Osiyo, River Otter families.

This week we got a little preview of spring! We added a new song to our morning circle to acknowledge the approaching season. We also added some new materials to our classroom; wooden mallets to play with in the forest and new blocks on our platform (thank you to Silas B’s family for the blocks). We worked hard this week shoveling rocks from a pile into our muddy area and new drainage trench, tearing cardboard for compost, and sorting and organizing our craft basket. On Tuesday, we visited the garden and pushed and pulled wheelbarrows and wagons. We used our sorted piles of sticks and learned how to make a fire on Thursday and Friday. Throughout the week, we made mud balls and stick puppies and kitties on leashes. We also made necklaces, and beaded and sewed gifts for friends and family members.

We honored Lunar New Year this week with a story about Nian, a monster who visits a town in China every year until a stranger visits and defeats him with the three things he is frightened of; the color red, bright lights, and loud noises. We also talked about how the New Year is still celebrated in a similar way in China today. The students all loved this story and puppet show, and enjoyed acting it out and playing with the puppets and the set.

Announcements and Reminders:

This Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are early dismissal for all students, with conferences occurring in the afternoons. Your child will not need a lunch or rest blanket on these days, and pickup will be via carpool for all students at 12:15-12:30.
Next week is mid-winter break; there will be no school next week.
Please continue to dress your child in layers and winter weather gear, and send blankets for rest time.

Thank you for sharing your children with us, and for being part of our community.

Gyvalieliga,

Ki Holly