An Apple Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Dear Parents,

This week we continued to grow our family apple tree. Everyone took turns cutting green construction paper with scissors to make our leaves. Later in the week we used our fine motor skills to tear tissue paper for more leaves. 

On Wednesday we twisted long brown recycled paper to make the branches. We used piles of hand strength and determination to squeeze the glue and add leaves to our branches. While our branches dried we went into the big room to use our pretend food in the kitchen. There were several feasts being prepared and eaten.

Everyone had a turn playing at the styrofoam table on Friday. One person said they looked like marshmallows. We used boats to ride through the styrofoam pieces, and cups to fill and pour. 

We added our dollhouse to the classroom this week. The entire class wanted a turn. We played in groups of three. The dolls got a good workout.

We are reading books about family and friends. We reread our classroom rules “I like when my friend…” to remind each other how we like to be treated. We are practicing using our words to talk to friends instead of yelling, and in other cases, using a stronger voice to speak up for ourselves. 

Thanks for the family photos! We need two more. 

Have an apple pie in the sky weekend,

Therese

Trees We Know

Dear Parents,

On Monday we brainstormed trees we know. Someone pointed to the tree in our yard that we use to document the seasons. It is a star magnolia. The other children added apple, maple, oak, banana, and lemon trees. One person said a pumpkin tree but other children said, “No, pumpkins grow on the ground.” We confirmed that in two books we read last week. 

On Wednesday we voted on which tree to make for our Family Tree. Most trees got one vote each, with banana tree getting two votes. Apple tree won by a landslide. The next day we used recycled paper, brown paint, and rollers to create our tree trunk. 

We read The Great Kapok Tree about a man who was sent to chop down a tree in the rainforest. All the animals who lived in and around the tree pleaded with him to not cut down the tree and he changed his mind. The class listened intently.

On Friday we asked the children to complete the sentence, “I like when my friend…” A few answers were: plays with me, swings, plays magnet tiles, and listens. We will use these positive statements as our classroom rules for the rest of the year. 

Next week we continue working on our family tree. Reminder: Family pictures!!! 3x5 or 4x6 please. We need ten more. 

Have a mighty weekend,

Therese