Bear Surgery

There was an emergency play dough removal that took place in our classroom the other day. . .

I'm sure the bear's the better for it :)

It amazes me what children come up with. A lab coat from the science center (must've had those masks still in the pockets), a wrench from the magnet station, and a teddy bear from the reading corner turned into something excellent.

I live for the brilliant, unexpected moments like these. Children are so incredible. What an honor to spend my days with these creative little humans.

Story of the Week: Owl Babies

This week in Literacy we've been reading Owl Babies by Martin Wadell while learning about living things (like trees and owls).

The children absolutely LOVE this story. As soon as it's over, they're begging to have it read, "Again, again, again!" I'd say it's their favorite of all the books we've read this year. The recurring line, "I want my mommy!" really resonates with the children and provides a great opportunity for participation, practicing sight words, and using English.

I printed out these puppets, then laminated them and attached them to craft sticks to use as props while reading the story. During centers the book and puppets were placed in the Reading Corner for the children to interact with. And, boy, did they ever!

Comparing sizes to determine which puppet is big sister Sarah.

In the story, Mama returns swooping softly, but here she's flying very fast! (lower left corner)

Post-Owl Babies Reading Corner boom! It has been one of the most popular centers this week. The children suddenly can't get enough.

On Sunday we made owls that now sit atop the tree we constructed last week. (About our tree: the children "combed" brown paint onto butcher paper for the trunk and branches. The leaves were made using coffee filters and watercolors.)

Four little owls, sitting on a branch.

Our tree, hanging on the back wall windows.

We labeled the parts of a tree to review last week's buzzwords.

Yesterday we also worked to construct nests using old brown bags and the scraps from our owl cutouts. 

Our nests aren't quite finished drying, but you can find instructions and see a completed project here. Hopefully we'll have pictures of the finished product for you soon.

Have a great night!

School-Home Connection: Watch and listen to this video version of Owl Babies.