Robins - May 14th - 18th

The Robins have been very busy this week...take a look!

The letter of the week was "X" for x-ray. The Robins were able to examine some real x-rays on our light table.

We spent some time this week reading and learning about the human body. We even labelled Miss Julie's different body parts! After, we all sang and danced to "Head, Shoulders, Knees, & Toes."

We mentioned last week that the Robins have been really interested in pirate themed dramatic play and with "X" as our weekly letter, we knew just how to bring these two concepts together.....A TREASURE HUNT!
First we made treasure maps using black permanent markers and watercolors.

Then we headed outside to search for buried treasure....we knew that "X" would mark the spot! Some of the Robins got so excited about finding the "X" they picked them up and forgot where to dig for their treasure...this means more hidden treasure to find next week!

To go along with our pirate theme, we used "treasure chest" keys as a math manipulative. The kids had a great time sorting and counting this odd collection of keys...

More number fun...at circle we counted & sorted buttons...

We have been so lucky to have such beautiful weather lately! We are taking every opportunity we possibly can to play outside. Sunny days also mean lots of water play!

We celebrated the sunshine and experimented with color by making sun catchers out of contact paper and tissue paper.

We had a really hard time thinking of yummy foods that start with the letter "X," so for our cooking project this week we got creative and made homemade pretzels in the shape of an "X!" It was fun, messy, and delicious!

We also made our very own sidewalk chalk this week! It was really easy and super fun. We mixed equal parts of plaster of paris and water, added powder tempera paint and poured the mixture into paper cups. By the end of the day they were dry, so we peeled off the paper cup and went outside to draw!

Thanks for reading!
Until next week,

Miss Crystal & Miss Julie

Robins - May 7th - 11th

Take a look at what the Robins' class has been up to this week...

The letter of the week was "W" for world. We learned some facts about our Earth and then set out to make some "worlds" of our own.

World collages...

Painted worlds...

We explored maps and globes...

"W" cooking project...Waffles, watermelon, and water.

Alphabet lacing cards...great for our fine motor skills & letter recognition.

This week the Robins learned "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe" and made books with the rhyme.

The weather has been beautiful and we've been taking every opportunity to play outside. One day we even had popsicles as a special treat!

We've been really into pirates! We love dressing up and using our imagination to set sail on treasure hunts and grand adventures.

At circle time, we practiced sequencing in teams. It was wonderful watching the Robins really think and work together to turn their pictures into a story for the rest of the class.

Fun with Bendaroos....these things are so cool! They're pieces of string covered in a sticky wax that allows for endless molding possibilities. The Robins really got creative...

 This week has been extra exciting, because we put a few new things in the classroom. The Robins have been really enjoying playing with this scale. Nothing is better than hearing a kid say "I wonder what will happen if...." and we've been hearing a lot of that from the kids exploring this new addition.

We also added some pipes, spouts, and sifters to our crystal sandbox. These were a huge hit! Not only do these new toys present new opportunities for discovery and learning, but because everyone is so excited to try them we're getting lots of practice sharing, taking turns, and problem solving.

Thanks for reading!
Until next week,

Miss Crystal & Miss Julie

V is for Volcano

V is for volcano.  This was a great project using fabric in the shape of a valcano and using strimers to make the fire.

                                 Great job is writting the word valcano.

The Robin's learned that there are two kinds of valcano's.  The ones that have lava  and fire coming out of them and ones that blow ash, like Wahsington's Mt. Staint Helens.

                          
Until next time, happy learning.
Miss Julie and Miss Crystal

Happy May Day!

It's May 1st 2012 and the Robin's are celebrating by dancing around a May pole.

The May  was originally done around a tree in the woods with the village children dancing and sing around the pole as the colorful ribbons twisted around the pole.

Another fun tradition is the making May Day baskets.  These basket were made and filled with candies and or flowers and dropped off at neighbors doors. 

Each Robin made their own May Day baskets and took them home to their family and friends.

thanks for a great day.

Miss Julie and Miss Crystal

Robins - April 30th - May 4th

Here are some highlights from this week in the Robins' class...

The letter of the week was "V" for volcano!

The Robins really enjoyed learning about Volcanoes...we definitely have lots of scientists in this class!

At circle time, the class worked together to make a small scale volcano using a mason jar & sand. The Robins took turns forming the sand around the jar...

When we were done, we added baking soda and vinegar with food coloring to make an eruption....AMAZING!

Later that day, the robins made individual volcanoes by forming play-dough around empty film canisters...

Play-dough is so wonderful! Not only can we use it to make volcanoes, but its also good for rolling out letters...

White boards are a great way to practice drawing & writing!

We have lots of nature lovers in the Robin's class. One kiddo went on a nature walk with her grandmother over the weekend and brought in some of her findings...a snake skin, feathers, and more. The kids gathered round to explore this show & tell...

Remember those seeds we wrapped in wet paper towels? They've grown! This week some of the Robins planted their seeds in soil. Again we discussed the different parts of the plant and what they would need to keep growing...

ABCs & 123s! One day at circle, we played an alphabet game in which the Robins had to match letters to a picture of an object that started with that letter. They did great and had lots of fun! We even repeated this activity the next day, but this time we tried counting!

More number fun based on the book, Bennie's Pennies. Each time Bennie bought something with one of his pennies, we had to put one of our pennies in the jar...

Number bingo!

Some of the best learning happens when the children are at play! During free time, some children began working with pipes and gutters to create ramps for matchbox cars. When the car didn't move the way we wanted, we had to figure out why. We tried new things and observed the outcome. When a friend suggested we combine our ramps, we practiced working together, taking turns, and solving conflict. How fantastic!

Thanks for reading!
Until next week...

Miss Crystal & Miss Julie