First Week of School
8/1-7/2016
Welcome! we are so excited to start off this school year with you!
This week we have been concentrating on Inserimento, or getting to know our students and their families. We have been focusing on small group work to set the stage for small bonding moments with students, friends and teachers. We have been printing the family pictures into little books for our students to look at when they wish, as we continue our work of the “Love Wall” and the Family Tree. We will also set up a photo share group that can be accessed on any apple device by the end of next week. We have all been impressed with the confidence and trust our little students have entrusted to us and their new classroom. Returning students have moved quite comfortably into their “blue line” routine. The funniest hick-up in the routine was when our students returned from lunch asking “Where is my cot?” We said, “It’s on blue line! Your on blue line now!” Now that they are the big guys in the class, they have been doing their best to help the little ones and learn their new friends’ names. Our brand new students have been happy to play and explore. They are becoming more and more comfortable in their new schedule, and we have loved giving lots of extra hugs and cuddles whenever they have needed a little reassurance.
Here is a blog with some helpful tips and advice to help ease the transition to school.
http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/starting-preschool/separation-anxiety/overcoming-separation-anxiety/
There are many strategies and every child is different, so it takes some experimentation to see what morning routine works best for your child.
On the first day of school our students on blue line took a tour with Ms Sueji and Mr Rob of our new classroom environment.
There were new things to see on the playground as well! New sensory bins filled with pebbles and soil sparked a new thread that we will follow in a few weeks… Cooking!
“We pretend to eat it. The rocks have sugar on them.” -Ian
We have also been using our clay, sand, and sensory equipment to help with our cooking experiences.
We noticed our Twos clicking rocks together and tapping toys on the table. They were using tools to make sounds on bowls and dishes as well. We wondered if it was it the movement they like or the sounds they developed.
Our twos were very interested in movement and music activities. They quickly began to request songs, and loved jumping and dancing to the music.
A thunderstorm rolled in one afternoon. “What’s that?” we heard them ask. “What’s that sound?”
“ROAR!” said Evan after a clap of thunder.
“Was that Thunder?” asked Mr. Lewis.
“Yes” said Evan
Next week we will be looking into objects that make sound. If you have any recycled bottles, or other containers that may make any interesting sounds please bring them in to share with the class. We will be very busy making instruments next week.
Thanks for all that you do.
The twos team
And now a beautiful picture of our Lucas visiting his sister on her first day in the Infant room.
Besos!!!
