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.