December, Here We Come!
This week was a slow introduction into our winter holiday period. We began our December poem, which explains how this month is a special time where many families celebrate and not all celebrations look the same; some light candles, or cook food, and sing, etc. What is the same, is that December is a time where families and loved ones celebrate together.
Our art projects were low stakes this week as the kids adjusted back into the school routine. On Monday, the kids glued all different sorts of shapes to white paper to create an abstract picture. Tuesday we began working on our holiday presents, can’t say more about that, it’s a surprise! On Thursday, the kids worked on a candy cane. The kids followed Ms. Rappaport’s sample by copying the pattern of alternating red and white squares, pasting them to the page to create a candy cane. This seems simple enough, but pattern recognition is an important skill and something we learn. Patterns are all around us; recognizing patterns and repeating patterns helps children make logical connections in the real world and predict what comes next. Didn’t think candy canes were that deep did you? :) They are.
We added to our song repertoire this week and learned “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” and “If You're Happy And You Know It.” We subbed out ‘Happy’ with ‘Thankful’ last week.
Thursday we had a new friend come and visit us, which was all very exciting. Everyone is looking forward to when she will join our class after the winter break. She will make our class a perfect 10.
It’s starting to get cold out and blue MWS bags will be going home soon so that your child can bring snow gear to school everyday. Your child will bring both their school bag and blue bag to school every day. The teachers will be there in the morning to help your child into school, so don’t worry.
We are here to help your child get ready for the outdoors, but I encourage you to practice putting on their own winter clothes at home. We will include a visual of the steps to ease the process. Putting on their own winter clothes is a self help skill and meant to build their self confidence, but it also helps us get outside sooner.
Lastly, if your child wears boots to school in the morning, please send in a pair of sneakers they can change into. Boots are not safe to use on big room equipment or to climb the loft in the classroom. Thank you!
Conversation Topics
What instruments did you use in Ms. Wada’s music class? Rhythm sticks
What does P stand for in music? Piano; soft
What does F stand for? Forte; beautifully loud!
Sing Twinkle, Twinkle together or If You're Happy And You Know It
Did you have a new friend visit on Thursday? Yes, a girl
What colors are in a candy cane?
How do we celebrate in December?
Have a good weekend,
Ms. Rappaport
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