We had an exciting first day of school! Mr. Reynolds, the SK class, and Meghan Wilson, one of the Bambini teachers, joined us for Morning Meeting. After greeting each other, we sang a “Hello” song. The words are simple - “O-hay, o-hi, hello”. After singing it in English, we sang it in Spanish; replacing “hello” with “hola”. Then, one of the children suggested that we sing the song in Hebrew, saying “shalom”. Over the coming weeks, we invite you to share the word for “hello” in any languages you or a family member speaks at home, and we will add it to our “Hello” song repertoire. This is both a wonderful literacy experience and a simple, but powerful way to acknowledge and appreciate the rich diversity found in our classroom.
After Morning Meeting, the JK and SK children chose whether to play in the Indoor Play Space or the SK classroom. Both options provided opportunities to explore new materials and new spaces, and play with new friends.
After Morning Meeting, the JK and SK children chose whether to play in the Indoor Play Space or the SK classroom. Both options provided opportunities to explore new materials and new spaces, and play with new friends.
The JK and SK classes gathered for snack in the Tinker Lab. Each day, two children will be snack helpers, and they will set the table and serve the snack. Many children were eager to help today, and we assured them that everyone will have a turn! Having snack together is another way to build community and to encourage the children to try new foods.
After snack, the JK and SK children returned to their respective classrooms. The JK children quickly became engaged in building with blocks, cooking and serving a “feast”, writing and drawing, making geometric designs with rubber bands on the geo-boards, or reading books. You might ask your child if they participated in any of these experiences.
After snack, the JK and SK children returned to their respective classrooms. The JK children quickly became engaged in building with blocks, cooking and serving a “feast”, writing and drawing, making geometric designs with rubber bands on the geo-boards, or reading books. You might ask your child if they participated in any of these experiences.
After clean-up, we gathered at the rug for a story, The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn is the story of Chester Raccoon, before going home. In this story, Chester is nervous about going to school, but his fears subside when his mother shares the secret of the Kissing Hand. Your child can tell you the “secret”, and you might want to send your child with their own Kissing Hand or other special good-bye tomorrow. Having a routine and/or ritual can often help children with transitions and the separation process.