Play-Based Learning by Tammy Shelver, Preschool Teacher
“Herbivore, omnivore, frustrated, excited, habitat, eclipses, matryoshkas…”
These are all words I hear coming from our Pre-K kids as they play! Each time a new unit is introduced, the kids soak up the information we read or learn about during the day, then master the concepts through their center time play. This learning method is known as Play-Based Learning and is a major part of the curriculum we use in our preschool classes.
One of the most common questions I receive from parents is, “What do you teach for academics? It seems like you play all day.” It is a valid question. The short answer is that we do “play” most of the day.
Children are naturally motivated to play. We use that motivation to help them learn. For example, we had shaving cream out in the art center one day. Many of the kids were excited about it. As they explored the material, we played along with them. We drew the letter of the week (h) in the shaving cream, and asked them what they could draw that starts with the same sound. They drew houses, horses, hearts, and an ant hill. The kids had fun and they unwittingly incorporated “academics” into their play. They were learning!
We experience this all day and it is such a joy to see. While every child is unique and special, they all find ways to learn. In one day, we can observe a student being a “teacher” and teaching others about the planets. Other children will be engaged in problem-solving with peers as they build a spaceship together. Another will be listening to a read-along CD story about what makes stars twinkle. And then there are also the kids cutting out shapes or sorting stuffed animals by their beginning sounds. Phew! A lot of learning and skills are practiced in just one day!
Preparing our kids for kindergarten is an awesome responsibility. We strive to send them off with letter recognition, number sense, problem-solving skills, appropriate social skills, writing their names and a host of other skills. We also want to imbed in them a sense of wonder, curiosity, and most importantly, a lifelong joy of learning about themselves and the world around them. One of our biggest priorities as preschool teachers at Hope is to set up a target-rich environment that is compelling to the kids, and then take their leads and expand on their play. They often incorporate these ideas and run with them. This is when the learning really begins. That is what is at the heart of Play-Based Learning.
Wed. 3/20: 8:40 AM Chapel led by Grade 3
Wed. 3/27: 8:40 AM Chapel led by Kindergarten Class/ 1:15 PM Talent Show at SLHS Gym
Fri. 3/29: 12:00 PM Dismiss – Begin Spring Break / ESC “XTRA” Open with Pre-registration
Upcoming Events
Spring break April 1 to 5, 2019, school closed and No ESC programs offered.
Parent Teacher Conferences April 11 & 12, 2019, school closed with ESC programs open.
Parent Involvement Program (PIP) Statements
Your 2nd trimester PIP statements are being sent home today. Any hours submitted through March 15, 2019 will be recorded on your statement. This year, due to our Art Walk event taking place on June 1st, our program year will run through June 1st (instead of May 31st.) Submit your PIP hours online here or pick up a hard copy form through the school office. Deadline to submit hours or payment for 2018-19 will be June 5th. Any questions contact Mrs. Wallace at 206-935-8500 or swallace@hopeseattle.org.
Financial Aid Information for 2019-20 Academic Year
We partner with School and Student Services (SSS) for our financial aid process each year. Instructions for applying for financial aid at Hope Lutheran School are available by visiting sss.nais.org/parents. Our school’s SSS code is 179833. The Early Decision deadline is March 29th and the final deadline to apply for aid is April 30, 2019.
PTH & PIP Opportunities – Click Here
Visit signupgenius.com and search by pth@hopeseattle.org
Arts Walk Kick Off Meeting – Tonight, March 19 @ 6:30 PM –Please join the PTH as we begin organizing this amazing event and earn PIP! Meet in the church commons.
School Clubs at Hope – Click Here
Coding with Kids “Minecraft Modding” will be offered after spring break!
Possible startup of Lego Club after spring break, watch here for information.
Church News & Activities – Click Here
Vacation Bible School – July 29 – Aug. 2, 2019
Making plans for the summer? Make sure to include Vacation Bible School (VBS) -July 29-August 2, 9:00- Noon. Our theme this year is “Roar”! Online registration is now open! https://vbspro.events/p/events/cb7831
Mid-Week Lenten Services At 7:00 P.M. – We gather for a short worship experience featuring traditional and contemporary worship hymns and songs, “The Series of Jake” skit each week, and inspiring messages to take us deeper into Jesus’ amazing love.
Lenten Skits – Our mid-week services will include skits written by Jonathan Kopecky (our Youth Minister), and will have youth actors under the direction of Hope member, Sandra Scragg.
Wednesday Soup Suppers – Come to the Fellowship Hall at 6 p.m. for an informal meal of a variety of soups, green salad, and bread. It’s a wonderful and delicious way to connect! This week’s Host Group is Hope School & Seattle Lutheran High School Staff. Thank you!
Seattle Lutheran High School Drama Presents
The Wizard of Oz! By L. Frank Baum
Dorothy Gale is having issues: her dog bit her grouchy neighbor, her family doesn’t have time for her, and she just wants to go someplace where she won’t get into any trouble. In the middle of a cyclone, she gets transported to the magical land of Oz, where she meets new friends, has some adventures, and learns the importance of home. Come let our talented actors and live orchestra take you over the rainbow! The performance times will be on the evening of Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 PM and the afternoon of Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 2:30 PM in the Seattle Lutheran High School gymnasium located at 4100 SW Genesee Street. Tickets: Adults $10, Students and Seniors $7, Children 6 and under are Free. Buy tickets on line at www.seattlelutheran.org.
WSHS Parents Night Out – March 30, 2019
Let West Seattle High School sophomore class students watch your kids while enjoying an evening out! This event is for childcare for kids ages 3(potty trained) to 11 years old and includes pizza, drinks, snacks, games, movies and crafts. Saturday, March 30th, 2019 from 5:30-10:30pm at West Seattle High School, 3000 California Avenue SW. Check in at the historical entrance on the left side of the building. Cost is $35 per child or $30 with 2 cans of food donations for the West Seattle Food Bank. For more information or to RSVP contact wshsco2021@gmail.com. Thank you so much for your support!
