Treasure Hunts and Seasonal Fun in Early preschool and Preschool!

Dear Parents,

How was your week? Here in early preschool and preschool, we had a blast wrapping things up before our Christmas break! The children were busy as ever having lively large group discussions, trying out a new painting method, and so many more delightful activities. Please enjoy reading the highlights below.

Large group

In our large group sessions, we have our routine down to a science! Typically, the early preschool crew begins the day with a warm and engaging discussion of our students' morning routines and breakfast choices. These morning chats give each child the opportunity to share how they began their day. This not only sparks conversations, but also encourages confidence as they express their thoughts.

After this, we come together to sing our cheerful "Good Morning" song, which always brings smiles and excitement. We continue by taking attendance, where each student puts their picture underneath the happy face to signify that they’re at school. After attendance, we go over some essentials- what day of the week it is and how the weather looks outside. It's amazing to see the students actively participate and share their thoughts with confidence, helping them foster a sense of community and develop their communication skills.

Small group

Art

Our art session this week was all about ice painting, and it was a huge hit with the children! Using colorful ice cubes, the children had a fantastic time creating their artwork by drawing on paper as the ice melted. The vibrant colors and the changing texture as the ice melted added a fun twist to their creations. Not only did the children enjoy the hands-on experience of using ice, but they also loved watching it slowly melt away, adding an extra layer of excitement to the activity. It was an engaging and creative experience, and everyone had a blast! It was also nice to see the connection between the activity and our current season of winter.

Cooperative game

In our recent cooperative game session, the children had a blast washing various café materials like cups, jugs, mugs, pots, dishes, spoons, forks, plates, and knives. Armed with sponges, water, and soap, the children carefully cleaned their favorite items, showing great focus and enthusiasm.

It was heartwarming to see how happy they were as they took their time washing each piece, making sure it was spotless. Even when it was time to clean up, the children didn’t want to stop! They eagerly asked for more minutes to continue washing, fully immersed in the activity. This simple yet engaging task not only kept them focused but also encouraged teamwork and a sense of accomplishment. It was a wonderful example of how cooperative play can turn everyday chores into a fun, learning experience.

Literacy

In our latest literacy session, the children had a fantastic time trying out something new- a Zoo phonics letter treasure hunt! Before the session began, the teachers hid various small printed out Zoo phonics letters in the sandbox. 

To begin the activity, the class started by discussing the sounds and motions of the Zoo phonic letters. This discussion helped the children refresh their memories on how each letter is represented by an animal. Then, we explained that the students are going to look for our Zoo phonics letter friends in the sand. They were delighted and couldn’t wait to get started. Once they discovered a letter, they matched it with the corresponding large flashcard.

The children were fully engaged in the activity, animatedly searching for each letter and proudly matching them to the flashcards. This was a fun and interactive way for them to learn and reinforce their understanding of letter sounds, and they did an amazing job! This hands-on approach not only made learning enjoyable but also helped build their literacy skills in a creative way.

Science

This week’s science session was all about exploring the fascinating world of magnetism! Initially, we discussed what a magnetic force is, and how magnetic forces make objects attract each other. The children were thrilled to experiment with magnetic wands and chips, discovering firsthand how magnets work. Each child had the opportunity to take turns using the magnetic stick, and their excitement was contagious as they saw the chips move and stick. It was a fun and interactive way to learn about magnets, and the students enjoyed every moment of the hands-on experience!

Have a nice Christmas break! We hope you all have a beautiful, restful time with family. For those joining our Christmas break camp, a friendly reminder that the dates for the camp are December 23-January 3!