This morning, after our morning routines, we looked to see how many items were in the jar.  We are practicing subitizing.  Subitizing is when you are able to see how many items without counting each individual item.  

Math researchers have identified the ability to subitize as an important part of developing basic number sense skills. They’ve discovered that when young children can see numbers in patterns, they also have stronger number sense skills overall.

We then counted the items and wrote how many we had!  

We showed 5 with our fingers.  I challenged the friends to use two hands.  This is something you can do at home too! This helps the friends understand that numbers can be composed of different numbers and decomposed to make other numbers. 

"Show me five fingers, but use two hands."

We then read this beautiful book to review the story of Jesus' birth.  

The friends thought that Jesus is an important word for us to write!  We wrote it together and then wrote it on a word strip to add to our writing area. 

Outside time 

We went to check and see if we could see the fish we put in the pond on Friday. 

This was the perfect time for a class picture! (or 20  :) ) 

We noticed the goose prints in the ground!  They were frozen too! 

We took a closer look at the small creek that leads to the pond to observe the ice.  We discussed how to stay safe near the ice too! 

We then went to the hill! 

After snack we went right to work.  The friends acted out the story of Jesus' birth! 

They also worked together in Christmastown! 

Although it might seem as though the friends aren't accomplishing much as they work on Christmastown, there is so much value in their work, and the friends are practicing many valuable skills.  They are using their find motor skills as they cut the wrapping paper and tape.  They are working together to decide who will hold, who will cut, and who will tape.  They are practicing keeping their friends safe as they hold their scissors safely when not in use.  

The friends have been working together to see how many things they can put on the scale. 

"Make it heavy!" 

"It's heavy!  Look at the red line!" 

We also drew pictures of Jesus' birth! 

We explored spatial relationships too! 

The friends enjoyed singing some Christmas songs while playing their instruments.  

After lunch we went to the outdoor classroom for a few minutes!