This is such a fun and busy time of year. Here are some of the highlights:
We had a real treat when Eileen and Marc Rosenthal, a husband-wife book-writing team, came to BCD. Eileen is the author of the Bobo books, and Marc illustrates them (as well as illustrating books for many other authors). They spoke to Kindergarten and Grade 1 together and the class had thoughtful questions and comments to make. Marc demonstrated some of his drawing techniques to us, as well. Who know how expressive eyebrows could be? It was a lot of fun watching him work!
December is the month when we spend time focusing on the topic of Peace, and we learned about different faiths, holidays, and cultures around the globe. In particular, we’ve learned about three holidays that occur this month, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas by reading books and doing related projects. This class is particularly interested in this large world we inhabit and have so many questions about different lands and the people who live there. We search out different countries and continents, reading stories, and learning about the different foods, clothing, and types of homes that are native to each land. Our globe is in constant use this year!
Peace in many languages!
Ashley will turn six years old on Dec. 26, and we celebrated a bit early when her mom and 4th grade brother Ryan joined us in the classroom. Ryan did a great job reading one of Ashley’s favorite books and we shared the best chocolate chip cookies ever! Thank you, Theresa and Ryan, for making Ashley’s school birthday so special.
In classroom work, math has been fun lately with games and chants as we continue to practice rote counting skills (by tens, by fives, etc.). In LA, we’ve begun a new and important piece of our curriculum – writing books! The children were extremely excited about beginning these, and each is doing a great job so far. They are choosing their own topics, and then writing and illustrating their stories. They then share these with their classmates by reading aloud. In handwriting, we have now completed all uppercase letters. When we return from break, we’ll start learning lowercase formation, and each student will also begin their own alphabet books.
Proud authors
We had our second Lunch Bunch last week, courtesy of Sadie’s family. The day was very cold, and all enjoyed sharing butterfly-shaped pasta, broccoli, sparkling juices, and warm-from-the-oven apple crisp with ice cream on top. Thank you, Sam and Ollie, for coming in and feeding us so well. The children are really enjoying these meals!
On our last day of school, Mrs. Allentuck and Second Grade visited to share their poems on Peace. And we were treated to two wonderful Mummer’s Plays, presented by the 8th Grade. What a great morning!
We’ll end our day with a class party. Thank you (in advance!) to all who sent in food or paper goods and came to help out! In addition, the children have worked hard on special gifts and cards and are excited to bring those home. We hope you like them.
I wish you all a wonderful, fun, safe, and cozy vacation. I look forward to the second half of the year with your wonderful children. See you all in 2014!
Andrea