Welcome to spring! Signs of spring are popping up all over. What a beautiful and renewing time of year. It makes one feel like all things are new and shiny and that we can all start over. You could start a new exercise program? Or start a new family tradition? Maybe start a new book? Learn a new sport? It is an invigorating season filled with promise and high expectations. Here we go!
This month will be lots of fun with all kinds of events and good times. The following is a rough schedule of events of what will be happening in the classroom. I am enjoying the children SO MUCH. They have become such good friends that watch out for each other, speak up when they feel they need to, regulate each other's behavior, and just plain have fun together. The play that happens in the classroom is surprising, sweet, imaginative, (mostly) inclusive, and a good indication of the growth they have made throughout the school year. Thank you for sharing your children with me. I am truly honored and blessed to have such amazing families and friends.
Monday, March 31-Friday, April 4: This week we will learn a story about a little girl that plants some peas and a rascally rabbit that eats them. The children will make props to tell the story on their own. On Friday the 4s class will have their Grandfriends visit. The children will tell them the story of Pickin' Peas. They will show them around the school and play duck, duck goose and do the hokey-pokey: because that's what it is all about.
Monday, April 7-Friday, April 11: This week we will talk about trees and tree products. We'll make tree projects, look at trees and take pictures of trees. On Monday the 4s class will get a visit from the Tree Lady. She will tell them how to make paper, and teach them how to climb trees. Please make sure your insurance policy is up-to-date. On Friday both classes will have a class picture taken. All children will be required to wear their red shirt, a mohawk, and leather pants. If you don't have leather pants you will need to purchase some-check the Fred Meyer's ad. If you don't know how to make a mohawk there are many instructional YouTube videos. We will try to have the pictures taken outside. Don't forget the auction on Saturday, April 12. Plan on showing up. It will be tons of fun and they'll be giving away cars!
Monday, April 14-Friday April 18: MONDAY IS A MAKE UP DAY FOR THE 3S CLASS. FOR REAL!! We will have class for the 3s at usual time on Monday morning as there is NO CLASS ON FRIDAY, APRIL 18 DUE TO CONFERENCES. FOR REAL!! This week we will learn about a friendly elephant named Elmer. Elmer is an elephant that is a little different than all the other elephants and his story is of acceptance and inclusion. We will make elephants out of clay, paint a large elephant and have an Elmer's day parade. For the parade, the children will wear swimsuits and paint their body with face paint to mimic Elmer's colors. There will be no school on Friday, April 18 for individual conferences. There is a sign-up sheet outside the classroom. Please find a time-slot that works best for you. When you come to the conference it is easiest for you to talk about your child's progress if you come without them, but if that is not possible they can come and swim in the pool we will have set up in the dramatic play room. We will have Brownie the puppy there to supervise.
Monday, April 21-Friday, April 25: This week we will be talking about nature and ponds. We will go to Molalla River State Park for Outdoor School for the 4s on Wednesday, and a nature walk for the 3s on Friday. Please dress your child according to the weather. If it is wet and rainy send them with boots, hats, coats and rain gear. If it is warm and sunny send them with sun hats, sunscreen, lots of water and layered clothing. Send sturdy, sensible shoes either way. We will have a picnic with bears, swim in the pond, and climb the trees to see bird nests.
Monday, April 28-Friday, May 2: This week we will be preparing for our Mother's Dessert that is coming up on May 5 for the 4s and May 8 for the 3s. On Friday the 4s will go on their last Nature Walk of the school year to the Canby City Park. While there the children will jump off the rope swing into the river and float down to the boat dock where the parent helpers will scoop them out of the water. It should be fun. At school, we will talk about how special our mothers are and make decorations for the event. We will also finish up the gifts we have been working on.
This month is packed with lots of fun events and many new adventures. If you have questions or concerns you are always welcome to email me or catch me after class. I am having such fun with your children. Thanks again for letting me be a part of their lives and letting them be a part of mine. ~Anne.
APRIL FOOL'S!!! MANY OF THE EVENTS ABOVE ARE JUST A SILLY JOKE FOR APRIL FOOL'S. CAN YOU TELL WHICH ONES? Ha! Ha! Gotcha!! ;)
