The Preschool Patriot

September 10, 2007

Mrs. Ellermann’s ECLC Class

The children are establishing a daily routine. Our focus is helping them to interact with each other which includes sharing, asking instead of taking, and in general being respectful to each other. Please reinforce good communication at home and praise them when they share their toys with siblings or friends.

Language: Our themes for the past two weeks have been Lemons, Caterpillars/Butterflies and “All About Me”. We discussed the letter “L” and “B” and brainstormed other words that start with those two letters. At the writing table the children practiced writing and tracing the words lemon, caterpillar, and butterfly. We read stories about the Very Hungry Caterpillar and phases of a caterpillar’s life. They decorated letters of their first name made from construction paper and learned a song about butterflies.

Math/Science: We discussed the shape of a lemon, squeezed the juice from a lemon, used tally marks to vote on who liked lemon juice and measured out the ingredients to make lemonade. The children also planted the seeds in hopes of growing a lemon tree! We are currently observing a chrysalis. The butterfly has not come out of its cocoon yet, but the children are waiting patiently. They played a counting game with caterpillars and leaves. The children were measured, which I hope to display so we can track their growth throughout the year. Thank you for encouraging your child to bring in nature items for our table. They have enjoyed showing their treasures at circle time and have shown an increased interest in their natural surroundings.

Art: The children stamped lemons in paint, decorated butterflies, and decorated a paper doll which represented them. Take a look at their artwork in the hallway.

Religion: The children have been learning about Jonah and the Whale and David and Goliath. They have also been learning to sit quietly in chapel. A special thanks to Mike Thomas and Kathleen Madden who have been kind enough to read bible stories to the children during the week.

Gross Motor Skills: The children were wrapped in a blanket to represent a chrysalis while singing a song about a butterfly. They learned the “Hokey, Pokey” song and practiced somersaults in the hallway. Sr. Sheila continues to work with them on movement while teaching them new songs.

Nancy Ellermann

School 523-4899, ext.222 Home 333-3262 Email nellermann@stpeterskc.org