Dear Families,

Snow! And plenty of it has arrived causing much joy and excitement in the children.  Thursday while adults worried about driving in it, the children welcomed the season’s first significant snow storm with cheers and awe.  Today, during recess, they enjoyed sledding, running, and rolling in the fresh snow.

It was a short but busy and fun week.  The children put the finishing touches on their animal habitats and each child will be sharing his/her work with the class on Monday and Tuesday.

Language Arts
The children are enjoying writing and sharing their work.  Much of the writing is inspired by free play and books.  They are encouraged to write phonetically – sound out letters in words and write the sounds they hear.  This is particularly helpful with children familiar with all the letters and most of their sounds.  Phonetic spelling builds fluency in writing, confidence, and a feeling of success.  This week most children learned the sound of “ch” and brainstormed a list of words beginning with that sound.  The children are also encouraged to sign out the reading books they use in the classroom to share with you.

Science
The children have continued to explore our new habitats of tadpoles and frogs – learning new facts from their favorite “frog” books.  We have begun to investigate the new season of winter with a discussion and introduction of a Winter Word Wall.

Math
The First Grade group has been practicing counting by threes by skip counting using various math manipulatives.  Also they have begun to record their counting investigations.

The Kindergarten group has continued to explore patterns and counting by grouping.  They are enjoying these activities so much that they often choose to make counting and/or pattern books throughout the day during free times.

Social Studies
The focus this week has been on what peace means for people in the world and particularly what peace means for the children.  The children shared their thoughts at the Peace Assembly today.  When the children dictated their “peace” statements for me to write, I was very moved by their deep understanding of peace, and the compelling truth in each of their statements.

Show of Work
Reminder:  The Show of Work is Wednesday, December 19 at 10:00a.m.  The children are looking forward to sharing their animal habitats and the flip book they made in Art with Susie.  Also, I am in the process of framing or matting the children’s drawings for sale at the show of work.  Donations will go to “Help Orphan Puppies.”  The puppies’ visit will be rescheduled for after the break.
Winter break is December 20-January 2.

I wish everyone a safe and joyous break.

PEACE!  Liliana