Little Ones’ BIG News
January 2009
A Letter from the Director
Well, it is hard to believe that 2009 is already upon us. Thank you to all of you who donated items to our “Giving Box.“ Even with stressful economic times, your generosity was overwhelming. The beautiful clothing, books, games and toys were distributed and I am sure they made many needy children and families very happy.
December was filled with lots of holiday fun and much learning about the different holidays. We talked about Christmas and Hanukkah. This time of year gives us lots of opportunities to talk about how we are alike, yet different. It also gives us opportunities to celebrate those differences by sharing our holidays. We even made the beautiful worlds in the window with all of the people of different cultures holding hands. What better way to celebrate differences around the world! We also were very busy practicing for our Holiday celebrations and making a special holiday gift. Some of the 4’s also did some traveling around the world and learned many wonderful things about Japan and Mexico. The other 4’s will be doing their travels when we return to school.
January will bring lots of excitement. We will begin the month with a wrap-up of the holidays, which will include treasure days for the 3 & 4-year-old children to share one of their special holiday gifts. Then the classes will begin their journey into winter and snow. The 4’s will also be learning about polar bears and penguins. January also marks the beginning of our Book Buddy Program for the 3‘s and 4‘s. A bag will be sent home with a stuffed animal friend (named by the class) along with a journal for the family to write about this animal friend’s adventures in each child’s home. Every child will have the opportunity to take the bag home and should return it to school the next scheduled class time. At that time, the child will be able to share his/her journal page with the class. This will continue our work on whole language and pre-reading skills. We hope all of you are having a very happy and healthy holiday and a Happy New Year!
Love, Sheree
News from “You and Me” Classes for children 18-36 months (Miss Marsha)
December went by in a whirlwind. I can't believe our first semester is over. We had wonderful class attendance, which really helps the kids to get to know each other and to learn the routine. We can usually find Jake on the slide and Cray by the toys; Reagan by the kitchen and Ava by the sand table. The children have progressed beautifully. They actually come to the table and try the art. Most like to paint, but gluing is gaining in popularity. They enjoyed playing with the dreidel and seeing if it could actually spin, and of course the bells were a favorite for jingle bells. In January we will begin working on colors - bringing in a specific item that corresponds with the color of the week. It's a great way to learn colors and the kids will have fun trying to find something to bring from home. I would also like to introduce playdough this next semester. The children usually love it and it tends to become a focal point at our table. We will also work more on jumping - it takes time to learn and you will be excited to see how they are so proud of themselves when they can do it. I wish you a happy and healthy holiday season. Enjoy your children and I will see you next year!
News from the PM 4’s Math & Science Class
Our little scientists only had one class in December, so we made sure it was action packed. We learned all about MAGNETS. We learned about magnet force, things made of iron and metal, objects that attract, and objects that repel. Did you know that magnet force can attract through paper, glass and water...WE KNOW!! We also enjoyed decorating refrigerator magnets and painting with magnets. At the end of class we explored our classroom looking for as many magnetic objects as we could find. We had a blast.! When we return from winter break we will be starting our unit on the 5 senses. Have a wonderful holiday.
News from MWF Lunch Enrichment
It is hard to believe that we have been through one half of the alphabet, A-M, in Monday Alphabet Soup. Whether we're "Jumping and Jiving" with J or "Kissing a Kangaroo or Koala" with K or "Loving our Lollipop Lookout" with L, we always seem to have fun learning and laughing at our alphabet soup sessions. For letter M we celebrated the special days of Max, Maxwell, Matthew, Matthew and Matthew. I mention it because it is the most popular beginning letter of our group this year! We also pretended to Munch on.... mayonnaise, muffins, mustard, milk, mostaccoli, macaroni and more.....Mmmm Mmmm good!
In Wednesday Gym, December has been a blast. We explored all different types of animals through yoga. Ask your kids how loud a lion can roar. We have also had so much fun learning about Tae Kwon Do. Have your kids show you high, low and middle blocks. We will also be playing some more fun gym games in January, which will include hopping, jumping and thinking on your feet. Please send your children in gym shoes.
In music and movement, we had lots of fun doing various holiday dances! In January we will work on shapes and math through movement and music.
Important Reminders
- Make sure that your child’s extra clothes are complete and that they are appropriate for the weather. With the weather getting colder, it is imperative that s/he has adequate clothing for the weather conditions.
- Please make sure that you send your child to school with outdoor clothing that includes a warm coat, hat, mittens (not gloves), snow pants and boots when necessary. Don’t forget to send a plastic bag for wet boots, and if your child comes dressed to go out that you send a pair of shoes for when your child comes in. Make sure that all clothing is clearly marked. We go outside if it is above 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Please post your monthly calendar in a spot where you can refer to it often, so that you are aware of all upcoming events and school closings.
- If you are having difficulty accessing the website for the newsletters, calendars and menus, please see Sheree and she will be happy to give you a paper copy.
- Please make sure that you check your child’s mailbox everyday for important notes.
- In order to ensure safe and adequate parking; please make sure to park facing the building and within the parking space lines.