It was a short week for us, but we still managed to get a lot done!

We are learning about things out West.  Cowboys/Cowgirls, cattle, boots, hats, chaps, cactus, panning for gold...  This week the children decorated boots and painted a desert sunset.

Some major block building.  We also discovered how pretty the magna tiles look in the window! We

decided that it might be safer to keep the wooden blocks on the floor. :)

Some of the children tried painting at the easel with a wider brush. That was fun!

"Fizzy Hearts" is one of my favorite projects.  The children were given a heart shape cut from watercolor paper. Then they sprinkled on baking soda and squeezed on vinegar that had been dyed red.  The "reaction" was fun to see on the paper and on their faces.  We also learned a new word, "reaction".  We had science and art in the same lesson! Another great project to work on fine motor skills.

We had a great Valentine Snack!  Thank you to Annie and Jay's mom for fixing us up!

More valentine activity...

See you soon!  Our next theme will be, "Out West". Yee Haa!

We tried something new this week, painting with a stencil.  It takes great eye - hand coordination. The children did really well with this project.

The children found valentine themed items in the classroom this week.

We have been spending more time painting at the easel.  The children can pick the color(s) they want and paint until they are done.  This activity works the core and increases shoulder strength, which will help down the road when it's time to write.  Plus, they have fun!  Check out where all the paint ends up!

The children made valentine sun catchers.  This activity is good for helping to develop their fine motor skills.   Mrs. Silvestri is always so excited to help the children!  This was a sticky project. :)