Oceans and Passover

CIRCLE/LANGUAGE      The  letter "O" was introduced using Handwriting Without Tears. After reading the book, Octopus Opposites (Blackstone), we practiced opposites. After reading the book, Oh, Look (Polacco), we practiced sequencing. Individually, I spent time dictating letters. They did very well especially having no visual clues. Also, I did another story prompt with each child about ocean treasures. They will be posted in the hall next week. The sharing went very well. The children love to be "on stage" while presenting their sharing.

MATH      We used wikki stix to build numbers. As always, they enjoyed the hands-on activity. During our "o" activities, we review oblong, octogon, and oval shapes.

SCIENCE      We continue to monitor the progress on our "growing" carrots, yam, and potato. The students never tire of  watching the growth. To further our learning about whales and walruses, we did an experiment with Crisco and ice. They placed one hand directly on ice and the other hand on Crisco that was on top of the ice. This demonstrated blubber and how it insulates. We ate a science experiment! We did a taste test and sampled foods that were bitter, sweet, salty, and sour. We explored the sense of taste and parts or our tongues.

SOCIAL STUDIES    When learning about ostriches, we found Africa on the map and talked about the climate and habitats.

ART      After making walruses and whale, we continued with ocean life by making oysters out of paper plates. We constructed an ocean/seashore scene complete with a treasure chest that corresponded with a portfolio page. Owl faces were made using paper plates, cupcake liners, and feathers. We are spending a lot of time on our Passover projects which include placemats, pillows, and Haggadah covers. The children are looking forward to showing you at our Seder.

SHABBAT      We finished Moses and the Ten Commandments and are spending a great deal of time on Passover. We are using a wide variety of books and songs in our learning.

BOOKS/SONGS      "Zig Zag", "It's Only Me", The Owl and the Pussycat (Lear), Ostrich (Lunis), Oliver's Must Do List (Brown), Sleepy Owl (Pfister), Miracles of Passover (Hanft), What's Opposite (Falconer), Had Gadya A Passover Song (Chwast), A Taste For Noah ( Topek), The Matzo Ball Boy (Schulman)

CELEBRATIONS   We celebrated Alexis's 5th birthday with a yummy ice cream treat! 
 
REMINDERS      Our Seder is Tues., April 12 at 8:30 a.m. in Mayerson Hall. Daddy Drop Off is Friday, May 6th. The Preschool Art Show is May 11 from 5:00- 6:30.

THANK YOU       Thank you to the moms who helped prepare our Seder pillows. I truly appreciate your time and energy!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK      When discussing the 10th commandment, we defined the word envious. One student proclaimed that envious means jealous. Then, another student chimed in by saying that's how Cinderella's step-mother felt!