This past week was our Pumpkin/Harvest unit, but we had a lot of students out sick! Hopefully everyone is healthy this week. Couple of logistics...
1. Halloween parties are this week. The 2s class will have parties on Monday and Tuesday so that all children can participate. Parties are from 10-11:30 and snack/treat sign-ups are outside our classroom doors. We are trying to do a "Candy-Free" trick or treat by handing out things like stickers, pencils, notebooks, etc. Children can wear a non-scary costume to school if they wish (no weapons, blood, etc.)
2. The Pre-K class party will be TUESDAY ONLY. Many of our students come everyday so we're only holding the party Tuesday. Monday and Wednesday will be normal class days. If your child does not attend regularly on Tuesdays, they may come to the party (10-11:30) if a parent stays with them.
3. We will be CLOSED Thursday and Friday for Fall Break. Enjoy the break!
It's hard to believe that October is nearly over and the holidays are just around the corner. Here are a few things you can be working on at home with your children:
2 year old goals: colors, shapes, counting, learning letters
Ask your child about these topics during everyday activities such as when they're eating, when you're out shopping/eating. If you're coloring at home (always a good fine motor activity) ask them what color they're using. When counting, I don't necessarily correct students if they count more than what is there, but I model when I count. One-to-one correspondence (one number assigned per item) comes with practice as they grow older; it's the process that is important at this age!
Pre-K student goals: write first names with capital first letter and the rest lowercase, count up to 20, recognize letters and sounds, shapes (stop signs are octagons, they have 8 sides-another great thing to learn while you're out driving), fine motor activities
Many of our students are already writing their first names, so at this point I'm working on using a capital first letter and the rest lowercase. Some students even know how to write their last name! Most of the students are also doing great with numbers because they're used to seeing them on our calendar. An easy way to work on letters is just to casually ask them when you're out and about. If you're going to McDonald's ask them what letter it starts with. Using everyday experiences is one of the easiest and natural ways for children to construct knowledge. Also any activities that encourage fine motor grips are good for this age, it helps them get prepared for writing. Have children help set the table, color, play board games (good for math too!), play with clothespins, etc.
