’d like your child to participate, please bring 20 valentines, not addressed to anyone specific – just “from Johnny” will do. Please send in valentines for the Sunflowers and Tadpoles Classes on Thursday the 12th. We encourage you to get out an assortment of collage materials such as paper, crayons, stickers and glue sticks and involve the family in making valentines. Make a few for the grandparents and cousins, too! Please, no candy or nuts!
Early Childhood Calendar
News from the Cottonwood, Rainbow and Turquoise Classes
Monday – Music
In January we looked at different types of cameras and how they work, studied art by Ansel Adams and other photographers and we took some photos of our own. We hope to leave the impression that the possibilities are endless as we move from the world of art into music. In February we’ll learn about rhythm, instruments and the musical scale. If you know someone who is a musician this is a great month to invite them to visit our classes.
Tuesday – Time
We begin the study of time by looking at many kinds of clocks. This is a good time to get an easy to read analog clock (with hands) for your child’s bedroom. Make sure it has all of the numbers, the marks, and a second hand. Most children are 6 or 7 before they can tell time accurately, but even a small child will be able to recognize that, for instance, bedtime is when the hour hand points to 7. If you have a broken clock that we can dissect, please send it in to class!
Wednesday – Geography
In February we’ll study Asia. This unit will culminate in our traditional “Asian Celebration”, a party during regular class time on February 25th. Look for sign-ups by classroom doors for needed items including a cook to come and stir-fry in class! We invite children and helpers to dress up in their Asian best and enjoy a cultural immersion experience.
Thursday – Literature
We completed our review of Eric Carle’s work with interpretations of his art. We’ve enjoyed our annual “Eric Carle Film Festival” with a look at his work and how he makes his pictures and stories. In February we will learn about rhyming and poetry. If you have a beloved book of poems, this is a good month to share it with the class.
Friday – Biology
We completed our study of fishes by examining a specimen in class and making fish prints. Next come amphibians. We have some little aquatic frogs in each class as well as a few fire-bellied toads. If you have a frog, newt or salamander you could loan us, please let us know.
Thursday, February 12th will be a “Party Day” , 9:30 until noon. Please note this differs from the date on the Holidays and Events calendar. This is the last of our three EC “party days” for the year aimed at making the most of the opportunity for a productive celebration at the Early Childhood level. Class for all Early Childhood students will begin at 9:30 a.m. on this day. There are sign-ups for the parties by the classroom doors. Each student should bring enough valentines for the whole class plus teachers and a few extras – plan to bring 25. We encourage you to round up paper, paint, scissors, glitter, ribbon and stickers so your child can create something special. But be sure to start right away so your child can make a few valentines every day instead of trying to pound out 25 at once. Another fun choice is the family assembly line where everyone sits down together and creates enough valentines for classmates, grandparents, cousins and neighbors. Please do not label valentines with specific names to ease the delivery process. Remember, no candy or nuts!
Lower Elementary Lowdown – Moose Tracks Class News
Monday – History
In February we will be studying the US Presidents. How many can you name?
Tuesday – Geography
Our study of Asia will introduce students to the geographical and cultural features of this huge continent. We will focus on the food, art and cultures of various countries of Asia culminating in a cultural immersion celebration, Asian Celebration, on February 25th. Students are invited to dress up in their Far Eastern best for this festival of the orient.