Terrific Twos – November & December News

December is here and we are thrilled that both Terrific Twos classes are adjusting nicely to our daily schedule and routines. They know how to hang up their jackets and backpacks and enter the classroom where they find a “star” shape to sit on for our first morning circle. We sing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” with star wands and “The Wheels on the Bus” before starting our day. We have also introduced farm animal wands that the children use while singing “Old MacDonald.”  Our musical start to the morning is a great way to gather as a group before making free play choices. The children are learning the routine. Knowing what to expect and when things will happen helps them feel safe and gives them a feeling of ownership and pride. 

November and our short December month have been spent exploring pets as well as other animals. In the Sensory Table, children played with and  color-sorted little pets into their corresponding color bowls. We also read and will continue to read a variety of books about pets. The “Spot” books are a class favorite!  During project time everyone is learning how to use glue by spreading it with a glue brush to make collages. The children are also enjoying markers, dot markers and chalk. We have introduced stickers to our project times and many of the children find it relaxing, once they achieve the skill of peeling them.  We had a lot of fun, painting their little hands to make handprints for a special Thanksgiving Day message. We made sure to “tickle” their hands with a dry paintbrush first!

After snack, the group spends time working on non-interlocking puzzles, which has become a new favorite activity!  We also did a whole group experiment with dried cranberries and club soda. When you put them in a jar together, the cranberries “dance!” The children enjoyed dancing with the cranberries!

We love watching the growth and confidence the children are developing each and every day at school.  Next week is our last week of school before we begin the December break. We look forward to introducing many new stories, songs and activities when we return to school in January.  Enjoy the holiday season!