Preschool fun with M

After taking a 6 week break from teaching preschool (and Jackson getting to go to fun and exciting preschool days) I got to teach again.  I really enjoy teaching (hmmm, I guess that is why I chose teaching as my career . . .) This week we have lost a couple of kids and so it was very calm and fun.  The kids have come SOOO far since the first day of school.  They can actually sit, participate, sing and listen.  They know that playtime isn't for a while and they are ok with waiting.  Of course, they are still 3 and have their issues, but for the most part it was so exciting to see how far they've come! 

First, we guessed which letter we were learning with a mystery bag full of M words.  Then we made Mountains with macaroni and marshamllow peaks.

We read a Magnet book and made a hanging magnet dance using another magnet.  The kids then explored the house with magnets on popcycle sticks to see what was magnetic.  Then each kid had a bag of 6-10 items that they sorted into Magnetic and not magnetic items.  They loved trying each item.  I only wished the magnets were stronger!

We then ate a Muffin tin Meal with mac, M&Ms Marshmallows, mouse snack (string cheese), milk and a muffin.

Finally, I made marshmallow shooters from a pinterest idea.  

It was fun to go outside and shoot marshmallows everywhere.  If only the kids could get them to go farther!

 We worked on the #6 and completed a puzzle of 6 pieces that made a Mouse.  We also graphed M&Ms according to color and talked about most, least, etc.  We learned about good table Manners.  I made a set the table mat and the kids had to set the table and act with appropriate manners.  It was so cute to hear them talk about what was good manners and try so hard with little 3 year old hands to eat mac and milk without spilling.  

Then we played 'Mailman' (because Mail and Man start with M and postal worker does not).  I had a bunch of little envelopes that I put shapes, colors or numbers on.  The kids each got a mailman bag filled with envelopes.  They had to deliver the mail to the appropriate mail box.  Each 'box' had a different color, number and shape, so that kept the kids guessing a little.  Jackson THRIVED in this activity.  He delivered all of his and helped the other kids figure out where to put theirs as well.  I put harder envelopes in Jackson's bag since he can already 1-to-1 count with accuracy, some of his envelopes had 5 dots that he had to count before dropping it in the #5envelope.  The kids played this twice - even after I told them they could go play.  Jackson then got all the mailboxes together and played alone for a third round.  It is so rewarding so have a project that took quite a bit of prep go over so well!!

I can't wait to teach again!  I really enjoy this!