So Fragile, Yet So Strong.

TODAY'S ACTIVITY
Some of the favorite moments of "Project Pancake" was the cracking of eggs. We saved the shell-halves for a science experiment today.

First we held eggs in our hands and tried to crack them by squeezing them lengthwise. No one could do it. We then proceeded to the main event:

Our goal was to see how much weight these egg shells would hold before breaking. We placed the shells on a large block, shimmed to be level with the base. Then I asked for estimates of how many books they would support. Predictions ranged from "2 books" to "All the books!"

One by one the books were placed on top with great anticipation. The suspense built to a fever pitch as we placed ALL SEVENTEEN books from our story corner on top of the stack. We then began to add wooden blocks to the pile. We managed to stack TEN blocks on top of the stack before the shells below shattered.

We then took turns holding the same stacks with our hands. Most could do it for about ten to fifteen seconds before dropping all or part of it.

The total weight of the stack with books and blocks was 16 POUNDS!
The strength of these fragile egg shells was truly astounding!

TODAY'S STORY
Hedgie's Surprise, by Jan Brett. Poor Henny. This hen has her egg taken every morning by a naughty boy for his breakfast. All is O.K. until she sees a goose with her goslings. When she finds out the babies came from eggs, she feels sad. Hedgie (a hedgehog) decides to ease her pain with a trick. Each morning he hides her egg and replaces it with a substitute for the rotten kid to eat. Neither an acorn, strawberry, mushroom or potato full him up, and on the fifth day, he threatens to eat Henny if she doesn't provide him with an egg. At the crack of dawn the little imp bursts into the henhouse, pushes Henny aside, and seizes the surprise in her nest - a prickly Hedgie, curled up in a ball! He goes crying home, as Henny asks Hedgie what he has done with her eggs. He takes her to his nest, where they have hatched into a family of five little chicks all her own.

Project Pancake!

TODAY'S ACTIVITY
We made DE-LICIOUS PANCAKES today, from scratch. In groups of 6, students measured, poured, cracked, plopped, melted and stirred the ingredients together for a wonderfully successful activity. As one group adjourned to eat, another rotated through. We used this recipe from Cook's Illustrated:

DRY INGREDIENTS
2 cups Unbleached All- Purpose Flour
2 Tbsp Sugar
2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Salt

WET INGREDIENTS
2 cups Milk
1 lg. Egg
3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted and cooled slightly.
1-2 tsp Vegetable Oil

Alton Brown (Mr. Wizard of the kitchen) advises that for the fluffiest pancakes, combine wet and dry ingredients at the very last minute before cooking. Batter that sits results in rubbery pancakes. Contrary to common belief, a few lumps are GOOD, to continue dispensing bubbles while on the griddle. Griddle temperature is crucial. Test with a tiny 1" diameter cake. It should brown golden on one side in one minute.

One of the successes of this activity was that that their observations of color and texture determined when to flip, etc...(when bubbles pop on the surface and don't close entirely)
We concluded our afternoon session with a survey of which part of the activity was their favorite: MIXing, COOKing or EATing. We also noted the suffix "-ing" can be added to each word for present tense action verbs. The results were 2,4 and 6 respectively. We'll see how the numbers change with tomorrow's review for those who left before the survey.

We are considering making Cooking on Tuesdays a regular part of our weekly schedule.

TODAY'S STORY
Yard Sale, by our own Mitra Modaressi. When Mr. Flotsam clears out some old items, his neighbors collect some exceptional objects. A limitless pasta machine, a telephone that connects to historical figures and a flying carpet are keys to adventure and cooperation for the residents. Each of these interestingly supports a mini-story within, as the children discussed what they would do with them after the story.

Foggy Friday

The fog and rain didn't dampen our spirits at all today.

ART STUDIO
Watercolor paintings with salt applied. The salt resists the colors and separates. For instance black separates into pink, purple and grey. The energetic textured patterns resemble "lava" and "exploding", according to our artists.

Colored stick collages (this one in beginning stage) are good practice for fine motor control. Learning how to control pressure required to apply glue carefully is an additional desired outcome.

Ongoing cumulative cardboard square assemblage. It takes a long time to build up these stuctures.

Notice how the drawing mimics the repetitive pattern of the aligned "animal markers."





















TODAY'S STORY
Pancakes, Pancakes, by Eric Carle. In this book, we learn the sources of the ingredients used to make pancakes. We also learn of the processes of threshing, grinding, milking, churning, cooking and flipping. We find that a young boy goes to a great deal of effort for this one simple reward. It's a great follow-up to the ever-popular Hungry Thing who adores "Shamancakes".

P.S. We're making these Tuesday morning! We'll make butter on Monday.

...But We Did!

A symmetrical composition by Samantha.

MUSIC WITH ANNETTE
We began our day with music and movement with Annette. In addition to our routine exercises and welcome songs, she introduced a game to teach phonic awareness of syllables and lyrical rhythms. Four frogs and four turtles were used for single and double syllable words. By changing the order of them, we experimented with rythms of a march, waltz, etc...a really clever and integrated activity for phonic and musical rhythm.

TODAY'S ACTIVITY
Coloring rice with liquid watercolors and plastic baggies. Each child selected what color they wanted to contribute. We'll use these materials for other activities, color mixing and ultimately the sensory bin.



TODAY'S STORY
Puff, Puff, Chugga, Chugga, by Christopher Wormell. A conductor suspects he's going to have a busy day. He was right. He could scarcely believe that his tiny train could hold a walrus, a bear, and an elephant. But it did. He thought it impossible to carry them and their mountains of groceries. But it did. He didn't think he could reset his train after the elephant sneezed, spilling everything onto the ground, prompting a huge picnic. But they did. She entire book is written in this counterpoint style, with a repetition of language patterns and content so valuable for early literacy and language development.

Rock 'n Roll Ball

TODAY'S ACTIVITES
Today the Raccoon group had their turn to make pink plydough with Sonya. In the morning session, we took turns working in pairs to make "Rock and Roll"paintings. Place paper in large shallow boxes, add paint and some golf balls. Rock the box, the balls roll, making and mixing interesting rhythms of color. Loads of fun, with the added component of sound.

CALASTHENICS
Usha led the enthusiastic Squirrel group through a routine of varied stretches and jumping jacks. While they were complaining of being tired (bored at the end) the ensuing outdoor play was notably more agile and energetic, their appetites at lunch heartier and their rest time welcome.

TODAY'S STORY
No Girls Allowed, by Stan and Jan Berenstain. Let's begin by noting that the opinion of girls and boys alike in OUR CLASS was, "NO FAIR!". We're proud of them. Brother bear and his friends don't mind Sister tagging along, until she bests them at every activity and boasts about it. Seeking refuge from her bravado, they build a clubhouse and form the "Bear Country Boys' Club." Sister is understandably upset and forms her own "Bear Country Girls' Club" in a tree house. Mother explains that the boys didn't like her being a bad winner. The Girls' Club invites the boys to join for an opening celebration with food. The boys invite the girls over for a dessert of berries. Each clubhouse revises their sign to invite members of the other.

Mmmonday!

"When Is Bongo Finally Going To Eat Again?" by Christopher


TODAY'S ACTIVITY
Sonya led the squirrels in a playdough making excercise. This being an activity they
complete every 3-4 weeks, we are able to ask more of them in terms of counting and measuring ingredients and sequence of steps involved. Most of the children can remember the order pretty well. We are working on the ratios of ingredients at present. They are so excited about the color - an incredibly bright red.

TODAY'S STORY
Why Do You Cry? Not a Sob Story, by Kate Klise and M. Sarah Klise. A young rabbit is about tp turn five years of age. He decides to be a "big boy" and never cry. He decides to only invite those who do not cry to his party. One by one, from youngest to eldest, his friends all explain that they cannot come, because they still cry, though for many different reasons. Mama Rabbit states the same, citing that she cries because he is growing up so fast and she is so proud of him that she cries. When he asks why, she tells him that it is because we all have feelings. He changes his mind and invites everyone. Nobody cries except for his mother, out of joy.

Friday!

Forms of Colors, Mixed by Nadia.

We visited the Grassy Playground and the Art Studio on Friday.

ART STUDIO
Color mixing with watercolors and eyedroppers help develop color awareness and fine motor skills.







Color blocks and animals encourage categorization, balance and symmetry.






Sifting and measuring colored rice in cups gives experience with volume, size and conservation. Additionally, it stimulates the sensory parts of the brain that process "touch."





Finger painting on trays also stimulates brain development, yet it is only half of the fun...





...by laying a paper on top and gently peeling it off, we made monoprints! They are the perfect illustration of the concept of symmetry.






TODAY'S STORY
Alphabet Adventure, by Audrey and Don Wood. The whole alphabet goes on a field trip to "Adventure Island." While there, little "i" loses its dot. The other letters all try to help it find a replacement. After trying on such things as a magnet and a star, little "i" settles on a nice round cherry, which he prefers to the original red dot. When the original red dot turns up, the cherry is replaced and they all sail home.

Why Things Go Where

TODAY'S ACTIVITY
Sorting and classifying bins full of jumbled little toys, marbles, etc... The "story" is that a toy truck spilled a load and we'l try to sort everything where it needs to be. We regularly do sorting activities, but this time the added task of classifying (selecting how to sort them) rested with the children. In addition to making sense, their criteria is based on consensus and cooperation.

TODAY'S STORY
Pigsty, by Mark Teague. A young boy doesn't want to clean his room. It gets so messy that some pigs decide to make themselves at home. At first, he doesn't mind the company, but it eventually becomes too much. Against their protests, he cleans his room, making it uncomfortable for the swine, who evacuate, only to return for the occasional game of Monopoly

Shiny Pennies

TODAY'S ACTIVITY
Usha conducted a science experiment with the children about solution. First, each child mixed a solution of vinegar and salt. They then submerged some darkly tarnished pennies. As they stirred the solution they could see the acidity change the color of the pennies from dark brown to shiny bright copper. The "oohs" and "aahs" were audible.

TODAY'S STORY
Abiyoyo, based on a song by Pete Seeger. A boy annoys the townsfolk with incessant plucking of his ukelele. His father annoys people with magic pranks. They are both ostracized, sent to live on the edge of town. The music and magic prove to be helpful when the fierce giant, Abiyoyo, approaches with a hunger. The boy plays a song, repeating Abiyoyo's name faster and faster, until the giant falls down to rest. At that time his father rushes up with his magic wand and "ZOOP!" makes the giant disappear. The two, and their talents are welcome in the village again.

All That Jazz

"Project Pancake" was thwarted today, but for a really good tradeoff. We'll try agian next week after I get back from Jury Service. I'll be back in the classroom on Wednesday.



JAZZ RECITAL
The Ken Rayhill Quartet came to our school to perform a short concert for our classes. The musicians entirely captivated the attention of the students. After each number, a musician described his instrument, showing all the parts and how sound is produced. We learned all about the saxophone, drum kit, upright bass and the piano. Some of the songs they played were "Blue Monk", "One Note Samba" and "Alice In Wonderland", in arrangements of jazz, bossanova and waltz, respectively. Ken is a parent at our school, one of so many talented people in our little community.

LINKER CUBES
One manipulative you'l be sure to see well into the elementary years is Linker Cubes. They are frequently used to teach many mathematic concepts from quantity to pattern to algebra. In our class they are used primarily as a structural toy. Familiarity of the various ways to connect them so that it is strong or parts rotate a certain way are valuable skills the children will use in the coming years. Why, right here two students are working on some robots. Note their attention to symmetry - one of the earliest mathematics concepts so apparent in nature and our own bodies. Yes, the arms totally rotate at the shoulders just like ours!

TODAY'S STORY
Farm Flu, by Teresa Bateman. One by one, the animals are getting sick. The farmer's son has takes care of them, by putting them in beds, giving them hot soup, lots of water and quiet time. Gradually he discovers their recovery as they begin to request things like popcorn and movies and party favors. Knowing they no longer need this kind of attention he returns them to their pens, only to sneeze himself. Now who's going to take care of him?

Jury Duty - Update on Thursday.

I have been summoned and selected to fulfill my civic obligation as a juror. My dates of service are Tues., Wed., Fri. and next Tues. the 16th. There will be no blog updates on these days.

Interesting, really. I've always wanted to participate in our judicial system, but was always dismissed, likely due to working with young children. At any rate, it will make for some interesting conversations with the class about conflict resolution and may set the stage for constructive peer involvement. They like tattling. They like voting. We're halfway there!

On the plus side, we'll be making pancakes Thursday!

"Snacklaces"

TODAY'S ACTIVITY
For some time now, the class has been asking to make more "snacklaces" - a term we coined for necklaces made of Cheerios. It's quite practical, really. They get the same fine motor development as with beads combined with an emergency food supply if they get peckish on the playground. It's a win-win!

BONGO SHEDS AGAIN!
Bongo shed her skin again, but this time it remained largely intact, so the class could see virtually the entire shape. Corn snakes usually every 10 to 12 weeks. Her schedule on the shorter end of that range is largely attributed to our more frequent feedings with smaller mice. The students love to see and touch the skin and find the idea of shedding THEIR skin when they grow very funny.

TODAY'S STORY
The Wolf Who Cried Boy (no image available).
The classic tale reversed, whereby the animal township conspires to trick a trickster into being honest.

Bloop, Bloop!

LOTS LIKE A LAVA LAMP
Both groups took turns doing a science experiment on density. We've done it before with solid items that sink and float. We simplified our vocabulary to heavier and lighter Today we did the experiment using vegetable oil, water, water color and salt with exciting results. To tall narrow glasses half full of water we added a half inch of vegetable oil. The children first marvelled at it floating on top, then on how the little "bubbles joined together to form a "yellow stripe" on top of the water. Add 4 drops of watercolor and see the droplets retain their spherical form, suspended in the bottom of the oil stripe. Then the we dropped various quantities of salt which fell through to the bottom, spreading the color. As the salt settled and began to dissolve, it released the oil, which floated back to the top in roiling "mushroom" formations. They performed this experiment over and over, alternating every third turn until their salt was depleted. One student even noted, "It would be fun to watch it with music!" We practiced deductive reasoning to set conclusions that oil is lighter than water, and salt is heavier than both of them.

TODAY'S STORY
Honey...Honey...Lion!, by Jan Brett. In this adaptation of an African Folktale, the Honeyguide is a bird that follows bees to find honey. He then shows Honeybadger where it is, so Honeybadger can open the hive and share the spoils with Honeyguide. It is a symbiotic relationship for the mutual benefits of helping and sharing One day, for reasons unknown, Honeybadger eats every bit, denying Honeyguide his due. Nest time Honeyguide takes Honeybadger on a wild goose chase, ending in a bush where a lion sits in wait. Honeybadger scampers home as fast as he can, with the lion close behind. Honeybadger agrees always to share with Honeyguide to thank him for his help.

Happy New Year!

Today was all about getting back into our routine, which the students did with ease. Everyone was so happy to be back together again. The play today was exceptionally cooperative and productive.


MUSIC WITH ANNETTE
Annette guided us through two music sessions, practicing sound-movement correspondence. The primary movement was skipping denoted by a light/hard 1-2 rhythm. Skipping is a developmental skill important for 4-5 year olds to master. Many of us begin with a "gallop", eventually shifting over to alternating L-R with practice. Our skipping was punctuated randomly by groups of 1, 2, or 3 hits on the drum, each with a corresponding action: 1-Sit on the rug in a circle; 2-Stand with eyes closed; 3-Lie on the rug looking up at the ceiling. The children had a fun time deciphering the rhythms and matching movements.

Out came the ukelele and a game of "Name That Tune" which evolved into children teaching one another songs they knew from home. Most popular was "You Are My Sunshine" followed closely by "Old MacDonald."

We concluded with a reading of "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" and reinactment of the same.

TODAY'S STORY
Having read the story at the end of music class, today's storytime was a our traditional birthday "Board Story" for Lola and Taye, who turned 4 over the winter break.
The Mixed-Up Baker is a tale that focuses on letter recognition and name-spelling. It goes something like this:

"Benny the Baker" bakes the best birthday cakes in town. He bakes them fresh as they are ordered on the phone. In his haste to mix the batter, he often (every time) drops his glasses into the bowl, baking them in the cake. Visually impaired, he always jumbles the letters frosted on the cake. Who better to enlist to correct the spelling than the children in the class. The letters are alternated one by one until the name is corrected. As you might guess, the phonetic reading of the misspelled names are the most entertaining part of the story.