Bead Tree

Another activity I set up to get to know each other during our first week
                              at school was beading.
       
The families gathered around the table and strung beads on wire then hung
                                   them on the tree.
 
As they worked on their bead strings they met each other, chatted
                    and became comfortable with new friends.
   
While they beaded we chatted about the beads they chose; what shapes,
                         colours and what they liked about them.
   
While they beaded I learned about their fine motor and math skills.  How did they handle the beads?  Could they string without assistance?  What shape did they make their strand?  Did they know the letters on the beads they chose?
  
I learned if they were able to leave their bead creation on the tree or if they
                                 needed to take it home.
  
What we ended with is an art piece to display that we worked together to create.

Apple Bread

Oh I love this time of season for the apples.  So crisp when they are fresh.  Today we baked Apple Pull-Apart Bread.  I found the recipe at Julie's Eats and Treats.
           
                   I made a loaf at home last night. 
It smelled so good that my husband had to try it before I took it to school.
    
This recipe offered the children lots of cutting practice.  We used scissors
               and knives to cut the apples into small chunks.
   
       Then we added brown sugar and cinnamon to the apples. 
                         Mixing it to coat the apples.
 
                  
Next we cut up the bread dough into little pieces.  Sometimes getting help
                                   how to hold the scissors.
      
     The bread is assembled in layers and we talked about patterns. 
                A layer of bread, a layer of apples, then repeat.
   
Drizzle each layer with melted butter and it’s ready for a warm oven
                                     to rise for an hour.
 
      Our classroom filled with a warm, delicious bread smell.
                
     Everyone wanted to try and some wanted an extra piece.

Expressing Ourselves through Drawing

The first week at school is a time to get to know each other and learn more
                                   about our interests. 
                
  One activity I set up was to encourage each person to draw their face.
   
   
            A mirror was provided to look at themselves. 
          Some used the mirrors other just started drawing.
  
                           Free movement and ideas.
          
Children showed me drawings of themselves and of members in their families.
        
I learned that there are several children that really enjoy colouring. 
     What opportunities can be provided to fulfill their interest?

Roll and Move

              
A new outdoor movement game that was inspired by a post over at Mother Natured.  They called it a wildlife movement die and provide a print out to make your own.  But I wanted to customize it to animals that live around us. 
   
I also wanted to incorporate more literacy so added words with the action words
                                under each animal.
        
We headed out to the school yard and took turns throwing the die.
    
After reading the picture and words the children moved the same way.
 
 
 
 
We added the second die to see how long they had to move.
 
The children loved this game.  Combining animals with free movement outside
             allowed them to move and move and move.