Library and the Letter L

Weekend News

Jessica- We went in the truck. We went for a really, really, really long ride. Me and AJ played games with each other and we got a beard from the store when we get the food. We put it on when it was morning time. Yesterday, we stayed at home, we didn't sleep though. I played with AJ and we never ever leave each other alone. 

Asha- I played with my baby. We watched a lot of movies on movie night. 

Jaylen- I played ball. I watched StoryBots.

Henry- I go to the Y and there was a different teacher. Then I did everything with daddy, like the swimming things. 

Millie- Played with my brother Ethan.

Natey- 

Zev- I had fun. I played with things and I went on a little bike ride. I went with my mommy and daddy. We ride my bike to somebody's house where we never went before.

Thea- I went outside and played. I played with daddy and Quinny. We played at the park. I played chase. 

Lincoln- I build something. It was an airplane car. Nanny dropped it by accident. There was one blue piece that was far, far away.

Vivian- I went to the theater to see a show with Princess Jasmine. I went down to Philadelphia just daddy and me.

Dylan-

Gracie- We went to the store. We buyed flowers at the end for mommy. Lev was running because the Eagles was on. For dinner, we had broccoli. I love my daddy, I love my mom and my brother and my whole house.

The Sparrows began their day in library. Friends returned their books and sat down to listen to a couple stories read aloud. 

The first book Kristy read was What Shape is the Moon? by Bo-Hyeon Seo.

When hearing the title, friends responded with, "I know what shape it is. It's a banana!" "It's a semi-circle!"

In the book, the animals argued about the real shape of the moon. In the end, the stork explained that the moon changes, that it goes from little to big and back to little again. That this is called the lunar phases.

The second book Kristy read was an Elephant and Piggie book, There is a Bird on your Head! by Mo Willems.

After reading, friends went to explore the books set out for them to check out and bring back to our classroom.

Ask your Sparrow what book they checked out at the library today.

Back in the classroom, friends had choice, snack, and worked in small groups on a literacy activity. 

Friends were called over to the table to work on the letters L, F and E. Friends worked on big lines and little lines. 

Before writing the letters, friends told us what type of lines they needed for each. After friends wrote the lines to form each letter, they used their fingers to trace over the lines they made. Friends also made the sounds of each letter.

Ask your Sparrow what sound the letter L makes.

Below is a list of words that begin with L that the Sparrows came up with:

Lincoln- Lunch

Henry- Lunchbox

Dylan- Lincoln

Gracie- Lev

Jaylen- Lizard

Asha- Legos

Zev- Lollipop

Vivian- Love

Jessica- Large

Thea-Ladybug

Natey- Lion

Millie- Leg

Math Workshop: Shapes

Since the music room is being used for picture day today and tomorrow, Keisha traveled to our classroom for music class. We began with singing "Jambo" and then moved into "The Cobbler." The Sparrows requested "This is My Place," which is a song that friends sang last week in music that helps with memory, self-awareness and personal space.

Another movement song we sang was "Turn Cinnamon Turn." For this song, each verse names a different body part to move, whether it be clapping your hands, bouncing, swinging or your whole body.

Next, the Sparrows played Echo Me. For this, Keisha tapped a beat on her drum and friends echoed the beat by clapping their hands.

Our final activity was to read and move to The Animal Boogie. When Keisha brought out the book, many friends shared, "I have that book at home!" Friends enjoyed guessing which animals were hiding in the jungle, and then dancing and moving the way the animal was.

We ended music with Keisha by singing the goodbye song.

After music, we had morning meeting, where friends learned that they would be participating in a math workshop on shapes. To get ready for our workshop, the Sparrows watched a short catchy video titled Shape Name Game.

Below is a list of the different centers we had set up in the room for our shape math workshop.

1. Popsicle stick shapes

At this center, friends made shapes out of popsicle sticks. We put a circle out to see if we could trick friends but the Sparrows could not be fooled! Friends said a circle is round and popsicle sticks are straight and we cannot use them to make a circle. Friends used glue to keep their popsicle sticks in place.

A large focus of the work friends did today was on shape identification and recognition, as well as hand-eye coordination and fine motor development.

2. Pattern blocks

At the second station, Sparrows used pattern blocks to complete a pattern block template. Friends chose a sheet and then set out to complete the task set forth. This center was a great way for friends to practice one-to-one correspondence, patience, and seeing how you can make different items using different shapes.

3. Shape wands

At the shape wand center, friends wrote their names on popsicle sticks, and then chose a shape to decorate. After decorating, friends pasted their chosen shapes onto popsicle sticks, creating a shape wand!

4. Foam shape creations

At our fourth station, friends used foam shapes to design their own creations. Friends laid out their design first, and then pasted down their pieces. Creations ranged from rainbows, cakes, robots and more.

Before beginning at each center, friends took a couple of breaths to settle and focus themselves. Once friends heard the music playing, they were free to begin. Once time was up at a given center, we would turn off the lights, letting friends know it was time to switch.

The Sparrows truly did a wonderful job with each station. Friends were focused and gave their best!

Ask your Sparrow what center/activity they enjoyed and why during our shape math workshop.

1. Popsicle stick shapes

2. Pattern blocks

3. Shape wands

4. Foam shapes