As our study of Africa continues, we have shared more folktales from different African countries. We read through the stories by Gerald McDermott of The Magic Tree, (from the Congo area) and the tale of Anasi the spider, (from Nigeria). We also discussed the flow of the Nile River and great pyramids of Ancient Egypt. Many children had heard about mummies and one child knew the name of the boy pharaoh Tutankhamun.
In our art area we have decorated the Peace table with a typical print pattern from Ghana and we have different collage activities available, (collage with beans and collage with printed paper).
As many children complete artwork throughout the week, we frequently encourage the children to write their names of their work. We ask that the children practice writing their names as much as possible with appropriate lower case letters and one capital letter for the first letter. At home you can practice writing out letters with finger paints, writing in sand, or using clay formed into long snakes to create letter shapes.
On Friday we learned a lot about Muhammad Ali from Aram’s father. The children were very interested to hear that his life changed when he was twelve years old and his bicycle was stolen. They were also amazed to hear that he would run to school and back home each day and that he wrote poetry in addition to becoming an Olympic gold medalist in boxing and world heavyweight champion.
This Friday we look forward to our African luncheon. Please share a dish with us that is African, African American, or African Caribbean based. The luncheon will be from 11:30-12 and families are invited to join us. The sign up sheet for dishes is located on the classroom door.
Thank you for your support!
Ms. Joanna Boone