This month we have been learning all about Simple Machines and Tools for the Garden. "How do simple machines and tools help us everyday?" This question is our guide on our journey exploring simple machines and tools! We began our unit discussing What are simple machine/tools? How do they help us? and Why do we use them?
Some of the simple machines we learned about included, Inclined Plane, Ramp, Wedge, Wheel & Axle, Pulley, Screw and Lever. We also learned about various garden tools (Rake, Shovel, Wheelbarrow, Hoe, and Watering Can) and how they help us in the garden.
In the classroom, we have been very busy planting flowers and plants for our garden...peas, sunflowers and tomatoes.
Tools help make our lives easier and more fun!
Painting with Simple Machines - Gears
Pendulum Painting
Making an Inclined Plane using a wooden ramp and brick block.
We had fun making Levers using different shaped blocks!
"Look what we made!"
More fun in the block area - Ramps and Inclined Planes
Manipulatives - Geo Boards with Elastics
Easel Painting - Painting Simple Machines and Tools
Planting our Sunflowers!
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Preschool Reminders
Now that the nicer
weather is upon us, PLEASE remember to send your child
into school with secure footwear (i.e. sneakers, buckled/tied shoes). Sandals without straps, clogs, and flip-flops
are not secure footwear! Many of our
classroom activities (motor room, outside, etc.) include jumping, running; climbing,
etc. which can pose a safety risk if the appropriate footwear is not worn.
If needed, PLEASE
apply SUNSCREEN before your child comes to school!!
End of Year! The last day of school for the Monday, Wednesday, Friday students will be Wednesday, June 15th. The last day of school for the Tuesday/Thursday students will be Thursday, June 16th. The Fun Fair will be held on Friday, June 17th from 9-11 a.m. Don't forget to bring your cameras!! All are Welcome!!
Kindergarten Playground Dates:
If your child will be going to kindergarten in the fall, please join us at the ECDC playground for an informal opportunity to meet with the principal of your child's elementary school and to connect with other ECDC families who are also transitioning to the same elementary school!
Principals will be available from 3:30-4:00 (parents are welcome to stay later)
Throughout the month of April we have been learning all about The Rainforest. During circle time we talked about all the different animals that live in the rainforest (e.g., snakes, parrots, alligators, jaguars, sloths, monkeys, etc.) and special characteristics of each animal (e.g., scales, feathers, slimy skin, sticky feet, etc.). We also talked
about how each of these animals have different habitats (some live in trees, on
or in the ground and in the swamp/river).
Our two stories this month were The Umbrella by Jan Brett and Over in the Jungle A Rainforest Rhyme by Marianne Berkes.
We also learned a few new Rainforest songs, "Do You Know the Jungle Animals?", "The Rainforest" and "Green Anaconda" (See attached videos).
There are different components/layers that make up a rainforest as well as all
the various animals that live in each of the layers.
Layers of the Rainforest
Forest Floor Layer
(covered with leaf litter, where fungi and insects thrive)
Understory Layer
(darker environment made up of smaller trees over the ground)
Canopy Layer (filled
with an incredible number of animals because of its thick leafy environment)
Emergent Layer (where
tops of trees rise above the canopy as high as 200 feet)
Take a peek into our classroom this month!
~Working on our Rainforest Mural~
Stamping - Insects of the Rainforest
Snakes - Green Anacondas
Sorting animals into the 4 layers of the Rainforest
Painting with parrot feathers
Manipulatives - Monkey Gears
Pattern Blocks - Rainforest Animals
Unifix Cubes - Counting and Making Patterns
Having fun with our BEST BUDDIES!!
Writing - Rainforest Animal Drawings
Art - Painting Blue Morpho Butterflies
THANK YOU
to all our families and friends who attended our "Rainforest"
