Happy Holidays!

We celebrated the holidays on our last day of school for two weeks with a little fun. We did cookies and played a little present exchange game. We had fun! Hope everyone has wonderful holidays that are safe and happy. We will see you back on the 4th of January 2010!

This cookie has layers of frosting and decorations! Awesome-hope he could fit it in his mouth!

Had to prove he decorated some since he had none to take home:

This must be serious business they are discussing:

Happy Thanksgiving!

We have a a really lot of discussions the last two weeks about all the things that Thanksgiving is about. First, it's about gratitude, so we did a class gratitude tree and individual ones as well. It's also about the historical aspect, so we discussed Pilgrims and Indians and did some projects with those as well. That included our "indian vest." (Pictured below) It's also about the feast and the TURKEY! So we made some turkeys with the "tail feathers" as their handprints. I think those turned out really cute. And finally on Wednesday we had our "feast." Thanks to all those who fulfilled their assignment-couldn't have done it with out the food! The kids had a good time just having a relaxed talk and eat time. It went really well. Here are some pictures:

Using your imagination!

We have been talking about imagination this week and different ways to be creative and play pretend. Just thought I would share a few pictures of some of the ways we "practiced" using our imagination. We played with "straws and connectors." These are always a big hit, but I hold them out until we do this theme to introduce them. The kids can build a lot of things-and if they work together they can really make something big.

We also played with playdoh and I was asking what they were making and encouraged them to be creative.

Happy Halloween!

Halloween party today. The costumes looked fantastic! I am always impressed with what is out there and how it all comes together. Parties are always fun and a little crazy. Without the structured schedule, the kids are always a little more nuts, but we gotta let loose sometimes! We played some games (Witch, witch, ghost-like duck, duck, goose-Pin the nose on the Jack-0-Lantern, etc). We decorated cupcakes. They were allowed to eat one (if desired) and save the other for home. Some kids went all out on the decorations, cramming as many pumpkins and candy corns as they could and others would use a tiny dot of frosting and maybe a sprinkle or two. Always interesting to see the different personalities come out. We also made a little ghost with a sucker (since we had worked on letter G this week too). I also sent home book orders and calendars so be looking for those. Have a happy and safe Halloween! Then brush your teeth and get some sleep!! Took some pictures:


Decorating cupcakes (Afternoon-forgot to take pictures of this in the morning!)PLEASE feel free to leave comments. Would love to hear what you have to say.

Spider Treat

Usually our snack is just a simple thing (goldfish crackers, string cheese etc) but today, they had to make their "spooky" treat before they could eat! They had to count out 8 legs (pretzel sticks) and poke them into the body (a ding-dong). We could have used pull-n-peel twizzlers for the legs, but the pretzels are easier to manipulate. Then they enjoyed eating! Ding dongs are messy!

Chick-Fil-A!

We had our first field trip of the year on Thursday. Everyone was so accommodating to the early time-I really appreciate it! The kids were so well behaved-thank you. We got to see the "behind the scenes and even meet the cow mascot.It was a lot of talking and explaining, but they were really patient-even when waiting for Ice Cream-and that's hard to do. Really a good experience! Some pictures:

Even some time to play!

Note home

We have our first preschool field trip on Thursday October 22^nd. Our theme that week is “Community Helpers,” so we are going to learn about the inner-workings of Chick-Fil-A restaurant (at Jordan Landing). We are going behind the scenes to see how things are made and what the employees do there. We will also have a few samples! You are welcome to come (if you don’t you need to arrange transportation and sign a medical release for me). Other (younger and off-track) siblings are also welcome to come. We are meeting there at 9:00 am. Since it’s a working restaurant, our afternoon kids wouldn’t be able to tour until 2:30, so I have chosen to have everyone meet together. This will be school for that day. We are planning on about an hour (and of course you will be welcome to stay and eat/play if you choose). PLEASE let me know if you have questions! If not, we will see you there!

When we're helping, we're happy

This week, in addition to the letter D and discussing the change in season, we also had our theme of "Helping and Using our Manners." We discussed polite words and actions. I also used the story of the Little Red Hen to illustrate NOT being like the friends who couldn't eat the bread because they were unwilling to help along the way. Then, we made bread-we even ground the wheat! Here's the recipe I used:

Bread

2 cups warm water
1/3 cup Honey (or white sugar)
Put in bowl of mixer and
Dissolve honey in water and add
1 Tbsp yeast
Let rise about 5 min

Then in mixer add about
5 cups flour (wheat or white or a combo of the two)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp salt

Let mix 10 minutes. Check about 1/2 way and if
the dough is too sticky can add up to 1 cup additional flour (add
about 1/4 cup at a time, using your judgment).
Pull out of bowl and form into 2 loaves. Place in greased
and floured loaf pans. Cover (I prefer cloth). Let rise about 30 min.
Cook for 30 min at 350.
Let cool on side to prevent falling. Enjoy!

Be Safe

Last week, we discussed ways to be and stay safe. This included some discussion on fire and earthquake drills. (I think some of the kids may have been a little scared by this, but I did explain that we have to be prepared so if we have an emergency then we won't panic or be scared) Really everyone should have plans at their house so they know what to do in case of fire, especially. (I also told them to encourage you to do this at home-did they?) We also discussed other ways to be safe, including: wearing bike helmets, wearing life jackets, wearing seat belts, stopping at stop signs, not going anywhere with strangers, and calling for help when we need it. We also discussed kitchen safety (hot stove, no knives) and made cookies as part of that. Hope you enjoyed the cookies! The students did a great job not only helping but being patient when others were helping. Thought I would share the recipe:

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
4 1/2 Cups Flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 Cups butter (softened)
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 (3.4 oz) pkg vanilla pudding mix
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups (2 pkgs) chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Mix flour and baking soda; set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and white sugar.
Beat in instant pudding and mix until well blended. Stir in eggs and vanilla.
Blend in flour mixture. Finally, stir in chocolate chips. Drop cookies
by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake abt 15 min.
Edges should be golden brown.
Enjoy!

Jumping Jacks

This week we have been discussing "healthy choices and habits." The kids came up with a pretty good list of things, including washing hands, taking baths, drinking water, exercising (like riding bikes and swimming), and eating healthy foods (like fruits and vegetables). Monday we focused on the healthy foods. Today, we discussed sleep and exercise. We did some relaxation and breathing. We also did some "exercises." You HAVE to ask your child to show you-specifically ask them to do a jumping jack. It's awesome. (Then picture 8 or more kids doing this at once-even better!)

Welcome!

This school year has started off so quickly that my welcome message comes at the end of the second week. So far, our themes have been "Me!" and "Abilities and Talents." The students really enjoyed decorating their drums for music time, but are disappointed that they can't bring them home until the end of the year. They also painted "self portraits." They really enjoyed the painting process and look forward to the next time we get to do that. *Check their folder if you didn't see them.* On that note, please have the folder come to school each day. There may not be work sent home daily, but it's a good habit for the kids to be in. We also created a display board that they can display their "best work" at home. Just remember that at preschool we focus on the process and not as much on the end result! They are still learning the cutting and gluing and writing. Also, we started on their Alphabet books. We will average about a page per week on this. I've started it for you, but it's up to you to keep up on it as the pages come home. (This will come home Thursday). As ever, if you have any questions please let me know! (Call, e-mail, catch me after class, whatever). After school on Thursday, ask them what game we played at school.

Sorry!

I know that your kids probably drove you crazy with the disappearing ink! Sorry! We were talking about things that are magic and that was one of the few "tricks" that they would be able to do. They love it, but I know that it can drive you nuts. That's my apology- hope it wasn't too bad and I'll bet you were grateful when it was gone! (or you hid it!).
Can't believe we just have 2 days left of school! Have a great holiday weekend. See you Wednesday.

The Farm

Last Thursday we went to Wheeler Farm and had a guided tour and a wagon/tractor ride. We were able to learn some new things about some animals and had fun too. Most people packed a lunch in a we ate together afterward. The ducks were not too interested in our bread, since they are a little overfed, but we gave it a good effort anyway. Some pictures to remember the trip by:The class on the wagon

Checking out the pigs? I thinkSome boys on the wagonSome girls on the wagonLooking at the new baby donkeys (who are new to the farm)Baby goats (three weeks old, I believe)Feeding the ducks

Lining up to follow (look how good they are being!) You should be proudChecking out the chickensThe baby ducks (and chicks)More of the baby ducks and chicksThe chicken coop

Five Senses

This topic was a lot of fun. We got to do some things that we normally don't-like play outside. So glad that the weather cooperated! Since we were exploring with "touch" we played tag and for "sight" we played Red Light, Green Light. We also got to play with our food. We had popcorn and had to think of how it smelled, tasted, sounded, looked, and felt. They thought it tasted, "good." Then we finally got to "buttery, salty, not sweet." That was more what I was going for! We sang some songs (hearing) and used our bodies for movement. We practiced listening when others were talking (this is something we are always practicing, but it happened to fit into the theme too!). We read some Eric Carle books (Panda Bear, Panda Bear and Polar Bear, Polar Bear). We also added two more pages to our counting books. Big week-can't believe that we are almost to the end of the year. They have just come so far.

Calendar Items

These will be on the May calendar, but I have had a few questions, so while I am thinking about it: We have a field trip coming up on (Thursday) May 7th to Wheeler Farm. I will be needing a count from each student as to how many are coming, but will send home a form. Also, we will be having graduation (eek!) on Wednesday the 27th of May and the last day of school will be the following morning. It will be held at the Bingham Creek Library and as many as you want are welcome to attend (again, I will be needing a count, but will send a form home). We will have a short (adorable!) program and some food. Can't believe we will be turning them loose this soon!

Fairy Tales

The last two weeks have been dedicated to a favorite topic-Fairy Tales. There are just so many that we needed a little more time than we usually spend on one subject. We did so much fun stuff! We wrote and illustrated our own tales (they really had the "Once Upon A Time" down-not so much with the "Happily Ever After" part), we made figures with salt clay that we later painted, we decorated Gingerbread Men, and we read TONS of stories. I really tried to find ones that were more uncommon so they would not be bored with same-old Cinderella. But your kids really know their tales! (A lot of the knowledge was attributed to the show "Super Why" by the kids). You can ask them about their favorites and see if they can tell any of them back to you. Storytelling is a great language skill!
Also, we started their "Counting Books." They have done One: Me! Two: Hands and Three: Billy Goats Gruff. This will go to ten-so keep adding in the pages as they come home and it will be a really cute book.

Easter

Well, it's officially Spring Break for us. We get one day off school. The kids were very cute today as we did cupcakes (they chose that over cookies). This time we had a variety (chocolate and vanilla) and most of them chose one of each. Funny how that works. They were having fun decorating so I snapped a few pictures. They brought home their decorated eggs today, but unfortunately their bunny they did today was not dry enough to transport. See you Monday!