Little Busy Bodies Preschool
Newsletter
September 19 & 21, 2011
Dear Preschool Parents,
We had another action-packed week here at preschool, and so did our alphabet letters. We began by reading the book, “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom,” by Bill Martin Jr. A told b, and b told c, 'I'll meet you at the top of the coconut tree.' This all seems well and good until the other 23 lowercase letters decide to follow. First we see a green palm tree standing straight and tall on the page, but it begins to groan and bend under the pressure. First the coconuts fall off, then CHICKA CHICKA BOOM BOOM! Down they go. All the letters end up in a big heap underneath the tree. The uppercase mamas and papas come to the rescue. They fix up skinned knees and stubbed toes. It’s a catchy story with a fun rhythmic pattern that really introduces the idea of each letter sporting two forms (uppercase and lowercase). After reading this book, we did a fun art activity where I painted the children’s forearms and hands to create their own coconut trees. Then the children used letter stamps to recreate the idea from the story. A fun time was had by all!
We also spent a second day on the book, "Chicka Chicka boom Boom" as we watched the short 4 minute video of this story and conducted our own investigation of coconuts. We used our five senses to learn more about them.
Just a quick FYI when it comes to introducing letters. Have you noticed that nearly all ABC books for young children teach uppercase letters first? Yet capital letters account for only five percent of all letters in written English. Therefore, pay more attention to teaching the lower case letters to your child. Lower case letters are far more important in developing reading skills.
The second book we read this week is “Dr. Seuss’s ABC.” This is a breath of fresh air compared to the standard ABC book you tend to find out there (A is for apple, B is for ball). This book provides an entertaining way for small children to learn the letters (upper and lowercase) and their sounds. After reading this book, we discussed that every letter makes a sound and the idea of making personal ABC books was introduced. I modeled how they will begin to use magazines, stamps, stickers, etc. to fill in the pages of their very own ABC book. This will be an ongoing project throughout the year during center time.
Keep the environmental word wall words coming!
REMINDER
*KING/ QUEEN OF THE WEEK SEP. 26th & 28th : Reese…don’t forget snack (I have cups and napkins).
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
*October 10th-12th MUSD Fall Break--NO SCHOOL
*October 17th--NO SCHOOL (My child attends Legacy Traditional and they have no school this day.)
*October 21st--MAKE-UP DAY?? Please let me know if this does NOT work with your schedule.
Have a good week!
Sincerely,
Amber
