Welcome back to school!

You will notice that we still have all of our Christmas decorations up.  We celebrate Christmas until Epiphany on January 6th.  :) 

In the new year we added a new routine to our morning check-in. After writing their names, the friends will come and answer the morning question.  This will expose the friends to more written print as well as predictable sentences.  

Next week our signing in will change slightly.  There will be a jar filled with items.  The friends will write their name and how many items they estimate to be in the jar. This will help us practice writing numbers as well as engage in estimation and counting practice.  

We were all excited to be back together!  :) 

In chapel, Pastor Matt shared with us that no matter what, Jesus is always with us and loves us!  He illustrated this by folding a piece of paper and tearing it multiple times.  The tears represented our sin and guilt.  When he opened the paper, it was a cross!  Jesus loves us no matter what!  He died on the cross to save us from our sins! 

During gym time we worked on our balance. 

We also practiced crossing our midline!

We then enjoyed free choice with hula hoops and pre-k appropriate stilts.  :) 

During small group time we worked together int he blocks. 

We practiced beginning sounds with Mrs. Zwettler. 

With me, the friends brainstormed a few things that they would like to learn about.  We paused our veterinary project to learn about Christmas, and the friends were not interested in starting it up again.  Because child interest is key to meaningful learning, we decided to choose another topic that we can study.  

After we brainstormed, we chose two of the things to decide from: winter and construction.  We watched a short video about each, and then voted for what each friend wants to learn about.  The friends also added why they would like to learn about the subject. 

Looks like we will be learning about construction next!  Please look for an email next week with more information.  :) 

It is important that the friends have the opportunity to have a voice in the classroom decisions.  This not only builds a community, but it also helps the friends take ownership of the classroom and their learning.  

Indoor recess and second free choice.

During small group time we practiced listening and isolating beginning sounds with Mrs. Lipsey. 

We also played in the blocks! 

With me the friends played a Wiggle Worm game.  In this game, each friend takes a turn closing his/her eyes and picking a card out of a bag.  The card could have a letter, number, shape, or a worm.  The friend then identifies what is on the card; if it is a worm all of the friends get to stand up and wiggle until I say stop.  :) This is a fun way to review some of the things we have learned over the year.