Entering into March, everyone has had a few opportunities to help in the classroom and observe all the growth which has occurred in the children since last September.  No matter what our topic is, our underlying emphasis is on helping your children grow into self-confident, observant, and kindly individuals.  So we all enjoy the friendships that are forming and the turn-taking that is becoming easier.  We see those who have been watching now become active participants.  The room is abuzz.  Isn’t it a great feeling to be part of all this learning?  Thank you all for how much you add to the experience.  It takes all of us to make it work.

In March, we discover ways to stay healthy.  What happens when we go to the Doctor and Dentist?  We also learn about some of our body systems and their functions.  In our dramatic play area, KPS Hospital & Clinic is open to the community.  It is well staffed, and is known for its personal care.  So come in for what ails you and I am confident that we can fix you up.

Later in March and continuing after our Spring break, we learn about some different kinds of environments — savannah, tropical rain forest, northern tiaga, South American coastal desert, and more — and about some of the animals found in these regions.  Our trip to Woodland Park Zoo brings this to life for the children.                                  —   Teacher Patrice
Text Box: Our unit, Animals in the Wild, includes our field trip to Woodland Park Zoo on Friday, 3/25. The information sheet is attached. Please return the sign-up by 3/16, and please be prompt in arriving at the Zoo since we all need to enter at the same time. Text Box: LOOKING AHEAD— We hope to see you at our MARCH 19TH GALA AUCTION. Field trip to Woodland Park Zoo is Fri. 3/25. Spring break is 3/28—4/1. KIDS’ TIME is Sat. 4/9. Sign-up in mid-March. Plan for our annual fieldtrip to Farrel McWhirter Park on Friday 5/6. Class times are changed, so please mark your calendars. Everyone meets at the Park at 11:00, with picnic lunches, & we’ll say good-bye at 1:30. (More information will cone with the next calendar.) Text Box: MARCH 2011 HEALTH ANIMALS IN THE WILD

TABLE TOYS        The value of table toys as genuine learning opportunities is often overlooked.  Puzzles, manipulatives, and games are such a standard in our classrooms and homes that we sometimes neglect to appreciate the very qualities for which we picked them.  Here are some reminders as to why we choose them.

· They allow children to work in a group or individually and to grow
socially as they move from individual to group activities.

· Children develop fine muscle skills and develop eye-hand
coordination as they handle the various pieces.

· Children develop spatial awareness (a pre-math skill) and develop vocabulary.

· Children learn cooperation; self-control; perseverance and gain self-confidence.

MWF CLASS