It was wonderful to see most of the children back at school today after a long Spring break. Before the break I gave a workshop at the national American Montessori Society's conference in Chicago and did not have a chance to write a weekly letter. I hope this letter will catch everyone up to speed on the classroom activities.
Our studies of Asia took a closer look at China and with Chinese language. We listened to the story of the Rainbow Flower, (found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AySlcL6RKqk) with basic translation and practiced the children's poem "Da Tou" (Big Head).
Many children enjoyed writing the numbers and basic Chinese characters. Our art area also featured exciting green works for St. Patrick's Day. The children were excited to see the picture of Chicago's river turning green while I was at the conference.
The greatest excitement before the break came with our egg-dying extravaganza. Using natural dyes of onion skins, raspberry tea, and red cabbage, we colored eggs for each child to take home on Friday. The aftercare children helped to fold the simple paper baskets and gathered dry leaves to use as a basket bedding.
While the children were outside on Friday afternoon, the baskets were hidden around the classroom and each child had to find his/her own basket. Amazingly, there were no mistaken baskets and the children seemed to really enjoy the basket search.
This week we will continue looking at the continent of Asia. We will miss Ms. Regalado's Bollywood dance moves, but wish her all the best as she takes Ms. Golden's place in room 102. We welcome Ms. Correa as a new teacher and hope that she also finds the classroom to her liking.
Next week we have kindergarten testing, field trips, and a teacher workday. On April 4th and 5th the kindergarten will take the SAT test for math and reading and the pre-k/VPK children will be on a field trip. Please contact me if you have not received the field trip forms and information about the trips. On Thursday April 7th all children in our grade group will go to Jungle Island. The information about costs, volunteering, and what to bring is all within the package of the permission slips.
All the best,
Ms. Joanna Boone