Free at last!

 After weeks, literally, of cold and/or wet weather, we've been able to get outside twice this week!  Yes, it's been a bit damp, but dry enough to have fun.  Lots of running!  Lots of climbing!  Lots of playing!  It's been glorious. 

Because of the crazy crazy weather patterns we have had, we are talking about weather this week and next week.  So far, we've talked a lot about clouds and how God made different types of clouds and how clouds are different, just like we are.  Today we started talking about Noah, the rain, and rainbow-the biblical focus here is of course that God saved Noah's family through the flood and how He saves all Christians through the perfect life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Everyday, during group time, we sing a song called, "Sunny, Sunny!" (to the tune of 'Oh my darlin, Clementine.')  There is a "Cloudy, Cloudy" verse and a "Rainy, Rainy" verse.  We use this as an opportunity to identify the letters in those words.  This constant reminder of these letters will help to solidify this knowledge in their minds.  Get them to sing it for you!

Also, this week we are reading the book, "It looked like Spilt Milk" by Charles Shaw.  Such a fun book.  They love the repetition in it, and our sight word for this week is "like."   We use this book to identify "like" in the text. 

The kids love watching the construction going on near the main road

Valentine's Day

 We celebrated Valentines' Day two days early so that we could just do the sock-hop on Friday (the real Valentines Day).  As we all probably did as children, your kids decorated valentines bags.  Practically speaking, this is an activity designed to consolidate valentine cards.  My purpose in doing this was also social and language.  THinking of others and matching names on cards to names on bags.  I believe all children even addressed the cards at home-thank you for your involvement and work at home on this!

Leah loves icing!

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Brooklyn and Anne Barrett work hard getting these numbers in the correct order!

Anna Riley's Dad was such a fun reader!

At the hop!

Pre-dance!

Again, Brooklyn is amazing at the hula hoop!

Liam, Anna Riley, and Charleigh

 Friday was probably one of my very favorite days ever at preschool.  Your children were absolutely adorable-some in sock-hop and party clothes.  The kids were able to dance, hula-hoop, make cookies, coke-floats, comb their hair back, sing into microphones, etc.  It was just a FUN day and I loved that the whole school was able to enjoy this time together.  I was able to get to know some of the younger kids better, and I know the older kids loved seeing their younger siblings. 

Love me some Olivia!

This absolutely cracks me up!

Roxanna and friend Josie

Leah and sister Ruthie hanging out at the snack table!

Party-Hardy!

How low can you go?

Chapel

 Most of you know that the kids get to go to a chapel service most Monday mornings.  Trinity's assistant pastor, Mr. Chris leads this.  The kids learn bible stories-and how all of the stories point at Jesus.  They learn children's catechism.  And they have fun!  Look at these faces-they are having a blast!! 

Here are some snapshots from today's time together.   I took a video but am having a difficult time uploading it now. 

Roxanna loves to tie her friends' shoes

G-O-D is L-O-V-E

Some of our older friends from Mrs. Leslie's room

One of my favorite things about Valentine's day is talking about hearts-showing the kids a cartoon heart and then a drawing or model of a real heart.  We talk about our hearts, what they do, why they are important, etc.  We brought in Miss Tara, one of the toddler teachers, who had a heart transplant at age 11.  Her story is a sweet story of God's gracious provision.

We also sing a song by Steve Green called, "God is love."  It's from a CD called, "Hide 'em in your Heart"-bible verses put to music.  In this, the kids actually spell "God is love."  This offers them the opportunity to learn His Holy word as they begin to put letters into new words. 

Some of you may not know that Mrs. Kim was the state hula hoop champion years ago.  Brooklyn was going to town with the hula hoop the other day and MAY being taking the title in a few years. 

Look out Mrs. Kim!

Learning about the heart

Dr. Ryley listening to Leah's heart

Waiting to go home!

Grrrr...

Jace and his sister waiting to go home

Leah making her Valentine bag

Walt and Brooklyn were determined to do homework all day

Miss Tara telling us about her heart transplant