This month, we learned about insects.  These fascinating creatures are invertebrates, have 3 body parts, 6 jointed legs and 2 antennae.  Insects breathe through special tubes called spiracles.  Many insects are beneficial to our world as they pollinate flowers and keep garden pests at bay.  Students enjoyed learning about many different insects through labeling activities, puzzles and patterning activities.  We also enjoyed learning about the continent of Africa and its great variety of animals. 

Here are some photos from this month:

May Activities in P1

We were so happy to host a Someone Special and Me tea this month!  Students invited a friend or family member to join them on campus to enjoy a few treats, receive a special gift and watch a short performance.  It was wonderful to see so many friends and families in our courtyard for this event!  Thank you for your participation!

Someone Special and Me Tea

This month, the Kindergartners had 2 special events.  We celebrated the year with Kindergarten Late Night.  Kindergartners made a special glow in the dark tee shirt in preparation for the evening.  We enjoyed a pizza dinner here at school followed by crafts, fun and games.  We had such a great time!  

Kindergarten Late Night

Kindergartners also celebrated all their accomplishments with a Moving Up Ceremony.  We had beautiful decorations set up in the Outdoor Classroom and the Kindergartners received a diploma, a special tee shirt with their classmates names and a fun photo. They also took their Unit Books home!  This binder is a compilation of all the units we studied this year.   Please take some time to go over the Unit Book with your child and marvel at all they have learned!

During the summer months, families often ask for suggestions that they can do to keep learning a part of their child’s daily routine.  Reading is always one of the best things to do.  Read to your child, have them read to you as best as they can.  We also like to encourage children to help out around the house with chores like making their bed, unloading the dishwasher, folding laundry or dusting or sweeping.  These activities not only give your child a sense of responsibility, but help them understand that families work together to keep their house and yard clean.

Here is a list of further activities you can do with your children during the summer.

50 Independent Activities for Children to Do at Home

We would like to thank all of you for your support and kindness this year!  We could not have done it without you!

Have a wonderful summer!

Ms. Melissa, Ms. Diana and Ms. Kini

April 30 blog

Rainforests of the world took center stage this month. We enjoyed lessons on the different layers of the rainforest and the many different animals that live among them.  We were fascinated by spider monkeys, sloths, jaguars and poison dart frogs. We also learned about the many different products of the rainforest including pineapple, oranges, coconut, papaya, coffee, chicle (the stuff in chewing gum that makes it chewy), cinnamon, vanilla, rubber, wood and medicines.

This month we also learned about birds. Birds are vertebrates, but have hollow bones. This makes them light enough to fly, although we did learn that there are some birds that do not fly, such as ostriches and penguins. Birds also have beaks, feathers and breathe with lungs. Many birds build nests and lay eggs. We loved reading about many different kinds of birds in books on our science shelf. 

We also learned about recycling and caring for our Earth. We discovered the difference between biodegradable and nonbiodegradable by comparing a green bell pepper with a plastic spoon.  The children were fascinated as we observed the green pepper gradually changing from fresh and green to wrinkled and orange as it went through the process of decomposition. The plastic spoon did not change at all. This powerful comparison helped the students understand the concept of biodegradable and nonbiodegradable and we were able to apply this to a sorting lesson. We also discussed what happens to the trash we throw away (it goes in a landfill) and simple ways we can reduce the amount of trash we create by using cloth napkins, washable lunch and snack containers and refillable water bottles.

Here are some photos of activities in P1 this month:  

April Activities in P1

April was also filled with many events here at school.   Our students enjoyed some fun group games with Ms. Kini during our Color War day.

Color War Fun

We loved having parents visit our classroom during Parent Child Nights.  It was so wonderful to see so many families attending and to see some of the amazing work the children do. Thank you for attending!  

Parent Child Night Photos

Coach Bob organized many fun outdoor activities for Field Day!  Students loved splashing in the pool, getting wet during the sponge relay races and running through an obstacle course.  Thank you Coach Bob!

Field Day Fun

Monday, May 2 is the P1 Someone Special and Me Tea.  We will begin at 9:15 in the courtyard.

May is the last month of the school year and we have a few important dates to remember:

Friday, May 13 is Kindergarten Late Night!  From 5:00 – 7:00 the Kindergarten students are invited back to campus for a special dinner and an evening filled with fun, games, arts and crafts as we celebrate all that we have learned this year!  

Wednesday, May 18 is the Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony held here at school.  Watch your email for further details!  

Friday, May 20 is the last day of school! 

Thank you for all your support this year!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

Ms. Melissa, Ms. Diana and Ms. Kini