The preschoolers had shown an interest in FROGS, so I started to do a few more "themed" activities, having to do with frogs. They were fascinated when I showed them the life cycle toys in circle and could hardly believe me that frogs started out swimming, like FISH!
We read lots of books on the topic as well, and "Fish is Fish" was their favorite. I focused on dexterity, fine motor muscles, muscle control, and following directions for the following activities. These were all done at table time, and in small groups. Cutting and pasting the frog life cycle was a fun activity. They are working on holding scissors the correct way; fingers in the big hole and thumb on top in the small hole. It sure is challenging work, but they are hard little workers!
Even during play time, the kids are asking to use scissors to practice cutting. Good job!
Here they are helping get the frog to the lily pad following a line. Each line was bumpy or zig-zagged. They did a pretty nice job and it shows where they need a little more work to get those lines looking nicer. They are all at a good starting point.
Matching pictures of different frogs.
We found MORE frogs in the yard! They are so careful with them and take turns really nicely. We talk a lot about how the frogs are probably a bit nervous when a BIG preschooler picks them up, so the kids need to be on their best behavior to show the frogs that they are safe.
I also brought out the water table for the first time this year. The kids were all sufficiently WET by the end of our outdoor play time, but they loved it.
During circle times, I give the kids a chance to teach each other. They love to do that. We've been working a lot on letter recognition (upper and lower case), and practicing writing their first names. If there is an opportunity for them to do this at home or while you're out somewhere, let them try it. Practice makes perfect! Each preschooler got to show the others the FIRST letter of their names. It was very exciting for them.
And then of course, the kids want to practice more on their own, during free choice time.
More letter fishing! Jared and Lullaby made up a game and played together for a long time. Naming letters, and then gobbling them up (they were fishing, you see…).
Our frog eggs, tadpoles, froglets, and frogs joined us at the table while we created with play-doh.
The fishing game was a hit this week. It takes a lot of work to control the flimsy fishing pole and catch a moving fish! The concentration was hilarious. They were very serious about this game.
The Color Clix were played with lots this week again. The kids are getting really thoughtful and creative with their play. I love watching them explore!
We have several bigger play sets that don't come into the classroom all the time, so when they do, they're a hot commodity!
The dress-up dolls are in the quiet reading room, and are such a nice calming toy for them to play with when they are looking for a little peace.
Sofia was narrating as she played about who each potato head was and why they were wearing what they were. It was pretty entertaining.
We tried out a new race track, but once everyone discovered it, it became TOO exciting. If we can't share our toys, then no one can play with them. So we're taking a break from it for another week or two. While just Jackson and Jared were there, everything was fine, it was once everyone else joined in at the SAME time that it became a problem. It actually turned into a nice example to the kids of what non-sharing can do. We talked it out, and decided it would be best to wait until we can all take turns nicely.
Checking the map at the zoo while they were out walking their baby around. Warren and Abby play so nicely together.
We made some drums this week too. It's a balloon (with the small tip cut off) stretched over the top of a plastic cup, and a chopstick to tap it with. They get holes easily, and can be replaced if you just get a new balloon. I got the idea from the Children's Museum, and they used larger cups, perhaps at home you could experiment with other cups to see if they make different tones.
Christian and Jackson experimented with the drums during play time and made quite the song! They were very into it! Future drummers?
And last but not least, Lullaby celebrated her birthday at school this week and got to pick her prizes. The preschoolers all sang her the birthday song and loved getting a peek at what's in that prize box for when it's their turn!
