4's Class

LAST WEEK:

The highlights of the Thursday and Friday included:

•   Self-Portraits: the children were delighted to see that their portraits looked much more like themselves than prior portraits. Over the past year they have developed visual-perceptual skill and much greater fine motor control. 

The portraits were done on hard plastic and will serve as the children's lunch placements.

Sara experimented with mixing colors when making her cheeks. Unfortunately, permanent markers don't blend!

 

The children used mirrors to help them notice the shapes that make up their faces.

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• Sensory words for Apples and Lemons

We're learning about the idea of "sweetness." We compared the look, feel, smell and taste of apples versus lemons.  New descriptive words emerged to describe the textures ---- "smooth," 

"curved" 

"bumpy" 

"hard and soft."  

We realized that both fruits had a stronger fragrance once we cut it open. 

We demonstrated how to shine an apple. 

We also cut the apple across the middle and revealed a star inside the apple which we used for printing. 

Most children preferred apples (sweet) to the lemons (sour!) although a few children really liked the experience of eating a slice of lemon. 

• Choices: 

There was time for Center Play and making choices which included new, more elaborate family role playing and exploring new materials.

 We have a new doll in the room who is an older toddler. Her name is Devorah Leah and she joins her younger sister, Chana, who remains an adorable baby forever. 
They are starting to have sibling rivalry! Some of the children really dislike the newcomer...
  

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•  Shabbat

Last but not least, we had a lovely Shabbat celebration complete with grape juice, fresh handmade Challah (made with Morah Nechama Thursday, then kneaded/shaped/rolled/braided on Friday), candles and singing. 

Several children asked to learn how to make "a real braid." 

Elet was "Shabbat Abba" this week.

It was a wonderful week with beautiful weather. We read several books outside sitting together on a blanket so we could remain outdoors a little longer!