Our focus all week long was on Valentine's Day. We discussed how the day is all about love for family and friends and how we can show it by exchanging cards, perhaps candy and flowers and other gifts. Heart shapes for some reason appeal to all children. Over the week the class used their fine motor skills to create a mail holder bag decorated with beautiful water color hearts. This project is seen on our blog. It also went home on Friday.
Family valentines were being created in our pictures with lots of designing, gluing and placing of various heart shapes. All the children were able to write a message in their cards which shows how much progress in the area of writing has taken place since September.
The art/writing center was a place for much conversation and fun. Different valentine coloring sheets some with dot to dots to connect and others with coloring directions to follow, were out all week. Valentine stencils could be traced and made beautiful with various types of crayons. Many friends worked here for long periods of time while strengthening their fine motor skills. Sometimes parents think that coloring is not important. But it really has a place in a child's development. It encourages children to learn spatial relationships and how to color inside the lines. These activities also allow for chances to coordinate colors and make designs of your own. Most of the books read this week were Valentine's Day ones such as "The Valentine Bears" and The Biggest Heart Ever". In the first one a hibernating bear wife wakes her husband from sleep to give him a Valentine gift of chocolate covered bugs. In the second, two mice join forces to make a wonderful heart for their teacher.
Martina was our letter box person for "R". She is holding the box and also showing us her Mom's real rose and her own wonderful drawing of a rainbow. The class read "Rotten Ralph" for an "R" book. It is an "oldie but goodie" about a very misbehaved cat. Ask your preschooler about our stories.
Finally are views of our Valentine Party which brought many smiles and much laughter. The refreshments were delicious and enjoyed on beautiful tablecloths with appropriate themed cups, napkins and plates. Thanks for all of your contributions. The last picture is with the mandarin teacher who kindly brought in dumplings for Chinese New Year. She helped the Whole Notes to review the songs and vocabulary taught for this holiday. It made our party double the fun.
Have a Happy Valentine's Day with your wonderful families and a great vacation. We remind you that there will be no blog next weekend. Watch for an email from the mandarin teacher which is being forwarded to you.
Rolene and Jackie
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