Star Student

Tyler's school sends out newsletters about the class each week and I'm sure I'll lose track of them over time. However, there are some that I know I'll want to keep and so I'm including them here in this ever-growing blog that I hope to print out in book form one day. This week Tyler was "start student," which each child in his class gets to be on a designated week for the first part of the year. It includes being featured on the bulletin board, presenting an "about me" poster to the class, sharing favorite books and special toys and more. The teachers said his presentation was "very interesting!" and cute. Tyler was thrilled to have a way to share his birthday party and important people with his new friends at the school.

______

COLTS NEWS

WEEKLY REMINDER: 10/31: Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze 

11/1: Fall Fun Theme 

On Tuesday, we introduced the weekly theme which excited the children, knowing there is only one week until they don their costumes and parade around the neighborhood. They are anticipating bags full of candy and loads of fun! We carved the class Jack-O-Lantern and named it Jack. The children were amazed at how hollow it was inside and the web that entangled the seeds. Only some were interested in eating the seeds. We used triangles for its eyes and slanted rectangles for its mouth.

In the workbook the letters of the day to trace were P, B and R. Last week we left off tracing the  letter C and this week we begin tracing letters that have a backwards C in it. They traced a slanted handle of a rake to prepare for the letter R. When practicing these letters at home, please check for a firm grip on the pencils and remind them to start their letters at the top. 

Tyler, our Star Student this week, brought in a beautiful collage of photos and we were introduced to all of the family members and things that are extra special to him. He loves spiders and said, “they are scary” and always spots the webs on the playground. Bubbles, “lollipops are delicious, ” trucks and dinosaurs are among his favorite things. He loves to watch Toy Story and read The Cat in the Hat. His 3rd birthday party had a water park theme filled with lots of kids, bubbles flowing and a new bike. 

The art project for the day was to decorate a pumpkin covered with orange colored pasta shells and a few green ones for the stem. The children had to be careful not to crush them as they placed them on the paper. And of course, we told them no tasting was allowed. 

Today was Lee’s 4th birthday and the children sang and enjoyed the homemade cupcakes from Mrs. Cornish. Thank you Lee for sharing your sweet treats with the class! Happy 4th Birthday!!! 

On Wednesday, we continued to sing Halloween songs in circle time. We liked Three Little Pumpkins and the words are: 

One little, two little, three little pumpkins, 

sitting on a fence, like country bumpkins 

They jumped off and bumped their rumpkins 

One October night. 

In the workbook the kids continued tracing slanted lines in preparation for the letter K and A. We explain why the previous traced slanted lines were necessary to practice to help make the new letters. Many of the children are grasping the writing form and showing improvement daily.  

The art project required our painting smocks to use watered down orange paint. The paper was white and the children were instructed to just paint and watch for a picture to appear. They were able to see a pumpkin appear as they covered the page. 

We had music class after our playground time and it was another release of energy for the kids. We repeated rhythm patterns with many different instruments such as the tambourines, cymbals, wood blocks and sticks and others. We make sure everyone gets a chance to try several different instruments. 

Tyler brought in a very special book about a tree and a little boy. The children listened intently as the story unfolded. Thank you for sharing your favorite book with the class. 

On Thursday, our morning was filled with lots of show and tell items and more Halloween songs. Tyler brought in his favorite stuff animal, a 3ft tall giraffe. He sleeps with it and it must take up half of his bed. He is very attached to Giraffe and reminded the teachers that he had to take it home with him. 

In the workbook there were more slanted lines to trace which helped the kids draw triangles diamonds and the letter V. They traced a rollercoaster track in the shape of a V, then traced a clown’s hat for the triangle and a lots of diamond shapes.

The children sang Happy 4th Birthday to Onnie Grace and enjoyed the cupcakes she brought in and the party noise makers were a big hit too. Happy Birthday to Onnie Grace. 

We want to thank Mrs. Manley for sending in a sweet treat art project. The children dressed lollipops with black ties. They were more interested in eating the lollipop than decorating it, especially Tyler.  And the other art project was a friendly ghost which was a stuffed paper towel roll stuffed covered with a white sheet. 

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND and enjoy the Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze! Ms. Elliott will not be at the field trip, but enjoy one another as you gather for a picnic lunch. 

MS. Elliott & MRS. Mara