Applefest
9/30/2017
This week in the Beginner's Class, we did a mini-study on Apples. We tasted, explored, weighed and picked apples. We opened them up to see what was inside and to learn about the different parts. We talked about where apples come from, how/where they grow, and who takes care of them. We read about how they get from the orchard to our stores and what products are made from apples. It was an exciting and busy week. First, we opened up apples to see what they looked like. We talked about the skin, flesh, core and seeds and which parts we can and cannot eat. Also, which parts were our favorite to eat. Then we stamped them. with paint. And drew pictures of them. We wanted to compare the flavors of each color of apple, so we took a poll of what we thought our favorite apple was. Then, after tasting, we polled again and learned that some people changed their favorites, some stayed the same. The least favorite was green and the most favorite was yellow. We did some science experiments with apples. The children chose objects around the classroom to weigh in comparison to an average sized apple. Some objects were heavier, but we found that an apple is actually pretty heavy! Then, we put different apple slices in milk, baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar, water and salt to see if it would change the way the slices looked. The apple in the vinegar turned brown, the apple in salt got really slimy and the apple in Lemon juice didn't change at all! The rest turned brown in some spots. Finally, we talked about what types of things can be made out of apples and decided to make apple juice. First, the Beginners help cut them in the old fashioned, yet most fun way. Then we covered them with water and cooked them down until all the juice came out of them. Yum!
Tips From a Turtle
9/23/2017
This week the Beginners met a new member of our classroom. His name is Tucker, and he is a Turtle. Tucker the Turtle sometimes gets upset when he is at school and he used to cry, hit and yell at his friends. Then, he learned a technique called the “Tuck and Think,” where he tucks into his shell, takes some deep belly breaths, and thinks of solutions to his problems. We used tucker as an example and tried his techniques of tucking and thinking when we felt upset or frustrated. We talked about things that “Bug” us and make us angry, frustrated and sad. We thought of different words to say when we are bugged, like, “Please Stop.” Or, “I need some space,” or, “I Feel angry when…,” and “I don’t like when…,” We practiced using different body language, like hands up for “stop,” and using different facial expressions. We practiced deep breathing to help give our brains oxygen to think of smart solutions and choices. To help with belly breathing, the children used straws to blow paint across their papers. We ended the week talking about what makes us happy. There were so many different answers ranging from popcorn, T.V. shows and toys, to family members, and vacations in Hawaii. We also learned that playing with shaving cream also makes us very happy. Reminders:
Please make sure there is weather appropriate gear in your child's cubby for recess time. Boots, rain pants, rain coats and gloves are suggested. Friendship Fun
9/15/2017
This week, the Beginners focused on making friends and building relationships. Now that school has been in session for a few weeks, they children have gotten comfortable with their peers and the classroom has become a safe place where they are allowed to express strong emotions, share about their lives and be silly in front of their friends. We talked about being a team and how good friends help each other finish jobs, tasks and projects. We began the week by making a "Friendship Flag." We read several books this week about friendships, sharing, and being kind to others. One particular discussion starter was Have You Filled a Bucket Today? The book talks about how everyone carries an invisible bucked around all day that gets filled when you do or say nice things for others, or when someone does nice things for you; but it can be dipped into with unkind actions or words. We discussed different ways to be "Bucket Fillers," and continued to use this bucket filling language throughout the week. Friday came and the children came to school with fruit to share for our Friendship Salad. Before mixing ingredients, we conducted a science activity. We played sink or float with the fruit. With a bucket of water, we tested to see if different types of fruit would float or sink when put in water. This was good practice of making hypothesis, testing, drawing conclusions and using knowledge that we had gained to make more accurate guesses. After our game, we then discussed the elements that make up good friendships, like kindness, people who share, laughter, taking turns, etc.. I explained how the bowl was our classroom, and each fruit was a different element, like being helpful, saying kind words and sharing. When it came to the banana, I asked if we should put in the brown mushy banana or the bright yellow one. We agreed on the bright one, because we wouldn't want to ruin the salad. The final element was fun, because all friendships should be fun. The fun was represented by lots of little Marshmallows! Rules
9/11/2017
Last Week, The Beginners took some time to create classroom rules and guidelines. We visited the classroom centers and talked about good ways to play in each center. We talked about what rules are and why we need them and we concluded that rules are created to help us stay safe and have fun. We kept coming back to the same basic concepts; no hurting each other, share with friends, clean up and be a helper. On a poster board, we wrote them out to say: 1. Be Safe 2. Be Kind 3. Take care of the classroom 4. Always try your best. When we had discussed and agreed that these were guidelines that we all could abide by, each Beginner signed the board by placing a handprint on it. Throughout the year, the children will be held to these guidelines and they will be revisited and reflected upon as needed. The process of making rules and guidelines is one way that the children are encouraged to take ownership of their actions and have the opportunity to be a responsible member of our community. |
Annalee JohnsonEK Teacher Archives
January 2021
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