Dear Pre-K Families,

This week marks the conclusion of our solar system unit. Prekindergarten students extended their space exploration well beyond the study of our planets, the moon, and the sun. During Black History Month, we studied the contributions of two women of color to the field of space discovery and science -- Mae Jemison and Katherine Johnson. The children were excited to learn how they can achieve any dream if they work hard and believe in themselves!

This week we discovered how astronauts live in space by watching them describe how to prepare peanut butter and jelly tortilla sandwich, wash their hair, and sleep upright in a sleeping bag. Students realized how everything must be secured with velcro or items will float up with zero gravity. The tortilla was actually taped down so the astronaut could apply the peanut butter.

As we prepare for April’s Young Authors and Illustrators Week, students are creating several handmade books with their own stories and illustrations related to specific pieces of literature. For example, this week we read Hello, Star by Stephanie V. W. Lucianovic. Each child created a painting of their favorite planet and then shared why they would visit that planet. 

Prekindergarten learners completed several activities in their Words their Way books, including sorting (vegetables, fruit, grains, and meat) and rhyming identification and production. We also practiced manipulating the /n/ sound in words, listened to identify the number of words in short sentences, and created the letter N using wooden sticks, sensory sand, chalkboards and chalk, crayons, handwriting books, roll-a-dough, and the Wet, Dry, Try iPad application. 

We continue learning new math games such as Feed the Monster, Find the Bunny, Playdough & Dice, and Number Path using dot cards, playing cards, dice, and game boards to reinforce number sense and social-emotional skills. On Tuesday, we shared an interactive slideshow with pictures from nature, everyday life, and artwork. Children shared the shapes they noticed, learned about symmetry, and practiced visualizing the hidden “shapes within shapes.” They rotated shapes and found multiple ways to make a diamond (rotate a square or join two triangles together). Prekindergarten students also created their own unique drawings using at least five different shapes. This activity highlighted each student’s ability to think flexibly about geometric figures!

We look forward to another great week together as we begin our exciting fairy tales unit, learn the /e/ sound and letter, introduce measurement, and practice mindful self-calming.

Thank you for all you do to support your child and our school community!

Warmly,

Denise & Lesli