Dear Joyful Beginnings Families,
It has been a wonderful week at Joyful Beginnings. The children were all bundled up for the cold weather. With positive reinforcement and practice, most of the children can change their shoes and put on their jackets in the classroom. Dressing is an important skill young children learn in their daily lives. It helps them develop fine motor skills and gain a sense of control over their own bodies. In school, we are teaching them how to put on snow boots and snow pants. At home, please keep encouraging your children to dress themselves.
On Monday and Tuesday, the children made beeswax candles. They used their two hands to roll up a piece of beeswax paper as well as wrap up their candles in paper. They are excited to bring their candles home this week to share them with families. On Wednesday and Thursday, the children used Mr. Brush and red watercolor to paint Father Sun. Even on the coldest day, Father Sun still brings us light and warmth. In the forest, building blocks and cooking continue to be children’s favorite activities. It is delightful to see them start working with peers in play. They helped each other create houses and towers, and they liked to sit together to enjoy their “baked goods." Later in the week, we visited the farm. The children shared fresh vegetables with the animals to help them store energy in the cold months.
This week, we will finish our hedgehog story and begin another story about the Squirrel Nutkin. We will sing a new song in circle time to honor the Winter Solstice. As the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer, we can still find lights to guide us through the darkening nights. On Thursday, we are going to celebrate Red’s birthday. We look forward to spending this special time with him and his family.
Announcements and Reminders:
Please remember that if it is under 50 degrees (with wind chill), students must wear a zipped coat, hat, and gloves. It feels colder in the forest, so please send these items daily.
Please come to school dressed in rain gear on rainy and wet days.
Please arrive on time at drop off (8:45-9:00); we will shorten our morning outdoor time on cold days.
Help us support Tweens and Teens this year for the MUST Ministries Toy Drive. Please see the Main Message in the Garden Messanger for more information.
Upcoming Events:
12/07 Grades 1st - 5th Winter Spiral
12/08 Kindergarten Winter Spiral
12/20 Grades Assembly - 12:00 p.m. & Last Day of Fall Semester - Half Day
12/21 Teacher In-Service (No School)
12/22 - 01/03 Winter Break (No School)
01/04 First day of Spring Semester
Thank you for sharing your lovely children with us, and thank you for your support.
Warmly,
Ki Siyu and Ki Angela
