Dinomites
February 2017
Dear Parents,
January was an educational and exciting month for the Dinomites filled with interesting themes,
memorable activities, and great learning experiences. Let us take a moment to review and remember
what the class has covered during this past month. The Winter Wonders learning theme gave the class
an opportunity to review the seasons of the year. During circle time, the Dinomites discussed about what
happens to animals, people, and the weather during the winter season. The class also talked about
different types of sports that are played during this time of the year and their favorite thing to do in this
great season. To incorporate science and math, [Pennsylvania Learning Standards for Early Childhood
(PLSEC) 4.1. Environment] the students learned about the properties of ice. The students enjoyed
coloring with colored ice as it melted to create a classroom entrance display. To create a more vivid
experience inside the class, the Dinomites thought of snowflakes and lots of snow. Using shaving cream
and glue, the class proceeded to work on making “snow.” The class spread the mixture onto paper until it
became powdery white! The students had a blast during this fun tactile activity. Be sure to check out our
final presentation snow scene above the cubbies, which consist of penguins, polar bears, and snowmen.
During the theme, Respect Diversity, the Dinomites discussed how to be tolerant and respectful
towards others. The class reviewed the learning theme “Unique me” from the month of September. The
students brainstormed what makes them unique and different from each other, and how we all should
have the same rights within society. With this information, the class talked about how it is ok to be
different and how being tolerant towards others is important for a peaceful environment. The class
discussed how they could show respect for others, the meaning of peace, and other subjects that related to
tolerance and the impact that has for a better and more serene society. To celebrate Martin Luther King
Junior’s birthday, the class read the book Martin’s Dream by Jane Kurtz. The children sat and listened
closely to the story, while paying attention to the words ‘march’ and ‘dream.’ The Dinomites had a fun
time creating their very special unique handprints to glue along our diverse world. Our world display is
very colorful, and expresses the diversity throughout the world.
The Geographical Concepts theme led the Dinomites into an investigation of our earth. PLSEC
7.1, Basic Geographic Literacy. Using pictures and posters during circle time, the students observed
different land formations; this material inspired the students to adapt the song and book, ‘We are going on
a Bear Hunt.’ Then by using the different land formations, the class pretended to be chased by a bear
through marsh, waterfalls, glaciers, and other fun-motions! In addition, we finally raced home again and
we were safe from the bear! The students had a blast with this activity. One of our brainstorming
exercises consisted of selecting their favorite land formation. Most the class chose the volcano as their
favorite one, so the class created a volcano, with the magma and lava that goes along with it. Then to
incorporate science in to this discussion, the Dinomites created a volcano out of baking soda and vinegar.
The children also discussed the different parts of a volcano, incorporating vocabulary words, such as lava,
magma, ash, vent, and crater.
The Dinosaur Dynasty learning theme connected with the previous week’s theme Geographical
Concepts. PLSEC 7.4 interactions between people and the Environment. They explored in more detail
the volcano, how it works, what it does, why, and where you could find one. The class reviewed the
definition of mountain, volcano, lake, waterfall, and other land formations. Then using visual aids such
as pictures, posters, books, and models, to learn about different types of dinosaurs. During circle time,
the children discussed their favorite kinds of dinosaurs. In the gross motor learning station, the children
moved their bodies like the dinosaurs and discussed different activities that the dinosaur might do. To
incorporate tactile art, the students created dinosaur bones out of flour, cornstarch, and salt. These bones
were used later in the week for a “Dino-bone Hunt.” As a preparation for this fun gross motor activity,
the Dinomites learned about the paleontologist. The group discussed the job, types of tools that are used,
and the kind of areas that the paleontologist works in. The students decorated different dinosaurs using
diverse art materials. As the month of January flew by, the Dinomites have become ready to move into
February.
The Dinomites are going to have a blast in the month of February! With that being said let us get
moving onto our first theme for this month, Famous American Heroes. In honor of Black History
Month, the Dinomites will learn about different famous African Americans. With the aid of books,
pictures, and posters, the class will learn the stories of William Still, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr.,
and Henry Brown. We will be focusing mainly on Buck O’Neil who is famous in the baseball
community. Vocabulary words such as famous, hero, and biography will be focused on. In the domestics
learning center we will be using the dramatic play area to dress up as a chosen hero in your child’s life
and explain why they have chosen that person. The gross motor learning center will be used in a game of
baseball having a coach take the lead in creating a team and showing how to be a leader. A few art
projects that the Dinomites will be working on are going to be related to our hero that will be chosen by
the students along with a presentation the children will create based on this hero.
Caring Connections brings us into week two of February. During this week, the class will learn
about their emotions and feelings along with how to control them. We will be focusing on the Cognitive
Responsibility System (CRS) and talking about why and how we use these breathing techniques to help
us. A few vocabulary words we will be discussing will be love, respect, sensitive, and care. This will be
a great week to become closer as a “family” and get to know each other that much more. The class will
be holding a friendship dance party on February 14th please keeps an eye out for a sign-up sheet and a
class list for special Valentine’s Day cards.
Throughout the next week of Leading Legacies, the class will be reviewing national symbols
such as the flag and the bald eagle. The students will think back on different monuments and structures
that are famous in the United States of America. The Dinomites will be discussing leaders such as
different presidents, which leads us up to Presidents Day on February 20th. As a fun math concept this
week the class will be learning about money. Who is on our American money, along with creating our
own. A fun science connection will be to discuss how many hands touch money. By using vinegar and
baking soda, the class will work together in getting some pennies clean and looking like new. Holding a
dinner party in the domestic learning center will be a blast as the children discuss whom they are holding
the dinner party for in the White House.
Now onto the final theme for the month of February, which will be Transportation Timeline
and Mechanical Mobility This, will be a fun and exciting week for the children, as they love things that
move. The class will discuss ways to get from one place to another. With the help of books, pictures and
posters, the students will learn about the different types of vehicles for air, land, and sea. To incorporate a
kinesthetic learning activity and for a more memorable experience, the students will use their imagination
and role-play a class trip using assorted ways to travel, while in our gross motor learning station. As an
art presentation, we will be working on a dirt track road along with the sky and water to incorporate all
the different modes of transportation. Vocabulary words will include transportation, mobile, immobile
and vehicle.
Reminders:
 FRUIT or VEGGIE day is EVERY Wednesday, PLEASE PLEASE share.
 ACW is closed February 20th for President’s Day
 Friendship Party will be Tuesday, February 14th.
 Please make sure your child has 2 extra sets of clothing. Label EVERYTHING
Sincerely,
Miss Kristy, Miss Heather, and Miss Victoria