Greetings, Turtle Families,
We have been busy getting our supplies ready for the handwork activities we will do this year. This week, each student collected leaves, pine straw, and other natural elements to use for decoration on their handwork bags. They each arranged the treasures they collected on top of canvas bags, and then we sprayed dye onto the bags. The children were amazed to see the final results as we removed the leaves and saw the lovely shapes left behind. We will keep our handwork projects in these bags throughout the year. This allows the students to keep up with their own supplies and work on projects over time. They will bring their creations home as they complete them. We continued learning how to finger chain, and a couple of the students have already begun finger chaining independently. Many students made a rainbow finger chain this week to go with our rainbow story. Some students have been stringing beads also. The children sit with a quiet focus for long periods of time. These handwork activities are beneficial for fine motor development. While that is valuable in itself, it also builds their ability to problem solve, follow a process with specific steps, and build stamina and focus. When the children work on a handwork project, they are making something useful and beautiful, and it gives them a sense of tangible accomplishment. As they bring home their projects, please take a moment to appreciate the time and love that they have put into them.
On Monday and Tuesday, the children watched a puppet show and sat in rapt attention as the current story was presented in a new way. On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, the children performed a play of the story as it was narrated. They each accepted the part they were given and played out our beautiful story about Mother Nature, two playful Bluebirds, and all of the colors of the rainbow. It was so special to watch each of them bring their personality and ideas to the story. Our class is blossoming into a beautiful, supportive community as the children work and play together and deepen their friendships. Thank you for sharing your children with us and for being a part of our community.
Upcoming Events:
9/5 Joyful Beginnings and Kindergarten Curriculum Night 6 pm (adults only)
9/6 Grades 1- 5 Curriculum Night 6 pm and Sixth Grade 7 - 8 pm (adults only)
9/16 Community Workday 9 am - 12 pm
9/22 Half Day - Day of Courage
9/25-9/29 Fall Break (No School)
Grace and Peace,
Ki Kim
