Here's what we did last week
Attention Activity: Grandma's Glasses (do actions)
These are grandma's glasses (make binoculars with two hands)
This is Grandpas hat (put hands on top of head)
This is how I rest my arms folded in my lap (whisper this line and fold arms)
Literature:
Book: All Together Now by Anita Jeram
Book: I Already Know I Love You by Billy Crystal
I really like the conversation that this book sparks. Every time I read it, the kids can't wait to tell me about all the things they have done with their grandparents. It also explains how the Grandpa in the story is Mommy's father.
Book: The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Share: Bring something pink!
Handwriting: Letter V
I pulled out the Aquadoodle Mat and the children covered it in V's
Dramatic Play: Family Living Center: set up a mini kitchen, nursery, office, laundry room. Observing a group of preschoolers while "playing house" can be one of my favorite favorite things to do when I teach.
a little background:
In the 6 years and multiple facilities where I have taught, I have taught many children where their home life was a disturbing mess.
I have had to call Child Protective Services several times.
I have been interviewed by Health Dept. and Child Services Employees.
I have participated and given written and verbal testimony in a few custody battles.
I have taught children that had been physically and sexually abused.
I have refused to let children out of my care and/or out of the care of a preschool because parents arrived to pick up their children without carseats, or while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
I have turned in a parent that had a warrant out for her arrest.
Twice, I had to physically to put myself between parent and child until assistance arrived.
These were sad and difficult situations, and you might be wondering why I bring them up.
Each experience has given me appreciation for my happy life, my role as an educator, and infinite reasons to love the children in my care just a little bit extra.
It brings me peace to provide the children in my care with a safe and loving environment every time they come to school. My classroom is a place where love is felt and children are listened to and appreciated.
So now, when I set up a Family Living dramatic play center, and I see the children mimic their parents (which they often do), it makes me VERY happy when they display loving behavior and are kind to one another. This year, in particular, is special because when these children "play house" I can honestly feel how much love is in some of their homes..
In past circumstances, I know that the few hours in my care every day were the only hours that some of the chidren experienced consistent peace. It is a heavy responsibility that I took very seriously, but gladly embraced because I have seen the positive effect that a dedicated teacher can make in a child's well being.
But recently, I have been blessed to just enjoy the relief and happiness that come from knowing that for these children, my classroom is not the only place they feel loved. Their parents should be proud to know that their children mimic kindness, respect, love, innocence, service, and laughter in the family living center. Well done, parents, and thank you.
Sensory: Elbow Noodles with colored hearts
Fine Motor: pinching for hearts
Science: I gave each child a mirror and asked them who they look like.
The purpose of the exercise was to help the children recognize that their physical characteristics are genetic, and were given to them biologically from from their parents. They began to understand and point out things like, "I have brown hair like Mommy’s" and "my nose is pointy nose like daddy’s", and "My sister has teeth just like me!" (note* I currently do not have any adopted children in my class but if I did, curriculum would be adapted and approached individually, based on each family's sensitivity and the child's knowledge of the situation)
Interview: Tell me about your family.
Question: Who do you love? Why do you love them?
Record responses
Art: V Collage
V is for vase, vitamin, vacation, vulture, violin, valentine, volcano, vampire, and violet
Math: Heart Chart and Tally Marks.
Seated at the table (we did this as a group activity), the children took turns counting out the hearts from the sorted color bowls. As they counted them out, I made a tally mark for each one onto the chart next to the heart with the corresponding color. When we finished, everyone got a purple candy heart, because that's the color that "won" for having the most.Gross Motor: Heart Golf
The kids had fun hitting golf balls onto paper hearts placed around the house and yard. I didn't realize what a difficult task this was until I tried it myself! All I can say is WOW! I am glad that I chose a career where "golfing with clients" involves a blue plastic putter, because some of the kids are much more gifted golfers than I am.
Practical Life: Good Sportsmanship Everytime someone's ball hit a heart target, I encouraged the children to say "Heart in one!" and give each other a high five.
Music and Movement:
I pulled out the dancing ribbons today
I love mother, she loves meWhere is Thumbkin?
Do as I'm Doing
2 comments:
Love this post. Thanks for letting me know what Max is learning. I am dying to know how he pretended family life, or who he thinks he looks like. He probably said he looks like Jeff, but I think he acts like Jeff and looks just like me, cuter of course.
this post made me cry...like a baby. it makes me so sad to hear how parents treat their children! my sister works at a low income middle school and some of the stories she tells me are horrific! glad there are advocates out there like you girls to let children know they are loved.
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