First of all, I wanted to thank the many families from our classroom that donated to our grade level’s Donorschoose.org grant! We were fully funded today, and I am so humbled by everyone’s generous donations! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! The materials have been ordered, so we hope to have the listening centers by the end of the month! Way to go Preschool Community!!!
Our first two weeks of school has been all about learning routines, following directions, getting to know each other, and learning how to take care of our classroom environment. One of the biggest goals that we have for all of our children in preschool is to gain the social-emotional skills that help them establish and sustain positive relationships, participate cooperatively and constructively in group settings, along with being able to regulate their own emotions and behaviors. These are goals that we really emphasis and work on for our students throughout the year, but especially during the beginning of the year. If your child has not yet started having play dates with other children his/her age, this is the perfect time to do so. With the winter months approaching, we will be inside a lot of the time. Begin to have your child meet a friend with a parent or babysitter at your local park or playground. Bring a snack for the kids, and watch how your child plays with the other children around him/her. Once the winter months are here, ask for these same friends to join your child over at your house for a few hours of playtime! The rewards of doing this now are very beneficial for long term effectiveness.
Last week, students graphed what the first letter of their name is on our alphabet chart. We also took a look at how old we are graphed our results. On Friday we managed to get in our first measurement of the year on our growth chart! (We keep track of how much we grow throughout the school year!)
Moving forward into our third week of preschool, we are beginning to examine and look at “All About Me” topics. Students are visiting our self-portrait studio this week to take a closer examination at details in their face. What shape is your face? What shape is your eyes, nose, lips, etc… Do you have long hair or short hair? We also are having the students to begin reflecting and taking a closer look at what makes them special. What do they like about themselves? Do they like their hair? Or maybe their ability to run fast! Begin to start conversations with your child about these topics this week and next. See what you are noticing about your child and if he/she is beginning to notice more details about themselves and the people around them.
BIG NEWS in room 121!!! Our new water table arrived and was in full use today! The children did an excellent job playing at the new learning center, and practiced taking turns. We are still waiting on the delivery of our new sand table. I have been told it will be shipped out September 23rd. (Fingers crossed it is before that date!)
Enjoy some pictures from last week and today! Hope to see you all on Thursday evening for our Open House/Curriculum Night from 6-7:30 p.m.
Preschool in the City with Mrs. Gabelman 