Each morning when the Pre-K students arrive in the classroom, they have time for free play. They enjoy selecting a toy from the toy shelf and gathering with their friends to create and just have fun. Free play allows the children to use their imagination, strengthen their social skills, and develop their problem-solving skills.
Handwriting
The Pre-K students love working in their handwriting books because they get to work like the "big kids" do! In Pre-K, our main handwriting focus is writing our names, but we do expose the children to writing all the letters and numbers. Handwriting will be a big focus of kindergarten next year!
Students begin all handwriting lessons by watching videos of how to properly form both the capital and lowercase letter we are working on. They "write" the letter in the air to practice making the strokes. Click here to watch the students working on the letter Pp.
Next, the students practice tracing and writing the letters in their handwriting books with a proper pencil grip.
Black History Month
All month long we have been learning about influential black men and women who have made contributions to our society. We learned about Alfred Cralle (the inventor of the ice cream scoop), Garrett Morgan (the inventor of the modern traffic light), Lyda Newman (the inventor of the hairbrush with plastic bristles), and Philip B. Downing (the inventor of the mailbox). We are still talking about Martin Luther King, Jr. and all his work for kindness, justice, and creating a beloved community.
We love listening to stories as well! Two of our current favorites are Hair Love by Matthew Cherry and Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o.
I highly recommend Miss Jessica's World - Where Kids Learn New Things on YouTube. Throughout the year, we have learned about so many things with Miss Jessica - from washing our hands, to talking about our feelings, to Diwali, to the hula, and so much more! Our current favorite video is "Celebrate Black People Who Change the world. You can view it here. The Pre-K students love to dance to this song!
Important Reminders:
- We will be celebrating Valentine's Day on Monday - don't forget to send in your valentines!
- Students in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 7th grade are collecting food and gently used clothing for Murphy’s Giving Market in Upper Darby. All donations will be collected until Wednesday, February 23rd. See the Happenings for more details.
- Students will be allowed to wear free dress for Valentine’s Day on Monday 2/14.
- There will be no school on Friday, February 18 (faculty in-service) or Monday, February 21 (Presidents’ Day).
- We will be celebrating “Twos-Day” on Tuesday, 2/22. Please refer to the email for more details.
- There will be no show and tell next week.
