During morning meeting we reviewed the story of Jesus birth.  We learned about the angels that appeared to the shepherds telling them of Jesus' birth.  We praised God together as we shouted, "Glory to God!  Our Savior has been born!" 

During small group time we used wooden models to act out the story of Jesus' birth.  Through play, children make sense of the world.  Allowing them to play with the pieces provides an opportunity for the friends to make sense of the Christmas story. 

(It was very warm in our classroom today.  If you notice summer looking clothes, it is due to the heat in the classroom.  We are thankful for the office staff who are doing everything they can to fix the problem for us!) 

The friends also colored a star for our Christmas concert on Monday.  

With Mrs. Zwettler, the friends practiced the songs and finger plays for the concert. 

With me, the friends worked on a top secret project.  :) 

Gym time! 

In gym time we practice identifying parts of our body including ankle, wrist, thigh, etc. 

We also exercise those parts of the body!  :) 

Another important aspect of gym time is the opportunity to practice self-regulation.  

These friends worked together to make a train.   If they walked/ran too quickly, someone would fall. They had to control their bodies so that no one fell. 

During free chose time the friends also used the flannel graph pieces to re-tell the story of Jesus' birth! 

Working at the wonder window

Creating gifts and artistic masterpieces 

These friends made number cookies in "Santa's workshop." 

We love to read! 

During morning meeting we played a game where one friend had a star hidden behind his/her back.  The friend in the middle guessed three friends.  This game increases self-regulation!  It is hard not to tell the friend in the middle that you are holding the star.  It is also hard to not tell the friend in the middle that you know where the star is hidden! Learning self-regulation is an important social skill that will benefit the children in all areas of life. 

During gym time we had a dance party!

We moved to the preschool classroom for second small group time because it was a lot cooler. 

We painted the stable for our Christmas concert. 

We also made stars for the concert! 

We worked on a top secret project too! 

Free choice time in the preschool classroom