Thursday

We've certainly been busy the past couple of weeks! Last Wednesday, we had a tricky day. When we arrived back from music class, we found green eggs and ham on our tables. We also discovered shamrock headbands and green candy in our cubbies. We talked about it and decided it must have been some sneaky leprechauns that left everything behind. We tried our green eggs and ham, be sure to check out the pictures! Afterwards, Tallulah's Yaya (grandmother) came in and read a Dr. Seuss story to us, Yertle the Turtle.

This week, we've been working hard in Literacy Centers and Math Workshop. In Literacy, the children have been doing a lot of cutting and gluing. We've also continued working on white boards with our "special markers". We have a couple classmates who are pretty sick and have been absent most of the week. The children decided they wanted to make cards for their friends that haven't been here. Too sweet! So, each child made two cards each for our absent friends. This wasn't only a thoughtful activity, but one to reinforce writing and practicing their name. They did an awesome job with them. In Math Workshop, we've been sorting, classifying, and putting things in order. We've worked with several different manipulatives to do these activities in the classroom. 

Today, Jahanvi's father came in and read The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss. The Sneetches is a wonderful story about how it's perfectly fine to be different from someone else. We also talked about how you wouldn't isolate someone because they looked different than you. The world is made of all kinds, right?! Thanks so much for coming in to share this story with us!

You may hear your child talking about "Cinderhog" - we watched as Betsy's class performed three different plays today (all spins off of Cinderella) during our Buddy time. Betsy's class split in three groups and each group wrote their own play, made the scenery, and directed their play. Each child was captured and engrossed in their performances. 

Needed: We need lots of different types of fabric for a project coming up. If you or anyone you know has any extra fabric left over from sewing, crafting, etc., please pass it our way! We can also use old clothing - shirts, denim, etc. THANKS SO MUCH!

Monday

This morning, we were pleasured by the company of Alessandra's dad, Jeff. He read Green Eggs and Ham by none other than the wonderful Dr. Seuss. I plan to have the children actually try green eggs and ham, as well as regular eggs and ham and see if they think it tastes any different. In the spirit of green, we will do this activity on Wednesday.

Thanks so much to Jeff for coming in and sharing this special story with us.

Later this morning, the children had music class - be sure to ask your child what happens at the end of the song they learned today (the little boy burps as he finishes his meal!). They had a blast learning this new song with Kim! We then came back to the room and worked on some fine motor skills. We're working on a project that involves coloring, cutting, assembling, and gluing. I will soon have their completed projects hanging in our windows.

Have a wonderful afternoon and THINK SPRING! :)

Wednesday

Yesterday morning sure had a lot of excitement! We performed our production of The Four Little Pigs for several students and parents. We also got to be in the audience for Tulie's class's production and Ruth Ann's class's production. All three Early Learner classes did an awesome job performing! For many of them, this was the first time they had spoken in front of a crowd. I am so proud of our little Hollywood stars. HUGE thanks goes out to the Compton family for lending me their camcorder so I could capture and share this wonderful moment with others. I hope to have copies for you all next week. Another thanks to the parents and grandparents who made it to see the play.

We began our morning with our usual Wednesday routine, but Pattie was unable to come read to us, so Lynn stepped in and shared three stories with our class. First, she read Caterpillar Spring, Butterfly Summer by Susan Hood:

She then read Froggy's First Kiss by Johnathan London and Frank Remkiewicz:

Lastly, Lynn read The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear by Don Wood:

Later this morning, we had our Early Learner music class with Kim. Today we tried something new - half of our class went with Ruth Ann's class to music, and the other half went with Tulie's class. While not in music, the children spent time with Michi in her office. Michi read them a beautiful story that I failed to get the title of.  All of that is to say that if your child talks about going to Michi's office today, they did, but not because they were in trouble! Michi likes having opportunity to spend time with your children too (who wouldn't!?). 

If your child is a full day student, you may also hear about the exciting afternoon we had. Tulie had to unexpectedly leave school, so we had a sleepover! Tulie's class came into our room for quiet rest today. The children were very excited to get to end their day with their "big" friends. :)

Reminders:

• Don't forget to turn in your form to read our class a Dr. Seuss book if you're interested. They were due back to me today, but we've only received a few. 
• SIGN UP FOR YOUR BAKING DAY SHIFT!!! Each caregiver is expected to volunteer 12 hours towards the festival to ensure a successful festival. Click HERE to visit the Strawberry Festival Blog and to get the Volunteer Form. The link for the form is located on the right-hand side, look for the baker's hat! Thanks for all you do. :)

Wednesday

Yesterday was Dr. Seuss's birthday, so we kicked off the morning by celebrating. We read The Foot Book and Fox in Sox by Dr. Seuss. We then took time to talk about his unique illustrations. We will be celebrating Dr. Seuss all month. Please take a moment to look over the letter/form I sent home today.

Pattie came in to read to us this morning. Pattie first read Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester.

Then Pattie read Froggy Eats Out by Johnathan London and Frank Remkiewicz. 

Lastly, Pattie read New Shoes, Red Shoes by Susan Rollings.

Reminders:

• If you haven't already done so, please visit our Strawberry Festival Blog and click on the baker's hat on the right hand side. Sign up to volunteer soon to get your pick of shifts!
• If your child has worn home their spare clothes recently, please send in a replacement set. There are several children without pants!

ALSO:

• CLASS PLAY: Our class will perform a very short (5-6 minute) play on Tuesday, March 9th at 10:15am in the drama room(upstairs in big white building). All parents, grandparents, and special friends are invited to come watch. We hope to get the play recorded for those who can't make it. If anyone has a camcorder they would be willing to let me borrow for the morning, we would be most grateful! Please let me know if you plan to attend, if possible. Thanks!