Happy Thanksgiving!

We had another successful week of prekindergarten.  This week our theme was Thanksgiving.

Fine Motor Strengthening

We strengthened our hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills this week when we made a two part turkey craft.  The first part involved coloring a coffee filter and then spraying it with water to make the turkey feathers, and the second part included using a cut out of our foot to make the turkey's head and body.  We also had a stuff the turkey sensory bin that worked on developing pincer grasp and hand-eye coordination.

Click here to see more pictures of our fun from this week.

A Special Little Snack

The students loved creating their own snacks this week.  We had fun making apple smiles using apples, Wow Butter, and marshmallows!  This sensory activity got a little messy - sorry for all the Wow Butter that may have come home on your children's clothing!!  I was really proud of the students for trying this snack.  Some of them were unsure, and others dove right in.  But, for the most part everyone willingly gave it a try.

Click here to see more pictures of our apple snacks.

Library Books

The students began borrowing library books this week.  Your child is allowed to keep their library book for one week.  Our library schedule is as follows:

• The morning class will go to the library on Monday's and Tuesday's 
• The afternoon class will go to the library on Tuesday's and Wednesday's
  

If your child brings their library book back, they will be allowed to choose a new book to take home during our library visits.

**Full time students are welcome to trade books on any of the library days they wish.  They can trade books once or twice a week.  We will help them to choose a new book if they have a book in their book bag on library day.

Please note, our afternoon class did not go to the library this Wednesday because it was early dismissal day.

Belly Breathing

I have introduced the students to another form of deep breathing, belly breathing.  When we belly breathe the students lay on the ground and are encouraged to take a deep breath in through their nose and "fill their belly with air," then slowly blow it out of their mouth.  While they belly breathe I open and close our "breathing ball" above where they are laying as a visual on when to inhale and exhale.  This is an excellent self regulation tool that we often use after we come in from being outside.  The ball we use is called a "Hoberman" Sphere. 

I'm a Little Turkey

Our song this week was "I'm a Little Turkey."  The students enjoyed doing the actions and singing along to this cute little song.  I have included the words in case you want to sing it at home too!

I'm a Little Turkey
 (to the tune of I'm a Little Tea Pot)  
I'm a little turkey, 
look at me.  
I'm as chubby as can be.  
You might think I'd be a tasty bite, 
but I'll be hiding on Thanksgiving night! 

Coming Up!

Next week we will begin our fall theme.

• October 9th - no School - Thanksgiving Day
• October 31st - Halloween Party
• watch for more details to come home soon!

I would like to wish all of my prekindergarten families a safe and happy Thanksgiving.  I hope you get to have some quality family time together this weekend!