December 15-19, 2003
Here's what we've been doing this week:
- I hope all of you have an enjoyable time during the winter break. I would like to remind you that even though the conferences are over, you are always welcome to contact me with any concern that you have. Sometimes you think of something that you forgot to mention in the conference, or something new comes up. I am always happy to talk with you on the phone, in person, or you can e-mail me .
- This week I added several new signs to the classroom to get the children interested in written words and their meaning. I put large labels on different things around the classroom, such as "refrigerator", "washing machine", "computer", "shelf", "bells", "maps", "door", etc.The children at first were asking what the words said and then they started copying the words on their own pieces of paper. They were excited that they knew how to write and recognize different words. In addition, we started using our schedule chart that lists the different activities that we do every day. Some things stay the same, such as "journals" that we do every day, as well as "learning centers". However, when we go to music class the "music" sign goes up. After observing the chart for a few days, someone always tells me if I have forgotten to put up the correct sign.
To reinforce this activity, put up signs around your home. Start with some of the same signs we have in the classroom, such as "door", "shelf", and "refrigerator" and then add words that are particular to your own house. Soon your child will be able to recognize many words. Be sure to have paper and pencil handy so that they can copy the words whenever they are in the mood!
- For the past few weeks we've been having a great time singing our song "Bate Bate Chocolate". The song is about mixing milk, chocolate and sugar to make hot chocolate. We've been having a great time singing it and playing our musical instruments to the beat. Here are the words so that you can sing along with your child!
El Chocolate
Uno, dos, tres, Cho,
Uno, dos, tres, Co,
Uno, dos, tres, La,
Uno, dos, tres, Te...
chocolate, chocolate,
bate, bate chocolate.
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