady in the butterfly antennae and wings?!

Today we told the story of the life cycle of a butterfly using photo cards. Be sure to ask your child the following questions.....

~What is the first stage of a butterfly's life?

~What is the second stage of a butterfly's life?

~What is the third stage of a butterfly's life?

~What is the fourth stage of a butterfly's life?

~What is the first thing a caterpillar eats when he hatches out of his egg?

~What happens to a caterpillar's skin as he grows?

~Where is the caterpillar when he is changing into a butterfly?

Y IS FOR YUMMY AND YUCKY!

2011-03-31T15:22:00.000-07:00

Today the children drew pictures of foods that they think are yummy and those that they think are yucky. They then used their inventive spelling to label their pictures. Be sure to ask your child what foods he/she drew!

STAR OF THE WEEK--MICHAEL!

2011-03-31T10:28:00.000-07:00

Today we learned more about our friend, Michael. He is a healthy eater---his favorite foods are honeydew, strawberries, cantaloupe, and apples. Michael's favorite place to visit is the beach. Thanks for sharing more about yourself, Michael!

Second Step

2011-03-30T18:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we discussed fairness and what it means to be fair. We also explained that sometimes things are not fair and equal. Ask your child to explain to you the photo below and the ways we discussed for the boy and the girl in the photo to have a fair turn on the swing.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PAIGE!

2011-03-28T10:37:00.000-07:00

Today we helped Paige celebrate her birthday. Paige's mom read the story, The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear. Then, we ate a yummy snack of strawberries and whipped cream. We made a mouse on top of the whipped cream using vanilla wafers for the ears and chocolate chips for the eyes and nose. Happy Birthday, Paige!

MONDAYS WITH THE MUNCHKINS

2011-03-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

On Mondays from now until May, we are fortunate to have 2 seniors, Alex and Henry, who will help us in Pre-K from 11:00-11:45. This "Mondays with the Munchkins" experience is part of a Psychology course these seniors are taking.

BALLOON ROCKET EXPERIMENT

2011-03-11T10:54:00.000-08:00

Today we did an experiment using a piece of string (stretched from the ceiling to the floor), a straw (threaded on to the string), and a balloon. The balloon was blown up (but not tied) and taped to the straw. Next, we counted down from 10 and at "Blast Off", the teacher let go of the balloon. This caused the air to escape from the balloon and the straw and balloon traveled up the string to the ceiling. This was our classroom simulation of how a rocket takes off and lifts off up into Outer Space. Needless to say, this experiment was enjoyed by all!

SPRING!

2011-03-11T10:24:00.000-08:00

Today we got "ready for Spring" in our room. We changed Friendly Frog into his Spring outfit and hung Spring decorations around the room. We're ready for Spring!!

RHYME TIME!

2011-03-09T11:32:00.001-08:00

Don't forget to have your child bring in 2 items that rhyme tomorrow for a special class rhyming book we are making!

HAPPY ZERO THE HERO DAY!

2011-03-09T11:27:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrated our 120th day of Pre-K! Eleanor's mom came in to help us celebrate! She read us the story, "Clever Tom And The Leprechaun". Then, each child made his/her own pot of gold! Thanks for a great story and activity.

STAR OF THE WEEK~DORIAN

2011-03-09T11:07:00.000-08:00

Today we learned more about our friend, Dorian! Some of his favorite things are eating salad, the color blue, and kangaroos! Dorian also shared some great photos with us, including one of Dorian's head inside a big dinosaur's mouth! Thanks for sharing more about yourself with us, Dorian!

FREE CHOICE FUN!

2011-03-08T13:45:00.000-08:00

With the activity in the photos below, a child uses a magnetic wand to drag the correct colored magnets to the correct spaces to complete the design/picture.

Maggie and Elsa ready to blast off in the space shuttle. The name for our Pre-K space shuttle is "The Perfect Rocket".

Emma and Shaia playing with RICE in the sensory tub.

STATION ROTATIONS

2011-03-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

This week's Station Rotations include...

...number writing

...making a rhyming "flip page"

...drawing an astronaut with "Outer Space" details

...making a rocket and......

...launching it!

FLOATING IN SPACE

2011-03-07T11:04:00.000-08:00

Today we learned more about how astronauts live when they go to Outer Space--on the space shuttle or at the International Space Station. After reading the book, "Floating In Space", children were offered the opportunity to taste astronaut food--freeze-dried ice cream, bananas, and apples. Be sure to ask your child about the title of the book in the photo below--Why is it a good title for this book?

ASTRONAUT, ASTRONAUT, WHAT DO YOU SEE?

2011-03-07T07:43:00.000-08:00

We are making a class Space book called, "Astronaut, Astronaut, What Do You See?". At seatwork today, each child drew a picture of something they would see if they were in Outer Space. We will compile these pages into a book!

RHYME TIME!

2011-03-07T07:37:00.000-08:00

RHYME TIME

Since we are doing the letter sound /R/ this week, we would like to make a class rhyming book. This Thursday, March 10th, we would like for each child to bring in 2 items from home that rhyme (i.e. a hat and a stuffed animal cat; a nickel and a pretend pickle, etc.). We will take a photo of each child with his/her rhyming items and will then compile it into a book!

PARTNER READING

2011-03-04T13:31:00.000-08:00

After making their own little version of this week's sound story, Worm's Wagon, we partnered the children and had them practice reading/telling the story to each other. Be sure to ask your child to share the story with you some time this weekend!

BOOK DONATIONS

2011-03-04T13:25:00.000-08:00

WOW! Check out all the books Pre-K "A" collected to donate to a local Head Start! We counted 48 books total that we collected. Thank you for your donations!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EVAN!

2011-03-04T13:22:00.000-08:00

Today we helped Evan celebrate his birthday. His dad read us the story, The Magic School Bus Gets Caught In A Web. Then, we enjoyed yummy chocolate cupcakes for snack. Happy Birthday, Evan!

FRIENDLY FROG

2011-03-04T13:16:00.000-08:00

Today's Friendly Frog, Robbie, models the new hat the Friendly Frog wears. Mrs. Robeano found it for us!

WACKY WEDNESDAY!

2011-03-02T13:28:00.000-08:00

STAR OF THE WEEK--BECKETT!

2011-03-02T06:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we learned more about our friend, Beckett! His favorite color is blue and he likes to eat macaroni and cheese. When he travels, Beckett likes to go to Wisconsin! Thanks for sharing your photos with us, Beckett!

IS THERE LIFE IN OUTER SPACE?

2011-03-01T19:57:00.000-08:00

During Free Choice today, the children answered the question, "Do you believe there are aliens living in Outer Space?" Then, we read a story about whether or not there is life in Outer Space. After the story, each child created his/her own space creature. These will be hanging on display in our classroom.

STATION ROTATIONS

2011-03-01T19:40:00.000-08:00

This week's Station Rotations are...

...learning and practicing how to write the numbers 7, 8, and 9.

...creating our own planets using watercolor paints.

...activities from the Discovery Center.

...a sentence-making activity.

...activities from the Fine Motor Shelf.

WACKY WEDNESDAY!

2011-02-28T11:07:00.000-08:00

This Wednesday (March 2nd) will be designated as "Wacky Wednesday" since we are studying the letter sound /W/. We would like for the children to dress in "wacky" attire on this day. For example, 2 different-colored socks, different shoes, wearing a shirt backwards, a striped shirt with plaid pants, etc. Obviously, dress code does not need to be followed on this day!

P.S. CHILDREN SHOULD STILL BRING ITEMS TO SHARE FOR SOUND BOX ON WACKY WEDNESDAY!

BOOK DONATIONS

2011-02-28T11:04:00.000-08:00

Last week we sent home a note in your child's folder about a book collection taking place in the Lower School this week. This Wednesday, March 2nd, is Dr. Seuss' birthday and "Read Across America Day". In recognition of this day, the Lower School is asking children to bring in one gently used picture book that can be donated to a local Head Start program to enhance their library. Donations are voluntary and will be accepted through this Friday, March 4th. We have a collection box in our classroom for these donations. Thank you for your support!

THE GENTLE GIANT OCTOPUS

2011-02-28T11:00:00.000-08:00

Today we read the story, Gentle Giant Octopus. We learned...

...what happens if an octopus' tentacle breaks off.

...where a female octopus lays its eggs.

...what an octopus does if an enemy is trying to harm it.

After reading the story, the children drew a picture of an octopus and its environment. This page will go into their Pre-K Alphabet Memory Book.

MORE ROCKET BUILDING AND CONSTELLATIONS

2011-02-27T20:19:00.000-08:00

STAR OF THE WEEK~GENEVIEVE

2011-02-23T11:31:00.000-08:00

Today we learned more about our friend, Genevieve. Her favorite color is light blue and her favorite meal is "soupy" macaroni and cheese. Genevieve shared her photos with us as well, including one of her in her ballerina outfit. Thanks for sharing with us today, Genevieve!

ROCKET BUILDING AND CONSTELLATIONS

2011-02-23T11:01:00.000-08:00

Another group preparing our rocket.....

More Pre-K constellations....

STATION ROTATIONS

2011-02-22T18:59:00.000-08:00

Our Station Rotations this week include.....

...reading a story about constellations and then creating our own constellations.

...painting the outside of a box and drawing/coloring/designing on the inside of the box to create our own rocketship!

...tasks from the activity shelf including...

...an addition activity.

...identifying the beginning sounds of objects.

ZERO THE HERO DAY!

2011-02-22T18:29:00.000-08:00

Today was our 110th day of school in Pre-K. Maggie's mom provided a wonderful activity--making planets--to help us celebrate. The activity was "out of this world"!

HAPPY HALF-BIRTHDAY, MICHAEL!

2011-02-22T17:17:00.000-08:00

Today we helped Michael celebrate his half-birthday! His dad read the story, Curious George and the Puppies. Then, we enjoyed a brownie or a chocolate chip cookie for Michael's birthday treat.

Happy Half-Birthday, Michael!

"BOOK IN A BAG"

2011-02-16T12:38:00.000-08:00

Pre-K "A" Parents~

We hope you and your child have enjoyed practicing/reading his/her "Book In A Bag" this week. Please remind your child to bring his/her "Book In A Bag" back to school tomorrow (Thursday). Your child will read with Mrs. "B" or Mrs. Spolter on Thursday or Friday. Then, your child will bring home a new book next Tuesday to read with you.

FREE CHOICE FUN!

2011-02-15T12:15:00.000-08:00

This week's Station Rotations are...

....practicing writing the numbers 5 and 6.

...practicing writing our first names with lower case letters.

...making astronaut helmets!

*NOTE: The 4th Station Rotation is a special math activity doing addition that Mrs. B. is introducing and practicing with the students. We'll send photos soon!

NEW NUMBER ACTIVITY

2011-02-11T14:36:00.000-08:00

Today we introduced a new number activity. To do this activity, a child takes out a number chart with numbers 1 through 100 and a basket of number tiles. A child chooses 2 numbers and puts them together to make a 2-digit number.

After forming the 2-digit number (like number 28 in the photo below), the child colors in the number on his/her chart. Next...

...the child switches places with the 2 numbers to form a new 2-digit number (like number 82 in the photo below). He/She then colors in this number on the chart.

SECOND STEP

2011-02-10T17:44:00.000-08:00

In today's Second Step lesson, we discussed predicting how another person is feeling and how our actions have consequences. We used the photo card below to predict how the little boy on the left was feeling and the different ways (both right and wrong) he could solve his problem.

STAR OF THE WEEK--ELSA!

2011-02-10T17:35:00.000-08:00

Our "Star of the Week" is Elsa! Today we learned that Elsa's favorite foods are shrimp and green olives. Her favorite place to visit is Florida and her favorite animal is a butterfly. Elsa also shared her photos with us, including one of her first Ohio State football game with her dad! Thanks for sharing with us today, Elsa!

PRE-K "A" HAS A NEW CLASS PET!

2011-02-09T13:00:00.000-08:00

Pre-K "A" has a new class pet--a Beta Fish! Today, the children contributed their ideas for a name for our new pet. Say hello to, "Blackfish". The children are very excited about this new addition to our classroom!

STATION ROTATIONS

2011-02-08T12:52:00.000-08:00

This week's Station Rotations include....

Drawing a space picture with crayons and then.......

...painting over it with diluted black paint to make it look like Outer Space.

A heart estimation activity. First, one makes a guess as to how many candy hearts will fit in the heart on the paper. He/She records the guess at the bottom of the page. Then, one fills the heart on the page with candy hearts and counts and records how many fit inside the heart!

In the Construction Zone, children work together to build a rocket/spaceship using the panels.

This week's number writing practice includes #3 and #4.

HIP HIP HOORAY! IT'S THE 100TH DAY!

2011-02-07T18:48:00.000-08:00

We had a great time celebrating our 100th day of school in Pre-K! The photos below will provide you with a glimpse of our busy celebration!

During calendar, we learned that 10 groups of 10 make 100!

Our buddies visited us and together we counted the 100 items we brought in today.

Since it is the 100th day of school, we talked about this year being The Columbus Academy's 100th year. We made a paper chain using our school colors--maroon and gray. There were 10 groups of children. Each group made 10 links for our chain. This added up to 100 links in our chain!

During Free Choice, children took a look at the 3 jars in the photo below and decided which one they thought had 100.

After Free Choice, we counted the items in each jar...

The jar with unifix cubes had 59 cubes.

The jar with Legos had 80 Legos.

The jar with pennies had 100 pennies!

For snack today, each child counted out 10 pieces of 10 different foods. Some children ate all 100 pieces of food!

The children in the photo below ate all 100 pieces of their snack!

Check out our seatwork for the 100th day!

STAR OF THE WEEK--HENRY

2011-02-03T15:51:00.000-08:00

Today we learned more about our friend, Henry. His favorite color is turquoise and his favorite animal is a lion. Henry was excited to share his photos from this past Christmas. Thank you for helping us get to know you better, Henry!

HAPPY HAT DAY!

2011-02-03T15:45:00.000-08:00

We had a variety of hats worn today in our classroom!

EARTH, MOON, AND SUN SONG

2011-02-01T06:52:00.000-08:00

To help the children learn how the Earth rotates to make day and night; how the Earth travels around the Sun; and how the Moon travels around the Earth, we've been acting it out with a song.

We choose 3 children to wear one of the three tags in the photo below. The child with the Earth stands in the middle with the Sun on one side and the Moon on the other side. First, the Earth turns around between the Sun and the Moon representing day and night. Next, the Moon travels all the way around the Earth as the Earth is still spinning around. Finally, the Earth (still spinning) also moves around the Sun. The words to the song teach us that it takes the Earth one day to make a complete turn; it takes the Moon one month to travel around the Earth; and it takes the Earth one year to travel all the way around the Sun.

Huge Happy Heart!

2011-02-01T06:06:00.000-08:00

Ask your child why we gave him/her one of the hearts in the photo below and what we called them! There are 3 H's in the name we gave these hearts!

ART WITH MR. CICETTI

2011-02-01T05:56:00.000-08:00

Last Friday and this past Monday, Pre-K children visited Mr. Cicetti in the Art room for a special art lesson and activity. On Friday, the children watched a video about author/illustrator Eric Carle and how he creates illustrations for his children's books. On Monday, children used painting and printing techniques similar to what Eric Carle would use. Next week, the children will cut their paintings/prints into flower shapes to recreate the painting in the photo below. The painting is from a page in the Eric Carle story, Draw Me A Star. The finished "painting" will be mounted and is Pre-K's "Masterworks Piece" for the upcoming Columbus Academy Spring Gala in April. You can buy raffle tickets to win this artwork piece. The drawing will take place at The Spring Gala in April.

SPIRIT DAY!

2011-01-27T14:54:00.000-08:00

TOMORROW IS SPIRIT DAY AT THE COLUMBUS ACADEMY! THIS MEANS YOUR CHILD CAN WEAR CLOTHING WITH SOME TYPE OF AN "ACADEMY" LOGO FROM THE WAIST UP. PLEASE DRESS YOUR CHILD IN DRESS CODE FROM THE WAIST DOWN. GO VIKES!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RYAN!

2011-01-27T14:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we celebrated Ryan's birthday. His first-grade brother, Connor, read us his birthday story and then we ate cookies for snack. Happy Birthday, Ryan!

ACTIVITY SHELF

2011-01-25T14:55:00.000-08:00

Check out the work of these children when doing tasks from Activity Shelf.

~Beckett, Tommy, and Henry work together to put together a Space puzzle.

~Genevieve and Shaia create a magnetic mosaic picture.

~Michael uses the pattern blocks to fill in the triangle tray.

STAR OF THE WEEK~EMMA!

2011-01-25T14:36:00.000-08:00

Today we learned more about our friend, Emma! Her favorite color is pink and her favorite food is yogurt. In the bottom photo, Emma is pointing to her favorite photo...one of her with her face painted at Disney World. Thanks for sharing today, Emma!

HAPPY HALF-BIRTHDAY, ROBBIE!

2011-01-25T12:40:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrated Robbie's half-birthday! Robbie's mom and dad read the story, "Oh Say Can You Say Dinosaur?". Then we enjoyed yummy caramel corn for snack! Happy Half-Birthday,

Robbie!