Smart Apples

This week, we started our first study on apples. We created a K-W chart (what they know and what they want to investigate). The children described the outside and inside of the apple and made predictions about whether apples float or sink. We found out that apples float. Apples can float because 25% of their volume is air. Apples float because they have tiny pockets of air.  At the art table, the children observed apples and painted their representation, stamped with apples, made an apple with tissue paper, painted with a mix of paint and cinnamon, and played with playdough.  At the sensory table, the children sorted plastic balls by the color of apples. They used spoons and a muffin tray.  At blocks, the children continued learning how to build with a variety of blocks. At dramatic play, the children pretended to pick apples and bake apple pie.  At science, the children sorted apples by color and size, followed patterns, and measured their height...

This week we discuss the importance of friendship and how to use helpful words with friends. We practice using words to enter into a group and requesting a turn or sharing toys. The past 4 weeks, we have laid the foundation of a community classroom. The children learned some strategies to manage feelings and use our safe place to regulate their emotions. We learned about routines and our schedule to help children to transition during activities and track their day. We created classroom jobs and commitment to help children to connect with friends and peers.   This week we begin our program handwriting without tears. This program is multi-sensory, developmentally appropriate program that teaches writing by using hands-on activities and manipulatives to build fine and gross motor skills. We closed our week with our annual “Cookie and Milk”. It was so much fun to having the parents in the classroom and showing them a little bit our routines and daily rituals. The children played w...