March 2023
We hope everyone had a wonderful Spring Break. It was only a week ago that we returned to the classroom, but seems like much longer. The first weeks of March were Science Show and Tell (photo links sent out March 10th), and then Spring Break, resulting with a short read and not a lot of photos.
Science Show and Tell weeks are always fun. We have been doing this for a few decades now and it never gets old. We learn something new every year. First year morning children did ‘Sink and Float’, second year morning students have ‘Magnetic and Non-Magnetic’, and the pre-Kindergarten children had the theme ‘Heat, Light & Colour’. Most often there is similarity with some of the experiments, but the effects of each individual one is exciting and any repetition reinforces the reactions of elements and materials. The concentration of each little scientist and the spellbound attention of their audience is a remarkable sight to see. We are so impressed with each and every junior researcher, their curiosity, self-confidence and pure joy in the experience. We take a few pictures of every student which were included in the link sent out mid-March. Malia was away in New Zealand and missed her Science Show and Tell, but did a great solo Circle with her collection of found items from her time away. Thank you Malia for the delicious treats and the very funny book. We opened after Spring Break with some window washing (spring cleaning), fruit and veggie prep of cutting, slicing and peeling. If you haven’t done so already, get your kids involved in the kitchen. You can give your child an opportunity to show you what they can do, and the memories of spending family time with you (absolutely priceless). Proud of their abilities, they will be more likely to try new and more challenging activities. They are ready
We have now completed our studies of Africa. To recap, we travelled to deserts and mountains, built miniature savannahs, discovered fascinating wildlife, learned how precious water is, and spelled our names in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. The pre-K class worked hard on their African animal books, which were sent home as they were completed. We see great progress in fine motor skills. All that beading and pin poking really helps with fine motor skills. And to end on great note, we mixed, rolled out and cooked up East African chapatti bread for a very yummy snack. Africa has been an exciting journey. Our focus is now on spring, recycling, and Earth Day. Our next exciting travels are to the continent of Australia. Welcome to the land down under.
Many push-pin exercises, button sewing and ring beading projects go home throughout the year. These activities help develop patience and concentration, as well as fine motor skills and pincer strength (pre-writing competency). Each activity is multi-layered, helping children to hone skills as they head towards Kindergarten. Yoga is an ongoing interest in which we see the progress of skills in balance, concentration and the ability to follow direction. Math is a very popular area of the classroom these days for both morning and afternoon classes with market sales of groceries. Free art, painting, cutting, paper punching, Practical Life and water exercises continue to be favourite work. Practical Life shelves have real working tools that help children feel empowered. Real Life 101.
Upcoming dates to make note of:
- School will be closed on Friday, April 7th (Good Friday), Monday, April 10th (Easter Monday), and on Monday, April 24th (district wide closure date). Please remember to forward dates to caregivers who come for pick-ups.
