Peace. We talk. We read. We write. We learn about peaceful times and about peacemakers. In our classroom, we practice being peaceful – what does that feel like? What does it sound like? What words should we use? What about intonation?
Multicultural books, games, and puzzles are important this month, as are cooperative games (last month’s new game, Stone Soup, has remained extremely popular, and is played several times a week).
We also take time to learn about different holidays that occur this month. What are their common themes? How do they differ? What do they celebrate?
We’re making special gifts for the people we love. Shh! I can’t say anymore, or it will ruin the surprise!
Out of the closet comes the large tissue paper world that I made with the current ninth-grade class. Every year since, kindergarten students have added the word peace in a new language. We’re close to 80 different languages now. Our room gets filled with doves, a symbol of peace, and the children make beautiful ones to surround our world.
Earlier this week everyone made a coiled clay pot (technically part of the Native American unit – we were just a little behind!) We’re continuing to weave on the large loom. The children have also been exploring crayon-resist technique using crayons, cray-pas and watercolors. December is a great month!
Andrea