For the past two weeks, PK2 focused on apples, the festivities, the concept of being thankful and an attitude for gratitude. We accomplished this with the aid of presentations, books, craft, cooking activities, discussions, visual representations and songs.
While playing outdoors, a few of the students discovered apples that had fallen off a nearby tree. Their inquiring minds led them on a quest to exploration and observation. With the aid of magnifying glasses, they examined apples of a variety of sizes with fascination. This simple activity opened opportunities for endless learning experiences.
They had the opportunity to observe an erupting apple volcano experiment. It was a colourful science experiment and a great way to explore science concepts.
They also participated in a cooking activity – making apple sauce. They were so excited to taste this delicious treat. It was also a great opportunity to discuss the anatomy of an apple and incorporate the five senses.
During this time, we also put a huge emphasis on thankfulness and an attitude for gratitude. They learned about the basic principles of being thankful and grateful for all the things God has blessed them with.
This was incorporated into the imaginative play area where they played In their make believe bake shop. The dramatic area was set up as a Thanksgiving cookie store called “Gobbler’s Bake Shop.”
Implementing the gratitude jar activity was another way to be very hands on and for them to express themselves freely. They were excited to share their gratitude jar pictures amongst each other. It was a great opportunity to enhance the concept of sharing and self confidence. They did an awesome job!
Instead of watching a regular video or reading a book, I wanted to do something different. The students took a variety of photos to re-enact the story of the 10 Lepers, using themselves as characters mixed with an old and modern day twist. It was turned into a visual story book. This was a great way to include a Biblical aspect to the Thanksgiving theme. Seeing their reaction when they saw themselves was priceless!
Also during the past two weeks, PK2 had a few wonderful visitors. Oscar came to talk about Thanksgiving. Christine came from Costco with Cindy the cook to talk about healthy eating. Triston the Turkey had a dance off with the students.
It was great to focus on the turkey and the festivities related to the thanksgiving meal and togetherness with family. It was mostly important for the students to remember who made it all possible and show our gratitude towards Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.
We concluded the Thanksgiving theme with a thanksgiving prayer for the students and for the world. Some of the students dressed up to represent people from different parts of the world. We also thanked God while including all the things they they were grateful for from the gratitude jar.
PK2 recited this verse daily. “Oh give thanks unto the Lord for He is good” Ps 107:1
Enjoy the photos!