Peer Teaching = Bucket Filler

Eliza took great pride in teaching the other children how to use our new snack "sign in" sheet. Eli sat down at the snack table looked at the sign in sheet and asked, "What is that?" Eliza immediately responded with , "That is the sign in sheet for snack." Then she proceeded to show him how to use it. Eliza thanks "filling Eli's bucket"!

Writing Letters

We have been very busy writing letters in the Unicorn classroom. We recently added some envelopes to our writing center, which has started a letter-writing frenzy! Today the Unicorns wrote letters to Julia (who is out until Monday.) We drew her pictures, then went to the office with Rachel, where we learned how to weigh a letter and put postage on it.

Thank you Rachel!

Make It and Shake It!

Today Marissa showed the Rainbows how to make a rhythm instrument. The children decorated two paper plates, then placed some beans in between them, and with a few carefully placed staples - they had a "shaker". The kids enjoyed themselves, and we noted that they were very aware of one another as they worked around the table together. Sometimes a child would pass the basket of markers to another, or simply point out to a teacher that another child needed some help with final shaker assembly.

Unicorn kids take the time to help!

On Thursday the Tel Aviv children enjoyed a fun filled day exploring with corn starch, colored water, and eyedroppers (it was Messy Day in the Tel Aviv classroom). When it was time to clean up on our way to the bathroom area we spilled some colored water/corn starch on the floor. Laura and a few Unicorn children were on their way to the bathroom and saw the big mess on the floor. Laura stopped and asked the children to help the Tel Aviv class clean up the spill. They all were more than willing to help! It is a Mitzvah to stop what you are doing and take the time to help someone in need! Thank you!

Magnitile Play Outside Today!

The magnitiles took on a whole new light! The children set them up on the rectangular blue table, and built some interesting and detailed structures. Ryan built, "An airplane!" Alana, Lizzie and Rachel constructed, "A house for their animals." If they needed help or got stuck as the were building they just asked a friend and they were more than happy to lend a helping hand.

"Help Someone Today!"

Everyday Ali Fransblow says "Lauri will you please read my note." Today it said, "Help someone today." Ali's Mom always sends in a special note in her lunchbox, with an age appropriate message on it. We all look forward to Ali's message of the day!

I said, "Ali you did help someone today! You helped Alana take off her water shoes when she asked for help." She smiled and said, "Oh yeah I did." At the end of the day once again Ali offered to help Julia lead the group in a sing-a-long! Ali thanks for being such a great helper today! We really appreciate you!

Becoming a Reflective Teacher!

Ellen asked the teaching staff to use a "thinking lens", (from Deb Curtis's Learning Together with Young Children) to become a more reflective teacher. Some of us had the opportunity to share our experiences with our colleges at our teacher training day last week. A Reflective teacher...

• examines his or her own reactions to children or their actions to understand their source


• is curious about children's play and watches it closely


• documents details of children's conversations and activities


• takes time to study notes and photos to puzzle out what is significant


• eagerly shares stories about children's learning with families and co-workers


• asks co-workers and children's families for their insights


• reads professional literature to learn more


• shows children photos and stories of themselves to hear their views


• changes the environment and materials to encourage new play and learning possibilities

In preparation for our teacher training day last week, I offered a small group some interesting materials to play with, while the children played with the magnitiles and jewels on mirrors at the rectangular table, I sat next to the children closely with a clip board, pen and camera. I tried to capture specific details of what I heard and saw. I asked the children to describe what they were doing and their ideas. I sat there for some time and observed. If I shared all the conversation, the goings and comings, at that table, I would be writing forever. So, it is my pleasure to share with you specific details of Aden's and Oliver's conversations and activities. Lauri- "Aden what's your idea here,can you tell me more about what you are doing with the magnitiles?" Aden-" I am trying to fold this up(the small magnitile squares) and I can't get it to stand up!" Lauri- "Aden you seem frustrated." Oliver-"I know, you can use a big square and take away the little squares then it should work!" Oliver handed Aden a big square, and it was all down hill from there! Aden was then able to continue to build a structure, that was going to "stop bad guys". I pointed out to both boys how Oliver's idea to use the big square helped Aden problem solve, and it worked! Then I turned to Aden and said," It helps to share ideas with our friends and it's okay to ask friends for help if you are stuck. " We can all can teach and help each other!

Purim Cards!

Today the children created Purim cards to send along with the TBSCC Sh'lach Manot baskets. We shared with the children that we plan on giving the baskets of goodies to a group of elderly people in Needham. We asked the children, "During the course of the morning please come over to the art center to make a card, the card you decorate will brighten up someone's day."

When Teddy Fox came over to make a card he asked "Lauri, can I make a card for my Grandpa because he is almost old?" I asked him if he could tell me a bit more about his Grandpa." He said, "Sure he lives in Boston and he has Tom and Jerry on his TV. " He took his time and even spelled his last name. Teddy was very proud of the card he created. He said, "Lauri I spelled Fox, my last name!" I said,"Teddy, yes you did!"

" I did a DOUBLE Mitzvah"

Friends come into school very excited to share their stories about mitzvot from home. So mommies, daddies, brothers and sisters, friends appreciate and are acknowledging the many things you do for them, as well as telling us how they were helpful at home.

" One friend was sooo proud, she said " I did a double mitzvah, I gave my Mia her sneakers to wear this morning and I gave her her socks".
" Katie, gave me crayons"
" Mommy put soap on my hands and turned on the water for me."
" My sister let me sleep with her stuffed animals".
"My bubbe gave me a cup"

Today a friend saw a member of the Sunshine class having difficulty turning on the faucet to wash hands. This friend just extended kindness by turning on the water, totally self initiated.
It is truly amazing to see how the Unicorn friends have really embraced being kind to others as well as acknowledging and appreciating the kindness of others.

I can do it by "myself"

Unicorn friends are so proud of their independence. When we provide children the opportunity to do things by themselves, thou it may take longer, we help them build confidence. Sadie and Max are enjoying delicious bagels, and carefully spreading a little butter. Rylan said he could zip his jacket by "himself". Dylan is eager to help a friend button her jacket as well. We are such kind thoughtful Unicorn friends.