Big Seed Families,
We had a wonderful time in July learning all about the farm! The children enjoyed exploring farm animals through books, songs, sensory play, art projects, and dramatic play. We practiced making animal sounds, learned the names of various farm animals, and discussed where they live and the foods they provide. We also spent plenty of time outdoors enjoying water play and building friendships while strengthening our gross motor skills.
Meet Jocie
Jocie joined our Big Seed staff this month and has adapted really well to the Big Seed room. The Big Seeds have made her feel welcomed. Jocie is a Growing Tree alumna; she started in the Bud room. In June, she graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in psychology. She saw our ad, and it was a no-brainer to hire her. She has fit in smoothly with the Big Seed team! Welcome back to Growing Tree, Jocie!
August: Dinosaurs!
This month, we are traveling back in time to discover the exciting world of dinosaurs! Throughout August, we will explore dinosaurs through hands-on activities, stories, songs, sensory bins, and creative art. Together, we will:
- Learn the names of different dinosaurs.
- Explore dinosaur footprints, fossils, and eggs.
- Practice colors, counting, shapes, and matching with dinosaur-themed activities.
- Enjoy dinosaur songs, movement games, and imaginative play.
- Create fun dinosaur crafts to encourage creativity and fine motor development.
As always, we will continue working on important developmental skills such as language, social-emotional growth, self-help skills, and large and fine motor skills through daily routines and play.
August Books:
- Follow That T. Rex!
- How Do Dinosaurs Count To Ten?
- Ten Tiny Dinosaurs
- Pete the Cat Cavecat Pete
- Dinosaurs and Diggers ABC
- Dinosaur Stomp!
- How Do Dinosaurs Go To School?
August Songs:
- Dinosaur Stomp
- Ten Little Dinosaurs
ASL Signs:
- Dinosaur
- Roar
- Egg
Goodbye:
Sadly, August is our last month with Hudson, Eleanor, Avery, Ren, Archie, Sonny, and Graham. In September, they become SPROUTS! We will miss them all, but know that they are ready and will continue to do so well!
August Highlights:
Archer is becoming so confident in his walking and running! He loves to run around the playground with his friends.
Avery is so curious! She loves to point at things in books and around the classroom to ask what they are. She has learned many new words and is becoming very good at communicating. She loves playing outside with her friends, especially in the toy car, whether that’s getting a ride or giving her friends a push around the turf!
Calvin has adapted wonderfully to the Big Seed classroom! He is practicing his walking every day and continues to gain confidence with each step. Calvin especially loves spending time outdoors, where he enjoys exploring, playing and discovering new things with his friends.
Eleanor is becoming such a great classroom helper! She loves to help sing the cleanup song during transitions and is always quick to put her toys away. Her love for dancing continues, as she is quick to start dancing whenever she hears music or even when she hears clapping!
Graham is doing great with his transition into the Big Seeds room! He has been loving climbing on the foam blocks next to the window to watch people and cars pass by with his new friends. He is becoming a very confident walker and has been enjoying practicing his running on the playground.
Hudson is loving learning all about animals and the sounds they make! He especially loves to “neigh” like a horse, which is his favorite. He has been enjoying sitting down to read books with his friends and teachers, and he loves turning the pages!
Ren has been having so much fun during outdoor play! She especially loves running races with her teachers and friends and is always excited to join in. One of her favorite activities is pushing her friends in the toy car, and she also enjoys taking turns being the passenger while her friends push her.
Sonny is becoming such a great communicator! He has been practicing his sign language in the classroom and has mastered signing “hurt” and “please.” He has also been enjoying playing outside in the warm weather and exploring the different plants and trees around the playground.
Reminders:
Outdoor exploration is an important part of our day. As the weather changes, please remember to send:
- Comfortable outdoor shoes
- Light jackets
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Extra clothes are appreciated for water and sensory play activities
- Please remember to bring a sleep sack every Monday and take it home each Friday for washing.
Thank you for being part of our Big Seed family. We are looking forward to a joyful month filled with dinosaur adventures, learning, and special memories together!
Ms. Kelly, Ms. Jocie & Ms. Blanca
