L is for Leaves

This is another exciting week in 4K.  This week we will begin work on learning the letters of the alphabet and the sounds that they make.  Our first two letters are F & L.  This week we will learn that L is for leaves.  The children will also learn the sigh language sign that goes with L.

As part of our transitions the children traced the capital L on the smart board.  We said the words, "Make a straight line down, then a line across the ground."  By making up sayings, or giving a symbol human features, children are more likely to remember how to write letters or numbers.  In class when we practice writing a number five we always say, "Mr. Five wears a hat, has a long neck, and a belly fat."

During center time today some of the children read the book Fletcher and the Falling Leaves with a partner.  Before the children read the story I first modeled how to read a story with a friend.  I read them the rhyme; Elbow to elbow, knee to knee, I can read to you, and you can read to me.  Elbow to elbow, knee to knee, put the book in the middle, so we both can see.  Then I sat with a friend and modeled the expected behavior.

At an independent center the children used droppers to drop colored liquid on a coffee filter to make fall leaves.  This activity also incorporates scientific inquiry, because the children observed what happened when the colors mixed

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Today we also had a new addition to the writing center.  I pressed leaves from home and showed the children how to make leaf rubbings.  This activity was a big hit!  You may want to try it at home for fun too.