This week we continued our studies of Antarctica and peacemakers in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday this month. The children were very intrigued to find out on Monday that Polar bears are not native to Antarctica, but to the Arctic regions of the world. Several children were also surprised to hear about Antarctica’s icebergs and glaciers as well as areas where it hasn’t rained for millions of years.
In line with our study of peacemakers we learned that in 1959 the Antarctic Treaty was signed which established that it would be the only place in the world, (so far), to be shared solely for peaceful, scientific study.
On Monday morning we also had a special visit from Officer Friendly, (who works at the Palmetto Bay Police Department), with a presentation of “Good touch/Bad touch”. In the presentation we identified pictures of children showing various emotions. We practiced making our faces like those in the pictures and then we talked about the safe ways to touch others and ourselves. At the end we received a book about what we can do to care for each other. The book will stay in our classroom for continued review this year.
On Wednesday we shared the story “Happy Birthday Martin Luther King” and talked about life in America before and after Dr. King and several others changed the country’s laws through the civil rights movement. The children were so taken with the story that they requested we read the story again. This week we also shared the story, “Martin’s Big Words”, and sang a song honoring Dr. King by Frank Leto. At the end of this entry you can listen to the song and sing along at home.
Parent teacher conferences will continue in the next few weeks with Tuesday and Thursday afternoon available next week and each afternoon available in the final week of January. Please stop by the classroom or e-mail me with your preferred time to meet and receive a full report on your child’s progress.
This weekend I hope you celebrate in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King by reading other biographies of people who have changed the lives of many in non-violent ways or discussing non-violent conflict resolutions with your children.
Kind regards,
Ms. Joanna Boone
08_martin_luther_king.m4a |