Apples Galore!

It has been another busy week in the Peapod Room. With fall right around the corner we have began our study of apples. This week the children learned how an apple grows, parts of an apple, and a few apple related words in sign language. Each day during group time we tasted a different kind of apple. So far we have tried Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Green Delicious, and Gala.

"Say 'Apples'!"

We have also added our first food prep work to the classroom - apple slicing.

We are continuing to learn about caterpillars and their metamorphosis into butterflies as we anxiously await for our own butterfly to emerge from its chrysalis. 

We know we are close to our butterfly hatching because the chrysalis has turned dark and developed more gold spots. If you look closely you can even see the wings!

Life cycle of a butterfly

Next week we will continue to study apples & will be making homemade applesauce. We would greatly appreciate a few parent volunteers to join us on Thursday, September 25th from 9:00-10:30 to help the children peel, cut, and mash apples. If you are interested in helping please let me know!

Every day is so busy in the classroom that it's hard for the few photos I have the opportunity to catch to do justice to all the hard work being done. Please remember you can contact me with questions anytime!

Reading books in the Peace Corner.

Snack is available in the classroom throughout the entire morning session. Children serve themselves and practice using manners and making polite conversation at the snack table.

Working with the North America cultural box - this work teaches about the animals and currency from parts of our continent.

Matching sound cylinders.

Transferring with an eye dropper.

Practicing yoga.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Welcome to the Peapod Room!

The school year is officially underway! All of the students have arrived and are comfortably settling in to routine. 

In the beginning of the year introduce a few new students each day for the first week to ensure that they receive as much one-on-one time as possible with their teachers. This gives them the opportunity to become comfortable in their new surrounding and build knowledge of works in the classroom to promote future independence. 

The lessons last week & this week will be focused on classroom rules and etiquette. Overall the rules of the classrooms are simple, but very important:
  

1. Respect each other.

2. Respect all living things.

3. Respect the materials and the environment.
 

We have also been learning about caterpillars and their metamorphosis into butterflies.  We were lucky enough to see the caterpillar form the chrysalis. Now we wait 14 days until it is ready to emerge as a butterfly.
 

 I generally end each post with a few photos I had the opportunity to catch during work time. My hope is that this blog will serve as insight to your child's busy day and provide another resource for communication. If you are uncomfortable with me posting your child's photo or name please let me know.