The children spent a large portion of the week exploring. Many of the children have shown an interest in using the blocks and wood pieces in different ways. Some children were observed making a “bridge” using chairs and wood pieces. They then proceeded to build “barriers” on the bridge. After making these barriers they used the wooden vehicles to push through these barriers, causing them to crash onto the floor. What a noise they made! This caused the children to want to create bigger barriers to hear the difference in the noise. Another group of children were seen using the wooden tree pieces and sticks to build structures that were then hit with a larger stick in the attempt to catapult the pieces across the room to hit and knock over a tower. After doing this, the children were asked to think about the hardness of the pieces that were flying across the room. They came up with the conclusion that if one of the pieces were to hit someone it would hurt them. They then decided to use the foam wood blocks at the top of their structure, these were the blocks that they would then hit in the attempt to knock over the tower. They quickly realized that the foam pieces didn’t fly as far as the wood pieces, so they needed to hit those pieces harder. It’s amazing to see how the children are discovering inertia, gravity, and cause and effect through block exploration. We enjoyed a book which looks deeper into the values of Rosh Hashanah. After listening to a book called, New Year at the Pier,the children were intrigued by the concepts. These concepts included reflecting upon one’s actions during the previous year, and how to make things right. After the book, some kids wanted to stay and reflect on their previous year. Guided by a teacher they discussed how we have a whole year behind us, yet a whole new year just ahead of us where we can make better choices. Here are some of the words the children used when sitting and reflecting together. “I screamed at my sister when she threw the sand and she made a mess. This year, I will tell her nicely not to throw sand. I am going to teach her to listen. It is hard for her, but she is learning.” “When my mom calls somebody I distract her to listen to me. This year, I will not distract her I will wait until she is done with the call.” “Sometimes I break my brother’s things he builds. This year, I will ask him how I can play with him, so I don’t break it.” “I hit my brother when he is not nice. This year, I will learn how to be nice and use my words instead of hitting him.” “I broke my mom’s perfume and I feel bad. This year, I will be good by saying sorry if I break something. I will also be careful around the house and ask before I use something.” “I have a hard time listening to my mommy. This year, I will listen to what she says right away.” We worked on cutting skills this week. This is very important when learning how to cut and use the correct grip with the scissors. The children cut out big/little lines and big/little curves that they learned from our Handwriting Without Tears program. We made challah dough on Thursday and then made round loaves on Friday. They really enjoyed learning that we eat a round challah on Rosh Hashanah to remind us that the year is ending and beginning again. Throughout our discussions about Rosh Hashana the children have learned that the 2 round challahs that are made for Rosh Hashana represent the year that is ending and the new year that is coming. All of the children voted for cinnamon challah so that’s what was made. This week the children were completing their square art. We chose to have them create a crayon-resist of their name. After writing their name in pencil the name was traced over in crayon. After that, the children used watercolor to paint over the names. They were intrigued by this process, so we put these materials on the art table for them to explore more into what these materials do together. Shabbat Shalom, Rachel and Linda Reminders: -Please send in family photo. -Especially on days we have PE (Wednesday and Thursday), please have your child wear close toe shoes. -NO SCHOOL Monday, September 30th, and Tuesday, October 1stfor Rosh Hashanah. -Half day (11:45 pick up, no lunch) Tuesday, October 8thin observance for Yom Kippur. -NO SCHOOL Wednesday, October 9thin observance for Yom Kippur. -Please NO nut products in our lunches. We are a NUT SAFE school. Thank you. Shabbat Shalom, Rachel and Linda
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