Magic Sand (Augmented Sensory Table)

 Magic Sand (Augmented Sensory Table) will immerse the children into a visual, tactile sensory exploration. The augmented sensory table is a hands-on sandbox exhibit combined with 3D visualization applications by researchers at UC Davis. The sandbox is augmented in real time with an elevation color map, that when the children mold/move the sand it makes contour lines and simulates water. AR sand box.   It houses a computer program which is attached to the sand sensory table; it alters how the sand looks as the child plays, explores and moves the sand.  The child will be able to create mountains, streams and even deserts. Having their (the children’s) sensory needs met will help the children self-regulate and help with concentration, which will in turn increase their development of fine motor, social emotional (controlling oneself and empathy for others), language (understanding what is being said to them and talking to a peer), speech, science and technology. We currently have sand tables, but the visual impact of the augmented sensory box will draw the child in and meet sensory needs on a tactile and visual level.  Everyone needs to be able to manage daily input and be able to focus.  The augmented sensory table in itself is astonishing, but if we start to add additional materials/loose parts for tinkering to the sensory box, the opportunities for the sensory box to change will be endless. 

Ms. Katie and I were awarded this grant during the Covid-19 shut down.  We have been working to build and program the computer to finally get this up and running.  It did not disappoint!

"I am the acorn that becomes the oak."- John Winger

Chickens

 Today we walked over to view the chickens and figure out a few things about them.... 

Why do they lay eggs? 

How do they get food?

How do they move? Do they Fly?

Why are chickens in cages? 

We then walked to the chickens and the children started to answer the questions...

Caper Day

For capers, we had the worms out, the mad matter for egg creation, and our keyboards and phones for pretend play area.... We also had the geoboards to create shapes, and the cup building area along with loose parts and the light table. 

Forest Day!!

                         The weather cooperated and we enjoyed a fabulous day in the forest!

"I am the acorn that becomes the oak."- John Winger

Walking Wednesday

 The Seedlings joined us on our plan to walk by the chickens, and say hello, on our way to the firestation.  Low and behold, Ms. Jenny the chicken owner was out putting her new chicks in the coop.  She came out several times carrying two chickens each time.  The last time, she came out with a tiny chicken, she named Queen.  Oh my, Queen is adorable, each child had the opportunity to pet the Queens special plume. We then thanked Ms. Jenny, sanitized everyone and went on our way. The children were all chattering about how cute Queen is and excited that we finally saw the new chicks.  At this point, some of the children understand that chickens are birds, others do not.

 

 

 

  

"I am the acorn that becomes the oak."- John Winger

Sculpture Park

Thank You PTO for the sign and the lunch!! We appreciate it. 

 

Risk

Balance 

Confidence

Self aware

Independent

"I an the acorn that becomes the oak. "-John Winger

PLEASE READ

Reminders-  Thanks to an Acorns Mom, we have a few reminders- 

Please put sunscreen/bug spray on your child before you bring your Acorn to school.

Pants should be worn on Forest Days to protect our skin, along with sunscreen and bug spray.

Ms. Katie in the office, told us that she had a bird feeder and bird seed we could have. So, we had BK lead the way to the office, cause no one else knew where the office was located..... and we had a few friends grab the wagon so we could carry our new feeder and seed. Once we got there, I asked the children if they remembered why they came.  MC "We came to get the Birds Seed and a new feeder." Kiss your brain MC!

We then installed the new feeder.

  

 

"I am the acorn that becomes the oak."- John WInger

 

Fun in the Forest

Today we enjoyed spending time in the forest! We saw lots of ants and other bugs. Ice Cream Shop continues to evolve in the forest. We now serve sprinkles!

Back at school we observed the worms move through the dirt and constructed creations with cups. M. said, "Look, I built a telescope!" She then looked up as if she were searching the sky for something interesting.

 We are sending home blankets because there is no school tomorrow- Have a Great Weekend!

"I am the acorn that becomes the oak"-John Winger

Train

 For walking Wednesday, we walked to the train  and had a snack while we waited for its arrival. On the way there, I was in the back of the line as I am always.  I had two friends holding onto my fingers.  One of the friends sings nonstop.  We sang Sticky Sticky Bubble Gum.  The other friend is new and always asks to hold my finger when we are out and about.  At one point they all started singing our walking chant.  Follow Kelly, Stay on the Sidewalk, I am an Acorn, I love School.... As most of you know, that is how we taught the Acorns to go on walks while at school. You have to love the Acorns!

"I am the acorn that becomes the oak"-John Winger

Seed Balls

 After our morning meeting, we split up into small groups.  One group stayed indoors and explored the worms in their habitat,  the other group went outside to make Seed Balls for the birds and the bees. While we were discussing our plan with the children, EF told us why flowers are so important to bees. She explained to us " Bees go to the flower and get nectar and then fly back to the beehive and make honey with it."  We are not sure where she received this information, but we sure are happy she remembered it and shared it with us!! Way to go E!!!

 

 

 

While exploring the worms, I asked who eats worms....  A- Birds eat worms.  EH said that the worms eat the birds? She then self corrected and said that worms eat birds. The worms smartly made holes and tried to get away from us.  Fortunately for us, the children didn't seem to mind (for the first time since we got the worms) to dig in the loose dirt and pull them out. 

 

 

"I am the acorn that becomes the oak."- John Winger

 

Scrabble Monday

 It is Scrabble Day!!  Today as part of our morning routine, the Acorns matched the scrabble letter to their name.  We then read our story, and had a booboo check.  Once we were finished going over our agreements, we explored the offerings for the day.  One of the offerings was mad matter.  I asked how many eggs can you make?  The children did not disappoint.  They made egg after egg, counting correctly each time!!! B-" 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8.   8 eggs!"  T- "1,2,3,4,5."  J- "I made one big one."    Way to go Acorns.  We have worked tirelessly getting the Acorns ready to move to a 3-5 year old classroom.  It is amazing see how much they have learned during their time as an Acorn.  And we aren't finished yet!

"I am the acorn that becomes the oak."- John Wiger