A Week of Excitement and Adventure in Early Pre-K!

Zelalem and Marta
May 30
4 min read

Dear Parents,

Our young learners had another wonderful week filled with discovery, creativity, and growth! They participated in engaging, hands-on activities across math, science, art, and literacy, turning each day into a learning adventure. These interactive experiences helped enhance important cognitive skills, number recognition, and vocabulary—all while having fun!

Large Group

Our Early Pre-K students had an energetic week of learning during large group time! We focused on the letter “n,” spotting it in classroom words, practicing its sound, and learning new “n” words in playful ways. During our morning message, the children enthusiastically practiced writing lowercase “n” on the board, supporting their fine motor skills and letter recognition. In terms of math, we explored the number 16 by counting on our fingers and engaging in hands-on measurement activities.

Math

In a bustling classroom filled with eager young minds, we introduced a math session on measurements that left a lasting impression on the students! The topic of the day was distinguishing between heavy and light objects, and the children were given a unique opportunity to explore this concept through a hands-on activity.

The children embarked on a journey around the classroom, scouring the room for objects that caught their attention. From textbooks to crayon, chairs to pillows, the students selected items that piqued their curiosity and gathered them in a designated area.

With a sense of anticipation in the air, the children eagerly awaited their turn to test whether their chosen objects were heavy or light. Using a simple pair of scales, each child carefully carried their object. Excited exclamations filled the room as they made their discoveries, with some objects proving to be surprisingly heavier or lighter than expected.

As the session progressed, the children's understanding of measurements grew, and they began to grasp the concept of mass in a tangible way. Through this hands-on experience, they learned not only how to differentiate between heavy and light objects but also developed crucial skills in observation and critical thinking.

Science

In our latest science session, our students had the opportunity to explore the concept of floatation and sinking through a hands-on experiment. The class had a blast while learning valuable lessons about the properties of materials.

The session began with a lively discussion on the factors that determine whether an object will float or sink in water. Students actively participated, sharing their thoughts and predictions based on their understanding of floating. This interactive dialogue set the class for the engaging experiment that followed. Each student was provided with a selection of materials, including items such as plastic fruits, teddy bears, wooden blocks, and rocks. Armed with these items, students were tasked with predicting whether each material would float or sink in a container of water.

Excitement filled the session as the students conducted their experiments, carefully placing each material in the water and observing the results. Through trial and error, they gained firsthand experience in determining the floatation of different objects. As the session progressed, students shared their findings with one another. It was wonderful to see them engage with each other in thoughtful conversations, further solidifying their grasp of the concept.

Clay

During this week’s clay workshop, the children dove into their imaginations, discovering the endless possibilities of clay as they brought their unique ideas to life. From detailed sculptures to playful creations, each child showcased their own creative flair.

We were thrilled by the inventive pieces they made—some carefully crafted miniature clay cars, adding fine details with focus, while others built elaborate tracks with impressive attention to detail. Every student poured their heart into their work, and we couldn’t be prouder of the amazing art they produced. Beyond just shaping clay, this session sparked creativity and fostered a love for artistic expression in our young artists.

Ethiopian Center

At the Ethiopian center this week, our children were treated to a unique and educational experience - learning all about the process of making coffee and the traditional ceremony that accompanies it. It was a fascinating and enriching experience for all involved.

The session began with an introduction to the history and cultural significance of coffee in Ethiopia. The children had the opportunity to participate in a hands-on demonstration of the coffee-making process. They observed as the beans were roasted over an open flame, filling the room with a rich, aromatic scent that had everyone's mouths watering. After the coffee was brewed, it was time for the children to experience the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. They gathered around a small table adorned with colorful traditional fabrics and decorated with burning incense. The children watched in awe as the freshly brewed coffee was poured into small, ornate cups and served with a side of popcorn and snacks.Overall, the Ethiopian center session was a huge success. The children not only learned about the process of making coffee but also gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of a different culture. It was a unique and immersive experience that not only educated but also enriched the minds and hearts of our young learners.