Last week the children did a great job of executing a gentle wave with the parachute while holding it in a thumbs-up position. We listened to Mozart’s “E” in ekleine Nachtmusic-Allegro” as the “snow” (styrofoam pellets) floated around us.
This week in Social Studies we will begin to learn about China as we prepare to celebrate Chinese New Year. We will begin the celebration a little early so that we can celebrate with our grandparents on Grandparents Day (Jan. 27). This week we will make a Chinese Flag and paint our Chinese hats. We will read “China” in Children of the World and an excerpt about the Great Wall from Journey Into China. The children will construct a Great Wall of China together with blocks and Popsicle sticks. We are planning a Chinese Feast to share with our Grandparents. There will be a sign-up sheet in the hall with ideas for the feast (we are also open to suggestions if you have a favorite recipe or entrée/dessert).
In Nature/Science we will read A Panda Grows Up. We will narrate a lovely book about the Five Senses called First Delights. The children will search for textures in the classroom and create texture rubbings.
In Phonics/Language the children will sort objects beginning with the letters L and M into tubs. We will read What Makes a Magnet and make letter M’s using magnets. We will also practice dot painting and writing K, L, and M. We will read The Mitten Tree, and the children will practice matching mittens with pictures of rhyming words.
In Music we will learn a Chinese song called “Zhao Pengyou” that means “Looking For A Friend”. The children will learn motions to the song. We will read The Story about Ping, sing “The Five Little Ducks”, and compare the story to the song. In Bible we will learn about the Greatest Gift (Mark 12:41-44) and sing “We’re Glad We’re Here Together”. We will also march to “The Marching Song” and “The Lord’s Army.
