Friday, August 10, 2012

Pre-Preschool's Friday Daily Journal


Hello Parents!

(Daily Memories in the body of the email)
Today was a very special Friday!  As we had a new friend visit us for the day!  Our new friend Kyler (who is in Ms. Melissa and Ms. Rebecca’s class) spent the day getting familiar with toys, routines, etc.  We had a blast getting to know our new friend!  Our kiddos were more than happy to show Kyler the in’s and out’s of our class :)

This morning, playdough was used to create fish, starfish (which we used cookie cutters for) and any other animals they thought lived in the ocean!  Eli created two separate goldfish cut out today, telling teachers that one was a goldfish, and the other was just a fish :)  Jane pointed out that one if Eli’s fish looked just like her fish at home!  Along with morning playdough, there were large lego-blocks on the carpet for construction learning (demolition specifically:), specific dishes and food in dramatic play, musical instruments and reading. 

Around 9:00AM, when most of our kiddos arrived, we put our toys away to make room for music!  We listened to our class favorite “Allee Galoo Gallee” a dozen times, then, via Gabe’s request, we listened to more songs in the Triangle collection.  While still dancing to our music, using our instruments, some friends wanted to read stories.  Ms. Grace brought her favorite potty book to Ms. Kelsey, asking her to read it :)  This marks the 100th time this week that we have read it!  We are sure you are all familiar with repetition at home :)  Erin joined in the action, by bringing the book “Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus!” for Ms Kelsey to read next :). 

After one more song, we slowly sat down to hear our teacher book story from Ms. Kelsey.  We discussed more about ocean animals and what they like to eat and drink, as well as if they like to play!  We discussed that dolphins and seal are very popular animals for playing!  We talked about how seals and dolphins swim by each other, racing and exploring the ocean together.  We had some in disbelief :)

Next, we walked over to the table, sitting and waiting patiently for our curriculum to start.  Ms. Tim and Ms. Kelsey sat down with the kiddos, discussing how Mr. Tim found these seashells in the ocean!  They were memorized at Mr. Tim’s story, but were more interested in getting their hand on those seashells!  So, to start things off, Ms. Hailey asked if she could choose a seashell to hold.  So, after handing a seashell to Hailey, we handed one to Kyler (who chose the largest sea shell in the bunch:), then asked them to pass the seashell down to the next friend, so they would have room to hold another seashell.  Eventually, everyone got a turn to hold almost every shell.  Before ending our curriculum, Ms. Kelsey explained how some shells are homes for animals that live in the ocean (then showed a shell of a hermit crab as an example).  Finally, it was time to let the “dogs out” :)  (You will understand this pun in a minute :)

We sat down to put on our shoes, which we are getting better at everyday!  After putting on our shoes, it was time to get some fresh air!  We marched out into the side yard, then marched some more to the playground gate.  While outside, we drank lots of water, then had another special activity for the kiddos.  We brought 9 zip-lock bags outside, with each kiddos name on them.  All 9 of our 2-year olds chose one shell to bring home today (they will be in your mailboxes:).  Choosing between such fun and interesting shells was difficult, but accomplished!

We finished just in time before Mr. Craig’s dog came out with Mr. Craig for a special surprise (funny pun, yes?).  Our class, and the OTC chased the dog the entire time she was visiting!  It was a very fun and special time for our class :).  They were not happy that she had to leave with Mr. Craig after awhile though, but felt better once they were able to give it waves and loves goodbye :)  We finished up our seashell bagging, before we engaged in some serious parallel play!  Our class is a VERY close group.  So close, it often seems that were one child is, every child is! :)  Evie led the group today in a chasing game, which included going up the stairs, down the slide, then across the playground again.  Kyler chose to watch and observe, before attempting to join in the game! 

It was a very good Friday to end the week on!  We hope you all have a great weekend!  Be sure to ask your kiddos about the ocean!  They are pretty excited about it :)

Tim and Kelsey

No comments: