08.22.07
August 22, 2007
We’re having a great first week (with all of our classmates)! Although we’ve delayed a few activities, we’ve managed to keep busy! Some of the activities that the children have really enjoyed so far are…
Each day, I scramble someone’s name using magnetic letters and we have to figure out whose name it is while referring back to the names written on post-its. I was impressed at how well the children did! Then, of course, we sing a song using that child’s name while he/she dances along. Very cute!
The kids also really enjoy the Morning Meeting Journals so I hope to expand on them in September when I create their new calendars and weather charts. Next, I’ll add in some pattern pages, along with alphabet activities.
They also appreciate having weekly jobs. The little ones are a little slow going when passing out items but I think once they get the hang of it, they will actually feel somewhat productive and purposeful in their jobs.
Funny, they didn’t really appreciate the sloppiness of paper mache making! I thought they would really get into it, so I planned it as an outside activity. The activity turned into me making the paper mache pinata. That’s okay, though. I think I’ll have some help when it dries enough to paint and decorate.
Tracy, Joshua and Katie’s mom, came to read to the kids at lunchtime today. They really enjoyed it. It’s wonderful for them to experience other readers and you are all encouraged to participate! If you’d rather come and share a different activity or hobby with the children, that would be great, too. They all enjoy seeing their parents become involved with their class and learning from other parents. (The same holds true for grandparents, as well!)
On to curriculum, I’ve introduced the theme and animals that will be supporting our curriculum this year and the kids are really latching on. Next week, we’ll focus on the /a/ sound (”Allie Alligator”) while still talking about the other letter sounds. I’ll try and remember to send the reminder note home, but next week’s Show ‘n Tell will be to bring anything that starts with the /a/ sound (short a).
I’ll be sending an activity home each week as “homeplay” (vs. homework :). These activities will be designed to help you see what your child is learning and offer enrichment activities for your child. You may choose whether or not to return the activity to school for “my review” (and a sticker).
Oh! If anyone is web savvy enough to understand how to use a web cam, would you like to volunteer some time to help me? My mom gave us a web cam, primarily so she could see the girls more often, which we’ve used with some success, but I’d like to incorporate it more into our lives - like periodically broadcasting (for our group’s parents/grandparents) our Morning Meeting for you to enjoy. Or, if you have extra time at work where we could “play” - with me broadcasting and you trying to view - that’s fine too. It could be a fun addition to our activities here.
All of the kids have adjusted quite well to the new school year and are eager to see their friends and learn each day. They interact well together and are caring towards one another. I’m so blessed to have such a precious group of children to have as students for myself and playmates for my children.
“Miss Gina”
