This week we continued our study of space, including looking at our solar system and the planets and the stars that make up our universe. Many children took notice of the wooden planets on our playground structure and began reciting the names of the planets in order as they walked from one to another. 

Last week, we spoke about Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and how he stood for justice for all.  We focused on his deep belief in peace and then sang a song about how peace in our minds leads to peace in our hearts and hands and feet. 

counting objects and matching to number symbol

Our Spanish lessons are also covering a wide range of Math and Language subjects.  This month we also learned the Spanish names for the planets in our solar system.  Counting and singing in Spanish are staple experiences in our room.

picture to word matching in Spanish

 Thanks to Diya and her family for providing delicious snacks last week and to Jonas and his family for bringing the mouth watering snacks this week.  

writing using the step boards

Writing number rolls

sequencing stories from beginning to end

Working with the 100 Board

object to word matching

Have a restful weekend, 

Ms. Lina, Ms. Nancy and Ms. Julie

Happy New Year!  We hope that you had a restful and fun filled winter vacation. 

 A big thanks to Maria (Emma’s mom) and to Jina (Oscar’s mom) for orchestrating two wonderful winter crafts for our students to create during our last day together before break.  A good time was had by all!

Many of the children have returned taller and with their faces looking more mature.  It has been a pleasure watching their focus and quiet determination in working with familiar jobs as well as receiving and applying lessons for more challenging work. 

Part of our cultural and geography curriculum focus for the month of January is on “space.” It is such a vast subject that explaining something as grand and mysterious as the cosmos to our students in a simplified and relevant way is a great exercise in streamlining facts. It is amazing to see the understanding of our children as we explore this subject and to hear some of their questions and observations.  We may have some budding scientists on our hands. 

  We spoke about the planets and the importance of the sun as the source of life on our planet.  An orange was used to symbolize the sun. 

  We went outside and felt the sun on our bodies.  Then we enjoyed eating a slice of orange knowing that it was because of the energy of the sun that the orange was able to grow and then found its way to our hands.  We invite you to read books to your children related to this topic and welcome you to share a presentation in the classroom as well.

 Reminders:

 Monday 1/21 there is no school in observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration

Monday 1/28 there is an all school primary assembly at 10:00am and our afternoon students are welcome to join us for the assembly and stay for lunch

 A big thanks to Emma and her family for providing our delicious snack this week.

 Have a restful weekend.

 Ms. Lina, Ms. Nancy, Ms. Julie 

Our classroom was filled with the sound of singing voices, both from the children and their parents as we celebrated the season with holiday songs.  Everyone joined in with singing “:Feliz Navidad” and it was the crowning touch of a very enjoyable gathering.  We also had a variety of edible delights, lovingly baked by Maria Cavalle…THANK YOU!

On the same day as our sing-a-long, we were also gifted with the presence of students from E6 who brought in their favorite holiday books to read to our children.  Not only were entertaining stories shared by all, but E6 students brought in a treat for nibbling.  We are grateful for their generosity.

 Thanks also to Brooke and her family for bringing in delicious snacks this week.

Thanks to Mr. O’Meara for sharing Ireland with us.

Have a safe and restful winter break.  We are all thankful for the heartfelt connection we share with you, your children and among ourselves.

See you next year!  (school resumes Tuesday, January 8^th)

Ms. Lina, Ms. Nancy, Ms. Julie

This week we experienced the magic of the Christmas season by looking at the symbols of the season.  Ms. Lina gave a beautiful rendition of the love of the poinsettia plant and how it got its red leaves (from an in-pouring of love and friendship).  The children also got to see other symbols like St. Nicholas, the Christmas tree, stars and other reminders of this season being a time of sharing love, family and friendships. 

Spanish lessons continue to evolve and the children are exploring math and language using their second language.  Throughout the day, directions and guidance is given to the children in Spanish.  Often the children can be heard singing or counting in Spanish.

Thank you for the abundance of food donations made by our families to those in our community who are in need.  We will be delivering the food to Hope Link this week. 

A hearty thanks to Oscar and his family for providing delicious snacks and brightening our room with lovely flowers.

REMINDERS:

Tuesday:  12/18/12   Join us at 10:15am in the classroom for our Annual Holiday Sing-A-Long.

Friday:     12/21/12   Dismissal at 11:15am for the start of our Winter Break!

Tuesday:  1/8/13    School Resumes

 Have a restful weekend,

 Ms. Lina, Ms. Nancy, Ms. Julie

This week we looked at the celebration of Hanukkah and the beauty of Menorahs.  We talked about the ancient Maccabee’s and the little jar of oil that lasted eight long days.  Dreidels were also discussed and we incorporated the elements of “chance” and the four possibilities of taking “nun=nothing”, “gimel=all”, “hei=half” and “shin=put in”.  A fun time was had by all. 

We are also looking at winter environments, and this

 week with the help of “instant snow” and water, Ms. Lina made snow in our classroom. Thechildren had an opportunity to explore with it in the science area. She also explored the wonder and variety of snowflakes.  We encourage all our families to visit Mt. Charleston sometime this winter to let your children experience the “real thing!”

Our winter sing-a-long is scheduled for Tuesday, 12/18 at 10:15.  Please be sure to attend and experience the sweetness of your children singing holiday songs.  We are enjoying all of the practicing!

Thank you to Lola and her family for providing delicious snack this week.

Have a restful weekend,

Ms. Lina, Ms. Nancy, Ms. Julie