Owls Peek Of The Month January
This month the Owls are being introduced to Rainforests, Hibernation, Chinese Heritage, Winter, and our new shape, the Oval. We are also celebrating the 100th Day of School on January 28th. For an art activity, the children made animals and plants that live in the rainforest. The children used their creativity and imagination to make colorful paper monkeys, birds and snakes out of colorful beads placed on pipe cleaners. In addition, the class made frogs to place into a lilypond mural and a beautiful waterfall. During January, we are introducing many types of animals who hibernate for the winter. In circle time, the children had a chance to view pictures and hear about stories of animals who prepare for hibernation.
The children are also being introduced to our new topic of investigation—temperature. January is the perfect time to learn about temperature since the thermometer dipped to the 20’s. I asked the children, “How do you dress for school when it is cold outside?” Some responses were: “ I wear a coat” and “I wear a hat to keep my head warm.” This was a great way to introduce the topic of temperature as well as the new season of winter.
This month we are also celebrating the life of the civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. During circle time, we read a special story and showed pictures of this great man who wanted equal rights for all. We spoke about how special we all are, no matter what color we are, or where we come from. For art, the children had fun coloring a peace sign to symbolize Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech on equality. The children were very interested and engaged as they learned about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
During the month of January the Owls are meeting their new letter friends “H” and “I” and the shape, oval. We are continuing name recognition through a variety of activities such as the children writing their names in shaving cream, on the dry erase table and singing their names through various music styles. The Owls celebrate Chinese New Year on January 24th. The children are excited to make their own classroom dragon and participate in our very own parade. Art takes center stage in our classroom during “Art Appreciation Week” from January 27th through January 31st. The highlight for art appreciation week is our activity, “Paint with Bubble Wrap.” January is an exciting month !
Parent Connection
To continue a discussion on temperature, show your child a weather thermometer and track the daily temperature. Also, have a discussion with your child about the importance of treating everyone with kindness. Take a trip to the library and select a book on friendship to reinforce concepts such as kindness, equality and love.