FROM MS. KRISTINE
This week, we continued our unit on insects. We learned that not all "bugs" are insects. Insects have a head, two body parts (thorax and abdomen), antennae, six legs and wings (some undeveloped). Our children were able to figure out that spiders and earthworms are not insects. We did a color and word match activity with all our new vocabulary. Our kids are getting so good at this that nobody asked for help and everyone got it right. And, two of the words looked similar. Bravo TK.
We also made fun ladybugs that were painted, cut, assembled and given spots. The children successfully counted the spots they put on each wing and created a math equation to show the sum. They even read the equation correctly, showing a 1:1 correspondence with the spots and the numbers. They came out so cute and different, we had to hang them up and I will put them in their books.
The children are really starting to recognize environmental print. Basically, this is them making sense out of print in a given environment or context. They might be able to point to the correct words on food labels, store signs, or clothing brands. This is a fun activity to do during snack time with their packaging and labels on their familiar items. The beginning letter sound helps and previous knowledge does the rest. They may not actually be reading, but to them, they are. This is building confidence, and that is a big step in this process. We are finding opportunities in class to see what we might already know, or can figure out. It is so fun to see their wheels turn.
For art, we had fun painting butterflies. They children were given a picture to fill in with detail. They remembered that butterflies are symmetrical, so they tried very hard to paint each side the same, using fine point brushes for accuracy in the detail. The painted butterflies might not have had perfect symmetry, but they used their imagination to bring it all together.
As we waited with anticipation for our butterflies, we did a sequencing activity showing the four stages of the butterfly's metamorphosis. They had different options to demonstrate the butterfly story, as long as it was in the correct order.
BUTTERFLY UPDATE; We have 10 beautiful butterflies. Eight emerged from their chrysalides on Wednesday, and the final two appeared on Thursday. We set them free Friday.
SWIMMING NEXT WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3rd. This will be our last swimming day in TK. Please bring your child’s swim clothes and towel ASAP.
FROM MORAH RAIZEL
We’ve had a lovely week at school filled with learning, fun, and adventure. The children were happy to share their Shavuos reflections on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, we worked on drawing a picture of our favorite Jewish holiday. The school year has really gone by so quickly.
Since we do not have an upcoming Jewish holiday, we have had the chance to read books like Two Kings by Fishel Jacobs, I Wish I Were A King by Genedel Krohn, and Arrogant Ari Learns A Lesson by Goldie Golding. We are also diligently practicing for our end-of-year performance.
This week, the children created art using the back of paper bags. The children enjoyed the experience and were proud of their work.
Last week, we talked about what we love about the Torah. Here are the children’s responses.
- Sam: The only thing I can think of is Hashem.
- Netanel: Because it’s special.
- Elias: I love that it’s very special.
- Ruby: Because it keeps us alive.
- Avigail Ninnette: I love the aseres hadibros.
- David: The parsha.
- Tzivia: We kiss the Torah.
- Nuna: Cuz it helps us do mitzvos.
- Jackson: Because it’s on Har Sinai.
- Shneur: Moshiach is going to come soon, and I love to do mitzvos, and I love to keep Shabbos.
- Tohar: Because the Torah is the best. I love the Torah, and I love to kiss it, and I love Hashem.
- Ari: I give tzedakah, Shabbos, give the Torah to Shneur.
- Shiloh: That the Torah has stories inside it, and Jewish people can tell the stories.
- Hannah: The mitzvos. All of them.
- Goldie: I like about the Torah that I like to hug it.
- Pearl: The Bais Hamikdash.
- Zalman: It is special.
Looking forward to another great week ahead!
Best wishes for a peaceful and restful Shabbos,
