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!
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