Little Learners Big Adventures: Our Week in Pre-K

Dear Parents,

We hope this blog finds you well! This week in Pre-K was delightful; engaging, and full of activities. In math, we focused on what comes after a number and on simple addition. In literacy, we practiced writing CVC words and reading two-letter words. We also enjoyed journaling, gymnastics, library visits, and science, our students’ favorite subject. To finish this topic of seasons, they drew their favorite season.

Overall, the class was fun and participatory; students worked together and individually without competition. Read on for some more details...

Large group

This week our large-group time included some extra fun. We held our large group sessions both inside the classroom and one day outside using our mini calendar board. It was exciting for the students to do activities outdoors in the lovely morning weather. The rest of the day’s activities took place in the classroom. We may continue to hold outside large-group sessions like this once in a while.

During our large group we worked on shapes: octagons and nonagons. Because these shapes are a bit tricky, we will practice them more often and also count their sides.

For phonics, we reviewed the digraph “th” and used pictures to reinforce it. This helps remind students of the sound and supports their work with CVC words as they continue learning to read.

As always, we completed our calendar and caterpillar activities in addition to classroom jobs. For the morning message, we connected it to the day’s activities to give clues and help prepare the children.

Our students continue to do amazingly well, and we are very proud of all they have achieved so far!

Literacy

This week in literacy, for our first group, the focus was on the “sh” digraph. Although the students are already familiar with this sound, this session gave them the opportunity to deepen their understanding by reading and identifying a wider range of vocabulary words that include the “sh” sound. They practiced recognizing the sound in different positions within words and worked on writing these words independently, strengthening both their phonics and writing skills.

In our second group, students continued developing their blending skills by working with two-letter sounds and practicing how to combine them smoothly. Building on this progress, we also began introducing CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words. The students are doing an amazing job blending sounds together, and it has been wonderful to see their growing confidence as they begin to read simple words independently.

Science

This week in science, our students took part in a meaningful reflection session connected to their learning about the four seasons. During this activity, they were given the opportunity to draw freely, choosing to represent something they enjoyed or remembered from our discussions.

Some students illustrated their favorite seasonal trees, showing how they change throughout the year, while others drew activities they enjoy doing in a particular season. This creative experience allowed students to revisit and use their seasonal vocabulary in a meaningful context.

Through this reflection, students not only strengthened their understanding of the four seasons but also practiced their fine motor skills and expressed their ideas and thoughts through art. It was wonderful to see their creativity and hear them explain the meaning behind their drawings.

Math

This week in math, our first group continued exploring addition, and it was wonderful to see the students’ growing confidence and understanding. They showed great progress in solving addition problems and demonstrated a clearer understanding of number relationships, including recognizing when quantities are equal or not equal.

To begin the session, students took turns sharing their own addition problems while their peers listened and learned from one another. This encouraged collaboration and helped build confidence in expressing their mathematical thinking.

We then moved on to a hands-on activity where students used classroom objects and small counters to create their own addition problems. They challenged themselves by working with larger quantities than in previous sessions. After building their problems, they recorded their answers on white paper, combining practical learning with early writing skills.

This week in math, the second group practiced identifying the number that comes next. Since they learned this last week, they practiced, discussed it, and completed it together on the board. They finished a worksheet writing numbers up to 10. One student showed great confidence and understanding. Next week we will learn and practice identifying the number that comes before.

Art

This week in art, our students completed their longest-running project: creating planets. They finished the last planet, Jupiter, and painted the planetary orbits using white paint. This was the most enjoyable and engaging long-term art project they've done so far, their enthusiasm showed in every part of the process. We are so proud of the artwork they produced and of the ideas they brought to class and executed just as they planned. Next session they will begin a new canvas project. Stay tuned.

Journal 

This week, our class’s journaling time was simply wonderful. Once a week the students fill their journals with a favorite drawing, which helps them express feelings and experiences from school or home. During journal time, students choose to lie down or sit comfortably while we play calm classical music to minimize distractions and help them focus on their ideas. After they finish drawing, we ask them to tell us about their picture and write a short description on the back.

Journaling is an excellent way for children to express themselves, develop drawing skills, and share their thoughts visually. We are very proud of our students for using this activity to express themselves so well.

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!