A Week of Exploration In Early Pre-K!

Zelalem and Faya
Sep 12, 2025
3 min read

Dear Parents,

We've had a wonderful week with your incredible Early Pre-K adventurers! Their energy and curiosity were contagious as they explored new concepts through play. From math and science to our Ethiopian cultural center, every hands-on activity was a chance to grow—sparking curiosity and building foundational skills in problem-solving and number recognition. Read on to hear more about their unique adventures below

Large group

This week, our Early Pre-K students were immersed in dynamic and engaging large group sessions. Our focus included the letter "b," its corresponding sound, and new vocabulary. The morning message segment provided a wonderful opportunity for children to recount their weekend and holiday experiences, fostering a sense of community. In mathematics, we explored the number 3 and the rectangle shape, encouraging students to count sides of the materials the found in the classroom and use their fingers. These exercises successfully promoted critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative expression, making for a week characterized by joyful learning and significant development.

Math

This week in math, we found the perfect way to reinforce number recognition and counting skills—a matching number flashcards activity with a twist! The children were presented with flashcards featuring numbers from 1 to 10. Here’s where the fun began—they were given the opportunity to choose their favorite materials to use for the matching game. From markers to teddy bears, blocks to pompoms, and even popsicles to cubes, the children eagerly selected their preferred tools for the activity.

As the children eagerly delved into the task, they began counting the objects on each flashcard and matching them with the corresponding numeral. The interactive nature of the activity not only reinforced their number recognition skills but also enhanced their understanding of counting objects in a fun and hands-on way.

In this activity children were not only learning math concepts but also developing their fine motor skills, cognitive abilities, and creativity through this engaging exercise. The joy and excitement on their faces as they matched each set of objects with the numbers clearly showed that learning can indeed be enjoyable and rewarding.

Science

This week, our young learners engaged in a fascinating science session designed to awaken their senses and curiosity. The focus was on the sense of smell, giving the children an opportunity to explore and reflect on how scents help us understand the world around us.

The children were introduced to a variety of natural materials, including rue, rosemary, and fresh flowers. One by one, they took turns smelling each item, sharing their thoughts and reactions with excitement. Some described the scents as “sweet” or “strong,” while others compared them to familiar experiences, such as food, and gardens. This hands-on activity encouraged the children to slow down, pay attention, and express themselves. It also sparked wonderful discussions.

Through this session, the children not only strengthened their observation skills but also discovered that learning about the world can be joyful and connected to their everyday lives. We are proud of how thoughtfully they reflected on their experiences and look forward to more explorations that nurture their senses and curiosity!

Ethiopian Center

This week in our Ethiopian Center session, the children had a delightful cultural learning experience as they explored the process of making injera, Ethiopia’s traditional bread. To make this activity meaningful and engaging, the children first prepared pretend dough by mixing flour with water, carefully stirring and kneading it together. Through this hands-on activity, the children not only discovered the steps involved in making injera but also gained a deeper appreciation for Ethiopian traditions. As they shaped and handled the dough, they practiced important fine motor skills such as pinching, rolling, and flattening, which support their growing coordination and strength.

This activity’s “acting it out” element added excitement and creativity—many children eagerly imagined themselves as cooks preparing meals for their families. Their laughter, teamwork, and thoughtful reflections made the session both educational and joyful.

By connecting cultural knowledge with practical experiences, the children are learning that traditions are not only part of history but also alive in everyday life. We are so proud of how they embraced this activity with curiosity and enthusiasm!