December  2009

Theme — Our Family Traditions
Text Box: “How much does that weigh? Is the banana heavier than the apple? How many 1/4 cups of beans fit into the biggest cup? How many of those rulers fit on this great big ruler? Let’s count — 1, 2, 3. How long is the rug? Lay your rulers out and let’s count.” These are some of the things we’ve been doing lately during Math on Mondays. There are many ways to measure, and many instruments with which to measure. We will be exploring with these instruments throughout the year, as we develop our awareness of how these concepts relate to one another. As a family, try to give your child opportunities to help you measure while cooking or at the store. Have your child creatively measure some of the things in your house. The children positively beam when they talk of all the things they do with their families! And thank you for taking time to help your child with the homework that goes home on occasion. That time working together means a lot to your child and makes what we are learning seem more important. By the way, the apple is heavier than the banana; there are sometimes 14 1/4 cup’s in 1 “cup”; and the rug is 7 rulers, or 2 children long. — Teacher Patrice Text Box: PLEASE BRING TO SCHOOL A PICTURE OR AN OBJECT FOR ONE OF YOUR FAMILY TRADiTIONS WITH A DESCRIPTION OF YOUR TRADITION. Even just a little written piece is fine. And please pick ANY tradition that is important … you don’t have to limit it to December holidays! Text Box: Classroom Goals: We are encouraging each child’s confidence and independence: By voicing needs (for example, being able to tell someone to please stop bothering) By making positive choices By supporting friends Your children are on their way, developing their feelings of compassion for each other. Teacher Augusta changed the song “If You’re Happy and You Know It” to include verses about making friends happy. She expected ideas like playing with your friends, but here are some of the verses your children made up: “Saying Hi” “Sharing” “Singing a Lullaby” “Giving our Friend a Hug” Text Box: MWF Classes Text Box: Please return any blue tag gifts from our Giving Tree by Mon 12/7, and any green tag gifts by Wed. 12/9. Please return your field trip form and money for “The Emperor’s New Clothes” by Fri. 12/11, (Information is attached.) School is closed from 12/19, and re-opens on Mon. 1/4.