8/31 Classroom Update

This week, we focused on learning more about ourselves and each other! Thank you very much for all working so hard on your "All About Me" pages for our class book. They were all adorable, and we really enjoyed reading our new class book together and learning more about each other! In the coming weeks, your child will be bringing home the All About Us book to read and share with your family. Please return the class book the following day so that a new friend can have a turn to share our book with his or her family!

Our "All About Us" Class Book

Here are some picture highlights from our week in preschool:

During circle time, we learned the song "Mat Man" and worked together to build Mat Man! 

During center time, we practiced building and drawing Mat Man!

During center time, we also measured our feet using bears, cubes, and chains. 

On Monday, we made salt dough hand prints, and then painted them on Wednesday!

Our self-portraits in the hall!

Exploring our unique fingerprints with magnifying glasses!

Free painting in the art center!

Next week, we will be reading Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and focusing on our names! 

Reminders:

• If you have not already done so, please return your child's student information sheet and blog permission slip at your earliest convenience. Thank you!

• There is no preschool class on Monday September 3rd in observance of Labor Day.

Have a wonderful and relaxing Labor Day weekend!

8/24 Classroom Update!

We had a great first week in our half day 5's class! This week, we spent the majority of our time together making new friends and learning about our classroom. We explored many of the new toys in our room, as well as learned how to use many of our classroom supplies.

Each day, we follow the same basic schedule and routine. Here is a little more information about each component of our day:

12:15-12:30 – Opening Activity & Table Toys: During this time, students are free to socialize with their peers and play freely with the table toys. Once we settle into our routine, Ms. Katie will be calling students to work one-on-one and in small groups on name and other writing skills during this time.

12:30-1:00 – Large Group Literacy & Read Aloud: During our first circle time, we meet on the rug to explore our weekly theme and read a related story. Circle time also includes mini-lessons and breaks for movements and music.

1:00-1:45 – Small Group Centers: During center time, students rotate in small groups between three different learning and play-based centers. Center time allows students to build critical literacy, math, and social skills, as well as fosters independence and creativity.

1:45-2:05 – Outside Play: Playground time is always a favorite! We will always go outside weather permitting. In the winter, we go outside as long as the windchill is above zero. If the weather does not permit outside play, we have the opportunity to visit the gym for gross motor time!

2:05-2:15 – Calendar/Math Literacy: During our second circle time, we will review our classroom calendar and work on various math skills.

2:15-2:55 – Snack & Free Choice: During snack time, students will also get a choice of white milk or water. During free choice, students are free to play at the centers of their choice in the classroom. Free choice allows for students to use their decision making skills, explore personal interests, and practice social skills playing with their peers. The playdough, kitchen, and transportation centers have been big hits so far!

2:55-3:00 – Closing Circle: During closing circle, we will review what we learned that day and sing our goodbye song.

Reminders:

• This week (or at Open House last week), I sent home two forms in your child's folder: a student information sheet and blog permission slip. Please return both forms at your earliest convenience. 

• Thank you for helping out with our "All About Me" Class Book! Please return your child's page by Tuesday 8/28 so that we can read our class book together on Wednesday and Thursday. Once we are done with our book in class, I will start sending it home so families can get to know our class!

• There is no preschool class on Monday September 3rd in observance of Labor Day.

Have a great weekend!

Welcome!

Welcome!

Welcome to Woodcliff 5's half day program! It was such a pleasure meeting many of you last night at Open House. Now I am even more excited for the great year we have ahead!

Our classroom blog serves many purposes throughout the school year. I usually update the blog every Friday and send out an email link to parents each time it is updated. I use the blog as a tool to share what we are working on in class, as well as to share pictures of some of our wonderful learning experiences. It's so fun to be able to see all our preschoolers hard at work and play! At the end of each blog post, I will also post important upcoming dates and reminders. Next week, I will be sending home a permission slip to post your child's picture participating in classroom activities on our classroom blog. I will never post names or any other personal information. Please return this form to me at your earliest convenience.

On Tuesday, I will open the classroom doors at 12:15 pm. Upon arrival, please find your child's hook to the left of our classroom in the hallway and hang their belongings there. After your child has put away his/her belongings, they will enter the classroom to answer our question of the day and begin playing with table toys with their new friends. It is very normal for separation from a parent/caregiver on the first day (and sometimes even first few weeks) of school to be difficult for kids. Here a few tips to help drop off go a little smoother:

• Discuss fun things that your child is looking forward to doing at school ahead of time and what to expect while at school. 
• Come up with a consistent goodbye routine (i.e. special handshake, a hug and a kiss on the forehead, drawing a heart on their hand etc.). 
• When dropping off, give your preschooler a hug and let them know when you will be back and/or make a plan for something fun after class. (i.e. "I will pick you up after Free Choice. Tonight, we are going to the playground and play!")
• Try not to linger. Even if a child is having a meltdown, they are usually fine within minutes after a parent leaves. We will get in touch with you if a child has difficulty adjusting over a longer period of time.

I am looking forward to working with you and your child throughout the upcoming school year. I will see you on Tuesday!