Spring is in the air. The weather is starting to get warmer. The grass and the flowers are starting to grow. Trees are budding and soon will be filled with leaves. The children are eager to go outside and play. We will be visiting Tyler Arboretum on April 11 for a Spring exploration walk. The children will be seeing, hearing, smelling, and touching signs of Spring. This trip enables the children to experience what has been discussed in class. It attaches reality to classroom activities.

We will be learning about Spring weather, animals in Spring, plants and flowers reappearing, and Spring activities. Recycling is also a part of our learning. It is my hope that the activities will heighten their awareness for our environment. Everyone can make a contribution and improve the earth. This coordinates with Earth Day.

Our school is celebrating International Week from April 29- May 2. The entire preschool will be learning about the cultures of Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Japan. The children in C1 will be learning about the Japanese culture. We will be learning about the Japanese Macaque (Snow Monkey), Cherry Blossom tree, the people, and a fish called Koi. A father of a child in our class travels internationally to Japan. He will be telling us about this country. Chopsticks will be given to each and they will have a chance to practice using them. Previously, we learned about the cultures of Sri Lanka and Turkey. Many cultural activities have been planned for this week. Throughout the week, there will be presentations, active activities, food tasting, and booths of crafts on the last night. The week will end with "One World Cafe" for the entire school to enjoy.

Our Clothesline Art Festival will occur on May 7. Each child from the school will have an artistic creation on display.
Mother's Day and Celebration of Friends Day occurs early in May. The children will make hand made presents for both. There will also be a special presentation in the meeting house for Celebration of Friends Day. We hope a special older friend comes for each child.
The year will end with favorite stories. The children will depict these stories through art, puppetry, and acting.

The book area in every classroom is an area for quiet reading. The books reflect a theme that is occurring at that time. It is a chance to expand their knowledge on a particular theme. Many times they look at the pictures and use their imagination to make up a story to match. At times it can be a shared social experience. Two children may look at a book together and pretend to read to each other. They will take turns listening and talking. One child might retell the story from memory. It is also a time for each child to make a decision. They choose a book to view and focus their attention. Each day I read a book during our circle time. The book directly relates to our theme and our daily art activity. Each child enjoys hearing the story. This develops listening and focus skills. As they are listening, they sit on their sit-upon. This reinforces their personal space.

At times, a book can enhance their emotional development. A child, who is upset, will readily settle when is a book is read to him/her by a teacher. In this instance, a book is used for comfort and increases their love of books. Books can do so much for each child and serves many purposes.

It has been a pleasure to work with your children this year. We enjoyed each day and I hope that they did too. We hope they learned something and had fun. Have a wonderful fun filled summer. Good luck in your future years in school.

In friendship,

Tr. Joyce & Tr. Donna

Click here to see some photos of our latest adventures and activities!