Week of September 9

This week we are continuing our studies in the areas of Community Helpers, nutrition, and Safety.  This is truly such a fun unit.

I am looking for a dentist to come in and talk to the kids.  If you know of someone who does presentations like this, please let me know!

Here is what we are up to this week:
Theme: Safety
Social Studies: Community Helpers
Letter: S
Math: Patterns, #2
Science:  Nutrition
Shape: Circle
Color: Red

Centers this week:
Math:  Counting and shapes, #2
Fine Motor/Art:  Circle Monsters, Red Collage, Finding the Circles
Dramatic Play: Grocery Store
Literacy:  Letter S sounds and book

Other activities this week:
Block Play
Writing our names
Writing Letter S
My Healthy Plate
Stop and Go Foods
Popcorn Husks
Music with Miss Mary
Library time
Show and Tell

Our stories this week are:
Sammy's Silly Sandwich
Llama Llama Shares
Little Racoon Catches a Cold

Songs:
The Wheels on the Bus
Down by the Station.

Week of September 3

Thanks to everyone for being so understanding and flexible with our sudden "heat day" from school!

Here is what we are up to this week:

Literacy:  letter M
Math:  Sorting/graphing.  #1
Science:  Healthy Foods
Social Studies:  Community Helpers

In centers we are doing:
Math:  Sorting and Graphing Gummy Bears, #1, circles
art:  Painting, collage
Literacy:  Letter M
Fine Motor:  Cutting, writing M, writing names
Dramatic Play:  Community Play Mat

This week we also start having Foundation Music School come to teach us.  Miss Mary came last year, and will be coming 2 times a month this year.  We are so lucky to have them, and hope that your child really enjoys it!

Week of August 26

This week we are wrapping up our "getting to know you" unit.  We have been getting to know each other, our school rules, and our school routines.  We will continue to work on these through the month of September.  Be sure to ask your child about "criss-cross applesauce, spoons in the bowl, " "hugs and bubbles," and the places we go in the school.

Here is what we are doing this week:
Literacy: ABC intro
Math:  Sorting and graphing
Science:  Hand washing
Social Studies:  My community

Centers:
Fine Motor:  Making Puffy lines, using tongs and cotton balls, cutting
Dramatic Play:  Community play
Math:  graphing candy and individual work
Literacy:  Alphabet games
Art:  Drawing ME

Other activities include:
Going to the library
Show and tell
Learning to wash our hands
Birthday graph
Learning our school rules and routines

New School Year

Our 2013-2014 school year is off to a great start!  We are really enjoying getting to know all of our new students, and spending time with those we have had before.  The class is a lot of fun, and we just know we are going to have a wonderful school year!

I wanted to let everyone know a bit about Show and tell.  We do show and tell every Thursday and Friday.  Your child's day is whichever one is their last day of the week.  Typically, there will be a theme for you to follow, based on what we are learning.  For the month of August, the theme is "All About Me" and we are letting students bring anything they want so we can learn more about them!

I will use this space weekly (hopefully) to let you know what we are up to in that week.  I will let you know about the centers, letters, and other activities we will be doing.  Some weeks I am better than others, but I will always try.  Please know that if you ever have any questions, feel free to contact me via email at any time!

June Fun

June is here, and with it, the heat and fun of summer.  We are doing a lot of great things this month, and throwing in a lot of fun, outdoor exploration for our students.  It is so important to allow them to have this freedom during these months!

Here is what we are learning:
Theme: Summer
Literacy: review
Math: Review
Science: Insects
Social Studies: Rainforests and South America

So far this month we have watched ladybugs go through their metamorphosis.  Now, we are anxiously awaiting our butterflies to emerge from their chrysalis.  The students are loving this live view into the world of insects!  We are also planning some ant farms as soon as our ants get here.

The students have had a lot of fun playing outside in our sand and water tables, and searching for the bugs in nature.  They are learning a lot from this valuable exploration!

Please check the right of the blog for the show and tell themes for the entire month.  Also, be sure to check our preschool blog (www.aakpreschool.com) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/AAKPreschool) for regular information.

Week of March 25

Welcome Back!!  We hope you all had a nice week, whether at home or somewhere else.  We have certainly missed you all and are so excited to get back into the swing of things this week!

What we are up to this week:

Theme:  Dr. Seuss
Social Studies: Europe
Science: Pets
Literacy:  Letters C
Math: Geometry

Centers:
Arts and Crafts:  Shape pictures, Binoculars, stringing pasta
Reading:  Rhyming, Letter G
Math:  Shapes and Patterns
Spanish: Transportation words
Writing:  My Favorite Pet, Shared writing
Dramatic Play:  Vets
Block Play: Building a City
Computer: Letter G book
Housekeeping:  Shapes in cooking
Movement:  Using ramps for cars
Sensory: Playdoh

Songs: 
Going to the Zoo
BINGO
Fish Song

Books:
The Shape of Things
Dr. Seuss Books

Next week we are going to be doing some fun things with recyclables.  We will do this a couple of times over the next few months, so we will be needing some things from you.  Boxes, paper towel rolls, plastic containers, plastic lids, etc.  basically anything that can go into the recycling bin except glass and cans.  We are going to be playing with these and creating things with these.  It is truly a lot of fun!

Week of March 11-15

What we are up to this week:

Theme:  Dr. Seuss
Social Studies: Europe
Science: Pets
Literacy:  Letters C
Math: Geometry

Centers:
Arts and Crafts:  Truffula Trees, Egg Carton Creatures
Reading:  Rhyming, Letter C
Math:  Shapes and Patterns
Spanish: Transportation words
Writing:  My Favorite Pet, Shared writing
Dramatic Play:  Vets
Block Play: Building a City
Computer: Letter C book

Songs: 
Going to the Zoo
BINGO
Fish Song

Books:
Green Eggs and Ham
Cat in the Hat
Lots of Dr. Seuss

We will have a special day this week as well!  Friday will be PAJAMA day.  We will be making green eggs and ham for snack, and maybe enjoying a movie.  The students are going to work all week on earning this, and I know they can do it :)

Also, please remember that next week, March 18-22, is Spring Break.  The preschool will be closed that week so the teachers can enjoy this time with their kids as well.  We hope everyone has an enjoyable week!

Week of March 4

Sorry for not getting the newsletter and blog out this week!  The week has been crazy with TCAP testing, and it threw me off :)  I will do better!  I promise ;)

This week we are learning about lots of fun new things.  We started learning about Europe, Pets, and Dr. Seuss.  We are reading all the fun Dr. Seuss books and talking about rhyming words.  We are also learning all about shapes and geometry, playing games with all the different shapes.

I will be out of the classroom Thursday and Friday, helping with the TCAP testing in the middle school.  I do have a substitute in there, and will be popping in as I can.

Thanks for your patience!

Week of February 25

Please turn in your reenrollment forms for summer and fall to hold your spot at preschool!!!

Here is what we are learning this week:

Theme:  Transportation
Social Studies: Asia
Science: Solar System
Literacy:  Letters X,Y,Z review
Math: Measurement

Centers:
Arts and Crafts:  Rockets; Letter Crafts
Reading:  Rhyming
Math:  Counting down, measuring tools
Spanish: Transportation words
Writing:  Names and tickets
Dramatic Play:  Going to Space!
Sensory: Moon Sand

Songs:
Going to the Zoo
Planets Song
Twinkle, Twinkle
Tops and Bottoms

Books:
What the Moon Sees
What the Sun Sees
Aliens love Underpants

Thanks to all who sent in wipes and kleenex!  They are very much appreciated, and I assure you, will be put to good use!

February 19-22

This short week has me thrown off in terms of newsletters and blogs!

Thanks to all of the parents who helped at our Valentine's Day Party!  What fun we had!  The students talked about it all day long, and actually were quite tired by nap time.  We could not have had this much fun without all of you!!!


Here is what we are up to this week:z
Science: Solar System
Literacy: Letter Zz
Math:  Measurement and numbers to 100
Social Studies: Asia

Centers:
Arts and Crafts: Rockets, Constellations
Reading: Rhyming and Zz
Math: Measuring and counting to 100
Table Toys: Solar System Puzzle, Sequencing puzzles
Spanish: Body Parts
Writing: Names
Blocks:  Building a zoo with blocks and animals
Dramatic Play: Astronauts


Be sure to check out our new AAK Preschool website at www.aakpreschool.com.  It will have information about the preschool as a whole, with links to each blog.  Watch for severe weather information later this week!

February 4-8

Have you missed me?  Sorry I have been MIA for so long, but I promise it was for a great reason.  Or at least a good one.  Be sure to go check out our new website at www.aakpreschool.com.  Big thanks to Carolyn Yalin for all of her hard work getting this new preschool site up and running.  Classroom sites will remain on Blogspot for now, but you can link to them from the main page.

Here is what we are up to this week:
Theme/Social Studies:  transportation
Science: Solar System
Literacy: Letter Xx
Math:  Measurement
Social Studies: Asia

Centers:
Arts and Crafts: Stoplight, Hearts
Reading: Rhyming and Xx
Math: Hearts and Measuring
Table Toys: Vehicle Sort, Traffic Jam Puzzles
Spanish: Transportation Words
Writing: Tickets
Blocks: Construction Vehicles and Building

We are starting to run low on baby wipes.  If you are able to send any in, that would be great.  We seem to go through a lot this time of year.

If you need to make up a day, please check with us first.  Some of our days are getting full, and we want to make sure we have enough staff and supplies for everyone :)

Week of December 10-14

What a fun week we are having!  Sorry this is late, but better late than never :)  I promise I will get better at this blogging thing.

Here is what we are up to this week!

Theme/Social Studies:  Holidays around the World
Science: Five Senses
Literacy: Letter Kk
Math:  Numbers 9 and 10

Centers:
Art:  Holiday Chains, driedels, coloring
Dramatic Play: Dress up
Outdoor: Sand and shells
reading: Kk sounds
Math: Independent work
Table Toys: Penguin Dominoes
Spanish: Clothing Words
Music:  Holiday Songs.

Our holiday program will be in December 18th at 6pm here at TPAAK.  We would like the students here by 5:45 to get ready.  There will be light, dessert-type refreshments served afterward.

Our holiday party wil be in Friday, December 21st at 10am.  Ms. T and I are still finalizing everything, but watch for the sign up sheet for help to be on the book by Friday morning or afternoon!  

Thanks for a wonderful first semester of the year!

Week of November 26-30

We hope everyone had a wonderful, fun, and relaxing Thanksgiving break!  I cannot believe December is almost here.  Please make sure your child has appropriate clothing for the weather!!

Here is what we are up to this week:
Theme: Thanksgiving
Social Studies: Native Americans
Science: Forest Animals
Literacy:  Letter B
Math: Counting to 30, simple addition, # recognition

Centers:
Arts and Crafts: Bears
Dramatic Play: Babies
Blocks: Building
Science: Forest Animals
Outdoor: Bubbles and Balls
Reading: B sounds
Math: Independent Work
Table Toys; Buttons
Spanish: Clothing Words
Music: Holiday Songs
Sensory: Bubbles and sand

Week of November 12

Theme: Thanksgiving
Science:  Forest
Social Studies: Thanksgiving/ Pilgrims/Native Americans
Literacy: Nn
Math:  County to 10
Music: 10 deditos, Thanksgiving Songs

Centers:
Art: Turkeys
Writing:  Tracing and Writing names,  Letter N
Blocks: Building Homes
Math: Counting and matching
Literacy:  Letter Sounds and Recognition
Dramatic Play:  Making Dinner
Manipulatives: Lacing
Science:  Farm animals and Food, Brown
Nutrition:  Thanksgiving Foods

We are going to have a lot of fun the next 2 weeks getting ready for Thanksgiving.  There are a lot of fun crafts we get to do for this holiday!

Reminders:
* please have appropriate clothing each day for your child.  We do go outside when the temp is above 20 (Feels like temp).
*  There is NO SCHOOL the Thursday/Friday during Thanksgiving week
*  If you are going to be gone from school for a break, you must let me know at least 1 week in advance in order to not be charged for those days.

Have a great week!

Week of October 22-26

Theme: Halloween
Science:  Fall/Farm
Social Studies: Colorado
Literacy: Letter Review:  R, L, T, Letter sounds
Math:  1:1 correspondence, sorting
Music: Leaves Song, Old MacDonald, 5 little pumpkins, Buenos Dias
Movement:  Skipping and Jumping

Centers:
Art: Skeletons, bats
Writing:  Tracing and Writing names, 
Blocks: Pattern Blocs
Math: Jack O' Lantern Shapes
Literacy:  Letter Sounds and Recognition
Dramatic Play:  Farm
Manipulatives: Tweezers (Fine Motor)
Science:  Farm animals and Food, Making the color Orange
Nutrition:: Popcorn

Books:
There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Bat
There was an old Lady who wasn't afraid of anything
Other Halloween Stories

We are still in need of helpers for the fall FIESTA on October 31st.  We will have an art activity, a snack, and a game.  There will also be a Halloween Parade.   The plan is to set up the party from 9:45-10 and have the kiddos get in their costumes.  We will do a costume parade at 10ish.  Then we will run the 3 activities from 10:15-11 (15 minutes or so each.)  If you have a great idea for an art activity, snack, or game, please let me know.  We have some the students can do, but would love to have your help!!

Week of October 15-19

Theme: Farm
Science:  fall
Social Studies: Colorado
Literacy: Letter Tt
Math:  Simple subtraction, number sentences
Music: Leaves Song, Old MacDonald
Movement:  Skipping and Jumping

Centers:
Art:  Fall Wreath, Leaf art
Writing:  Tracing and Writing T, Writing our names
Blocks: Building
Math: Sorting, patterns, exploring numbers
Literacy:  Letter T sounds and recognition, words that start with T
Dramatic Play:  Camping
Manipulatives: Fine Motor Skills, Tweezers, Nuts and Bolts
Science:  Farm animals and Food
Nutrition:: Popcorn

Sorry for the lack of information the past 2 weeks.  If you ever have any questions, please feel free to email!

I will be conducting the individual assessments on each child over the coming weeks.  I have waited to give students a chance to settle in to the routine of school and get to know us.   I will assess in October, February, and May.  These assessments will help us with teaching moving forward.

Our Fall Fiesta is coming up!  It will be on October 31st.  This party will be from 9:45-11:15.  The students will be allowed to change into costume for the costume parade, and then will return to the classroom for the party.  We are looking for parents to help out.  If you can help that day, or if you want to plan the party, please let me know!

Week of September 17-21

Theme: Safety
Science:  Nutrition, Teeth
Social Studies: Community Helpers
Literacy: Letter Ff
Math:  Grouping and Patterns, Counting
Music:  Brush your teeth, Buenos Dias, Down by the Station, Apples and Bananas
Movement:  Morning stretches

Centers:
Art:  Fingerpainting F, Feather F
Writing:  Tracing and Writing F
Blocks: Big Trucks and Blocks
Math:  Counting, numbers, patterns
Literacy:  Letter F sounds and recognition, words that start with F
Dramatic Play:  Bank
Housekeeping Center:  Grocery Store
Manipulatives: Alphabet Puzzles
Water Table:  Car Wash
Science:  Cleaning Teeth, Sink or Float
Nutrition: Healthy/Unhealthy foods, Fruit Prints

With our book buddies this week we will be reading "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle, and doing an art project with that.  It should be a lot fo fun.

As our weather changes, please make sure your child has a jacket each day.  Some mornings when we go outside, it is rather chilly.  We want everyone to have fun, and stay warm! 

Please turn in your CACFP forms as soon as possible so we can get enrolled!

Be sure to help your child fill out his/her Healthy Habits sheet this week!  We are learning about ways to stay healthy this month.

Just a note:  TPAAK will be closed on Friday, BUT the preschool is OPEN!!  Don't be surprised when there is no traffic on Friday.  Just enjoy it :)

Week of September 10-14

Theme: Safety
Science:  Nutrition, Teeth
Social Studies: Community Helpers
Literacy: Letter Mm
Math:  Grouping and Patterns
Music:  Brush your teeth, Buenos Dias, Down by the Station, Apples and Bananas
Movement:  Morning stretches

Centers:
Art:  Fireman hats, people
Writing:  Tracing and Writing Ss
Blocks: Trains in our community, K'Nex
Math:  Counting, numbers, patterns
Literacy:  Letter S sounds and recognition, words that start with S
Dramatic Play:  Post Office
Writing Center:  Tracing and Drawing
Housekeeping Center:  Hair Salon
Manipulatives: Puzzles.  What goes together
Water Table:  Car Wash
Science:  Healthy/unhealthy foods.  Make a pizza

This week we are also planning to make our own bread!  Our classroom should smell yummy!!!

September 4-7

WOW!  September is here.  And I believe we are all hoping for a little cooler weather.  It has been a hot one!!

Just a note of reminder about air quality.  We do have a few small fires burning in the vicinity, so we are on the watch for the air quality.  If the air quality reaches levels that are considered "unsafe for sensitive groups", we keep the preschool inside.  If you have any questions, please ask me at any time!

Here is what we are up to this week. Our themes are changing with the month, and we are going to have fun!


Theme: Safety
Science:  Nutrition, Teeth
Social Studies: Community Helpers
Literacy: Letter Mm
Math:  Grouping and Patterns
Music:  Brush your teeth,
Movement:  Morning stretches

Centers:
Art:  Fireman hats
Writing:  Tracing and Writing Mm
Blocks: Building
Math:  Counting, numbers, patterns
Literacy:  Letter M sounds and recognition, words that start with M
Dramatic Play:  Post Office
Writing Center:  Teacher
Housekeeping Center:  Baker/Restaurant
Manipulatives:
Water Table:  Car Wash

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. The best way to reach me is email, and if you want to get together to meet, we can set something up that way.  We are having a wonderful time in preschool so far, and want to thank you for trusting us with your precious children!

Week of August 28th

Theme:  All About Me!
Science:  My Body, color explosions
Social Studies:  Where I live
Literacy:  Letters and Sounds
Math:  Sorting and classifying
Music:  Hokey Pokey, Head, Shoulders, knees and toes, skidamarink
Movement:  Morning exercises, stretching, jumping

Centers:
Art:  Free Collage Making, Playdoh Houses
Writing:  Writing and Making my name
Blocks:  Make a city
Math:  Grouping and Patterns
Literacy:  Letters in my name
Dramatic Play: Baby care, kitchen
Manipulatives:  Shape Sorter, color viewers

Here is a bit more about our schedule.  I have had to make some changes since last week!
Mondays:  We will have Book Buddies with 8th graders.  They will come in, read to us, and do crafts with us.  This is quite a fun time for all!  This week we will be doing a great activity with our favorite book, Pete the Cat!

Tuesday: Spanish and Music.  We have a teacher come in to teach us spanish and do special music with us.  Gracias Mrs. Nye!
Thursday: Library Day.  We spend about 15-20 minutes in our school library! 
Thursday:  On the 1st Thursday of each month we will have Kindermusic in to do some fun activities with us!

Show and Tell:  This takes place on Thursday and Friday.  Your child's day is the last day they attend in the week.  We try to make sure that all of our friends get to share something each week.  There is a theme, and it is posted in the weekly newsletter and on our website.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at any time!!!