Monday

Cardinals Coming Together...

We began our morning with music class with Jason.  The children reviewed the hello song Jason had introduced to us and explored finding the difference between our whisper, speaking, shouting, and singing voices. We then took out shaker eggs and learned a new song to sing along with the percussive shaking of our new instruments while listening to the different ways we can interact with instruments by playing fast or slow and soft or loud. We took this new idea and applied it to a piece of orchestral music we had heard at our last music class and continued expanding our knowledge of dynamics and tempo by matching our shaker egg shaking to those musical elements we could hear in the piece of music.

Sensory Exploration  -  Corn starch and water

During Choice Time, corn starch and water were set out on trays at the sensory table. This science exploration led to the children manipulating the mixture with their hands, discovering the different changes in textures as more or less of each ingredient was added. This was an initial experience with the phases of matter and the children were able to determine the differences between a liquid and solid. The Cardinals engaged with the liquid-like concoction as they used their fingers to squeeze it together and stir it around. They engaged in imaginative play as they baked cakes and compared it to the milk they drink. They commented on the feel of it as they worked with their fingers and hands. This hands-on experience allowed the children opportunities to engage in discussion with their peers and teachers over the interesting things they observed!


Outdoor Classroom Reopens!

The children were so thrilled to play in our outdoor classroom today! The construction of the play structure is complete and the joy and pleasure in exploring the new spaces was clearly seen on all of the children's faces.  The dirt digging area has expanded and several 'kitchen' type props were added to the area.  The shovels, rakes, pails, baking tins and trays were wonderful invitations which facilitated exploration and discovery.  As Carlos first entered the area he said, " Look, we have a kitchen in the backyard!"  We are all very excited about the re-opening of our outdoor classroom and we feel so fortunate to have such a unique outdoor area for children to discover and explore.

Our Morning Continues...

After exploring our outdoor space further, we gathered inside to meet together on the rug. We revisited our job chart and each Cardinal enjoyed the opportunity to feel responsible to take on a special role in the classroom for the week. We learned the important duties that come with each task. The Cardinals' growing sense of pride began to appear on their faces, as their teachers were trusting them to take on these positions. Take the opportunity tonight to share with your child in conversation about what special assignment they have!

A Growing Interest in Construction

The Cardinal class has shown an interest in constructing things as they have built a connection with the builders of the Outdoor play structure and Wyatt's Dad, Michael through his tools and pictures. This has spread into our classroom as the children have migrated towards the block area working cooperatively to create sturdy structures that with many levels and different shaped blocks. Today, the Cardinals had the experience of sanding, and then building with, the bigger pieces of wood provided to us by Marty and his team. 

 

Today was filled with hands-on experiences that challenged the Cardinals to use emerging math and science concepts as they built and manipulated different materials. We are also continuing to build relationships and become more aware of feelings and emotions as we identify acts of kindness, continue creating kindness sticks, and take on different roles in our classroom community (facilitated by our job chart!).