November 16/17, 2015 Monday/Tuesday

Here is what we did today:

Choice Time:  We stayed inside for Choice Time due to the rain.  Our 3 choices included parachute play, magnadoodles, and a turkey coloring page. 

Circle Time:  We had a "shoe style shoe."  We read the story, "Pete the Cat and His New White Shoes."  This was an audio book and was such a hit that we listened to it twice.  In the story, Pete had brand new white shoes that turned red when he stepped in strawberries, blue when he stepped in blueberries, brown when he stepped in mud and wet when he stepped in a tub of water.  When ever his shoes changed, Pete did not cry.  (Goodness No!)  It was all good!

Snack Time:  On Monday, Wesley brought goldfish and apple juice.  Thank you Wesley!

Center Time:  There was a new castle in the construction area.  All of the centers were open and there was painting at the easel.

A few pictures are below of the shoes in the style show and the parachute play. 

Have a great day!

May 20/21, 2015 Wednesday/Thursday

Thank you to everyone who came and celebrated our last day of preschool!  We had a wonderful time at the park, despite the chilly temperatures.  The children did a great job with the program.  And of course, the cake was delicious!  What a terrific way to end a terrific year!  Have a great summer!

May 18, 2015 Monday

Here is what we did today:

Choice Time: We went outside to play during Choice Time.

Circle Time:  We listened to the book on tape, "Froggy Plays T-ball."

Snack Time:  Landon brought Minion Cheese Nips and strawberry milk for snack.  Thank you Landon!

Center Time:  All of the centers were open but there was no painting at the easels due to the fact that it was our last regular day and we did not want to have to get paintings back at the last day party.

Please remember that our last day party is on Wednesday.  Children come at 9 and parents come at 9:30.  Please dress warm as the weather looks to be chilly!  Hope to see you then!

May 13/14, 2015 Wednesday/Thursday

Here is what we did today:

Choice Time:  On Wednesday, we went outside and enjoyed the sunshine.

Circle Time:  We listened to a book on tape - "Froggy Rides A Bike."

Snack Time:  On Wednesday, Jackson brought gold fish crackers and juice.  Thank you Jackson!
On Thursday, Ava brought gold fish crackers and juice.  Thank you Ava!

Center Time:  On Wednesday, all of the centers were open and there was painting was available at the easel.  On Tuesday, all of the centers were open but there was not painting at the easel because our next day is our last day party and it would be difficult to get things back to everyone. 

Important notes went home today with a correction of the time on the calendar for Preschool Round Up on May 27th.  The correct time for this class is 5:45 to 6:30.

Also - Remember our last day picnic is scheduled on Tuesday, May 19th and Wednesday, May 20th.  Children come at 9:00 as usual.  Everyone else please come at 9:30 and meet us at the park!

May 11/12, 2015 Monday/Tuesday

Here is what we did today:

Choice Time: The three choices were flying paper airplanes, using the catch-a-ball cones, or drawing with paper and pencil.

Circle Time:  The two books read were "Just Grandma and Me" and "Take Me Out To The Ballgame."

Snack:  Today we celebrated summer birthdays with vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup and sprinkles. 

On Monday, Payton, Eden, Evelyn and Landon all had the Happy Birthday song sung to them and got to blow out their candles.  Happy Birthday to all of them!

 On Tuesday, Evan, Cohen and Landon all had the Happy Birthday song sung to them and got to blow out their candles.  Happy Birthday to all of them!

Center Time:  All of the centers were open and there was painting at the easels.

Have a Great Day!!

May 6/7, 2015 Wednesday/Thursday

Here is what we did today:

Choice Time:  On Wednesday and Thursday, we went outside to play. 

Circle Time:  We read 2 books on the rug.  "I Ain't Going To Paint No More!"  and "I Like Kites."

Snack Time:  On Wednesday, Ella brought snack and it was carrots and hummus and dip.  Thank you Ella!  On Thursday, Anna brought a snack of applesauce and chocolate milk. Thank you, Anna.

Center Time:  All of the centers were open and there was painting at the easels, despite the story we read today!

Have a great day. 

May 5, 2015 Tuesday

Happy Tuesday!

Here is what we did today:

Choice Time:  Because of the rainy weather, we stayed indoors and did flip boards, wood blocks and paper/pencils for choice time.

Circle Time:  We read 2 books just for fun.  "Sheep In A Jeep" and "What Will the Fat Cat Sit On?" were the titles.

Snack Time:  The preschool provided the snack today - mini townhouse crackers and juice.  The children had to scoop up their own crackers and pour their own drinks.  This is a skill they will have to do everyday in the Kindergarten Readiness class.  We also celebrated two May birthdays - Ava and Carson.  Happy Birthday to both of them!

Center Time:  All of the centers were open and painting was available at the easels.

Have a great day!

May 4, 2015 Monday

A visit from the Bettendorf  Fire Department!

Choice Time:  The Bettendorf Fire Department came to preschool today.  They discussed fire safety with the children.  They let them each sit in the cab of the fire truck.  One of the firefighters dressed up in full gear to show the children what it would look like if they had to get rescued.  As they left they turned on the sirens and lights while we waved goodbye.  It was a great lesson.  To help the children remember, they each got a fire helmet to take home as well as a sticker. 

Circle Time:  Two stories were read to the children.  Both were nonfiction books.  One was entitled "Fire Trucks"  and the other was "Firefighter."  After we read the books, the children each got a turn to "Stop, Drop, and Roll."

Snack Time:  The preschool provided crackers and juice for snack.  The children were asked to spoon and pass the snack around the table to each other as well as pour and pass the drinks to each other.  This is what they will have to do everyday at preschool next year.

Center Time:  All of the centers were open and there was painting at the easels.

Have a good day!

April 30, 2015 Thursday

Another beautiful day!

Here is what we did:

Choice Time:  We went outside for choice time.

Circle Time:  There were  two books read to the children.  The first one was Red Eyed Tree Frog.  It was a nonfiction book about a frog that slept during the day and was awake at night.  When the frog was awake it jumped away from an iguana and a boa to avoid getting eaten.  It ended up eating a moth and then going back to sleep since it was daytime again.  The second book was entitled Frogs Jump.  It was a fiction book and in it the animals did lots of crazy things that made the children laugh.

Snack Time:  Anna B. brought bagels, cream cheese, and chocolate milk for snack.  Thank you Anna!

Center Time:  All of the stations were open and there was painting at the easels.

Enjoy!

April 29, 2015 Wednesday

A beautiful day!

Here is what we did:

Choice Time:  We took advantage of the beautiful weather and went outside for Choice Time.

Circle Time:  The two stories read were "What Will Fat Cat Sit On?"  and "Sheep In A Jeep."

Snack Time:  Edmond brought cheese sticks and juice for snack.  Thanks Edmond!

Center Time:  All of the centers were open.  Instead of easels for painting, the children were invited to blow paint on a piece of banner paper to create a group mural to hang on the wall.  It turned out very nice!

Enjoy the day!

April 28, 2015 Tuesday

It was an exciting day today at preschool! 

Here is what we did:

Choice Time:  During choice time, we had a visit from the Bettendorf Firefighters!  There were 3 firemen who came and their names were Craig, Spencer and Tim.  They let each of the children sit in the driver's seat of the fire truck and showed them the fire hose and their protective uniforms. They also talked to the children about fire safety and advised them to practice things like a fire drill and the "Stop, Drop, and Roll."  It was a very impressive visit for everyone!

Circle Time:  We read 2 books:  "Firefighter" and "Fire Trucks."   After reading the stories we practiced both a fire drill and Stop, Drop, and Roll.

Snack Time:   Aleena brought Ritz crackers for snack.  Thank you Aleena!

Center Time:  All of the centers were open.  There was a special group art activity at the art center so the easels were closed.

Enjoy the day!

April 27, 2015 Monday

It was good to see everyone at the Art Show on Thursday!  Thank you for coming and supporting our student artists and our school!

Here is what we did today:

Choice Time:  We went outside to play during Choice Time.

Circle Time:  Two stories were read to the children today.  "Green Eyed Tree Frog" was a nonfiction book about a green eyed tree frog who escaped being eaten by an iguana and a snake and ended up eating a moth.  "Frogs Jump" was a fiction book that had 12 different types of animals doing crazy things that were not real except for the frogs which did really jump.

Snack Time:  Eden  brought strawberries and chocolate milk for snack on Monday.  Thank you Eden!

Center Time:  All of the centers were open and there was painting available at the easels.

Enjoy the beautiful day!

April 22/23, 2015 Wednesday/Thursday

Here is what we did today:

Choice Time:  The three choices for the children were 1) musical hugs game, 2) pompom balloon shooters, 3) tabletop easels.

Circle Time:  Three books were read to the children today.  "Sharks" was a nonfiction book about sharks.  "The Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark" was a take off on the story "The Three Little Pigs."   And the third book was "Tornadoes, Be Aware and Prepare."  The third book was an extra I found at the library and since some of the children have been playing "tornado" during center time, I thought it would be interesting to them.

Snack Time:  On Wednesday, Ben brought in apples, bananas, and strawberry milk for snack.  Thank you Ben!

Center Time:  All of the centers were open and painting at the easels was available.

Remember the Art Show is Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30.  Hope to see you all then!

April 20/21, 2015 Monday/Tuesday

Here is what we did today:

Choice Time:  The three choices were 1) tumbling mat, 2) musical instruments, 3) popsicle sticks and clothespin construction.

Circle Time:  The children were read 2 books about sharing.  One was entitled, "Mine-o-saur" and the other was "Me Too!"  We discussed different ways we could share our things with our friends and families.

Snack Time:  On Monday, Addie brought cheese, Ritz crackers, and juice for snack.  Thank you Addie!  On Tuesday, Mason brought Minion Cheese Nips and chocolate milk for snack.  Thank you Mason!

Center Time:  All of the centers were open and there was painting available at the easel.

Remember the art show is this Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30!  Hope to see you all there!

April 15/16, 2015 Wednesday and Thursday

Detective Nelson from the Bettendorf Police Force visited the class!

Here is what he said:  A policeman is your friend.  He wears a uniform with many important things on his belt to help him do his job.  His job is to keep us safe.  He wants us to be safe and be sure to wear a seat belt in the car, wear a helmet on our head when we ride our bikes and scooters, and to ask a grown up to help us cross the street whether it be to visit a friend or get a toy.  He also talked about calling  911 only in an emergency if we need a Policeman, Fireman, or Ambulance to come.

After he talked to us,  we went outside to look in his police car.  It had lots of equipment inside his car including a computer, a printer, a radio, a gps, and a radar gun.  He turned on his special lights and sirens as he left us.

It was such a great visit!

Circle Time:  Books were read today:  "Whose Equipment is This?"  and "Police Officers."

Snack Time:  On Wednesday, Audrey brought bananas and strawberry milk and animal crackers.  Thank you Audrey!  On Thursday, Landon brought bananas and chocolate milk.  Thank you Landon!

Center Time:  All of the centers were open and painting was available at the easel!

Have a great weekend and stay safe!

April 13/14, 2015 Monday/Tuesday

Here is what we did today:

One of the children mentioned the other day that spring time reminds them of construction!  How true is that!  In the spirit of spring, therefore, we focused our day on construction.

Choice Time:  The three choices on Monday were building with clothespins and popsicle sticks, building with big legos, and using a  "flip board" to propel beanbags in the air.  On Tuesday, the class went outside but everyone was given a chance to use the "flip board" first.  The big legos were available to play with in the center time room.

Circle Time:  The two books read to the children were, "Machines at Work" and "Alphabet Under Construction."

Snack Time:  On Monday, Sophie brought graham crackers and juice for snack.  Thank you Sophie!
On Tuesday, Kaiden brought granola bars and apple juice.  Thank you Kaiden!

Center Time:  All of the centers were open and painting was available at the easel.

Please look in the back packs for important notes that went home today!

April 8/9, 2015 Wednesday/Thursday

Here is what we did today:

Choice Time:  Two of our three choices were related to wind.  The three choices were using a fan to blow streamers up in the air, using a vacum on the blowing mode to blow pompoms around, and using markers at the easel.

Circle Time:  The two books read were "Like A Windy Day" and "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom."

Snack Time:  The snack was provided by the preschool and it was teddy grahams and marshmallows.  It was the children's job to scoop out the snack out of the big bowl and pass it to their nearest friend at the table.  This is a skill they will be doing everyday next year at preschool!  On Monday, we also celebrated Max's birthday.  Happy Birthday Max!

Center Time:  All of the children were called over to the art center to paint a picture for the art show.  The other centers were open and available for them to play wherever they wanted.

Thank you to all who came for conferences this week!  It was good to see and visit with everyone!

Our next big event is the Art Show scheduled for April 23 from 5:30 to 6:30.  Each child will have 2 pieces of art on display.  It is sure to be a very special night!

April 6/7, 2015 Monday/Tuesday

Hope everyone enjoyed the weekend!  It is finally starting to look and feel like spring!

Here is what we did today:

Choice Time:  We talked about fire safety.  We practiced what to do if clothes catch on fire - stop, drop and roll.  We also had a fire drill and learned where our "safety spot" is outside in the parking lot.  After the fire drill on Monday, we spent the rest of our time outside in the play yard.  After the fire drill on Tuesday, we spent the rest of our time playing with cars inside.

Circle Time:  We read two books - "Wake Up!  It's Spring !" and "From Head to Toe."

Snack Time:  On Monday, Riley brought pretzels and cheese and juice for snack.  Thank you Riley!  On Tuesday, Josie brought cheese sticks and apple juice.  Thank you Josie!

Center Time:  The children were asked to complete a special project for the upcoming art show.  All of the centers were open and available for play.

This afternoon and early evening conferences are being held.  We hope to see you all!

April 1 & 2, 2015 Wednesday/Thursday

Happy Easter/Happy Spring!

Thank you to all of the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends that helped to make our Spring Parties a success!  Whether you donated an item, came to the party or just shared in the joy of the event with your child, we want you to know it was greatly appreciated!

Here is what the party activities were:  beading at the table, jumping on the "bubble wrap" bunny trail, and using the colorful pom pom "shooters."

After the activities, an Easter Egg Hunt was held.  Each of the children had to find 4 different colored eggs.  Then, the children got to open up their eggs and see the treats inside that they could take home!

A great time was had by all!

Thanks again and Have a Happy Easter/Happy Spring!

March 30/31, 2015 Monday/Tuesday

Today we focused on opposites.

Here is what we did:

Choice Time:  We gave the children the choice to color underneath the table instead of on top, to play the game "Jump the River" backwards and to use tanagrams to complete a pattern board.

Circle Time:  We read the book "Opposites" by Eric Carle twice.  The first time through the book, I read it alone and the second time through, the children read along with me.  We also read the book, "Yes Day!"  It was about a boy who's parents could only answer "Yes!"  to his questions.  Consequently, the boy had all of his dreams come true right up until Yes Day! had to end.  He got pizza for breakfast, sugary cereal at the grocery store, ice cream on an errand run, a piggy back ride, a friend over, a late night......all things the children thought were great! :)

Snack Time:  On Monday, Payton brought pretzels and cheese for snack.  Thank you Payton! On Tuesday, Jett brought Teddy Grahams and chocolate milk.  Thank you Jett!

Center Time:  All of the centers were open.  Mrs.  Myers had a painting activity for the children to complete at the art table.  With the art show coming soon, artwork will be saved to put on display so you may notice a decrease in projects coming home in the backpacks.

Thanks for all of the donations to the Spring Party this week!  It is sure to be a fun time!  Hope to see you all there at 10:30!

March 26, 2015 Thursday

Due to the fact that Mrs. Christianson's class had "Bring A Grown Up To School Day," we changed our Thursday activities to accommodate for their need for extra table space.

Here is what we did:

Choice Time:  The children were given the choice to either play with mini-magnadoodles or paper airplanes.

Center Time:  The two stories read to the children were, "Mrs. WishyWashy Down on the Farm," and "Rhyming Dust Bunnies."

Snack Time:  Griffin brought clementines and milk for snack.  Thank you Griffin!

Center Time:  All of the centers were open and paint was at the easels.

March 25, 2015 Wednesday

Here is what we did today:

Choice Time:  The three choices for the day were:  1) paint brushes and shaving cream at the table
2) kicking balls   3)spring coloring pages,

Circle Time:  The stories today were "Mrs. Wishy Washy's Farm" and "Rhyming Dust Bunnies."

Snack Time:  On Wednesday, Oliver brought apples and strawberry milk for snack.  Thank you Oliver!

Center Time:  All of the centers were open and there was painting using special spring shapes available at the easels.

Please consider donating a requested item for the upcoming Spring Party!  Thanks!

March 23/24, 2015 Monday/Tuesday

Welcome back from spring break!

Here is what we did today:

Choice Time:  The three choices for the day were 1) a spring coloring page  2) playing in (clean) dirt with plastic ice cream scoops and cones and 3) balancing beam

Circle Time:  I was going to read the children the book "Wake Up It's Spring!"  but with the snow and ice today it just did not seem appropriate!  I will pull that out and read it to them when it actually feels more like spring!  Instead, the two books read to the children were "Clickity Clack" which was a train book and "Construction Countdown."

Snack Time:  On Monday, Evelyn brought goldfish, cheese and juice for snack.  Thank you Evelyn!
On Tuesday, Evan brought strawberries, pretzels and milk for snack.  Thank you Evan!

Center Time:  All of the centers were open and there was metallic paint available at the easels for anyone interested in painting.

Notes went home in the backpacks today in regards to our upcoming Easter/Spring parties.  Please let me know as soon as possible if you can provide any of the items requested.  Thanks!

March 16-20, 2015 Spring Break - No School!

March 12/13, 2015 Wednesday/Thursday

Thank you to everyone who helped us out with the field trip this week!

The Bettendorf Public Library was a wonderful place to visit!  Miss Darci and Andy served as our librarian tour guides.  We got a "Behind the Scenes" tour that allowed us to see how and where books are returned.  We listened to a few stories.  And we looked at books in the children's section.

After the tour, we returned to preschool to make a "fishing" snack using pretzels as fishing rods and goldfish crackers as fish.  Peanut butter (cheese if allergic) was the bait.  The children dipped the pretzels into the peanut butter and tried to catch some goldfish to eat.

All of the centers were open for play the rest of the day until the gong rang.

Remember next week is spring break!  Enjoy!

March 9/10, 2015 Monday/Tuesday

Here is what we did today:

Many books were available to look at when the children first came to school.  These books were from the Bettendorf Public Library.

Choice Time:  The three choices included:  flying airplanes at a target on the floor, flying airplanes at a target board, and coloring a picture of an airplane. 

Circle Time:  The two stories read to the children were "Airplanes" and "Airports."

Snack Time:  On Monday, Max brought Wheat Thins and Apple Juice.  Thank you Max!

Center Time:  All of the centers were open for play and painting was available at the easel.

Remember:  Our field trip to the Bettendorf Public Library is scheduled for this Wednesday and Thursday.  Please meet at the school at 9 am sharp so that we can make it on time for our 9:15 tour.

Hope to see you all soon!

March 5, 2015 Thursday

Here is what we did today:

Since our focus in March is on books and reading, several library books were available for the children to look at when they first came to school.  Also, the Valentine discovery box was changed into a Pirate discovery box.

Choice Time:  All of the children were invited to play nursery rhyme games together:  Ring-A-Round-The-Rosie, London Bridges, Motorboat-Motorboat, and the Hokey Pokey.

Circle Time:  Two nursery rhyme books were read to the children:  Barney's Nursery Rhymes, and Old Mother Hubbard.  If the children knew the nursery rhymes, they were invited to read along with me.

Snack Time:  Carson brought cheese chickadees and apple juice for snack.  Thank you Carson!

Center Time:  There was painting at the easels and looms/weaving at the art center.  The children also had the opportunity to play with a marble run.

Thank you to everyone who turned in their tuition payments and permission slips!

Have a great weekend and hope to see you all next week!

March 4, 2015 Wednesday

Here is what we did today:

Choice Time:  The two choices for the children were to read some special library books in the fort with the lantern and to play the game of Musical Hugs.

Circle Time:  Two books from the library were read to the children:  The Secret Life of Squirrels and See Me Run. 

Snack Time:  Lyla brought strawberries for snack.  Thank you Lyla!

Center Time:  There was painting at the easels along with all of the center activities available to the children.

Thank you to all of those who have returned their permission slips and tuition payments!  Remember next Wednesday is our field trip to the library!  We meet at the school at 9 and drive to the library and hope start our tour no later than 9:15.

March 3, 2015 Tuesday School is cancelled due to weather!

March 2, 2015 Monday

In March, our focus will be on books and reading.

Here is what we did today:

Arrival Time:  The Valentine Discovery Box was changed out for a Pirate Discovery Box.  Several books from the library were put out for the children to look at.  These were simple nursery rhyme books that they could read themselves if they looked at the pictures.

Choice Time:  Several group nursery rhyme games were played with the children:  Ring-A-Round the Rosie, London Bridges, Motorboat, Motorboat, and Hokey Pokey.  If they did not want to join in the group, they were allowed to play puzzles at the table.

Circle Time:  Two books were read to the children:  Barney's Nursery Rhymes and Old Mother Hubbard.  They were encouraged to read along with me if they knew the rhyme.

Snack Time:   On Monday, Landon brought bagels, cream cheese, and juice for snack.  Thank you Landon!

Center Time:  All of the centers were open and painting was available at the easels. 

Thank you to all who have returned permission slips and tuition payments!  We would like both of those things returned as soon as possible!

Also, book orders went home in the backpacks and there were some good ones available to purchase!

February 25/26, 2015 Wednesday and Thursday

Here is what we did today:

Choice Time:  We gave the children 3 choices:  tabletop easels, playing with dirt, and the garbage game.

Circle Time:  Two stories were read to the children:  "Germs are Not For Sharing!"  and "Dirt Boy."
There was a discussion on what everybody did to get better when they were sick as well as how we can do our best to avoid germs that make us sick in the first place.

Snack Time:  On Wednesday, Jackson brought snack:  cinnamon bread and milk.  Thank you Jackson! On Thursday, Blake brought graham crackers and juice for snack.  Thank you Blake!

Center Time:  There was marble painting available at the art table and all of the other centers were open as well.

Please remember to check backpacks for important papers that went home this week.  Thanks to those of you who have already returned payments and permission slips!

February 23/24, 2015 Monday and Tuesday

Here is what we did today:

Choice Time:  The children played group games for Choice Time:  Guess who is missing from the circle?  and Hide and Seek.

Circle Time:  The attendance book has been put away for the year and the children have to find their names on the table as they come in the door for the day.  This gives us more time for stories at Circle Time.  We read 2 stories:  "Where Is The Green Sheep?"  and "What Makes A Rainbow?"

Snack Time:  Ella brought snack on Monday:  Bagels, cream cheese and juice.  Thanks Ella!  Ava brought snack on Tuesday:  Goldfish crackers and juice.  Thank you Ava!

Center Time:  All of the centers were open for play and painting was available at the easels.

Important calendars, newsletters and permission slips went home in the back packs.  If you have any questions, please call us!

February 19/20, 2015 Thursday and Friday

A very cold day!

Here is what we did:

Choice Time:  The three choices given to the children were:  obstacle course, box of rocks, and painting ice globes with bingo daubers.

Circle Time:  The story, "Rainbow Fish" was read to the children.  It was a story about a fish with a lot of shiny scales.  His friends asked him to share his scales with them but he would not and this caused him to not have any friends.  After talking to the wise octopus, he decided he would try sharing his scales.  When the other fish realized he was willing to share, they changed their mind about him and all became friends in the end.

Snack Time:  On Thursday, Anna L. brought applesauce and chocolate milk.  Thank you Anna!

Center Time:  All of the centers were open and there was painting available at the easels. 

Stay warm!

February 17/18, 2015 Tuesday/Wednesday

It's winter in Iowa.  Might as well embrace it and have a little fun!

Here is what we did today:

Choice Time:  The children were given the following three choices:  slide ice disks down a race track, use warm water and salt to melt some treasures out of a block of ice, or mini magna doodles.

Circle Time:  The action song "Freeze was done as the first thing on the rug for Circle Time.  Then, the story, "Mama, Do You Love Me?" was read to the children.  It was a story about a mother and daughter from the Inuit Tribe in Alaska.  It was a book that exemplified a mother's love for her daughter no matter what happened.  We also sang the theme song from the movie Frozen - Let It Go.

Snack Time:  On Tuesday, Anna B. brought Teddy Grahams and chocolate milk for snack.  Thank you Anna! On Wednesday, Eden brought cheese sticks and juice.  Thank you Eden!

Center Time:  The children were given the chance to do some ice cube painting at the art table.  There was also some more food added to the kitchen/pizza restaurant area.

Dress warm and enjoy the week!

February 11/12, 2015 Wednesday/Thursday

Time to Party!

Thanks to all of the parents, grandparents and friends for helping to make our Valentine's Day parties a success. 

Here is what we did:

The children all delivered their own valentines' cards to their friends.  Free play in the centers was available until party time at 10:30.

The party consisted of having a Valentine's Day themed snack mix with cereal, goldfish, m&m's and marshmallows.  Games and activities were done in the big room afterwards:  temporary tattoos, conversation heart necklaces with  pony beads, mini golf, and a bean bag toss with a Valentine-themed board. The party concluded with the opening of the Valentine Day cards.

It was a wonderful party!  Thanks again for all of your help and willingness to participate in all of the fun!

Happy Valentine's Day!

February 9/10, 2015 Monday and Tuesday

It is the week of Valentine's Day!

Here is what we did:

Choice Time:  The three choices were mouse houses, hearts and markers, and a game of Duck, Duck, Goose. 

Circle Time:  The story, "Splat the Cat" was read to the children.  It was a story about a cat named Splat that had a pet mouse named Seymor.  One day, Splat brought Seymor to Cat School and things got a little crazy!  When Seymor helped the cats open the door to the milk closet everyone was friends from then on. 

Snack Time:  The preschool provided the snack for "Cooking Day."  The children were given a pre-cut bagel that they had to open themselves along with the choice of some whipped cream cheese and a knife to spread it with if they so desired.  Juice was available along with water to drink.

Center Time:  All of the centers were open and many supplies were available at the art table that the children could choose to make Valentine's.

Please remember that our Valentine's Day parties are this week on Wednesday and Thursday.  All parents are welcome to come and join in the celebration!  Hope to see you then!

February 4/5, 2015 Wednesday/Thursday

Stuffed Animal Day!

Here is what we did:

Choice Time:  The three choices available to the children were:  writing valentines with markers on clipboards, reading a book with their stuffed animal in a fort made of blankets that had a camping lantern inside, and dancing to music with their animals.

Circle Time:  The story, "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Did You See?"  by Eric Carle was read to the children. They got to hold their animals in laps during this time.   This is a story that has many repetitive phrases throughout and descriptive pictures as well. This allowed the children to read along with the teacher. Before dismissing for snack, the action song, "Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear" was sung with the children.

Snack Time:  Addie brought snack on Wednesday.  It was applesauce.  Thanks Addie!  On Thursday, Aleena brought graham crackers for snack.  Thank you Aleena!

Center Time:  On Wednesday, the children were asked to come to the art table to complete a project for Valentine's Day.  All other centers were open.

Thank you for your support of this special day at preschool! 

February 3, 2015 Tuesday

What a lot of snow out there!

Here is what we did today:

Choice Time:  The children were given 3 choices:  play with snow on the rug using snow cones and scoops, write valentines, or move with bean bags according to the directions on the cd.

Circle Time:  The story read today was "Silly Sally."  It was about a girl named Sally who went to town walking backwards, upside down.  Along the way to town she met some animals that were also doing silly things.  In the end, they did all make it to town with the help of a man named Neddy Buttercup.  It was a silly story for sure!  After we read the story, we made silly faces and did a silly 'knock-knock' joke. 

Snack Time:  Sadie brought cheese sticks and juice for snack on Wednesday.  Thank you Sadie!

Center Time:  All of the centers were open.  The children were each asked to come to the art table to make a special painting that will be used to decorate their Valentine Bag. That day will be here before we know it!

All of the items needed for the Valentine's Day party have been taken care of!  Thank you to all who volunteered to bring something!

Remember next class is "Stuffed Animal Day!"  Notes went home in the backpacks with details on this fun day!

February 2, 2015 Monday

School is cancelled on Monday, February 2, 2015 due to weather.

January 28/29, 2015 Wednesday/Thursday

What do you love?  With Valentine's Day fast approaching, we asked the children to tell us what they "love" during our morning sharing time.

On Wednesday, Kristin Winkler was our parent volunteer.  Thank you Kristin!  We LOVE parent volunteers!

Here is what we did the rest of the day:

Choice Time:  The three choices were:  musical hugs game, catch-a-ball-cone activity, and cutting strips of paper with scissors.

Circle Time:  The story, "I Love You So Much!" was read to the children.  It was about a little chipmunk named Lola who had some special words inside of her but could not find a good opportunity to say them.  When her day was almost over, she finally had to shout them out for her mommy and daddy to hear, "I Love You!  I Love You! I Love You So Much!"  It made her very happy to be able to share these special words with her parents.

Snack Time:  Audrey brought snack on Wednesday:  grapes, graham crackers and strawberry milk.  Thank you Audrey!  On Thursday, Mason brought penguin shaped crackers and juice.  Thank you Mason!

Center Time:  Painting was available at the easel.  There was a new train set and a new garage to play with in the construction area.  And there were lots of new clothes for the children to use in the housekeeping area.

Please remember to read and respond to all of the important papers sent home in the backpacks!
We are trying to plan for the upcoming Valentine's Day party and still have several openings for supplies needed for the party to be a success.  It would be very much appreciated if you could let us know as soon as possible what you could donate!

Thanks and Have a Great Day!

January 26/27, 2015 Monday and Tuesday

A snowy day!

On Monday, Kristin Winkler was our volunteer parent helper!  Thank you Kristin!

Here is what we did today:

Choice Time:  The three choices available to the children were match box cars and tracks, big cars to play with on the rug, and mini magna doodles.

Circle Time:  The book entitled "The Wheels On the Bus" was read to the children.  It was a book with sounds.  After it was read to them, each child was given a chance to push one of the noisy buttons.

Snack Time:  Sophie brought peanut butter crackers and juice for snack on Monday.  Thank you Sophie!  On Tuesday, Landon brought muffins and juice for snack.  Thank you Landon!

Center Time:  Painting with water color paint was available at the art center and all of the other centers were open for play.

Important notes went home with the children in their backpacks today.  Please read and respond as soon as possible!

Thanks!  Have a great day!

January 23, 2015 Friday

For details on what we did today, please refer to the post dated on Tuesday, January 20th.

January 21/22, 2015 Wednesday/Thursday

Bring A Grown Up To School Day.

Here is what we did today:

Choice Time:  The three choices included playing with balloons, playing a balloon matching game, or putting together puzzles.

Circle Time:  The children introduced their grown up to the class.  We all sang the welcome song.  We did the attendance book.  And we read the book, "Where Do Balloons Go?"

Snack Time:  The snack today was provided by the preschool:  Teddy Grahams and Juice. 

Center Time:  All of the centers were open and anyone who wanted could make a balloon person at the art table. 

Thanks to everyone who participated!  It was a wonderful day!  Pictures will be posted soon and a book showing every child and their grown up will be made for the classroom!

The pictures are in order of how they were taken starting with Wednesday's class and ending with Thursday's class.  Many special memories!

                                                              Wednesday, January 21

                                                            Thursday, January 22
                                                       

January 20/23, 2015 Tuesday/Friday

We Are A Team!

Here is what we did today:

Choice Time:  The children were allowed to choose to be part of "Team Parachute" or else play with the stacking figures at the table.

Circle Time:  The children looked at various team pictures: baseball, basketball, golf, wrestling, soccer and football.  Afterwards, they took turns telling about their favorite teams.  A story was read entitled, "We Are A Team." 

Snack Time:  Kaiden brought granola bars and juice for snack on Tuesday.  Thank you Kaiden!

Center Time:  Painting with scrubby sponges was available at the art table.  Rice replaced the sand at the discovery table.  A pizza kitchen/store was set up in the housekeeping area.  And new blocks were available to play in the construction zone.

Remember that this week on Wednesday and Thursday it is Bring A Grown Up To School Day.  Also Friday is the make-up day for taking off  to observe MLK day.

Finally, we have begun to plan for the upcoming Valentine's party and are in need of the following supplies listed below.  If there is something you would like to provide from the list, please let us know!  Thanks!

1 Large bag of M&M's can be regular or Valentine but no nuts!
1 Box of cereal like Cheerios, no nuts!
1 Bag of mini marshmallows, can be Valentine or just regular
1 Bag of Goldfish
Temporary Tattoos (need 50 individual tattoos)
Multi-colored Beads for Lacing
Heart-shaped or Valentine Themed Beads for Lacing

January 14/15, 2015 Wednesday/Thursday

Happy Pajama Day!

Here is what we did:

We started out the day with a "Pajama Style Show."  The children stood up and modeled their pajamas and slippers for everyone to see.

Choice Time:  The children were given the following 3 choices:  mini magna doodles, tumbling mat, fort and flashlights.

Circle Time:  The children danced to the song, "Jammy Time."  After dancing, they listened to the story, "The Napping House."  This story was a flannel board story.  It told of a house where everyone was sleeping:  Granny, a boy, a dog, a cat, and a mouse.  A flea came and bit the mouse who woke the cat, who woke the dog, who woke the boy, who woke the Granny.  At the end, no one was sleeping in the house.  After the story, the children danced and sang to the song, "Five Little Monkeys."

Snack Time:  The children peeled their own clementine for snack today.  Milk and water were served to them for  drink.  No birthdays to celebrate in either class for the month of January.

Center Time:  All of the centers were open and painting was available at the easel.

Remember to check calendars closely as lots of important dates are coming up! January 21 and 22, next Wednesday and Thursday are bring a Grown Up to School Day!

January 12/13, 2015 Monday/Tuesday

Enjoy the sunshine!

Here is what we did today:

Choice Time:  The children were allowed to pick from the following 3 choices:  tabletop easels, popping bubble wrap, or wax paper skate.

Circle Time:  The story, "I Love You, Blue Kangaroo!"  was read to the children.  It was about a little girl named Lily who had a favorite stuffed animal, "Blue Kangaroo."  In the story, Lily is given several other stuffed animals from relatives and friends and soon she forgets about "Blue Kangaroo."  When she sees her baby brother playing with Blue, she quickly decides that all of the other animals can be given to her baby brother, but "Blue Kangaroo" is hers and only hers. 

Snack Time:  Payton brought cheese and crackers and juice for snack on Monday.  Thank you Payton! On Tuesday, Josie brought bagels and cream cheese and juice.  Thank you Josie!

Center Time:  All of the centers were open and there was painting available at the art center.

Remember:  January 14/15, Wednesday and Thursday is Pajama Day!

                     January 21/22, Wednesday and Thursday is Bring A Grownup to School Day!

January 8, 2014 Thursday

Happy New Year!

Here is what we did today:

Choice Time:  The children were given 3 choices:  mini magna doodles, big tubs of (real) snow with spoons and containers, and a game called "Garbage."

Circle Time:  The story "I Went Walking" was read two times to the children.  The first time through was read by the teacher alone.  The second time through, the children were invited to read along with the teacher.  Many of the children could read it by themselves when it was brought over to the reading center later on in the day. 

Snack Time:  Griffin brought graham crackers and milk for snack today.  Thank you Griffin!

Center Time:  All of the centers were open and there was painting at the easels. 

Remember the following events ;

Registration for next year begins on Saturday, January 10th. Notes went home in the backpacks on this. 

Pajama Day is scheduled for Thursday, January 15.

Bring-A-Grown-up to School is scheduled for Thursday, January 22.

Stay Warm!

School is cancelled for Wednesday, January 7, 2014!

School is cancelled on Tuesday, January 6th!

January 5/6, 2015 Monday/Tuesday

Happy New Year!

Here is what we did today:

Choice Time:  The children were given three choices to choose to play with: the mini magnadoodles, a discovery box full of (real) snow, or a group game of "Garbage."

Circle Time:  The story, "I Went Walking" was read to the students two times.  The first time, I read it to the children while they listened and looked at the illustrations. The second time through, they read the story along with me.

Snack Time:  On Monday, Oliver brought cheese crackers and juice for snack.  Thank you Oliver!

Center Time:  All of the centers were open for the children to play.  Painting was available at the easels.

On Monday, Kristin Winkler was our classroom parent helper.  Thank you Kristin!

It was good to be back at school!