Community Helpers

This week we began our unit about community helpers.  Here is a look at the week!

Morning Meeting

Together we made a list about what is in a community and the various types of jobs and helpers that exist to make sure the community runs smoothly. The three community helpers we discussed were a doctor, firefighter, and a mail carrier. We brainstormed different ways that these people help the community. We talked about a post office and sending mail. The children got to explore the post office in the dramatic play center. They were excited to write and draw pictures to their families, seal the envelope, and finish with a stamp!

 Centers

In language arts the kids read a book called, Helpers. They circled the sight words ‘I’ and ‘see’ and finished by coloring the pictures. In math, they used their dentist tools to remove and add teeth (marshmallows) to a cut out mouth. They had fun with this activity! In the fine motor center the kiddos made patterns with small beads and practiced stringing them. 

Small groups

In reading groups we continued reading the Bob books and working on decoding skills. Also, we had an activity where the kids had to match the lowercase letter to the uppercase letter on the mailbox. They were able to do this independently and I could check their work when completed! In art the kiddos painted a car using sponges. They practiced using scissors to cut two wheels independently. In journals the kiddos discussed what community helper they would be and explained why. The independent group was the post office.

Special events

Sage’s mom made a special visit to our classroom. She shared their family’s traditions for the Chinese New Year and read a few stories. Sage passed around red envelopes with a chocolate coin to each of her friends! Also, our class celebrated with the whole school for Chinese New Year. We watched a drumming performance, learned about this holiday from Ms. He and used colorful sand to decorate a dragon. 

Next week

We will be having a few community helpers visit the classroom. A police officer, paramedic and dentist will be surprising the kiddos and teaching them about helping in the community.