Osiyo, Chickadee Families,
It was a joy to have our class back together for a full week last week. Our current story is about King Winter walking through the land where he hears the hungry animals in the forest. With help from the gnomes and snow children, King Winter prepares a shelter lit by candles and a feast for the animals. On Thursday and Friday, we made our own feast for the animals using pinecones, peanut butter, and bird seed to make bird feeders and hung them in the forest. The children joyfully watched different birds, and especially the chickadees, visit the feeders they made. In the spirit of sharing love and warmth, we also made cards for seniors living in nursing homes. Using watercolor paintings completed by our Wednesday students, the children folded cards and drew pictures inside. These beautiful cards will be delivered to and distributed by Cherokee Recreation & Parks.
As colder weather is settling in, and Jack Frost is blowing his icy breath through our grounds, we are working on independence with our new warm layers. Students are encouraged first to try to add or remove layers themselves. When assistance is needed, they are guided through the steps to independently achieve success or assisted more directly when needed. It is very helpful for the students to work on these skills at home, too. Going on walks or playing outdoors in their winter gear while at home will also help them become more used to the feeling of the layers. Putting shoes/boots, hats, and gloves on and taking them off independently is most important, as these are taken off and on most often. We have found the ‘flip’ method is typically easiest for young children regarding coats. Fastening coats is also a skill we are working to develop. Thank you in advance for helping your child practice these skills at home!
We will be walking the Winter Spiral this Friday. This reverent festival of light occurs during the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. The children quietly walk, one by one, to the center of the spiral, carrying a candle they will light from the candle in the center. Each child will find a star along the spiral where they place their candle. By the end, a beautiful lighted spiral forms. This is symbolic of each of us sharing our light with the world and how together we can help guide each other through the dark. Our walk will begin promptly at 10:15 am in the sanctuary. Families are welcome to watch their child’s class walk the spiral.
Announcements and Reminders:
Please continue to send water-resistant heavy coats, hats, gloves, snow pants or rain pants, and insulated boots daily. Please also continue to dress your child in layers. Wool socks are highly recommended on days under 45 degrees.
Winter Spiral is this week! Our class will participate on Friday, 12/8, at 10:15 pm. Families are welcome to attend, and two-day families are invited to bring their children to participate with the class as well. Please send your child with long hair pulled back and in clothing that is not loose fitting as protection from the candles.
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 children with us and for being part of our community.
Gvyalieliga,
Ki Holly
