Groundhog Day
At the start of February we learned about Groundhog Day. We had already been talking about how groundhogs hibernate in winter, so it was a natural progression to talk about people's beliefs about the groundhog seeing his shadow. As a class we read books and watched a video to learn more about the habits of these creatures. Then we focused on the holiday. The children created a graph about whether or not they wanted the groundhog to see his shadow. Then we talked about shadows and created our own shadows using flashlights. The children experimented with changing the size of shadows using their flashlights and making colored shadows with Magnatiles. The children also tried different making shadows in different areas of the room using a variety of objects, including their hands, to see which materials made the best shadows. Based on our current weather, it looks like the groundhog's prediction was wrong!
Dramatic Play
We had a post office in our dramatic play area this month. Students learned all about how to mail a letter and the many jobs of postal workers. We discussed that every letter needs to have a stamp, name and address. We read several books that showed what happens to a letter after it is placed in a mailbox. The children then took on the roles of postal workers. They were responsible for selling mailing supplies, sorting letters, and delivering mail.
Our writing center was moved to this area so the children could write postcards or make valentines and then "mail" them to their classmates.
Math
Over the past few weeks we have been focusing on shapes. One activity that practiced shape identification was sorting letters. Students were asked to match the shape on a series of envelopes to one of the shapes on the "mailboxes".
Below, students are creating triangles with their bodies and then with wooden pieces.
Literacy
At this point in the year all of the letters and their sounds have been introduced, we are now reviewing those letters and also learning to write each of them using correct formation. The Handwriting Without Tears program is our guide, but several activities throughout the day reinforce and practice letter formation. So far the children have learned the letters L, F, E, and H. Activities to practice letter writing include sand writing, writing on white boards, making letters with playdoh, stamping letters, making letters with wood pieces, and of course writing letters on paper. Here students are using push pins to make the letter F.
Playdoh
In the Playdoh Center students rolled and molded chocolate playdoh to make chocolate candies to fit inside heart boxes. Lots of fine motor work and planning were needed for this activity.
Sensory Table
Rice is always a big hit at the sensory table. The children enjoy scooping, pouring, filling containers and dumping the rice. As an added activity this month, students could find plastic hearts hidden within the rice.
Music
Mr. Ken joined us the day before Valentine's Day. It is always wonderful to see how engaged the children are in his songs. The highlight was when Mr. Ken sang the Pete the Cat story, I Love My White Shoes.
Valentine's Day
In preparation for the holiday, students made valentines and decorated bags for their cards.
Our PJs and pancakes celebration was a hit. All of the children had the opportunity to help make one of three types of pancakes; plain pink, banana or chocolate chip. We then sat down together and enjoyed the tasty meal. Yum!
Gym
In gym class the students participated in an obstacle course. They practiced balancing, kicking, catching, and throwing.
Our entire class showed their school spirit by wearing blue on Color Spirit Day!
