J demonstrating, "I love you thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis much..."
At one station, there were various sizes and styles of paper hearts out, along with glue and other supplies. Someone said that the large and small hearts were "the Mommy one and the baby one," which inspired the creation of "families of hearts." Many of these can be seen on our classroom wall.
On Thursday, we explored different 'V'arieties of 'V'egetables. These included carrots, celery, and cucumber. We began by looking at the whole vegetable. A few children connected the cucumber to the zucchini we explored during Z week because they look so similar outside. For each vegetable, we all had an opportunity to examine the color, texture, shape, and smell.
Then teachers helped cut the vegetables into smaller pieces. Our friends noticed that carrots and celery were each the same color throughout, but that cucumber was a different color inside. There was some debate as to whether the inside color should be considered green (since it was so much lighter than the skin) or yellow. They discussed it and decided it was light green because it was definitely not the same color as the school bus.
We also explored the texture and pattern inside the cucumber. One child discovered that he could see through a thin enough slice of cucumber because it was even lighter in the very center. We discussed the seed pattern and the purpose of seeds in plants.
One child spontaneously used the vegetable pieces to make a face, which was quickly copied by other friends at the table.
Finally, of course, came the tasting! Some liked the taste more than others, but everyone at least tried a nibble, and some even asked for seconds! They also connected the activity to our recent conversations about nutrition when someone noticed that carrots -- one of the veggies they were sampling -- were pictured on the "Vitamin A" placemat on out table.
On Friday, the anticipation was over -- Valentine's Day was finally here! Instead of cards and sweets this year, we decided to do a "book exchange" because books are more lasting and tangible for the children to enjoy. We were so proud of how our kids handled the whole experience! The simple book exchange became an exercise in number recognition, social skills, and patience.
Each child brought a wrapped book to put in the basket. The books got numbered, then each child drew a random number out of a hat. Each child got a turn to match their number to the number on a book, then return to the circle with their book.
Every one of them sat patiently awaiting their turn. The group even decided on their own that they should wait to unwrap the books until everyone had one. Every child managed to hold the wrapped treasure in their lap while all 17 children selected their books by number. They weren't even pulling at the corners to peek!
After unwrapping their books, the children wanted the teachers to read their book aloud to the group. Teacher Rashida randomly selected five numbers and read those books first. (The other books were enjoyed throughout the day.) The selected children were so proud to have their new books read to the class!
And of course, the grand finale was a dance party to their favorite song, "The Hamster Dance!"
Thank you to all the families who went out of your way to be a part of our Valentine's Day celebration. We hope you all have a fun and relaxing long weekend!
The Purple Room
