Hemlock Classroom Review

It was wonderful to welcome back all of the children in January from the winter break. We also welcomed 3 new kids in our classroom Narin & Emon.  The children all settled in quickly.

We started our learning with why January was named and the poem. We talked about winter equinox and weather change. Then we moved to our planet Earth. We learned the position of Earth in Space and how it supports life on it. So, it is our job to protect our planet. We looked at the sandpaper globe to recognize land and water. With a colored globe, we learned the continents and made a playdough globe and learned how to divide the globe into two halves, eastern and western hemispheres to make it easier for us to learn and important landforms of the Earth too, how they are opposite to each other. Children were excited to learn and identify the landforms in our map.

They were happy to make landform books.

We talked about Martin Luther King Jr Day, how we can achieve peace in the world by giving everyone equal rights.

We also had a Parent visit our classroom and talked about his Profession. He is an anesthesiologist doctor showed kids the stethoscope, otoscope, and some kids volunteered in checking knee reflexes. It was an interesting 25 minutes circle time all the kids were involved in the learning.

Since we are in winter and also the weather keeps on changing, we request to provide appropriate clothes, socks and shoes. Thanks to the parents who showed up on kindergarten night. We were excited to share our values and work with you.

Buckeye Classroom Review

It was so nice to have everybody back in the classroom after the long break and we hope you all enjoyed extra family time during the holidays.

We welcomed in this shorter month with talk of winter and all things cold!

We began with the polar regions that reside in most continents including the animals, plants, temperature, and soil that can exist there.

In the south we have Antarctica which is entirely a polar biome. We learned all about penguins, seals, whales, and the albatross that live there and under what conditions.

In the Northernmost area of the planet, the Arctic circle/tundra, we studied interesting facts about caribou, whales, polar bears, hare, fox, walrus, seals, and huskies. We found out just how animals either adapt, hibernate, or migrate to deal with extreme temperatures.

We learned about how a snowflake forms. While they share common characteristics, each snowflake is unique due to its own individual journey through the air.

We also took a close look at the earth’s surface and observed the many land and water forms that cover the earth’s crust. Children can now choose an island and a lake or a peninsula and a gulf and add water, animals and buildings for a hands-on experience.

In science children are experimenting with objects that either sink or float when placed in water by first making a prediction, and then testing it out.

Children have been working hard mastering their bubble making, chalk board washing, table washing and dish washing skills this month.

Later this month we are looking forward to learning about the Lunar new year and all about how it is traditionally celebrated. We even have a guest coming in to share their family’s tradition!

We also celebrated Martin Luther King Jr., a man of peace, who worked for fairness for us all!

Looking forward to next month as we begin our unit study on community workers/helpers.