This week, we had so much fun learning about the traditions associated with Groundhog Day ! We explored stories, songs, and finger plays about this special day, and discussed the groundhog's fun prediction that there will be 6 more weeks of winter. The class was invited to make their own groundhog puppets to use at circle time, and we read a book about the nearing of spring and the enjoyment of winter while it remains.
We also talked about the fact that we are seeing more sunshine and light as the days get longer again, which is celebrated by some as Candlemas on February 2nd. To celebrate, we made snow candles by making holes in the snow and pouring beeswax and melted crayons into the hole to cool and harden. The class was amazed to pull up their candles in the same way we pulled carrots from our garden at the beginning of the year! We also enjoyed the beauty of candle light on Candlemas day by building lighted structures with Magna-tiles and battery operated tea- lights. The class had so much fun building beautiful creations with these simple materials.
We also welcomed a new student, Cedar, to our two day group this week, and our class did such a beautiful job welcoming him, showing him around the classroom, and seeking out opportunities to invite him and welcome him in our daily routines and play experiences. He did such a wonderful job settling in this week, and we are so happy to have him here!
This week, our older 2- day students spent some time working on Kindergarten- prep activities in the blue room during periods of the day, and they had so much fun with this! We learned a song about vowels, practiced identifying beginning sounds of words, worked on our pencil grip, and played a fun dance game called "Alphabet Freeze"!
Other highlights of this week included: painting and collaging pictures of our newly- blossomed amaryllis, experimenting with painting on ice, visiting the library to return books and pick up reservations, and exploring percussion instruments in music class!
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend, and looking forward to an exciting week ahead! We will be celebrating Hailey's birthday and having an early Valentine's Day celebration next week. We can't wait!
Comments