CATHY’S CHATTER:
The school blossomed with exciting activities! The Toddler Mardi Gras parade was adorable and loads of fun. I sent a Smile Box with pictures from the parade to the emails on our list. If you’re interested in joining our email list, please see the Front Desk. Everyone enjoyed their Valentine exchange and I enjoyed the many wonderful gifts the students brought to me, as well. Thank you all for being so generous! The Pre-K/K students looked beautiful in their Chinese costumes as they celebrated the Chinese New Year and learned how to count to 10 in Chinese. Pre-School rocked and rolled, especially Cristian Apostolokis and Gabriela Munoz, as they were singing using their signs for opposite words. Too Cute!!
I am so thrilled with the addition of the music program and all of the wonderful art I see throughout the school. Mrs. Alexis does a wonderful job with the music classes. The children are very attentive, engaged and hanging on her every word. She teaches music at least once a week to each class, even our Toddlers. The PreK/K class has been making their own renditions of famous paintings as they learn about the artist. It is such a pleasure to see all of the talent in our school. Music and Art play an important roll in a child’s education. It helps cultivate each child’s ability to express ideas and emotions. They learn confidence as they experiment with a variety of media working both individually and in a group. Exploring the different materials strengthens a child’s senses and builds skills of observation of shape, color, texture, etc. These features are then used for comparing and contrasting, sorting, counting, etc.
Their fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, as well as their ability to follow directions, sharing, taking turns and completing a task (and clean-up) become more developed. Appreciation for other’s work, music, and respect for differences and the ability to work together are all enhanced. They learn these skills, and so many more as they enjoy Music and Art!
REMINDER: Space for our summer and fall sessions are filling up quickly. We have opened enrollment now to everyone. The Pre-K/K class, as well as the Toddler class has only several opening left. Please see Ms. Michelle if you would like to continue your child’s schedule.
PRE K/KINDERGARTEN NEWS:
Friends celebrated the birth of the father of our country, George Washington. The PreK/Kindergarteners were thrilled to learn all about our very first President and what life was like during his terms of presidency. We learned that George Washington was born February 22, 1732 in Wakefield, Virginia and worked as a planter, surveyor, and served in the military before he became President. He was the only President that did not live in the White House, and did his own book keeping, recording every penny of expense or profit. As students said the Pledge of Allegiance, friends realized that the flag we used looked different; the stars were in a circle instead of in rows. It was that realization that began our conversation about the thirteen colonies. After passing around dollar bills and quarters, we each named a gift that we would give George Washington if he were still alive.
After beginning our week with history and civic lessons we decided to end it with a bang; the celebration of the Chinese New Year! During group time several students received an opportunity to try on and take a picture in traditional Chinese attire. The girls had a blast twirling in the mirror while comparing themselves to Disney’s Mulan. The PreK/K students also received lessons on counting to ten in Chinese, and how to use chopsticks. Aside from the art of Kung Fu and exceptional gymnasts, China is also responsible for the invention of silk, matches, gunpowder, fireworks, the compass, dominoes, jump ropes, kites, the folding umbrella, astronomy, and the decimal system. After all the dancing and celebrations each student received a special gift of chops sticks and a fortune cookie.
PRESCHOOL WRITE UP:
Preschool friends wrap up opposites this week. We enjoyed discussing many different opposites and used them throughout our day.
Happy Sad
Wet Dry
Over Under
Empty Full
Big Little
Whitney Warren said to her friend Gabi Munoz, “I’m big! You’re little.” Our book shelves boasted lots of exciting books for friends to choose. Two favorites were: Barney’s Opposites, and the Up & Down Opposite Book. In our Math area, students practiced peg-counting 1-4. Many of our older friends are making great strides in tracing the metal insets; tracing helps pre-writing skills. In Practical Life, Grace Whalen practiced pouring with a pitcher, while others chose spooning pasta and spooning rice. Our new theme for the month of March is zoo animals. Hope to see you all at the family field trip day: Audubon Zoo, Friday, March 12. Roooooarrrrrrr!
Reminder: Please bring your child to school by 8:30 a.m. When children come at 9:00-10:00, it causes disruptions during work periods and napping. If you arrive past 10:00 a.m., a doctor’s note is required. Thank you for your prompt attention and cooperation to this matter.
TODDLER TALK:
Toddlers were busy with all of the planned events this month. Our Toddler Mardi Gras Parade was a huge success. All the Toddler friends had their Mardi Gras t-shirts on and we decorated a wagon with the Krewe of Kinder Haus signs. A warm thank you to all the parents who donated their time and drinks. The children and grown-ups enjoyed the King Cake. This month wraps up our theme of “family.” Students enjoyed baby washing, and matching parts of the home from our Practical Life shelves.
Finally, please arrive at the Toddler Gate at 8:30 a.m. It’s important to keep the children on schedule as they enjoy coming into the play yard and shaking off their “silly-willies.” Children are more apt to take in the work and concentrate. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.