The new semester started with a change of locker spot for the Hawks, which also meant a change of lunch spot. They have been spending time getting to know the other Hawks a bit better! Once everyone was settled in and ready to begin the new semester, it was time to choose the topic they would be learning about over the next few months. Before Christmas, the Hawks had mentioned that they would like to learn more about animals, nature, the planet, and how to take care of it.
However, before getting started on the new exciting projects, the Hawks had something left to do from last year…their rocket! Therefore, they spent the first week back cutting big pieces of cardboard, painting, gluing, decorating, and putting the pieces together. Now, the rocket is finally ready and standing in one of the corners, surrounded by the hanging stars that the Hawks made at the beginning of the year.
With that done, the Hawks moved on to the next theme: habitats. Their first task was to vote on which habitat they would like to learn about first, and the jungle was chosen. They will vote each time to decide which habitat to explore next. For the jungle, they created a mural with big palm trees and a waterfall. Then, they each chose a jungle animal to color and place on the mural. With each habitat, the Hawks learn a themed song; for this first one, they learned “Walking Through the Jungle.”
The following habitat was the Arctic, for which the Hawks colored many different Arctic animals and made their own icy Arctic murals to hang on the windows. After that came the sea, which they are still working on. They have colored and laminated some beautiful mandala dolphins that are hanging above the water table, where the rest of the sea animals will go. They are also making coral reefs for it by gluing recycled fabrics and pipe cleaners together. To go with this habitat, they have learned two sea songs: “Down in the Deep Blue Sea” and “Swimming in the Water.”
Recently, they started discussing the project for the farm animals habitat: a puppet play. This is going to be a long-term project since they will have to write a script as well as make the puppets and the set. As a way to introduce the theme, they have been singing “Old MacDonald” and learning how animal sounds differ in various countries.
Because of these projects, the Hawks have spent lots of time developing their coloring and table-work skills. However, something just as exciting has been happening outside, the snow has finally settled! Over the last few weeks, the Hawks have been sledding every day, not just in the daycare yard but also on short trips to nearby hills. And it doesn’t end there, they have also been making snow piles, stacking ice blocks, making snow angels, and even having the occasional snowball fight. To properly enjoy all of this, the Hawks have learned how important appropriate clothing is and how to put it on independently so that they can spend time outside during the colder months.
In between the indoor hard work and the outdoor fun, there have also been some extra activities: yoga on Fridays, Grandparents’ Coffee, Being Teachers for a Day, Friendship Day, Lunar New Year, and more. Soon spring will arrive, bringing more celebrations such as Easter, International Week, and Mother’s Day.
