Welcome back to school! I pray that you all had a restful long weekend!  

During morning free choice, the friends have really enjoyed using my magic pointers to review the alphabet and calendar. :)  This is great opportunity to increase letter and number recognition. 

As we answer the question of the day, we are focusing on one to one correspondence.  (Pointing to one word at a time.)  One to one correspondence is an interdisciplinary skills that helps children be successful in math and literacy!  

Learning how to work together is an important skill we practice during free choice time.

Abby used the magic paw to track written print as she read.  This is an important concept of print!  

Avery and Eli problem solved how to keep their marble tower from falling down!  Problem solving is a skill that will benefit the children throughout their lives! 

During morning meeting we played one of our favorite games- Tricky Mouse!  This time, the mouse was hiding under 3-Dimensional shapes.  This game is an engaging way to practice 3-D shape recognition. 

Karissa led us in the alphabet.  

After snack, the friends were able to use their picture stick as a fun way to practice tracking print while reading.  Tracking print, even if the children do not know how to read, is an important skill.

Outside time

During small group time, I continued to work on formal assessments with the friends.  In Pre-K, we use a blend of formal and informal assessments as both are very important.  

One of the groups explored shapes and spatial relationships with the pattern blocks. 

The friends used their pointer as they read books.  (I pulled children to work with me one on one during this group.)

With Mrs. Zwettler, the friends played the tricky mouse games again! 

During Jesus time, we learned the story of Jesus blessing the children.  We learned that we are important to Jesus!  We are so important that He died on the cross and rose again to save us! 

During second free choice the friends were drawing crosses and hearts.  An organic discussion of Jesus and His love stemmed from the drawings.  It is so great to see the faith of a child! 

Avery worked to label his pictures.  You can do this at home with your child too.  When he/she draws a picture, encourage him/her to label it.  They can simply write the beginning sound of the word.  This increases phonological awareness! 

Karissa worked to sound out mulch!

Playing school :) 

During small group time the friends explored spatial relationships and shapes with the pattern blocks. 

They also played tricky mouse with Mrs. Lipsey. 

As I worked with children one on one, the friends read books on the carpet.