Syringe Painting

Free choice time (the first 20 minutes of our morning when kids are arriving in the classroom), was really exciting today. Mrs. Ricciardone created a wicked fun project called syringe painting. The kids (two at a time) filled plastic syringes with a primary color paint, took aim, and squirted it at their papers. You can envision the significant backdrop behind the papers to catch the splatter ... Colorful results are drying overnight, but you can get a preview here.

Dear Families,

The Hospital theme continues to be engaging in many ways for our class. We have read some great books that help us connect to and enhance our understanding of people who work at hospitals. For Science Eyes, we looked very closely at many types of bandages, and drew what we thought was interesting. And in our familiar math game called Making Collections, we have new items to count like stethoscopes, teddy bears, and syringes. Your kids have patiently learned the rules about using our (somewhat fragile) rescue helicopter, and self regulate themselves nicely when using it.

New Dramatic Play Theme -- Hospital!

I wonder if you've heard the news? Our dramatic play theme has changed to Hospital. We have an Operating Room, X-Ray Department, Gift Shop, Hospital Room 100, and a Newborn Nursery. Very exciting and engaging for the kids. Here's a peek at what it looks like ...

And a few more pictures, after we added our rescue helicopter center ...

Pre-K Winter Weather Policy

If there is No School for RSU1, that means No School for CHOICES (Pre-K) students.

If there is a 1 hour delay for RSU1, Pre-K will have a 1 hour delay as well (except on Wednesdays ... read on).

If there is a 2 hour delay for RSU1, Pre-K will be cancelled, the thought being we don't want Pre-K families out driving in bad conditions for one and a half hours of preschool.

Wednesdays are an exception, because of the late start. A 1 hour delay on Wednesdays actually equals a 2 hour delay, when one factors in the late start time. So any delay on Wednesdays, means no school for Pre-K students.

Seems a little complex, but we are doing our best to put kids first.

caribou learning facts and decorating reindeer muffins

We learned some interesting facts about caribou (another name for reindeer) in pre-k today. Did you know that both male and female caribou have antlers? Did you know they can run really fast (48 mph!)?  Did you know the inner parts of their hooves become soft in the summer (to walk on the tundra) and then those inner parts shrink in the winter (to let the outer rims provide traction on the ice, kind of like studded snow tires)?  And, the knees of many species of reindeer are adapted to produce a clicking sound as they walk!

We also enjoyed decorating and eating reindeer muffins at the end of our morning.The kids are experts at setting the tables for a party; tablecloths, plates, napkins and a pre-k centerpiece of greens and pretend candles.

P E Team Builders

In PE today, the kids worked together in teams to build amazing structures, some of which are on display in this quick slideshow ...

Hanukkah, a holiday meant to be explored by pre-k! Playing with dreidels (oh, that fine motor skill of spinning), counting Hanukkah candles and arranging them in the menorah, turning the Foley food mills to make applesauce, and tasting latkes with families ... We are having a great week and are thankful this holiday lasts eight days.