MINIT
We started the week with some outdoor plays. Minis practiced their social skills, just as sharing and listening to others. The next they Minis had the Muskari with a farm theme. We also had some Halloween arts and crafts. Minis painted their hand black and pressed that twice on the paper. That’s how they were able to make spiders. They also glued eyes on them and put cotton wool to mimic spider’s web. Minis were really proud and excited of their amazing work. On Wednesday we had some plays in smaller groups. The goal of that was to improve the group spirit and get everyone to play with each other, since it is normal that children choose the same playmates when they can do it freely.
The next day we had some more Halloween arts and crafts, since the children are really excited about the next week’s costume party and love to do activities that have something to do with the theme. We decorated the environment little bit with the things they made and some Halloween wall stickers. Minis listened to some Halloween music. At nap time we read a Monsterit Oy story to them.
We ended the week by doing an obstacle course where Minis were able to practice their motor skills and have a lot of fun with each other.
In this weekly letter I also wanted to clarify how we practice the Minis English skills in our daily routines. I (Alexandra) speak English with the kids. If they do not understand something in English, I might repeat the same thing in Finnish to make sure they get the message. I also answer mostly in English to Nasra when we are talking to each other, so that it is clearer to the children that I am the one who speaks English, and that Nasra is the Finnish speaking adult. We also listen a lot of songs in English, read stories in English and so on to make sure that the language skills are developing every day.
Next week for Minis:
MON HALLOWEEN ARTS AND CRAFTS
TUE STORY DAY + MUSKARI
WED HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY
THU HALLOWEEN PLAY DAY
FRI MUSIC DAY
MIDIT, VISKARIT JA MESTARI-ANKAT:
Midis, Viskarit and Eskarit started the week having a sports day. Outdoors, the kids played football in small groups. In addition, they could practice their social and cooperation skills. The next day was Story Day. Midis group had the opportunity to read a Halloween story, and later, they were singing Halloween songs. Although this celebration is not originally from Finland, all the kids feel a lot of interest towards it. Viskarit and Eskarit enjoyed some story time with short books, and afterwards they listened to the same story in
English. With these activity, they practiced their listening and concentration skills, which are crucial to understand the storyline of the books. In the afternoon, the kids practiced their musical skills in Muskari. On Wednesday, the three groups had a wonderful time indoors, building their own tents. There were three big tents full of pillows, fabrics, blankets, and more. They played imagination games and practiced their social skills, while playing and having fun. The day after, Midis group practiced drama play wearing different
costumes. Every kid put on their own costume, presented themselves, represented their character and their emotions. It was interesting to see who the kids can come up with different ideas and let their imagination flow. Besides, the group crafted ghosts with their footprints. Meanwhile, Viskarit and Eskarit groups practiced drama play using the scenarios that they made and playing their own character. On the last day of the week, the groups had indoor games. They did an obstacle circuit, were they practiced rolling, climbing, jumping, controlling their balance, and more. In the bigger side, the kids could practice their fine motor skill through specific games and also enjoyed a science corner. In addition, a new game has been added: the market. The kids can practice the name of the fruits and vegetables in English and Finnish, they can practice counting and numbers, and a lot of more through play.
Next week for Midis
MON ARTS AND CRAFTS
TUE BAKING DAY + MUSKARI
WED HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY
THU SCIENCE DAY
FRI STORY DAY
Next week for Viskarit
MON ARTS AND CRAFTS
TUE VISKARIT ACTIVITY + MUSKARI
WED HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY
THU SCIENCE DAY
FRI STORY DAY
Ensi viikko Mestari-Ankat:
MON HALLOWEEN ASKARTELUJA
TUE ESKARIPÄIVÄ + MUSKARI
WED HALLOWEEN NAAMIAISET
THU SCIENCE DAY
FRI STORY DAY
Muuta huomioitavaa / Other information:
- Pakila Ankkalampi-Duckies numbers:
VISKARIT/ESKARIT/VASTAAVA 050 3046677, MIDIT 050 4724034, MINIT 050 4010706
Heli, Paula, Katja, Alexandra, Nasra & Angelyn