FINALLY....SCIENCE LAB!

We were finally able to fit our first science lab, WEIGHTS AND MEASURES, into our busy calendar. The children learned about the importance of finding out how large or small something is. They were introduced to the vocabulary of weights and measures - pounds, inches, feet, etc. They were also shown some of the tools we use to find out how big an item is or how much it weighs - ruler, yard stick, tape measure, scale, etc. Then each child was weighed and measured so they could see their own measurements.

  

 Then the children were let loose in the classroom with a ruler so they could measure some items we use everyday. 

Finally, we used a recipe to make something together. We were sure to use the correct measurements of ingredients to make something really special.

SNOW!!!!!

HEARTS AND HIGHWAYS

 Here we are again working away and strengthening those small motor muscles. Our stained glass heart project had us picking up small pieces of tissue paper, one at a time, and placing them on a heart. What a work-out for our fingers!

We also worked with our large puzzle blocks and made a few highways for our cars to drive on. What a construction project!

W - SITTING AT SCHOOL

Through my years here at WIPP, I have always had W-sitters in my class. These are children who find it more comfortable to sit with their legs in the shape of a W while at circle time or while at play. I learned long ago that this type of sitting really is not the ideal way for a child to sit, regardless of how "comfortable" it is. In fact, sitting this way may cause future problems. Be sure, whenever one of "my children" is sitting in this manner, I remind them to sit criss-cross applesauce or to sit in some other acceptable way. I have provided a couple of links to further explain W-sitting and ways to help your child break this habit.

http://www.pediatricservices.com/parents/pc-22.htm

http://theinspiredtreehouse.com/child-melting-look-w-sitting/

I hope this information helps those of you who find your child w-sitting. 

WHAT WE ARE UP TO

This week we seem to be all over the place. We are doing a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Keeping things fresh and new makes learning FUN! 

 Some of my boys seem pretty proud of themselves and their star wall (though it looks like not everyone is impressed!) LOL

I can honestly say that I am so very proud of how well everyone is cutting these days! Some of us can even cut a picture out on the lines! Everyone is doing a great job holding their scissors and remembering to keep that thumb man on top.

 I am always looking for new ways to work those tiny finger muscles and increase focus. This activity does both! You really have to pay attention to get that toothpick into those tiny holes. This is a fantastic pre-writing skill.

 Finally, we pulled out some more space toys. The children absolutely LOVED our space unit last month and continue to ask about it. It's wonderful to spark such curiosity in young minds. These toys were handed down to our class by another teacher, and the children did a great job sharing and taking turns while they played, "flying to the moon."

PANCAKES AND PAJAMA DAY

Who doesn't like pancakes on a nasty, rainy day? We had our fill of baby pancakes that we could dip into some real maple syrup - straight from Canada. What a great way to finish up our unit on our neighbors to the north.

 

 After having our fill of pancakes, we settled down on our blankets and sleeping to watch the movie FROZEN! 

 Such a cozy day at school, what could be better?!

SAND TABLE FUN

On yet another day when we were stuck inside due to inclement weather, we spent time working at our classroom sand table. Though this may look like all fun and games, we are really practicing some very important social skills. We have to be patient and wait for our turn at the table, because too many children at one time makes it too crowded to be fun. The rules of the sand table must also be followed at all times to make sure everyone stays safe. We must control our excitement , and our hands, because sand in the eyes hurts, and sand on the floor causes slips and falls. Finally, sharing the toys is a skill we continue to work on daily. We have all done a fantastic job at learning and following the sand table rules while we are at play. 

What a wonderful way to learn!

WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE SAND TABLE!

RAINY DAYS AND MONDAYS DON'T GET US DOWN

So the weather has been nothing less than BAD this week! Cold and rainy = YUCK!

Bad weather means no playground time, and, if you are a three year old. playground time is extremely important. 

But, because we are smart and imaginative, we were able to find lots of things to do to keep our minds and bodies busy.

We worked on our fine motor skills by figuring out how to open and close various types of locks and latches.

Some of us worked really hard on constructing towns for the trains to travel through.

Others worked on their hand/eye coordination skills by moving balls through a maze using magnetic wands.

And, of course, we played with different types of colorful building blocks and built all types of original creations. The weather outside might be gray, but the weather inside is filled with all the colors of the rainbow. And smiles.