Rumney Preschool
Ms. Murray's Classes
Happy Halloween Pre-K Families, Announcements:
Can you believe we can fit so many activities into just two days a week? On Monday and Tuesday, we began our pumpkin exploration. There were pumpkins set out on the table with magnifying glasses, unifix cubes, orange and brown crayons, and paper to draw their observations. No directions were given to the kids about this activity unless specifically asked, so it was great to see them start using the materials on their own to measure and observe. We discussed how some were smooth or bumpy, the length of their stems, and biggest to smallest. On Wednesday and Thursday, we got into the pumpkins. They used kid safe knives and spoons to cut and scoop, and tweezers to try to pick up the seeds. On Monday we played a game called "Smoosh and Seek" which is a fun twist on a memory game. It had animals that "escaped" the treehouse, and they had to get back before the time ran out. On Thursday, we did directed drawings, or as some of them call it, "Ms. Murray drawings". I am a firm believer in process over product, but directed drawings help students learn important skills like following directions and taking your time. Most importantly, drawing together helps them practice their curves and lines which is great for their letter formation. There will be more directed drawings in both classes throughout the year. We had a great time dressing up! Normally, the preschool kids go on a parade throughout each classroom. Instead of that, many staff members and kids came down to stand in our door way and look at their costumes! It was great to see our Rumney family come make the kids feel extra special :) At ECO, both classes had fun making food with our pots and pans. They have all been practicing turn taking and have been accommodating to their friends when someone wants to use something they are using. It is important to share, but having kids say, "when I'm done, you can use it" gives the child using the item some flexibility, so they don't have to give it up right that second. I hope you all have a happy, safe, and spooky weekend! If you would for your child to share pictures of them on halloween, please send me some pictures and I will share them with everyone. Deanna
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Hi Folks, Announcements:
First off, I would like to thank the TTh families for their flexibility yesterday. Staffing can be hard, and so are migraines! I appreciate and thank all of you for being able to "go with the flow". Since there was no pre-k on Thursday, there aren't a ton of pictures of your kids this week. There will be tons next week! The week was so fun. In both classes, they enjoyed using watercolors to uncover letters in their "magic paintings" -- which were white pieces of paper with their names, and letters, written on it with white crayon. They were very excited to find letters that are in their names, their siblings names, and many other people they know! Relating letters to people they care about give letters a deeper meaning to them. We often talk about their special letter, which is the letter their first name starts with. There have been some new additions to our ECO spot. Pots, pans, and small baskets were added, along with a clothesline/vertical pulley system. On Tuesday, the class enjoyed "cooking" with the pots and pans. Chicken pot pie, chocolate cake, and "dinner" was made for me. A refrigerator was built out of sticks to keep the left overs cold. It's wonderful to see their imaginations go wild. On Wednesday at ECO, they wanted to play a game with a lava monster. They took turns being the lava monster, and we all had to "stay safe" by jumping on to the boat, which was a fallen over tree. They were great at taking turns, and working together. It was awesome to see! Have a good weekend, Deanna Hi Pre-K Folks, Announcements:
It was a short but jam packed week over here in preschool. On Tuesday and Wednesday, we practiced making "snakes" out of play doh to create their names. Name recognition is happening a lot here in our class. All the kids get very excited when they saw their new name tags/placemats for lunch time. They also are using name recognition to find their cubbies and get their containers of art supplies off of the shelf. On Wednesday, there were spray bottles filled with watercolor paint mixed with water. They had to use their fingers to squeeze the bottles and turn the knob on the bottles to make it either a straight line or spray. They sprayed paper in and outside of the class. On Thursday, there were letters missing from our morning message! They all immediately said they had a "case" to solve. With their sleuthing skills, they narrowed it down and found out it was Mary! My oh my, I did not anticipate how much they would love this! More mysteries might happen in the future. ECO has been going great. They have continued to use ropes and sticks to make fishing rods. We are also enjoying reading books about nature while out at our spot. Brian Cotterill, a parent of an older student, went out to the woods with me yesterday afternoon and we got a tarp up. It will be very fun for them to see it next week. Have a wonderful weekend, Deanna Hi Pre-K Families, Again, I apologize for not posting an update last week. Be sure to check out the pictures in this post, there are a TON! Announcements:
Wow, what a wonderful 2 weeks we've had. I don't think I've ever heard this many giggles before! The TTh class have been telling knock knock jokes at lunch. They wait patiently for their turn, tell their joke (which may or may not make sense), and the entire class erupts in laughter. The MW class have been making silly faces during lunch time and can't stop laughing. It's only the beginning of October, and these kids, who were strangers to some just a month ago, are creating this amazing classroom community. They stand up for each other, help each other get those tricky boots off after being out in the rain, make each other cards/pictures, and generally care for one another. Empathy is a big part of preschool, and wow, are they nailing it! One activity that happened last week was a huge hit. We painted with our feet! This spontaneous activity came up on Monday. This was a great sensory activity. The TTh class did the same activity the following day. In the beginning of this week, ropes were brought out inside and out at our ECO spot. Inside, the kids used clothes pins to hang up clothes from our extra clothing containers (they have been laundered!). This is great fine motor practice, and many of them noted how some of their family members do this at home with their clothes. Outside, ropes were used to make fishing rods with sticks and to tie knots. We also brought some clothes pins outside to hang up leaves and other outdoor objects. Tree climbing was a big hit these last two weeks. They have been taking calculated risks by doing this. I always ask them "what's your plan" so they can explain to me where they are putting their hands and feet. I am always right there to spot them! On Wednesday, we made thunderstorm books with printed out pictures and they told the story as I scribed. On Thursday, they took to sewing. We borrowed blunt-ish needles from the art teacher, Ms. Campbell. We used yarn and strung beads and used scraps of fabric. There were so many fine and gross motor activities that happened this week. They have been working hard to build their muscles. Have a nice weekend! Deanna |
Welcome!Hello and welcome to the Rumney Preschool blog for Ms. Murray's classes! You will find information about what we do every day in preschool along with important announcements. *Photos on the Blog*
If you would like family members to see pictures of your child playing at school, please email me and I will add them to my weekly email list. These photos are not permitted to be posted on social media. Thank you! Archives
June 2023
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