Happy Monday!  I pray that you had a restful weekend!

This morning some of our friends chose to create and work in the writing center.  This is a great way to express creativity, practice writing, and deepen the understanding of the connection between spoken word and written print.  

Some other friends explored food and expanded their imagination in the dramatic play center! 

Some friends chose to play with the car ramps! What a great way to explore cause and effect! 

Still other friends explored in the sensory table.  Did you know that sensory activities, such as exploring sand in the sensory table, actually lead to cognitive development?  "Early motor stimulation leads to better attention, listening skills, reading scores, and writing skills" (Palmer, 2003).  

 Some friends also explored play dough and strengthened their fine motor skills while playing! 

This morning we discussed graphs and why they are important.  I know you might be thinking, "Graphs?!  In preschool?!"  Yes!  Graphs in preschool allow the children exposure to learning various ways to organize their thoughts.  Graphs enhance learning experiences as they are a visual representation of collected information.  Graphs provide a platform to learning quantity, counting, and comparing.

During small group time, I worked with half of the class and Ms. Lindsay took the other half of the class outside.  This allows for more specific differentiated instruction for each child. 

On the graph, we decided to see if children in our class like popcorn or apples better.  The children added their names to the graph to represent their votes, then they compared the amount on the graph.  As they wrote their names, they practiced how to form the letters, and strengthened comparing skills.  

Then, the friends made their own graph!  

Because each child is unique, as teachers we celebrate the unique strengths of each child.  Some children drew their own graph and some children completed graph that was pre-made.  

We then collected information from other classes and teachers.  We asked, "Do you like popcorn or apples better?"  The children practiced one to one correspondence as they recorded the responses on the graph.  

We then practiced making pattern with our bodies.  You read correctly!  Patterning in this kinesthetic way extends and deepens the children's understanding of patterns.  

During Jesus time we learned that because of our sin, we are dirty.  We also learned that just as we wash the dirt off of our bodies, Jesus washes away our sins.  He saves us by His death and resurrection! 

I am so thankful for all of the love the you are showing to Drew's family.  Thank you for all of the food for this evening, for your thoughts, and for your prayers.  I am reminded of a verse in Hebrews 10:24-25 "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."  You are showing God's love!  You are setting a great example for your children to do the same! 

This morning some of our friends worked together to build walls and garages for the cars.  I love to see how the children are learning skills to solve problems on their own.  Problem solving skills, especially problem solving in social situations, will benefit the children throughout their lives! 

The children are enjoying exploring food in our kitchen in the dramatic play.  As they play, they are asking each other questions that I document to guide our learning as we begin our Food Project.  Such questions and comments include:

"Are you allergic to cheese?"

"Do you like your coffee hot or warm?" 

"You have to eat some healthy food before you get your treat."

During free choice time, some of the children played "Frozen heart."  They took turns playing dead in the game.  As alarming as it sounds, this is developmental.  It is natural for your child to discuss death and play imaginary games with death for it is through play that children make sense of the world.   

 Death is so hard for children to fully understand because they don't have the cognitive capabilities to understand it yet.  They are trying their best to understand something that their brains really aren't equipped to understand.  If I notice anything that is out of the developmental norm, I will be sure to let you know right away.  I am praying for you and your family. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. 

During morning meeting, we walked up to the chapel to record a video for Drew's celebration of life service tomorrow.  We are thankful for our friend Drew, and we thank God for the gift of salvation.  We know that because of Jesus, Drew is in heaven.  We know that because of Jesus, we will go to heaven someday too.   

During small group time, we made cards for Drew's mom and dad. The children dictated what to say, and Mrs. Buchholz wrote it down.  Dictations are a great way to deepen children's understanding of the connection between spoken word and written print. 

We also made a collaborative art piece for Drew's mom and dad. 

During small group time we worked in partners on various tasks.  Cooperative learning with children benefits all children involved.  It allows the children a chance to practice leadership skills, patience, and cooperation. Cooperative learning also allows the children the opportunity to accomplish tasks they could not do independently. This dynamic increases independence and competence.

The children worked together to order various items from smallest to tallest.  They are learning to compare the size of objects by using comparative words. 

They also practiced practiced counting, one to one correspondence, and number recognition with a fun feed the fly game! 

During Jesus time we reviewed the story of Palm Sunday.  We went on a Hosanna parade around the classroom!  We praised Jesus for coming to die on the cross and rise again so we can live forever in heaven!