From Seed to Sprout!

We have had a busy week finishing up our pumpkin unit.  The students have learned the lifecycle of a pumpkin and done many art and science activities exploring this theme. Below is a recap of our week!

                                                 

Morning Meeting

In morning meeting we had a variety of whole group activities. In the beginning of the week, we labeled the parts of the pumpkin, used picture cards to sequence the lifecycle, and sang many songs! The children enjoyed watching the lifecycle video online as well as the story, Franklin’s Pumpkin for a fun fiction tale. 

Here is a poem we read together:

I see pumpkins large.

I see pumpkins small.

I see pumpkins short.

I see pumpkins tall.

I see pumpkins orange.

I see pumpkins green.

Just what we need

For fall or Halloween!

Centers

In the science group this week, we took a closer look at a pumpkin using our five senses.  We counted the lines, measured the pumpkin with cubes, touched the prickly stem, opened up the pumpkin and touched the pulp and slippery seeds. The kiddos came up with a list of adjectives to share their thinking. In math, we used candy corn manipulatives and corn mats to practice counting and recognizing numbers. In the fine motor center, we worked independently with the pumpkin close pin letter boards. The children were confident and needed minimal assistance to complete this task. 

Small groups

In reading groups, we read the story, Orange Pumpkin, Orange Pumpkin. This is a version of Brown Bear, Brown Bear by Bill Martin Jr.  We colored the pictures based on the description and circled the new popcorn words “I” and “see.” In journals the prompt was, “Once upon a time a pumpkin..”  Also, we introduced a new independent center this week at the light table.  ‘

 

Circle time

We continue to meet our zoo friends. This week we meet Lizzie Lizard and Missy Mouse.  It is great to reinforce these sounds at home as well. 

Special events

We were fortunate to have a local author visit, Maureen Kanefield, and listen to her story, The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail. The kiddos did such a great job being good listeners during her presentation. Also, next week the Star of the Week is James!