A New Year/New Things To Learn

The Whole Notes began the first week of 2021 by having their own celebration.  We read a story titled "The Night Before New Years" which began our discussion on fireworks, parties, watching the ball drop in Times Square, etc.  Each child made a beautiful glitter picture for our bulletin board and practiced writing the numbers 2021.  The class also made New Year's resolutions.  Ask your child what he/she said; or you can ask us to check from the list on our bulletin board for you.  Some examples were doing more cleaning to help my family, not bothering a brother when he is reading and saying nice things to my family.  The group did great!

Once again the pictures are not in order of text.  Before vacation we began to learn about the Arctic and how the Eskimos know how to survive in the cold.  Each class member here that week created an Eskimo figure and drew his/her own version of an igloo.  Lots of new vocabulary was introduced such as mukluk (boots) and Inupiat (Eskimo).  We learned how these people fish, build homes and use dog sleds.  Facts about animals who live in this cold area were also presented.  Our creations are on another board, but unfortunately we cannot ask you in to peek.

The Arctic unit was extended this week to include the polar bears which were sent home Friday.  Everyone in attendance participated in a blubber experiment.  First fingers were put into a bowl of icy water.  Then they were put in a blubber mitt made from Crisco shortening and put back in the icy water.  It became obvious how the blubber on a polar bear keeps these huge creatures warm.  Did you know that polar bears have black skin under their fur?  Your preschoolers know that.  Polar bears were cut in duplicate, white and black, which was a fine motor challenge.  Blubber was added (bubble wrap) and all were laced together (eye-hand coordination).  Literacy was added as each child labeled the polar bear layers.  The completing of a floor puzzle with a picture of a polar bear was due to children cooperating.

Finally you will see Zayden showing the letter box for "M".  His friends loved the monkey he is holding.  The teachers enjoyed his drawing of Mars.  This coming week we start giving each child a second term with the letter box.  Clearly we are back to our schedule and having lots of fun.

Please send the bag with the outerwear every single day.  We want to be ready in case we need it.  Thanks.

Rolene and Jackie