World of Color – Unit 4

This week we are finishing with Unit 3 activities and beginning Unit 4.

The World of Color

In Unit 4, children learn about color. Color names, color mixings, camouflage, and color patterns are just a few of the topics covered. Through the story time books, children will hear about a dog that stains his white coat, a lion who paints pictures, a boy who gets special letters from his grandmother, and a rabbit who wants to buy a special shirt. In addition to listening to stories, children will increase their vocabulary and observe and explore color and patters directly. They will continue to learn about letters and sounds, including rhyming words, and will participate in music, poetry, mathematics, science, and art activities.

Concepts for the Unit

-Color is one thing that makes our world beautiful, both in nature and through art. Different colors and designs appeal to different people.

-Color can carry information.

-Paints and dyes are used to color other things and are mixed to make new colors.

-Different substances can cause stains of different colors

-Sun and Washing often bleach color – make them fade

-Color is an identifier of many natural things.

Stories:

Snowy Day – Ezra Jack Keats

Max’s Dragon Shirt – Rosemary Wells

Dog’s Colorful Day – Emma Dodd

Small Groups

Math -  Students will talk about pattern sets and create or extend an AB or ABC pattern.  These patterns will be kept for portfolios.

Science – Students will explore the effects of water on permanent and water based markers.  They will make predictions and test each color by marking a paper towel and squeezing an eye dropper on the dot.

Math – Color/Shape Bingo – Students will play color/shape bingo and discuss the different attributes of each shape.

Math – Mitten Sort – Students will sort mittens by size.  These will be kept for portfolios.

Art – Decorating Valentine’s bags

Language – Students will sequence how to build a snowman.

Discussion Topics

Color Fading from washing

The effects of Littering

Choice Time

Sensory Table - Playing with soap bubbles in our water table

Dramatic Play – Dressing Up

Art – Paper snow people

Art – Glittered Snowflakes

Sensory – Coloring Play dough with water colors

Blocks – Wooden Blocks

Writing Center – Making Cards

Letter of the week is J.  Students will decorate the letter J by drawing jelly beans.  This page will be added to our Alphabet book.

Special Notes

The afternoon class will distribute Valentine’s on Monday 2/14/11.

The morning class will distribute Valentine’s on Tuesday 2/15/11. 

Please make sure that you send in enough cards for each child.

Please remember to send in snow gear everyday.  This includes snow pants, boots, hats, and snow mittens.  Even when the temperature is around 25 degrees, often times the small playground (the one closest to the school), is warmer.  It is in direct sunlight and it blocked by the wind on two sides.  When we question if the temperature is too cold or not, we place a thermometer on the small playground prior to going out. 

If your child comes to school in snow boots, please send in a pair of sneakers or slippers to wear while in the classroom.  This helps to keep the classroom dry and safe for everyone.

Thank You
Katie, Amanda, Moira and Julie