Hello Yellow Duck Families,
The Yellow Duck class discussed hibernation this past week. We have identified what it is, who does it, and why. All of the animals brought from home have now gone into their cave/den and will stay there until March 20th, the first day of spring. What a great exercise in being patient! This exercise was not only to discover the many wonders of hibernation but also to allow our ducks the experience of parting with a toy for a long duration of time. Two and a half months is a long time for to be without their animal. We know they can do it though because they can do hard things!
Animals sleeping, shhh!
This week we wrote our names on paper snowballs and made snowmen ⛄️. Everyone counted how many letters they had in their name. Brooklynn had the most with nine letters! Math and handwriting practice, all in one activity.
For the next few weeks, I’ll give you a glimpse of one center in our classroom. This week, it’s our math area. Each week we change up the materials in this area. Sometimes we offer a game to work on counting and taking turns. Next week we will count and place the appropriate number of buttons on numbered snowmen. Earlier in the year, we we tried out AB, ABC, and ABCD patterns and the children are quite good at them. Last week we had a snowflake counting activity where beautiful ice gems were used. Beyond our math center, each day we are using our wish-well board to count how many ducks are present and how many are absent. Then we throw in some addition or subtraction and we are practicing equations! Our calendar gives the opportunity to count every day. The study of geometric 3d shapes and shapes have boosted our geometry skills. We try to cover all the ways that math will be required in Kindergarten and do it in a way that is fun so as not to let them know it’s work! Here are links to some great math activities and free printables if you’d like to work on these at home too.
https://www.preschoolplayandlearn.com/counting-snowman-activity-for-preschoolers/
https://www.preschoolplayandlearn.com/snowman-printable-shape-puzzles/
https://teachbesideme.com/eye-dropper-dot-counting/
https://frugalfun4boys.com/two-preschool-math-activities-with-duplo-legos/
REMINDERS:
School closed Monday, January 20.
Pancakes and Pajamas - We have planned our annual school-wide Pancakes and PJ’s on Wednesday, February 29th. Watch for more details, but for now, please mark your calendars.
Looking ahead - Our annual Valentine Dance will be on Friday, Feb. 7 from 6:00-7:30 pm. Put on your dancing clothes and shoes! The fellowship hall will be transformed into a party! This event is for your whole family. It’s always a favorite!
Remember that this coming Monday is a holiday and we will have no school. Take that extra day and do something unexpected with your duck. Play a game of Candy Land (you can pick one up at the Dollar Tree). Freeze plastic animals in ice and let your child free them with small tools. Dip your hands in snow (shaving cream). Whatever you do, make it fun!
Stay warm!❄️
Peace,
Ms. Shelly & Ms. Carina