An Exciting Week in SK!

Before the debut of the Preprimary Holiday Sing the class explored a variety of activities. The children are becoming quite adept at building complex and detailed pattern block designs. A teachable moment occurred this week when a child asked, if the class could make connecting designs using their "shape templates". All of the children eagerly agreed and made an array of designs, some pictorial, some mathematical. The outcome of their designs told me that the class has reached the next step in an understanding of this mathematical concept. The children explored designs of another kind when making their SK Mittens. They were beautiful mittens, weren't they? Hopefully, the mittens will remind the children of time the SK grade level rallied the whole lower school to collect mittens, scarves and hats for LaFallotte School. Each class tallied the mittens on Pajama Day. It's a thrill to announce that the USM LS community collected three hundred eighty-four mittens by caring and sharing for others at the special time of the year. A representative of the school met me this morning and she was overwhelmed at the collection and wanted to assure everyone that each and every item will be greatly appreciated by the children receiving them. Hip, Hip, Hooray for our LS community! We would like to thank Natey and his mom for providing latkes for our Hanukkah celebration, even thought Natey was unable to attend the occasion. The children were also introduced to the the drediel game that day and learned the game quickly. You may have heard that SK enjoyed having a slumber party in the playroom Friday and watch the DVD Arthur's Perfect Christmas. After that event, small groups of children rotated between Mrs. Jeffers and Mrs. Holme's class and our class. While upstairs each group enjoyed a snack, and with the unbelievable talent and patience of Mrs. Jeffers, made a sleeping bag for his/her beanie baby. In our room children played the drediel game and board games. Sounds like fun to me! Oh yes, there are two math activities in the Friday Folder thatyou may wish to explore. Your child is ready to engage you in the activities. Please remember to post the ice skating schedule that you received as well. We all agreed that the highlight of the week was Preprimary Holiday Sing. The program was wonderful and as you know The Snowman on the Lawn and Chinese New Year were most enjoyed by the SK classes. At some point after the New Year I will have a flip video of the SK song on this blog. You'll love it! It was wonderful having family guests visit the classroom. Make certain to copy any family pictures off the Blog to keep as a reminder of this unique occasion. I must take this opportunity to thank Savanna's mom for hosting our party from beginning to end. Reily's mom was also helped immensely by selecting and wrapping the small present that accompanied the larger one. In closing, thank you for your cards and thoughtfulness. It's hard to believe that the calendar year is coming to a close. However, the next six months will be full of meaningful learning experience and exciting SK adventures. Wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season with friends and family. See you on January 4, 2010!