Instant Fun with Insta Snow – Rm 3

As it is winter, we have been discussing cold weather in Room 3 and all that comes with it. For us here in Southern California, that mostly translates to crisp days and maybe some rainy ones. During the holidays, however, many of our friends enjoyed going to the snow as well. While it’s hard to come by the real stuff here in Pasadena, that doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun with a close facsimile. Thus, Insta Snow! This super hydro absorbent material has a unique look/texture, plus is very soft and cool to the touch. Our friends have been having a fantastic time scooping, squeezing and playing with our Insta Snow and polar people/animals. If you happen to be in our room, you should check out all the fun and learning that is taking place at our science table.

Collaging with Animals

Room 1 and 2 had fun using their imagination to create their very own animal using clippings of animals to help them compose their collage. They then used oil sticks to draw in their details.

Cold Hands, Warm Hearts…

“Cold Hands, Warm Hearts” has been our theme for January in room 5. We are learning about the Golden Rule and exploring the components of winter! While our young two-year-olds are developing their social-emotional skills like empathy and purpose, we are supporting them with the words of God. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12-14 (NIV)

We are also learning new vocabulary, cause and effect, and creating beautiful winter art. Cold weather and wintery themes allow for a great opportunity to integrate all of these concepts like sharing, showing love, and togetherness.

We read “The Mitten” and talked about making room for others, and sharing even when we may not think there is enough to go around. God will provide for us, all we have to do is share his love.

So stay warm and share the love, friends!

Wondrous Winter Wonderland

Our littles in Room 4 have been discovering all things winter (well, some things…) complete with actual snow (well, manufactured…). Hey,we’re Californians! At least we can see snow on our mountains….

SNOW!!

Clouds

Legos

Introducing our newest Room 4 teaching team member…Ms Alex! We love her!!

Let’s Play Hockey…Preschool Style!

He shoots, he scores! The students love our new teacher-created, preschool-style hockey sticks! Is there anything that says ‘winter sports’ better than hockey? 😉

January 2016 News & Calendar of Events

January 2016

It was so great to see everyone after our Christmas break. We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! With the holidays over, we can swing back into the routine of things and delve further into our curriculum, fun new themes, and having fun in the cold weather (and even the rain!).

Be sure to check out the PCS Weekly for schoolwide news.

In the News:

Great things have been happening at preschool! Check them out on the blog! Register your email to get instant updates our our preschool fun! www.pasadenachristianpreschool.com

Parking: Just a gentle reminder to keep drop-offs short and sweet and vacate the parking lot quickly during “rush hours” (mornings from 8:00 – 9:00 and evenings from 4:30 – 5:30). Thanks SO MUCH for your cooperation!

Preschool Intent to Enroll Forms: Thank you for submitting your intent to enroll forms so quickly! If you haven’t done so already, please submit your form by January 15^th so we can reserve your desired space in the program.

TK/Kindergarten Intent to Enroll Forms: Just a reminder that TK and Kindergarten Intent to Enroll forms are due by the end of January. The Kindergarten class is filling quickly, so be sure to submit your intent to enroll before we open spaces to the public!

New Applications for 2016-2017 – If you or a friend have a soon-to-be 2 year old and want to enroll for next year, please apply online ASAP as there are only a few spaces remaining in the Younger Pod for 2016-2017!

Calendar:

January 14 & 28 – PCS Observation Day – Interested in PCS? Our Observation Days are a great way to see the campus and students “in action.” These will be the Observation Days before the intent-to-enroll deadline. Sign up online: http://www.pasadenachristian.org/admissions/observationdayres.cfm

January 18 – MLK – Holiday – No School

February 12^th – Teacher In-Service Day – No School

February 15^th – Presidents’ Day – No School

February 19^th – Mid-Year Developmental Profiles sent home

February 20th – Spread the word…the Mom’s Club Preschool Fair will be held at PCS this year!

February 26^th -(note the corrected date)– Moonlight Magic – Registrations are open for the next Moonlight Magic! Check the PCS Weekly, the PS front office, or click here for the registration form.

Recycled Snowmen

We are creating snowmen using recycled shredded paper. Brrrr….the cold is here! We talked about the many things you can do with snow, and showed them photos of sledding, skiing, building a snowman and building igloos. Some shared their experience of going to the mountains.

Rosca De Reyes in Room 4

Look! He found the baby! We have been learning all about the role of the wise men in the Story of Jesus birth. Today and tomorrow we will be celebrating Rosca De Reyes (King’s Day). In Mexico this is the traditional celebration of the Wise men arriving with gifts for the infant King. Rosca De Reyes is January 6.

Traditionally, if you find the baby you are responsible for feeding the group next month at the same time. 😉(no pressure, families! 😜)

No Rainy Day Blues…JUST MOVES!

Room 1 enjoyed a game of 4 corners! This was a fun way for us to get our indoor wiggles out!

We danced to the music but when the music stopped we had 3 seconds to find a corner. If the giant die rolled our number we sat out for one round. This is a great way to practice cooperative skills in a large group setting.

We kicked it up a notch with finger lights!

We worked on gross motor movement, coordination, and listening skills!

Gingerbread Fun in Room 2!

So many stories about Gingerbread cookies were read in Room 2! The children enjoyed comparing and contrasting the differences between them. For example, the children noticed that in both Gingerbread Baby and Gingerbread Bear the cookies escape because of the oven being opened by impatient children before the time was up. One theme that came up in all the stories was teasing. The cookie taunted and teased the other characters into chasing it, resulting in a negative consequence in most stories. Those that concluded with a happy ending had an element of sharing.

The children enjoyed making edible gingerbread men, girls and bears. They rolled out the pre-made dough and used different cookie cutters to make the cookies.

Then Ms. Daisy was patient and didn’t open the oven door while they were cooking. We would have had to chase lots of cookies out in the yard!

Then the children got to decorate them and eat them!

The children also enjoyed decorating their own paper Gingerbread cookies.

Staying in town for Christmas? You can continue the gingerbread fun at the Discovery Cube LA. They have an exhibit called, “The Science of Gingerbread,” until January 3rd.