Weekly Wrap Up 2014 Week 4

Wow!  Week 4?  January has been a good month for getting school done!  I guess being cooped up inside in the snow helps that :).

And, since the snow seems to be a constant around here (thought it DID melt this week), I thought it would be a great time to bring out Snowflake Bentley and do some 'snow' themed activities.

Monday

• We read part of Snowflake Bentley.
• Explored our microscope using {free} 3-Part Cards from Montessori Materials
• Attempted to use our microscope only to find out it doesn't work very well.  Boo.
• Made fake snow using a science kit from the dollar store.  This was fun, but apparently you aren't supposed to touch it.  Oops!
• Discussed opposites using a {free} printable from Every Star is Different.  Mostly for Charger, but Mustang listened in.
• Used another {free} printable from Every Star is Different to work on labeling nouns, verbs, and adjectives.  

Tuesday

• Read the second 1/2 of Snowflake Bentley.
• Discussed symmetry and properties of a snowflake (6 branches, no two alike, etc).
• Used a printable from Making Learning Fun to 'build' symmetrical snowflakes.  This was below Mustang, but Charger really did not like it.  Oh well!
• Cut out our own snowflakes
• Introduced the ruler and used it to measure snowflakes with a {free} printable from Every Star is Different.
• Added Martin Van Buren to our President Notebook.  
• Made Snoopy Sno-cones (definitely a highlight of our day).

Wednesday

• Talked about avalanches, blizzards, and ice storms using printables from Every Star is Different (I really liked her free printable pack if you can't tell!). (links above)
• Used another printable from the pack to match phonograms and words (I did cut the words off the bottom of the cards since the kids can both read).
• Added Georgia to our state notebooks.
• Practiced our AWANA memory verses, Mustang and Charger each completed 3 sections.
• Didn't use my camera at all, and so no photos!!

Thursday

I managed to catch another bug, and the kids were thrilled to get a day off school.  I, however, would rather reserve days off for nice sunny days.  I didn't have much of a choice, though!  We were supposed to talk about Groundhogs and shadows.  What my kids don't know is that we will likely have a short makeup day tomorrow, Saturday, so that we can talk about Groundhog day BEFORE Groundhog day :).

So that's our wrap up for this week.  Overall, it went well.  I'm looking forward to introducing the Olympics next week!  Hope your week went well!

God Bless,

Lisa

Winter and Valentine's Activity Trays!!

Tomorrow is my monthly day to 'teach' at our homeschool co-op preschool group.  

Here is what will be on the trays this month:

Snowman addition game.  I found this idea on My Montessori Journey.

It is free for download from Making Learning Fun.

Snowman Colors.  I found out about this great printable from Deb at Pre-K and K Sharing (also LivingMontessoriNow).

It is available at The Kids Place.

Heart patterning.  I downloaded pattern strips from PreKinders.

Then I paired them with the hearts from a pack of candies I got from Oriental Trading Company (not an affiliate link).

Snowman magnet page, also from The Kid's Place. 

I found this through Deb's Pinterest page.

Roll a snowman.

From 2 Teaching Mommies.

How Tall is the Snowman?

Yet another great printable from The Kid's Place.

Matching Snowflakes.

These are from Confessions of a Homeschooler.

Tweezing feathers.  I found this idea on My Montessori Journey.

Mini Cooper got into my bin of materials while I was putting together other trays.

She started doing this on her own, so I hope the other kids like it, too.

Felt heart sorting. I made this one up a couple of years ago.

It's nice to have it already made up :).

Lacing beads.

Opening and closing little heart boxes.  There is a little bead in each one.

Red boxes are from the Dollar Tree. 

Heart sticks from the Dollar Tree put into a Parmesan holder (also from the Dollar Tree).  

Penguin pattern blocks from Prekinders.

Heart scratchers I found at Hobby Lobby.  

Water transfer.  I made the mistake of pouring all the water out before I took a picture!  I got this idea from My Montessori Journey.

Spelling puzzles by Lauri.

Matching written numbers to the numeral.

I made these 2 years ago, so they aren't as great as some of my newer printables.  You can find them here.

Count and clip cards.

These are from Nicole at Tired, Need Sleep.

Matching the uppercase snowman to his lowercase hat is one more great printable from The Kid's Place.

It was featured on PreK and K Sharing, which is how I heard about it :).

So there you have it, 20 Activity Trays or Tot Trays as some would call them.  I'm so thankful for the many printables that are shared by wonderful blog mommies out there!  It really made my job a breeze this time!!

Enjoy and God Bless!!

We're linked up!