It was a very busy week, filled with learning all about Halloween. We started our week by carving a pumpkin, then touching, smelling and looking at the various parts - then we drew and described what we had experienced. The classroom was filled with the smell of pumpkin! In math this week, we rolled dice with the numbers written on them and used Halloween erasers to count into pumpkin ice cube trays - it is an easy game that they love to play. Recognizing the numbers, counting objects, taking turns and being a good sport, is all part of the activity. We also talked about sorting and how it is important in our lives; we discussed where things go in our homes (like pajamas and pens), and why we should sort things by use in our daily lives. We sorted items that belong in a living room and in a garage, with much discussion about the car not going in the garage at home, or tools been kept in the basement and not in a garage in their house!

We read "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat" this week, and we sequenced the items she swallowed to retell the story. Then we drew her stomach around the objects, and ended with her arms, legs, and head (if there was room on the paper!). We also read "Room on the Broom" about a kind witch, and we talked about the beginning letter of each of the words. The children then cut and glued the correct word under the picture of all the witch and all her friends! 

This week, we learned the letters M and N. We made a huge list of things that start with both of the letters. They also practiced tracing their names; we are working on some of the children to switch from writing in capitals, to only the first letter of their name being a capital.  

On Tuesday, we went pumpkin picking; the children had a wonderful time, and we took lots of pictures - including a class picture. 

To get ready for Halloween, I gave the children paper bags and lots of different Halloween materials to glue, stick or color to decorate their bags. We also practiced knocking/ringing, saying "Trick or treat", and most importantly "Thank you"! Of course, many of them knew what to do, but some were a little shy - they learned quickly though! 

On Halloween, we used our practiced skills, and we went trick or treating around the building. We also went into the haunted house, and the gym for Halloween games. Then we ended the day with cotton candy.