Week of May 8, 2023 

REMINDERS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

May 12, 2023, Mother's Day Celebration via Zoom (10:00 am)

May 25^th at 10:00 AM - Prek-4 Moving up Ceremony! 

June 15, 2023 -The last day of the Afterschool Program

June 23, 2023- Last Day of School, Dismissal at 11:00am

Always make sure to read the OLQM School Blog for additional information, located HERE!

 

If you have any questions or concerns, you can email me at MrsHernandez@olqmnyc.org I will do my best to answer at the end of the day. 

 

Unit Topic:

 Water 

Essential Question for the Unit:

  What does water do?  

 

Focus Questions for this Week:

     How does water help us?

 Focused Learning Activity for this Week

 

Stalks and Water

The teacher will supply students with a container of colored water. The students will be invited to add a leafy celery stalk to the water. The teacher will ask students to predict what will happen if they leave the stalk in the water overnight. The teacher will record students’ predictions and invite them to monitor the stalks periodically. As the colored water becomes visible in the celery stalk or leaves, the teacher will invite students to discuss how the stalk transports the water. The following day, the teacher will refer back to students’ predictions to summarize and draw conclusions.

The teacher will inform students that water helps move nutrients through plants. This helps plants stay alive. Without water, plants will start to wilt and eventually die.

 

 Open-ended questions

What did you observe here/when ____?
What did your sense of ____ tell you about ____? 

I wonder what would happen if ____?
How do you know? How could we find out?

 

Pre-K Common Core Learning Standard Addressed:

 PK.SCI.5 Plans and conducts investigations to determine how familiar plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive in the environment

  

Foundational text for the week:

             Ivy and the Lonely Raincloud by Katie Harnett 

             Link to the foundational text HERE! 

  

Questions that will be asked throughout the week related to the foundational text:

 

Level 1: Recall 

Why was the raincloud sad at the beginning of the book? 

Where did the raincloud look for a friend? 

 

Level 2: Skill/Concept 

No one wanted to be friends with the raincloud. Why? 

Ivy was grumpy for most of the book. Why was Ivy so grumpy? How did the raincloud help Ivy? 

 

Level 3: Strategic Thinking 

Why can it be nice to have friends? 

How did Ivy and the raincloud grow beautiful flowers together? 

 

Level 4: Extended Thinking 

At the end of the book, it looks like the raincloud was inside the flower shop with Ivy. What would you think if you went in a store and there was a raincloud there? What would you do? 

Rain from the raincloud helped Ivy grow beautiful plants, how does water help you? 

   

Lesson and activities for the week:

 

Blocks- Pictures of bridges will be added to the center. Students are encouraged to try to build bridges. 

 

Pretend Play- Large cardboard boxes will be added to Pretend Play for students to pretend they are in a boat. 

 

Art- Students are invited to draw a picture with crayons. They may choose to draw an underwater or rainy-day scene. After their drawings are complete, watercolor paints will be used to lightly paint over their crayon drawings. 

 

Science- Students are invited to sort animals into two categories: those that live in water and those that live on land. 

 

Math- Seashells will be added to the math center. Students will be able to match the correct number of shells to a number card. 

 

Library- Students are invited to read books about the theme, of water.

 

Writing- Students will be asked the question, "Where can we find water?" and be asked to write or draw their answers.

 

Sensory- Sand and water, or Play-Doh.

 

If there are any questions regarding the Pre-K for All program that cannot be answered by the office or classroom teacher, please feel free to contact the Help Line at 888-227-8175

 

Week of May 1, 2023 

REMINDERS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

May 5, 2023 - Early Dismissal Day 11:45 for all students in all grades - Faculty Meeting

May 25^th at 10:00 AM - Prek-4 Moving up Ceremony! 

June 15, 2023 -The last day of the Afterschool Program

June 23, 2023- Last Day of School, Dismissal at 11:00am

Always make sure to read the OLQM School Blog for additional information, located HERE!

 

If you have any questions or concerns, you can email me at MrsHernandez@olqmnyc.org I will do my best to answer at the end of the day. 

Unit Topic: 

 Water 

 Essential Question for the Unit:

What does water do?  

 

Focus Questions for this Week:

What happens to water when it changes temperature? 

                                                                                  

Focused Learning Activity for this Week:

The teacher will work with students in the Science.  Students will be shown an arrangement of objects and asked to predict if the object will sink or float in a bucket of water. Students will then test their predictions and discuss why each item sank or floated. 

 

Critical thinking questions/statements: 

What happens when ___? Why? 

How do you think that works? Why? 

How could you change that? 

What does that remind you of? Why? 

What would happen if ___?  Tell me more

 

Pre-K Common Core Learning Standard Addressed:

· PK.AC.3: Demonstrates understanding of what is observed.

· PK.AL.4. Exhibits curiosity, interest, and willingness to learn new things and have new experiences.

DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION 

For all children to be successful, multiple entry points will be considered. The teacher will tailor instruction to the needs of each individual student. 

 

For example, 

       •         Repeat directions

       •         Extend time 

       •         Preview questions (if applicable)

       •         Provide 1:1 support 

       •         Adapt materials

 

Pre-K Common Core Learning Standard Addressed:

PK.SCI.1 Asks questions and uses observations to test the claim that different kinds of matter exist as either solid or liquid

 

Foundational Text for the Week:

·Float by Daniel Miyares

Link to foundational text HERE!!

 

QUESTIONS THAT WILL BE ASKED THROUGHOUT THE WEEK RELATED TO THE FOUNDATIONAL TEXT:

Level 1: Recall

 

· What did the boy make out of newspaper?

 

· What did the boy play with outside in the rain?

 

· How did the boy’s boat get into the river?

 

Level 2: Skill/Concept

 

· The boy put his boat in puddles outside. Where did the puddles come from?

 

·Why did the boy have to chase his boat?

 

Level 3: Strategic Thinking

 

· How did the boy feel when his boat got wrecked in the river? How do you know?

 

·How can you find out if something floats in water? What are some things that float?

 

Level 4: Extended Thinking

 

·Why do you think this book is called Float?

 

·The boy’s boat floated in the puddles but when it went in the river it fell apart. Why?

 

·Why do some things float and some things sink?

 

Lesson and activities for the week:

 

Blocks- Pictures of bridges will be added to the center. Students are encouraged to try to build bridges. 

Pretend Play- Large cardboard boxes will be added to Pretend Play for students to pretend they are in a boat. 

Art- Students are invited to draw a picture with crayons. They may choose to draw an underwater or rainy-day scene. After their drawings are complete, watercolor paints will be used to lightly paint over their crayon drawings. 

Science- Students are invited to sort animals into two categories: those that live in water and those that live on land. 

Math- Seashells will be added to the math center. Students will be able to match the correct number of shells to a number card. 

Library- Students are invited to read books about the theme, of water.

 

If there are any questions regarding the Pre-K for All program that cannot be answered by the office or classroom teacher, please feel free to contact the Help Line at 888-227-8175

 

Week of April 24, 2023 

REMINDERS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Prek-4 moving up ceremony will be on May 25^th at 10:00 AM  

 

Always make sure to read the OLQM School Blog for additional information, located HERE!

 

If you have any questions or concerns, you can email me at MrsHernandez@olqmnyc.org I will do my best to answer at the end of the day. 

  

Unit Topic:

Water 

Essential Question for the Unit:

What does water do?  

 

Focus Questions for this Week:

What happens to water when it changes temperature?

 

 Focused Learning Activity for this Week

 

Water and Ice

The teacher will invite children to explore and discuss water and Ice.  What do they know about water? What do they know about ice? What do they know about the relationship between water and ice? After discussing the relationship between water and ice, the teacher will provide ice for the children to explore. The teacher will ask about melting and what happens when the ice melts. The children will be encouraged to think of ways to melt the ice. Their responses will be recorded on paper.

 

DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION 

For all children to be successful, multiple entry points will be considered. The teacher will tailor instruction to the needs of each individual student. 

For example, 

       •         Repeat directions

       •         Extend time 

       •         Preview questions (if applicable)

       •         Provide 1:1 support 

       •         Adapt materials

 

Pre-K Common Core Learning Standard Addressed:

PK.SCI.1 Asks questions and uses observations to test the claim that different kinds of matter exist as either solid or liquid

 

Foundational text for the week:

Alfie: (The Turtle That Disappeared) by Thyra Heder

Link to the foundational text HERE! 

 

Questions that will be asked throughout the week related to the foundational text:

Level 1: Recall 

When did Nia get her turtle, Alfie?
What are some of the things Nia did with Alfie? Why did Alfie leave his aquarium?

Level 2: Skill/Concept 

At the beginning of the book, Nia is telling us the story. Halfway through the book, Alfie is telling us the story. Why do they both tell the story? How long was Alfie in the pond? How do you know? 

What happened to the water while Alfie was in the pond?

Level 3: Strategic Thinking 

How do you think Nia felt when Alfie disappeared? 

Nia taught Alfie to dance. He said he practiced wiggling in his shell. What do you think it looks like when a turtle dances? Let’s try it! Why do you think Alfie wanted to get Nia a birthday present?

Level 4: Extended Thinking 

Alfie was asleep in the pond for one whole year- from Nia’s seventh birthday all the way to her eighth birthday. How do you think it would feel to sleep all the way from one birthday to the next one? Why? 

Why do you think Alfie thought his birthday present for Nia was perfect? 

  

Lesson and activities for the week:

Blocks- Pictures of bridges will be added to the center. Students are encouraged to try to build bridges. 

Pretend Play- Large cardboard boxes will be added to Pretend Play for students to pretend they are in a boat. 

Art- Students are invited to draw a picture with crayons. They may choose to draw an underwater or rainy-day scene. After their drawings are complete, watercolor paints will be used to lightly paint over their crayon drawings. 

Science- Students are invited to sort animals into two categories: those that live in water and those that live on land. 

Math- Seashells will be added to the math center. Students will be able to match the correct number of shells to a number card. 

Library- Students are invited to read books about the theme, of water.

Writing- Students will be asked the question, "Where can we find water?" and be asked to write or draw their answers.

Sensory- Sand and water, or Play-Doh.

 

If there are any questions regarding the Pre-K for All program that cannot be answered by the office or classroom teacher, please feel free to contact the Help Line at 888-227-8175 

 

Week of April 17, 2023

WELCOME BACK! 

😊

REMINDERS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS 

·      Friday, April 21, 2023, parent-teacher conference 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - in person 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM - via Zoom Please sign up for an appointment. 

·      Friday, April 21, 2023, Early Dismissal at 11:45am 

·      Friday, April 21, 2023, NO AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM 

Always make sure to read the OLQM School Blog for additional information, located HERE

If you have any questions or concerns, you can email me at MrsHernandez@olqmnyc.org I will do my best to answer at the end of the day.

 

Unit Topic:

WATER

Essential Question for the Unit:

What does water do? 

Focus Questions for this Week:

Where can we find water?

Focused Learning Activity for this Week

Our Trip to the Lake 

 The teacher will work with students in the Dramatic Play area.  She will ask students to brainstorm and come up with a list of things we need to transform our center into an area in which students can "go fishing".

 

Differentiated Instruction

For all children to be successful, multiple entry points will be considered. The teacher will tailor instruction to the needs of each individual student.

For example,

       •         Repeat directions

       •         Extend time

       •         Preview questions (if applicable)

       •         Provide 1:1 support

       •         Adapt materials

 

Pre-K Common Core Learning Standard Addressed:

PK.AL.2: Actively engages in problem-solving.

 

Foundational text for the week:

Water Rolls, Water Rises by Pat Mora

Link to the foundational text HERE

 

Questions that will be asked throughout the week related to the foundational text:

Level 1: Recall

What are some of the ways water moves?

This book talks about places we can find water. What are some of those places?

 

Level 2: Skill/Concept

On the page with the boat, the wind is blowing the water and making big waves. It looks like the boat is tossing and turning in the waves. How do you think the people on the boat might be feeling? Why? Let’s look at the page with the river. The book says the river slithers and snakes. What does it mean if a river is slithering and snaking?

Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Let’s take a look at the page with the well. What is happening in this picture? What are we looking at?

On the page about frost, the children are wearing coats, hats, and mittens, and the leaves on the trees are red, orange, yellow, and brown. What do you think that might tell us about frost? When might there be frost outside?

Level 4: Extended Thinking

What do you notice about the people and places in this book? What does that tell us about water?

This book shows water all around the world. What are some places near us where we can find water?

Lesson and activities for the week: 

Blocks- Pictures of bridges will be added to the center. Students are encouraged to try to build bridges.

Pretend Play- Large cardboard boxes will be added to Pretend Play for students to pretend they are in a boat. 

Art- Students are invited to draw a picture with crayons. They may choose to draw an underwater or rainy-day scene. After their drawings are complete, watercolor paints will be used to lightly paint over their crayon drawings. 

Science- Students are invited to sort animals into two categories: those that live in water and those that live on land.

Math- Seashells will be added to the math center. Students will be able to match the correct number of shells to a number card.

Library- Students are invited to read books about the theme, of water.

Writing- Students will be asked the question, "Where can we find water?" and be asked to write or draw their answers. 

Sensory- Sand and water, or Play-Doh.

If there are any questions regarding the Pre-K for All Program that cannot be answered by the office or classroom teacher, please feel free to contact the Help Line at 888-227-8175

 

Week of March 27, 2023

Reminders 

Mark your calendars

    ~ Easter Recess March 31st –April 14^th

    ~ Students return Monday, April 17, 2023

    ~Please remember to send sleeping mats to school

    ~ PreK for All Dismissal at 2:45PM

 

~Always make sure to read the OLQM School Blog for additional information, located HERE!

~If you have any questions or concerns, you can email me at MrsHernandez@olqmnyc.org

I will do my best to answer at the end of the day.

 

Unit Topic:

Light 

Essential Question for the Unit:

How and why do we use different kinds of light? 

 

Focus Questions for this Week:

What are shadows? 

Focused Learning Activity for this Week

Who’s shadow is this?

The teacher will point student’s shadows out to them during outdoor time. They will show them how their shadows move in the same way and at the same time they do.  Students will be encouraged to watch their shadows as they move their bodies. They will be asked to pause and pose. The teacher will take pictures of the students and their shadows.  Students will then be able to match the classmate to their shadow and discuss what makes a shadow. 

Pre-K Common Core Learning Standard Addressed:

PK.SCI.9. [P-PS3-1.] Participates in an investigation to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface

The teacher will ask the following HOTS Questions;

What can you tell me about your shadow?

How are shadows made?

DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION

For all children to be successful, multiple entry points will be considered. The teacher will tailor instruction to the needs of each individual student. 

For example, 

•         Repeat directions

•         Extend time

•         Preview questions (if applicable)

•         Provide 1:1 support

•         Adapt materials

  

Foundational Text for the Week: 

Moonbear’s Shadow by Frank Asch 

The link to the foundational texts HERE!! 

Questions that will be asked throughout the week related to the foundational text: 

Level 1: Recall 

What was Bear doing when he first noticed his shadow? 

Why did Bear want to get rid of his shadow?

What are some of the ways Bear tried to get rid of his shadow?

  

Level 2: Skill/Concept 

What makes shadows? 

Why did Bear’s shadow move when bear moved?

Is it possible to get rid of a shadow? Why or why not?

 

Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Bear felt very annoyed when he could not get rid of his shadow. Are there things that make you feel annoyed? What are they? 

Bear talked to his shadow. Can shadows listen? Can shadows answer questions? Why or why not?

 

Level 4: Extended Thinking

When it was noon and the sun was high in the sky, Bear’s shadow was gone. Why? 

When can you see your shadow?

How can you make your shadow go away?

  

Lessons and activities for the week:

Blocks- Students are invited to explore how they might use blocks and a flashlight to create shadow letters. 

Pretend Play- Students will be able to use flashlights for shadow play.

Art- Students will be invited to create sun catchers with tissue paper and paint. 

Science- Students will be able to use the light table to look at x-rays and an assortment of translucent objects.

Math- Students will be able to match shape manipulatives with their shadow.

Library- Students are invited to read books about our theme, light.

Writing- Students are invited to use a trace and draw projector

Sensory- Students will be able to play with their own individual containers of play-doh.

If there are any questions regarding the Pre-K for All program that cannot be answered by the office or classroom teacher, please feel free to contact the Help Line at 888-227-8175

 

 

Week of March 19, 2023

Reminders 

Mark your calendars

    ~ School Closed on Friday, March 24th

    ~ Easter Recess March 31st –April 14th

    ~Please remember to send sleeping mats to school

~ PreK for All Dismissal at 2:45PM

 

~Always make sure to read the OLQM School Blog for additional information, located HERE!

~If you have any questions or concerns, you can email me at MrsHernandez@olqmnyc.org

I will do my best to answer at the end of the day.

 

Unit Topic:

Light 

Essential Question for the Unit:

How and why do we use different kinds of light? 

 

Focus Questions for this Week:

What are shadows? 

Focused Learning Activity for this Week

The teacher will point student’s shadows out to them during outdoor time. They will show them how their shadows move in the same way and at the same time they do.  Students will be encouraged to watch their shadows as they move their bodies. They will be asked to pause and pose. The teacher will take pictures of the students and their shadows.  Students will then be able to match the classmate to their shadow and discuss what makes a shadow. 

Pre-K Common Core Learning Standard Addressed:

PK.SCI.9. [P-PS3-1.] Participates in an investigation to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface

The teacher will ask the following HOTS Questions;

What can you tell me about your shadow?

How are shadows made?

DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION

For all children to be successful, multiple entry points will be considered. The teacher will tailor instruction to the needs of each individual student. 

For example,

 

•         Repeat directions

•         Extend time

•         Preview questions (if applicable)

•         Provide 1:1 support

•         Adapt materials

  

Foundational Text for the Week: 

Moonbear’s Shadow by Frank Asch 

The link to the foundational texts HERE!! 

Questions that will be asked throughout the week related to the foundational text: 

Level 1: Recall 

What was Bear doing when he first noticed his shadow? 

Why did Bear want to get rid of his shadow?

What are some of the ways Bear tried to get rid of his shadow?

  

Level 2: Skill/Concept 

What makes shadows? 

Why did Bear’s shadow move when bear moved?

Is it possible to get rid of a shadow? Why or why not?

 

Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Bear felt very annoyed when he could not get rid of his shadow. Are there things that make you feel annoyed? What are they? 

Bear talked to his shadow. Can shadows listen? Can shadows answer questions? Why or why not?

 

Level 4: Extended Thinking

When it was noon and the sun was high in the sky, Bear’s shadow was gone. Why? 

When can you see your shadow?

How can you make your shadow go away?

  

Lessons and activities for the week:

Blocks- Students are invited to explore how they might use blocks and a flashlight to create shadow letters. 

Pretend Play- Students will be able to use flashlights for shadow play.

Art- Students will be invited to create sun catchers with tissue paper and paint. 

Science- Students will be able to use the light table to look at x-rays and an assortment of translucent objects.

Math- Students will be able to match shape manipulatives with their shadow.

Library- Students are invited to read books about our theme, light.

Writing- Students are invited to use a trace and draw projector

Sensory- Students will be able to play with their own individual containers of play-doh.