Welcome March!
This week was another amazing one in the Ladybug class. Because so many of the children have been so interested in weather lately, we decided to introduce it as a theme in the Threes class for the very first time! When children show strong curiosity about something, their engagement deepens and the learning that follows becomes even more meaningful.
Our bookshelves were stocked with wonderful weather-themed stories. We read Raindrop Plop, When the Storm Comes, Clouds, and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs — which we read throughout the week during snack time due to its length.
In our sensory bin, we experienced “all the weather.” Blue rice became the sky, greenish-blue glass gems were big raindrops, and tiny blue sequins made rain showers. We added foam lightning bolts, cotton ball clouds, eraser rainbows, and little houses for scooping, sorting, and taking shelter. The imaginative play that unfolded was so sweet to watch.
For number recognition, we played a “raindrop roll and count” game. The children rolled dice and added the matching number of raindrops using a dot marker. They loved it — and even noticed later that it was “raining outside the kitchen window” during playtime!
In the art area, we sculpted air clay rainbows, suns, and clouds. Using white and blue air-dry clay along with rainbow beads and pipe cleaners, the children created in so many unique ways — all while strengthening their fine motor skills.
We also did cloud painting using shaving cream on trays. Using fingers (and sometimes paintbrushes), the children made letters, pictures, and all kinds of creative designs. It was a hands-on sensory experience that everyone enjoyed.
Our group wind painting activity was trickier than it looked! After drawing swirly lines, we added drops of paint and used straws to blow the paint across the page like wind. Some friends had never used a straw before, so it took practice and modeling — but with encouragement, many caught on. It was wonderful to see their perseverance.
Weather also gave us so many opportunities for science experiments, and the children loved being little scientists.
First, we created a running rainbow. After folding a paper towel, the children colored each end with the colors of the rainbow and placed the ends in a cup of water. Slowly, the colors traveled toward each other and formed a beautiful rainbow in the middle. The children were amazed watching it happen!
We also made a rain cloud in a jar. We filled a jar with water and added a fluffy layer of shaving cream on top to act as our “cloud.” Then we carefully dropped food coloring onto the shaving cream. As the “cloud” became heavier and fuller, the colors slowly pushed their way through and fell into the water below, just like rain falling from a cloud when it becomes too full. The children watched with such excitement as the “rain” streamed down.
Another experiment showed us how clouds form. We poured warm water into the jar and briefly lit a match before dropping it inside. Then we quickly placed a bag of ice on top of the jar. The warm water created water vapor, and the cool air from the ice caused the vapor to condense. Soon we could see a real cloud forming inside the jar! It was such a neat way to see how clouds form in the sky.
We also made a tornado in a bottle using two connected bottles. After shaking and swirling the bottles, then flipping them upside down, we watched a spinning vortex form inside — just like a real tornado.
In dramatic play, we continued dressing up as firefighters, police officers, and other community helpers — talking about how they help keep people safe during weather emergencies.
In the building area, we explored some new magnetic cubes, which quickly became a favorite. The children loved that they stuck together and even made little sounds as they connected, inspiring lots of creative building.
We were also lucky to welcome another community helper this week — a NICU nurse! The children were fascinated to see just how tiny the tools and medical supplies were that doctors and nurses use to care for the very smallest babies. It was such a special visit and gave us a glimpse into the important work these helpers do.
During chapel, we learned about Nicodemus, a man who had many questions about God. One night, he went to talk with Jesus because he wanted he wanted to understand more. We learned that it is okay to have questions about God. Jesus explained that loving God can change your heart — making it new and beautiful, like a flower blooming or a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.
In music and movement, we sang, danced, and learned a song about the colors of the rainbow that tied perfectly into our weather studies. The children loved making those connections!
What a full, joyful week of exploring, creating, experimenting, and learning together. When curiosity leads the way, wonderful discoveries follow — and this week was full of just that!
REMINDERS/UPCOMING EVENTS:
March 11th and 12th - Conferences - School is closed for spring conferences, but feel free to plan with a friend to watch each others’ children on the playground during your conference time. You should have received an email with a link to sign up. If you did not receive a link, or times don’t work for you, please let me know! Time confirmation reminders should be sent via Sign-Up Genius.
March 30th - April 6th - SPRING BREAK
April 22nd and 23rd - Casual music programs in the fellowship hall. Shortly after drop-off on this Wednesday and Thursday, your child will sing a few songs with their class and Ms. Vicki for an audience of parents and special loved ones in Ascension Hall. More details to come…
April 15th and 16th - Spring picture days! We will have both individual and class photos done!
Have a wonderful weekend with your little Ladybug!
Miss Lisa, Miss Phoenix, and Miss Jenn
