Learning the Alphabet Backwards.

For the last couple weeks, we have been focusing on the alphabet. We started on the first day with Z, Y, X. I have found that kids find it more interesting and are paying better attention to the letters out of the expected order. 

Before we even started talking about the letters, I explained that letters are made out of curves and lines (horizontal, vertical, and diagonal). They have really enjoyed practicing and using the big vocabulary. The first five letters we learned were made up of only lines, which makes them easy to practice writing.  We do a lot of letter practice during circle time. We practice drawing the letters in the air with our fingers. We use the dry erase board. We check to see who has the daily letters in their name.  We are also working on their own alphabet books to take home when we reach the beginning of the alphabet. There are lots of other letters laying around the classroom. They are pointing out letters everywhere and of course diagonal lines!

Pages from one alphabet book. The choose what they want to draw that represents each letter. 

Thanks to our librarian, we have a wide range of alphabet books to look through right now. 

The box in the next two pictures was inspired by Happy Hooligan's post about their Cardboard Drop-Box . I have been wanting to make one for quite some time. I was excited when I had the thought to do an alphabet themed box. They love playing with it.

 


We usually use natural clay or homemade play dough in the classroom. For Christmas I received a few boxes of "Modeling Clay" or "Plasticine." This is a new medium for us and has been very popular. One of the first days it was out they were very interested in making letters. I helped them look closely and see what letters they should make if they wanted to create the whole alphabet.  Some of them also practiced creating their names.

Other fun around the classroom.

Upwords has proved to be a fun toy  for the preschoolers. We have two sets of the game and they use it on a regular basis. 

Drama Day: The Kingdom

Monday's Special of the Day was Drama, with a new twist. At circle time, I asked the kids to think of what kind of place or story they could pretend. I gave them a few examples and they decided on a Magic Kingdom. We talked about what kind of characters they might pretend to be or see there. Some of their ideas were: Knight, Princess, Horse, Dragon, Wizard, Witch, King, Queen, Chef etc... Oh and lizard. 

Me: A lizard?
Child: Well, a magical lizard, that can talk.

The conversation continued to moats, drawbridges and "why did they have knights if they had drawbridges and moats to protect them?"

We also talked about what kind of things and people you probably would NOT see: astronauts, dinosaurs, motorcycles, bicycles and teachers. 

Me: I don't know. Do you think that there would be teachers in a castle?
Most of them: Noooo!....
Me: Are you sure?
Child: Yes, to teach the princesses and knights!

So after we finished our conversation they set off to their kingdom. I reminded them that Drama Day was a day to work together and talk with their friends to make a plan. 

While most played in one large group together, there was a couple that were paired up on the other side of the room (in the stable). Both groups did intermingle after a few minutes of play.

The kids' favorite part of Drama Day is that they are allowed to use to whole classroom for dramatic play and not just the dress up area.  

The majority of the group stayed with the game for over 45 minutes. At that point a few chose to join me at the art table, while the rest continued playing for at least another 30 minutes. They stayed within the same story line the entire time. I did not get involved in the play, but stood back, snapped photos and recorded some of their dialogue that I was able to hear. 

What struck me the most when looking at the photos was how few props, costumes and toys they were using in their play. 

The baby queen receiving medical attention.

"Quick! We have to protect the castle."

"We have to put leaves and branches over the moat. 

They will step on it and fall in the water."

"There is 58 dragons and 58 bad guys!"

"There is 100 dragons and 100 bad guys!"

"There is a million dragons and a million bad guys!"

A Princess.

"Close the gate!"

The Stable: Home of the horse and talking lizard.

The potions the dragon drinks to change its fire.

A Red Dragon.

Project 365: Outdoor Play (Week 3)

Day 14: Sledding in the rain.

Day 15: "Nature is so powerful, so strong. It takes you to a place within yourself." -Annie Leibovitz

Day 16: Tragedy strikes.

Day 17: Winter Walk

Day 18: Moving water. 

Day 19: Sneaking

Day 20: "Maybe it was a cougar..."

Project 365: Week 2

Day 6: The fairy capturers approach the blizzard fairies. All is well.

Day 7: Blustery Cold.

Day 8: Smash

Day 9: The big rock

Day 10: Slippery Seals

Day 11: Fairy houses in the snow.

Day 12: Sledding

Day 13: Waterslide.

Our Science of Sledding

Our favorite winter activity at preschool is sliding down our "snow mountain."

Managing a small group of kids sledding seems to have become a science. Here's how we make it work.

We used to have classic plastic sleds, which are fun with a couple kids, but our new style sleds have proven to be amazing for a group of preschoolers. I get to spend a lot more time monitoring for safety and less time helping. We got ours from LL Bean, but I have seen similar sleds from other stores. It seems that people either really like these sleds or really dislike them. We have had nothing but success, but our hill is usually smooth. They really need a packed trail. 

These sleds are very light and easy to carry up the hill, which creates a lot of independence.

 It always takes a few sessions to create a smooth rhythm. 

To begin they have to master how to get on the sleds, which can be a little tricky at first for kids who haven't used them before. Scaffolding proves to be a great learning tool, with beginners observing the experts.

 We call them "horse sleds," which seems to help the kids understand that the handle needs to go in the front and that you can't let go!

Another great part about these sleds is the body control that they have to accomplish, it's practically yoga. They have to center themselves carefully on the sled and then lean back just enough and hold their feet up off the ground. It's amazing how fast the catch on. They also have a lot more control of stopping, because their feet are not in the sled. 

I usually have to prompt the children to hand their sleds over, but there is rarely a complaint. They know that the child will quickly be back to the top to hand it back again. Often, a couple children are off doing something else and there are enough sleds for everybody. I have considered getting more, but in some ways I think the turn taking is an important part of the experience.

There is a lot of opportunity to practice waiting, watching and being aware of others.The biggest challenge is helping them understand and remember that they have to walk up to the left of the sledding path. The kids waiting at the top also have to be aware and they do a great job waiting for kids and/or shouting out "look out below."

Of course, marching up the hill in their full winter gear is great exercise and usually yields a quiet nap time.