A Week of Exploration and Discovery in Early Pre-K!

Zelalem and Marta
10 hours ago
4 min read

Dear Parents,

Our young learners had an exciting week full of exploration, creativity, and growth! They engaged in hands-on math, science and art activities, as well as fun literacy experiences, making each day one of discovery. These interactive lessons supported the development of key cognitive abilities, number recognition, and vocabulary—all while having a great time!

Large Group

Our Early Pre-K students enjoyed a dynamic week of learning in our large group sessions! We focused on the letter "m," searching for it in classroom words, practicing its sound, and expanding our vocabulary with playful “m” words. During our morning message time, the children eagerly counted from 10 to 20, boosting their number recognition. As for math, we introduced the number 15 by counting fingers and exploring measurement through fun, hands-on activities. Each day was filled with collaboration, curiosity, and meaningful learning.

Math

As part of our math session this week, our young learners embarked on an exciting adventure in the world of measurement. Armed with balls and water bottles, the children dove into the concept of big and small, exploring size and dimensions in a hands-on and interactive way.

The objective of the activity was simple but impactful: to help the children understand the concept of big and small through real-world objects. By using balls and water bottles of different sizes, the children were asked to sort them out based on their relative sizes, providing a visual and tactile way for them to grasp this fundamental mathematical concept. Through this activity, the children not only honed their understanding of measurement but also developed crucial skills such as critical thinking, observation, and communication. By engaging with concrete objects and collaborating with their classmates, they were able to apply mathematical concepts in a meaningful and practical way, setting a strong foundation for their future learning.

Cooperative Game

This week’s cooperative game was a class favorite- Duck Duck Goose. The game was not only a source of joy and laughter for the children, but also a great opportunity for them to learn important social skills and values through cooperative play. In Duck Duck Goose, children sit in a circle and one child walks around tapping others on the head, saying “duck” until they choose one to chase them as they say, “goose.”

During the game, we observed how the children practiced taking turns, respecting each other’s boundaries, and being inclusive of everyone in the group. They cheered for each other, celebrated each other’s successes, and showed empathy when someone was tagged as the “goose”. Through this playful activity, they learned the value of teamwork and friendship. Not only did Duck Duck Goose promote social skills, but it also helped the children develop their physical coordination and cognitive abilities. They had to pay attention, make quick decisions, and move swiftly as they played the game. It was a great way for them to burn off energy while also stimulating their minds.

Science

This week in science, the class focused on exploring the senses. In this session, we delved into the fascinating world of hearing and touching, engaging the children in hands-on activities that sparked their curiosity and encouraged them to make scientific observations. The session began with a lively discussion about the senses of hearing and touching, exploring how these senses help us to perceive the world around us.

After our discussion, the children were presented with a variety of materials to touch and hear, including rocks, teddy bears, crayons, and seeds. They were encouraged to use their senses of touch and hearing to explore each material and make observations about their properties. As the children touched the rough surface of the rocks, they described how they felt cold and hard. The crayons provided a colorful sensory experience, with the children noticing the waxy texture and vibrant colors as they drew on paper. Lastly, the seeds sparked curiosity as the children felt the small, smooth shapes. Through this hands-on exploration, the children not only engaged their senses but also practiced making scientific observations and comparisons.

Art

This week in our art classroom, we combined creativity with discovery in a special project that beautifully connected to our ongoing science theme—the senses as explored through materials. Our little explorers had the opportunity to revisit and engage with materials they had been learning about in science, such as seeds, cotton, rocks, and feathers, through a hands-on, creative experience. Each child was given an A4 sheet of paper and a variety of these natural materials. Using glue, they carefully stuck each item onto their paper, thoughtfully selecting where and how to place them. This activity was more than just an art project—it was a wonderful way to reinforce their understanding of textures, shapes, and natural elements through sensory exploration.

As they worked, the children discussed how each material felt—soft, rough, smooth, or bumpy—recalling what they had learned during science time. It was a joy to see them make meaningful connections between different areas of learning. This creative session not only supported their fine motor skills and artistic expression but also encouraged observation, vocabulary development, and critical thinking. Most importantly, it was a joyful experience that allowed them to express what they’ve learned in their own unique ways.