Pollock Paintings Preschool Style

The children in the younger pod learned about Jackson Pollock and his approach in painting. He is an American painter and a major figure in the abstract expressionism movement. He was known for his unique style of drip painting and never touching the canvas with the brush.

We used 3 golf balls to create a similar look, and in the end the children had the chance to drip paint for their final touches…
  
  
  

Fun with Gak!!!

The children had an amazing time exploring their senses and honing their motor skills with Gak. This gooey substance is beloved by many children and Room 3 had an awesome time playing with it. Their imaginations inspired the creation of many things! Also, in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, the children had access to shamrock cookie cutters which allowed them to add a St. Patty’s Day twist to their Gak fun.

Ahhhh a it’s a slug!!!


A gooey heart with room to spare for a shamrock!


WHAT’S THAT ON YOUR HAND?? 
-Gasp- That’s a lot of Gak…

All in all, the children had a blast with the Gak. In the near future, they will be able to incorporate other objects into their Gak play. Here’s a hint, the Gak might not be rock solid, but the objects will be!

April 2016 News and Calendar of Events

Spring has definitely sprung at preschool as all classes are now in the throws of studying about flowers, plants, spring weather, and of course, all things creepy crawly! Several classrooms have bug-filled sensory bins (plastic of course!) and all classrooms will be getting LIVE caterpillars in the very near future! It is an exciting season here.

In the News:

Golf Tournament and Dinner Auction: We hope you will join us at this year’s dinner auction (and golf auction for those who golf!). The auction is a fantastic time to meet other PCS parents, celebrate a great year, find some amazing items to purchase, and of course, give back to the school. Registration forms are available in the office or on RenWeb.

Moonlight Magic: Need care during the auction? Leave the kiddos with us for a SUPER FUN evening of glow-tag, flashlight dance parties, pizza and a movie! We will be open 6-10pm for auction attendees, and 6 -9pm for those going out elsewhere. Of course, we DO hope you will be coming to the auction 😉

Preschool Family Picnic – Save the Date! May 21 (*please note the change of date) – Our year end picnic is fast approaching. This is always a wonderful event where our preschool families gather to celebrate a great year with a picnic lunch, water play, bouncy houses, and more. We hope you will join us! Invitations to follow.

Parking – Thank you for continuing to make drop-offs short and sweet. Time is of essence to all in the morning.

Reenrollment: First, let me thank all of you who submitted your online re-enrollment in such a timely fashion. Over 95% submitted ON TIME! Way to go, parents!!! If you did not submit on time, please note that the deadline was extended until THIS FRIDAY (due to Spring Break) to submit without penalty. We are nearly 100% full for next year, so if you were planning/considering a schedule change, please let Kristin know ASAP as changes are only made if available.

Summer Registration: Summer registration is also going strong. Please be sure to register soon to reserve your child’s space in our dynamic FUN IN THE SUN camp! Register by April 8th to have your camp billed to your account. Register by May 20th to register without a $50 penalty.

Calendar:

April 11 – 15 – WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD!

Monday – Pajama Day; Tuesday – Crazy Hat s; Wednesday – Mismatched Day: Friday  – Bring ONE fruit

THURSDAY is wear your class color day: Room 1=purple, 2=orange, 3=green, 4=red, 5=blue

April 23 – Site Work Day – 9:00am-12:00 pm – LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS!

April 29 – Golf/Dinner Auction & Moonlight Magic

May 6 – Open House @ 6:30 – MINIMUM DAY

May 21 –  Preschool Family Picnic

May 3- Memorial Day – School Closed

June 2 – 7:00 – Preschool Promotion Ceremony (rising TK/K students) – invitations to follow

June 3 – Last day of school

June 6 – 10 – School Closed

June 13 – First day of summer camp

Mural Older Pod 

Rooms 1 and 2 worked together to create an ocean scene mural. The children and I discussed all the different types of sea animals found in the ocean. From sting rays, dolphins, octopus to the many different colored fishes. Then we all got busy drawing and painting. Each student contributed in their own special way. Working together and respecting each others’ drawings and space helps build on team work and encouragement for one another… 

   
    
 

Growing in His Grace

Room 5 is a class full of energetic toddlers! We take our outdoor play time seriously. Thanks to Team 6 and the awesome outdoor learning environment they provide- our young friends can indulge in every outlet of learning and discovery in a special way- out doors!

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Running, climbing, sliding, and testing their bodies’ abilities safely boosts their sense of autonomy as well as physical development. When they crave some quiet time outside, our friends like to work in the peaceful garden. Finding a connection with nature and the beauty of God’s creations is an important building block of faith as well as being a responsible member of society. As we approach Earth Day this month, Room 5 will be encompassing the concept of the Earth as a planet and a real place that God instructed us to take care of. “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” – Genesis 2:15 (NIV)

Room 1 Meets the Lower Playground!

With the elementary school out for spring break, we introduced our almost kindergarteners to the lower playground today and they loved it!
The slide is a little steeper, the bars a little higher, and the steps a little further apart, encouraging our friends to stretch physically, as well as mentally (overcoming fear and any uncertainty in their abilities). Within minutes, our Room 1 friends were safely and confidently working those gross motor muscles, improving coordination, and enjoying this beautiful spring day!

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Easter Blessings in Room 2

Easter is upon us! What better way to get the children to understand than by telling the story of our Risen King through a marshmallow! A marshmallow? All the classes make this yummy treat. You get a marshmallow to represent Jesus’ body (it is white and pure). The children prepare Jesus for his burial by anointing his body with oils and spices (butter, cinnamon and sugar.) They took the cloth (crescent roll) and wrapped Jesus’ body to lay him in the tomb (oven). After 3 days in the tomb (really only 20 minutes), the children notice that Jesus’ body is no longer there (the marshmallow melts leaving a hole in the cloth)!!

The children got to enjoy these special holiday treats along with fresh fruit and veggies during snack!