Children’s names hold value and meaning to each individual and learning them connects to all other types of knowledge. We use their name as a resource to extend their learning of letters and words.
For example, they enthusiastically turn to a friend and let them know when they recognize the same letters in both their names. As Wiley wrote Wesley’s name in his journal, they both recognized that not only do their names begin with the same letter, they also end with the same letter!
When alphabet stamps were presented on a large tray at the Communication Center, the children found so much joy finding the matching sets of uppercase and lowercase letters.
The song Willaby Wallaby Woo is a name-play rhyme favorite. The first letter of a name is replaced and sounded out with the letter ‘W’ and always gets a big laugh.
They are connecting with the idea that letters represent the sounds of spoken and written language. We’ll hear children sound out syllables or titles of books in their authentic play. Multiple opportunities to represent their names are offered in sculpey clay, markers, paint, clay, and natural materials to meet each child where they are in their development and encourage their interest in early literacy.
The dialogue expressed through painting experiences this week has revealed the children’s wonder of how the time of day affects the color of the sky and ocean. One group painted a high-tide oceanic scene with white foamy waves and multiple tints of blues. Another group created a variety of yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds and represented the sky and its changing colors from sunrise to sunset. Yet another group experimented with colors to create the area between the sunlight and twilight zone of the ocean during ‘lunchtime’ hour.
Thanks to Colette’s family for the beautiful flowers this week. They truly brighten our West Wing spaces and provide children with multiple opportunities for exploration and investigation. Here’s the link to our SignUpGenius for classroom flowers:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0449afa629a02-flower
Enjoy the Peek At The Week’s photos!
