Transportation: Travel by Water

This week we came down from the sky and looked at traveling the waterways. When asked who had ever traveled on a boat, our friends were enthusiastic to share their tales.














We painted bubble wrap to make the water for our small paper sailboats. We used paper, scissors, markers, and glue to create our own versions of watercraft.



We played a game of Sink and Float one day. This activity gives children the chance to make predictions, observe, and decide if their guesses were correct. Many will try objects over and over to make sure that they really do sink or float.


We're glad that all the boats we've ever traveled on were able to Float!

Almost all our friends have had a chance to share with the "All About Me" bucket. It has been a fun activity for both the child sharing and everyone who listens. Thanks so much to our parents who have dutifully returned the bucket the next school day filled with many precious items !

Transportation: Travel by Air

Group time is a focused, teacher-directed learning experience each day at LAP. It includes several different activities; music, literature, language, listening, sharing of thoughts and ideas, etc.















This week, as we discussed modes of travel, we all shared what we would pack in a suitcase if we were traveling on a big trip far away from home. The answers were thoughtful and practical and made for a serious packing list.

We talked about planes, hot air balloons, and rocket ships. Next week we move onto travel via the waterways.







We also spent some time each day for the All About Me bucket. Our three friends who shared this week continued to do a great job of speaking in front of the group and commanding the attention of their classmates. The audience was very attentive and supportive of everyone who shared.



"Peanut" the Sugar Bear came to our class for a visit!

EGGS

EGG-citing stuff this week!
We centered our theme around the incredible egg, learning some new things and having lots of fun.

We played a game at group time that had us working our fine motor skills and cooperative skills as we passed a large paper egg from person to person using only clip-style clothespins. Our friends learned how to press their forefinger and thumb together to open the clip and then release it to close around the paper egg. It was pretty tricky, but we went around the circle several times until everyone was successful.




Our favorite art activity of the week was dying hard boiled eggs. We choose which color we wanted and were so very careful as we submerged our eggs and retrieved them a beautiful new hue.





















The sunshine coaxed us out for a delightful egg hunt on Wednesday and special guests - Real Bunnies! We got to touch them and feed them carrots. What a treat!



Happy Easter to all our friends and their families!

Flowers

We're ready for Spring and we celebrated an early arrival of blooms and blossoms this past week.
We used artificial and live flowers to imspire our artwork at the table and easel.








Paints and colored paper were the mediums used to create our own unique pieces.







We planted sunflower and morning glory seeds in soil. Hopefully when we return from Spring Break, we will have the beginnings of flowers to take home and replant.





One of our favorite activities occurs at group time when we take turns sharing the "All About Me" bucket.
We are learning to be brave speakers and a polite audience. These skills will be used all our lives!

Caterpillars to Butterflies

Spring was in the air this week and our theme fit perfectly! We continued to talk about BUGS and moved into the magical world of caterpillars and their transformation into butterflies.


It was a great way to explore circles, symmetry, and the four basic stages of the life cycle for these creatures.

We enjoyed lots of sunshine and warm weather as we played outside on our playground. Getting back out made us feel free like butterflies!










New vocabulary included "chrysalis". Ask your child to tell you about that interesting word.



We read a favorite book "The Very Hungry Catterpillar" by Eric Carle as well as many non-fiction books this week. Check out all the great resources at the library and local bookstores. Our friends are avid listeners enjoy the beautiful illustrations.



More "springtime themes" coming this month - don't forget to "spring forward" with your clocks this weekend!

BUGS

We're ready for warmer weather and some outside time. Our theme followed that line of thought and we took a look at BUGS this week.

These little creatures will be showing up soon, a herald to a new season.





Art activities included sticker bugs and disk-shaped foam. We free-handed our own ideas of bugs with paint and paper. Using our fingerprints, we created ants and added legs and antennae.



The word B-U-G was easy to spell using our big letter stamps.




















We sang songs and used our rhythm sticks at grouptime. We make a joyful noise whenever we have music time.





Facts we learned about BUGS (insects to be exact): They have three body parts, six legs, and antennae. Some move on the ground, some move in the air, and some move on the water. We listed bugs we like (ladybugs were popular)and bugs we don't (bumblebees have a bad rap).

L-O-V-E

Friends are so "sweet" at LAP! We worked together all week to show our LOVE.
Taking turns at the easel is just one example of how we show kindness to others.



Our Valentine Party was such fun! Everyone was excited to share with each other and receive so many friendly valentines in their own envelopes.

We were so glad to be back at school after many snow days. It was the perfect week to celebrate LOVE and share so many happy moments with all our friends at LAP.


Our room was full of the colors red, pink, and white as we made valentines and heart-shaped art. We stamped, painted, strung, and cut to make many lovely pieces.




We made Valentine envelopes and used them to hold all the love notes and treats from our school friends. Special Valentine mailboxes were one of our party activities. They decorated our windowsill while awaiting secret messages.

We hope everyone enjoyed their Valentine Bottles that came in the mail - We love you!