Today started with a science exploration! Yesterday, we filled a bucket with water and placed it outside. Friends correctly hypothesized that it would turn into ice and were eager to touch the cold substance this morning.

First, the children cleared off the layer of snow on top of the ice. It was then that we discovered the water was not frozen all the way through!

Friends then experimented with a variety of methods to melt their pieces of ice. They sprinkled salt on top, sprayed warm water onto the ice and touched the ice with their hands.

Friends marveled at the crystals we saw! The addition of food coloring to our ice/water combination took this experiment to another level.

Kindergarten: Sometimes our lessons are based on what the kindergartners are currently engaged in. A teacher takes a few minutes to observe what is taking place and then thinks of several ways in which to extend friends’ learning even more.

For example, today Clara and Elizabeth were busy creating a Valentine’s Day banner to hang in the classroom. Both friends wanted to spell “Happy Valentine’s Day.” First they used kid’s spelling, hearing “hapy vlntins da”. Next, we compared that spelling to “teacher spelling”. Elizabeth pointed out that teacher spelling is important because “it helps moms and dads understand you better!” The two friends added in the missing letters and then added punctuation. A natural and engaging way to practice writing skills!

Wee Sprouts: Carrots. Breakfast: Kashi’s Blueberry Clusters and fresh blueberries. Lunch: Whole grain English muffins with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, cucumbers/carrots and fresh oranges. Snack: Pumpkin seeds and wheat thins.

Link to the photo album: WF 1/14/2016

Savor this sunshine! –Jessica