Exploring, Reading And Discovering In Pre-k!

Dear parents,

We hope this blog finds you well. In our Pre-K class, our week was filled with fun activities, including counting, learning letters, as well as exploring science and art. Every child had a great time and learned through play! Read on for some more details…

Happy Birthday Elion!

Large group

As previously mentioned, our large group sessions are a place where every child can build confidence, learn from each other, and participate in activities such as learning a new song, reading a book, discussing our calendar, and learning letters and numbers through morning messages. These are very fun and exciting sessions for the Pre-K class, and this week was no exception.

Science

This week in science, our class learned about mixing colors. In our first session, we discussed the primary colors, which are yellow, red, and blue. Afterward, we mixed these primary colors together to see what new colors we could create. We printed out a mixing color chart and stuck it on our classroom board. From there, we discussed our findings and placed color dots on the board, allowing students to practice predicting what would happen when two colors were mixed.

During our second session, we went to the art room and practiced color mixing using food coloring. We placed four colors blue, red, yellow, and green on the table. Then, we paired them up and filled three cups: two with colored water and one with clear water. By using a dropper to mix the colored water from two cups, they created and mixed new colors. They were thoroughly excited to see the practical mixing of colors, and it also helped them recognize the mixed colors.

Literacy

In our literacy session, our class circled beginning sounds. Since we are learning letters, this week we focused on the letters we have been learning by identifying the beginning sounds of different pictures. This activity helps them recognize the letters by looking at the pictures and sounding out the beginning letters. After they finished circling the beginning sounds, they colored the pictures with different colors of their choice.

In our next literacy session, we all went outside. First, we hopped on the letter caterpillar, naming each letter as we went along. After that, we allowed the students to write the letters with chalk on the ground and practice. Whenever they wanted to write a letter they had forgotten, they could refer to the painted letters outside. They copied those letters and wrote different ones on the board.

Math

This week in math, our Pre-K class focused on number tracing from 1 to 10. First, we counted and identified the numbers on their tracing paper by pointing to them, and then they started tracing. Despite the fact that it was their first time doing number tracing as a class, they did an amazing job, tracing with patience and focus.

In our second math session, we used number hula-hoops. We went outside and wrote the numbers with chalk and placed a hula-hoop over the number. Then, taking turns, each child jumped on the number called out. This activity helped them recognize the numbers while also developing their gross motor skills, and they really enjoyed it!

Library

In accordance with our usual library routine, we enjoyed reading in two different spaces! The first one is our favorite spot, the Library and this week for our second reading session we went to a place called the Zen Den, a quiet and relaxing outdoor spot at our school where teachers usually gather to meet or plan. We set it up with chairs and a variety of books, and our children chose their own seats to enjoy reading together in this calm space filled with natural light.

Ethiopian Center

This week, we had a fun and exciting session in the Ethiopian Center! We gathered with our children to discuss traditional Ethiopian snacks, We brainstormed what ingredients we would need to make Chechebesa and planned for the next day's activity. The anticipation was palpable! The following day, in our ET center room, in our wonderful Ethiopian Center the teacher, guided children as they prepared and baked Kita—a traditional Ethiopian pancake that’s larger in size. Our children loved working together to tear it into smaller pieces, which they placed in a bowl. They then added oil and Berbere (a flavorful Ethiopian spice) and mixed everything together. Once it was ready, the delicious aroma filled the room, and it turned into a truly yummy experience! Our children couldn’t get enough—they were happily eating and sharing bites with each other, practicing the tradition of “Gursha”. It was a delightful day filled with laughter, teamwork, and tasty treats!

Next week's schedule:

Small group

Monday: - Science, Literacy

Tuesday:- Library, Math

Wednesday:- Science, Literacy

Thursday: - Math, Journal

Friday:- Music

Thursday: - Literacy

Our Special

Monday: - Ethiopian center

Tuesday:- Library

Friday:- Art

Reminder

Every Tuesday is our library day, so we will be sending a book that your child picked from our library, which will be returned after a week on library day.

Every Friday is our art day so please send your child with art-appropriate clothing.

Thank you for your time!