Up the Scales, Down the Hills

Our day began with a mystery in a long, black bag. The Turtles spent some of their free time guessing what it might contain (one teacher insisted it was an alligator). So, in case she was right, the Turtles donned safety gear while the bag was carefully zipped open.

We were thrilled to discover that it was not a deadly alligator, but a keyboard with many many buttons. There was some silent exploration of it (as it was not plugged in), and we decided it would be a choice at Choice Time. In the meantime, since many Turtles already had helmets on, they decided to take a trip on a rocket ship and explore a few planets.

Before cleaning up, we took our instruments and marched off to serenade Tricia with our new favorite song, Teaching Peace. At Morning Meeting, we had two important discussions. First, we talked about a problem we are having in our classroom - namely, that we use and throw away a LOT of plastic cups in a week. Using some complex mathematics, we calculated that we use and throw away at least 140 cups a week. We talked about all of our trash going to landfills and how that is not good for our planet. Then, we talked about the difference between throwing something away and recycling it - many of the Turtles knew and shared things about recycling. Tamara told the class how some of the moms had heard about our problem and were going to help us recycle our cups. At Choice Time, many of the Turtles helped paint our new recycling box.

We also discussed our new keyboard, and made decisions about how best to play it and share it. We introduced the idea of a sign-up sheet, which would allow friends to get a turn without having to sit and wait. This worked really well, and many Turtles  explored the different sounds and rhythms they could make.

Outside, the Turtles had a blast on our very slippery hill. With and without sleds, the Turtles slid, rolled and tumbled down the slope. Snow was stacked, stomped, tossed and even eaten.

Inside was peeling off layers, warming up, getting dressed and hearing a story. We sang goodbye to our half day friends and readied for lunch. Over mealtime today, Tamara encouraged a hilarious round of knock-knock jokes - including several versions of the Interrupting Cow (please send your complaints directly to Tamara at: tclark@abingtonfriends.net). 

Slip Sliding Away

The Turtles started their day with a very involved game of Caribou. They very much enjoy the challenge of matching shapes, colors, and letters. The prism circle builders continue to be a big hit as well.
During Choice Time, we continued the Smart Board writing. Writing and drawing on the large surface is so exciting for the children, and it builds the postural and hand muscles used in writing. The easel was another popular choice and the children continue to work collaboratively on puzzles.
The snow fields were amazing today as Carol developed a snow chute! They didn't even need a sled, they could just slide down on their snow pants!
Maggie's dad Daniel brought in his baritone! It was so cool to see him play, and the children got to press the buttons to make different notes. He could play piano and forte and he played several songs including "Happy Birthday."

So Many Ways to Mix It Up

Today we had a delayed opening, and then there was no power! Turtles, however are not daunted but such small obstacles, and we had a delightful, music-filled morning! Our study of music began with percussion has progressed into melody and group music in just wonderful ways! Today, we formed a band with several of of rhythm and melody instruments, including the frame drum, the floor drums, two sets of chimes, bells, and the recorders. Maggie appointed herself the conductor, and we set to play! The children are becoming increasingly aware of how the sounds that they are making go with the sounds of their friends, and will work together to make music (and not just noise). After a while, some children decided to take baby dolls and form the audience. Other children decided to be the dancers and the singers, and our finale was a grand rendition of the ABCs!
At Morning Meeting, we did a round robin story with the children taking on the rolls of various animals and choosing their own adventures all the way to a magical lake.

At Choice Time, we used color pencils to draw a still life of fruit, used the magnetic pattern blocks to make pictures, enjoyed a cupcake snack courtesy of Matthew and his mom, and had a grand march to one of our new favorite songs, "Teaching Peace," by Red Grammar.
By lunch time, the power was back on, and we discussed Groundhog Day at the lunch table.

Adventuring Inside and Out

 We started our morning by making banana bread. The children helped measure and stir the ingredients. Tamara showed them the spelt flour that we use because she is allergic to wheat flour. After all the ingredients were mixed, the children hypothesized about what would happen to the batter in the oven. They thought that it would turn dark brown, and "just get harder, and stuff."

The dramatic play boat transformed into a rocket ship that blasted off into outer space, complete with Ground Control giving orders through the "microphone." Once they made it to outspace there was so much to see...
Naomi: Hey guys! I see the moon!
Robby: We're leaving he lights off because we are flying in outer space!
Maggie: I see the sun!
Naomi: Come on! Let's see the moon.
Maggie: I like the outer space because we are not scared.

We also went on outdoor adventures, going into there grove where we were the first ones to make foot prints! Some children even climbed the tall tall mountain!

We also read several books today. At Morning Meeting, Naomi shared a book from home, and later, Max's mom Ann read us a new Library Mouse book. And just before nap, the children gathered around as Paul read an old favorite, Peter and the Wolf.