Dear Friends, Families and Blog-Followers,
Well, it is almost Halloween Parade Day -- please do not forget to pack your children's costumes!!
And , we have surpassed the challenge -- we have read well over 100 books, so far, at School -- congratulations to all of the Butterflies and Puppies -- your certificates and stickers are forthcoming (!!), and, please know that you all have helped to donate one million books to kids less fortunate -- YEAH!!
Today, we read many, many books, including "Clifford's Halloween" by Norman Bridwell, "Inside a House that is Haunted" (a rebus book) written by Alyssa Capucilli with artwork by Tedd Arnold, "Six Creepy Sheep" written by Judith Ross Enderle and Stephanie Gordon Tessel with artwork by John O'Brien, "The Very Busy Spider" (and more) by Eric Carle, "The Very Worst Monster" by Pat Hutchins, "Pajama Time" by Sandra Boynton, "Hush Little Alien" by Daniel Kirk, "Lullabies" (Usborne) and "The Scarecrow's Hat" by Ken Brown, to which Miss Downing added an interactive component, with props!!
In the early morning, the children played "Zingo", and, during activity time our wondrous high school friends planned and assisted with ghost bowling, paper bag and plate monster puppets, trick-or-treat bag decorating and being creative and imaginative with black paper and white crayons and white paper, wax crayons and purple watercolor -- thank you, ladies!!
As well, we spent quite a bit of time outdoors!!
Next week begins new themes, to include the seasonal, outer space and nutrition, and several events are being planned, for the month of November!!
We look very forward to tomorrow's festivities!!!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
WILSON FARM & STORIES BY FLASHLIGHT
Good Evening, All,
While the Butterflies enjoyed their fieldtrip to Wilson Farm -- (thank you for the cider doughnuts, Kelly!!) -- the Puppies had fun eating their "orange" themed snack and pasta, making a fort under which to read books, being made mummies out of by the LHS students and donning tattoos.
We have read at least 95 books, so far, including some of today's stories, such as "Poultrygeist" by Mary Jane and Herm Auch, "Mystery in Bugtown" authored by William Boniface and illustrated by Jim Harris, "Out of the Night" authored by Lola M. Schaefer and illustrated by Roby Gilbert, "Boo!" (again) authored by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Michael Martchenko, "Five Little Pumpkins" with pictures by Dan Yaccarino, "Trick or Treat Faces" by Judith Moffatt and the quad "Monster Madness", "Crazy Creatures", "Things that go Boo!" and "Things that go Bump!" authored by Joe Fitzpatrick and illustrated by Paulette Rich Long.
We were joined by Minuteman's Early Childhood Program Friends, as well, who assisted the children in the dramatic play area, brimming with costumes and accessories, and, with a myriad of art projects, which included mask-making.
At afternoon meeting, we sang and moved along to "This Old Mandible" (jawbone) and "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes", and enjoyed bone-themed poems, riddles and more!!
As I was leaving, I finally got to view a little bit of Liz's "Donut Shop" Game, as well as photos of yesterday afternoon's guitar jam, hosted by both Miss Downing and Mrs. Dolham -- thank you!!
And, "Congratulations!!", Mrs. Devlin, on the birth of your third grandaughter, Nora. :)
On Friday, please look for the "five little witches" -- Kelly, Liz, Tammy, Sashi & me -- "we'll get you, our pretties . . . "
"BOO!!"
Love Miss Peacock XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
While the Butterflies enjoyed their fieldtrip to Wilson Farm -- (thank you for the cider doughnuts, Kelly!!) -- the Puppies had fun eating their "orange" themed snack and pasta, making a fort under which to read books, being made mummies out of by the LHS students and donning tattoos.
We have read at least 95 books, so far, including some of today's stories, such as "Poultrygeist" by Mary Jane and Herm Auch, "Mystery in Bugtown" authored by William Boniface and illustrated by Jim Harris, "Out of the Night" authored by Lola M. Schaefer and illustrated by Roby Gilbert, "Boo!" (again) authored by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Michael Martchenko, "Five Little Pumpkins" with pictures by Dan Yaccarino, "Trick or Treat Faces" by Judith Moffatt and the quad "Monster Madness", "Crazy Creatures", "Things that go Boo!" and "Things that go Bump!" authored by Joe Fitzpatrick and illustrated by Paulette Rich Long.
We were joined by Minuteman's Early Childhood Program Friends, as well, who assisted the children in the dramatic play area, brimming with costumes and accessories, and, with a myriad of art projects, which included mask-making.
At afternoon meeting, we sang and moved along to "This Old Mandible" (jawbone) and "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes", and enjoyed bone-themed poems, riddles and more!!
As I was leaving, I finally got to view a little bit of Liz's "Donut Shop" Game, as well as photos of yesterday afternoon's guitar jam, hosted by both Miss Downing and Mrs. Dolham -- thank you!!
And, "Congratulations!!", Mrs. Devlin, on the birth of your third grandaughter, Nora. :)
On Friday, please look for the "five little witches" -- Kelly, Liz, Tammy, Sashi & me -- "we'll get you, our pretties . . . "
"BOO!!"
Love Miss Peacock XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
P.S. -- PUPPIES . . .
P.S. -- Puppies, please do not forget to wear your pajamas, tomorrow, for our spooky storytime, by flashlight, and, under the tent!!!! XOXO.
HALLOWEEN FUN!!!!
Dear Families, Friends and Blog-Followers (!!),
Today was filled with many great opportunities for learning and fun, as photos confirm.
If your Butterflies and Puppies tell you that they colored and played with pasta, they are, indeed, telling the truth!!
Miss Downing and Mrs. Dolham filled a great big aluminum vat with cooked spaghetti and shells and added and mixed food colors into the "Spooky Stew" -- the kids had a fabulous time eating the pasta, making spider webs, and, playing with it, in the sensory table, with and without gloves -- said activities taught science and art and fostered social skills, as well as encouraged sensory experimentation.
As if that was not enough to stimulate their senses, children and adults, alike, wrapped each other up in toilet paper -- ("mummies" or "mommies?") -- when we were finished, we collected the remains and are saving them to mix with water to make "clean mud" -- reduce, reuse and recycle!!!!
Activities also included practicing one to one correspondence, (math), by using foam pumpkin stick puppets and pumpkin seeds and learning to spell Halloween-themed words, (language/literacy), with accompanying pictures, on keyboards.
In addition, Kelly put-up our life-size x-ray, as we told her the names of the bones that we have learned, thus far, and reviewed the list of school rules, which our little friends came up with, yesterday afternoon.
At Circle-Time, Butterflies and Puppies, too, sat on their new circle spots, which they decorated, themselves, and to which Liz added the final touches and laminated.
Mrs. Dolham, again, led the "mystery box" game, reviewed the calendar, and much, much more -- and -- surprise, surprise -- our apple seeds have begun to sprout, thanks to Liz and a good deal of patience!! :)
This week, Kelly added the "big bikes" to our plethora of outdoor riding toys -- thank you!!
We have now read over 85 books, including today's stories -- "Fall Leaves" written by Mary Packard and illustrated by Dana Regan, "Froggy's Halloween" written by Jonathan London and illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz, "Boo" written by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Michael Martchenko -- (what a pair!!) -- "A Day with Whisker Wickles" written by Cynthia Jameson and illustrated by James Marshall, "There was an Old Monster" by Rebecca, Adrian and Ed Emberly and "Glad Monster, Sad Monster" written by Ed Emberly and illustrated by Anne Miranda -- I took photos of each of the children with his/her favorite monstrous expression, and, among the most popular were "angry", "scary", "silly" and "loving" -- thank you to all of the teachers, Amy, students from both Lexington and Minuteman Career and Technical High Schools, and, the children, themselves, for reading together and to each other!!
We have pumpkins on our front porch, a new shelf for some of our musical technology and new stalls in the bathrooms -- yahoo!!
Tomorrow, while Miss Downing and Mrs. Goell drive the Butterflies to Wilson Farm, in the School Van, (go Kelly!!), Mrs. Dolham and I will be reading more stories, in the dark, as we did, today, to the Puppies, enjoying a special snack -- (everything's orange?!) -- putting together a skeleton puzzle, decorating paper bats, stuffing ghost bags, perhaps getting glittery pumpkin tattoos, and, doing "tons and tons of fun stuff!!", alongside our friends from the LABB Program -- "Congratulations!!", Katelyn, on your graduation -- (yes -- more goodies!!) :)
Lots of Love from Miss Peacock XOXO
Today was filled with many great opportunities for learning and fun, as photos confirm.
If your Butterflies and Puppies tell you that they colored and played with pasta, they are, indeed, telling the truth!!
Miss Downing and Mrs. Dolham filled a great big aluminum vat with cooked spaghetti and shells and added and mixed food colors into the "Spooky Stew" -- the kids had a fabulous time eating the pasta, making spider webs, and, playing with it, in the sensory table, with and without gloves -- said activities taught science and art and fostered social skills, as well as encouraged sensory experimentation.
As if that was not enough to stimulate their senses, children and adults, alike, wrapped each other up in toilet paper -- ("mummies" or "mommies?") -- when we were finished, we collected the remains and are saving them to mix with water to make "clean mud" -- reduce, reuse and recycle!!!!
Activities also included practicing one to one correspondence, (math), by using foam pumpkin stick puppets and pumpkin seeds and learning to spell Halloween-themed words, (language/literacy), with accompanying pictures, on keyboards.
In addition, Kelly put-up our life-size x-ray, as we told her the names of the bones that we have learned, thus far, and reviewed the list of school rules, which our little friends came up with, yesterday afternoon.
At Circle-Time, Butterflies and Puppies, too, sat on their new circle spots, which they decorated, themselves, and to which Liz added the final touches and laminated.
Mrs. Dolham, again, led the "mystery box" game, reviewed the calendar, and much, much more -- and -- surprise, surprise -- our apple seeds have begun to sprout, thanks to Liz and a good deal of patience!! :)
This week, Kelly added the "big bikes" to our plethora of outdoor riding toys -- thank you!!
We have now read over 85 books, including today's stories -- "Fall Leaves" written by Mary Packard and illustrated by Dana Regan, "Froggy's Halloween" written by Jonathan London and illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz, "Boo" written by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Michael Martchenko -- (what a pair!!) -- "A Day with Whisker Wickles" written by Cynthia Jameson and illustrated by James Marshall, "There was an Old Monster" by Rebecca, Adrian and Ed Emberly and "Glad Monster, Sad Monster" written by Ed Emberly and illustrated by Anne Miranda -- I took photos of each of the children with his/her favorite monstrous expression, and, among the most popular were "angry", "scary", "silly" and "loving" -- thank you to all of the teachers, Amy, students from both Lexington and Minuteman Career and Technical High Schools, and, the children, themselves, for reading together and to each other!!
We have pumpkins on our front porch, a new shelf for some of our musical technology and new stalls in the bathrooms -- yahoo!!
Tomorrow, while Miss Downing and Mrs. Goell drive the Butterflies to Wilson Farm, in the School Van, (go Kelly!!), Mrs. Dolham and I will be reading more stories, in the dark, as we did, today, to the Puppies, enjoying a special snack -- (everything's orange?!) -- putting together a skeleton puzzle, decorating paper bats, stuffing ghost bags, perhaps getting glittery pumpkin tattoos, and, doing "tons and tons of fun stuff!!", alongside our friends from the LABB Program -- "Congratulations!!", Katelyn, on your graduation -- (yes -- more goodies!!) :)
Lots of Love from Miss Peacock XOXO
NEW BLOG FOLLOWERS!!!!
Thank you to our new Blog Followers -- we are approaching our hoped-for participation rate!!!!
HOLA!!
Dear Families, Friends and "Bloggies",
Our trip to Constance Maynard's Spanish Class was a success -- Ms. Maynard and her students taught us the alphabet and numbers one - ten, complete with songs, how to say our names, and more -- it was great fun!!
We stopped to say "hello!!" to our friends in the Bakery, and then visited the Early Childhood Education classroom, where Mary Ellen Devlin's high school students taught us Halloween music, and, as well, came back, with us, to our School.
And, several high school students from Lexington High assisted the children in making "Gracias!!" cards for Ms. Maynard, prior to heading out.
Thank you to all who were part of a wonderful learning experience!!
Miss Downing read a book about Diego and the Rainforest Animals, brought in by Nyah, during morning meeting, and, now, we are very close to having read the required number of books for the reading challenge -- CONGRATULATIONS, BUTTERFLIES AND PUPPIES!!!!
We now have a "Spooky Farm Stand", resplendant with decorated pumpkins, cobwebs, and more!!
The Butterflies look forward to their excursion to Wilson Farms, tomorrow, with Miss Downing and Mrs. Goell, while Liz and I enjoy pajama time and Halloween-themed books, treats and activities, with the Puppies.
Have another stellar day!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Our trip to Constance Maynard's Spanish Class was a success -- Ms. Maynard and her students taught us the alphabet and numbers one - ten, complete with songs, how to say our names, and more -- it was great fun!!
We stopped to say "hello!!" to our friends in the Bakery, and then visited the Early Childhood Education classroom, where Mary Ellen Devlin's high school students taught us Halloween music, and, as well, came back, with us, to our School.
And, several high school students from Lexington High assisted the children in making "Gracias!!" cards for Ms. Maynard, prior to heading out.
Thank you to all who were part of a wonderful learning experience!!
Miss Downing read a book about Diego and the Rainforest Animals, brought in by Nyah, during morning meeting, and, now, we are very close to having read the required number of books for the reading challenge -- CONGRATULATIONS, BUTTERFLIES AND PUPPIES!!!!
We now have a "Spooky Farm Stand", resplendant with decorated pumpkins, cobwebs, and more!!
The Butterflies look forward to their excursion to Wilson Farms, tomorrow, with Miss Downing and Mrs. Goell, while Liz and I enjoy pajama time and Halloween-themed books, treats and activities, with the Puppies.
Have another stellar day!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Friday, October 23, 2009
"OUR FIELDTRIP TO HONEY POT HILL FARMS!!
Good Evening All,
We finally made it to Honey Pot Hill Farms, in beautiful Stow, this morning, and, it was well worth the wait -- we took lots and lots of photos!!!!
"Jack", our bus driver, was very efficient and friendly -- we observed nature, together, including "oreo"-(striped) cows and horses, from afar, and sang songs on our way to the Farm -- with us were Orion's Dad and Molly's Grandmother -- thank you, both, for your enthusiasm and assistance!! :) :)
Once at the Farm, everything went very smoothly, and, aside from our hands being a little bit cold, after picking the apples, we were very comfortable!!
We went for a hayride, with our driver, Mr. Hark, and searched for hidden pumpkins, along the way -- Once at the grove, Martha showed the children how to pick apples without harming next year's crop -- "gently twist and pull" -- the apples were among the largest and tastiest, ever!!
Upon our return from the orchard, we ate "yummalicious" cider doughnuts and drank apple cider -- mmmmmm . . . , and, then, chose our pumpkins.
(Thank you, families, for your patience -- I must wonder if going on this particular fieldtrip, today, was in the master plan, for a truly wonderful time was had by all who attended!!!!)
Please enjoy the week-end, and, the teachers look very forward to seeing you all, beginning on Monday -- the start of another jam-packed week of seasonal learning and fun!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
We finally made it to Honey Pot Hill Farms, in beautiful Stow, this morning, and, it was well worth the wait -- we took lots and lots of photos!!!!
"Jack", our bus driver, was very efficient and friendly -- we observed nature, together, including "oreo"-(striped) cows and horses, from afar, and sang songs on our way to the Farm -- with us were Orion's Dad and Molly's Grandmother -- thank you, both, for your enthusiasm and assistance!! :) :)
Once at the Farm, everything went very smoothly, and, aside from our hands being a little bit cold, after picking the apples, we were very comfortable!!
We went for a hayride, with our driver, Mr. Hark, and searched for hidden pumpkins, along the way -- Once at the grove, Martha showed the children how to pick apples without harming next year's crop -- "gently twist and pull" -- the apples were among the largest and tastiest, ever!!
Upon our return from the orchard, we ate "yummalicious" cider doughnuts and drank apple cider -- mmmmmm . . . , and, then, chose our pumpkins.
(Thank you, families, for your patience -- I must wonder if going on this particular fieldtrip, today, was in the master plan, for a truly wonderful time was had by all who attended!!!!)
Please enjoy the week-end, and, the teachers look very forward to seeing you all, beginning on Monday -- the start of another jam-packed week of seasonal learning and fun!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
"APPLE AND PUMPKIN PICKING, TODAY!!!!"
Dear Friends,
Yesterday, after I left School, I believe that everyone made "Grandma's Pumpkin Bread" -- only -- this time -- with real pumpkin that Liz baked!!
We have been reading many, many stories, especially including books that the children, themselves, have brought in to School, with great excitement, I must say!!
On Thursday, Mrs. Dolham read "Sheep in a Shop" written by Nancy Shaw and illustrated by Margot Apple, "Giggle, Giggle, Quack" written by Doreen Cronin with pictures by Betsy Lewin and "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs", which Nyah provided, from home, and is now a movie, in 3-D, by Judi and Don Barrett!!
As well, in what is now our "Bookstore", Miss Downing read "The Little House", brought in by Nyah, and, I read "I Want to be a Ballet Dancer" and "The Sweetest Christmas", brought in by Kirsten -- along with many others, as well -- at afternoon Circle, Mrs. Goell read "What's Under My Bed", a beloved classic, by James Stevenson!!
(We have read at least 75 books, at this point!!!!)
After our friends from Lexington High School left, we went outside, with Kelly, and stuffed two scarecrows with leaves!!
We continue to work on literacy and numerical, scientific and art skills via a number of activities prepared for activity time.
We look forward to a wonderful experience at Honey Pot Hill Farms, today!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Yesterday, after I left School, I believe that everyone made "Grandma's Pumpkin Bread" -- only -- this time -- with real pumpkin that Liz baked!!
We have been reading many, many stories, especially including books that the children, themselves, have brought in to School, with great excitement, I must say!!
On Thursday, Mrs. Dolham read "Sheep in a Shop" written by Nancy Shaw and illustrated by Margot Apple, "Giggle, Giggle, Quack" written by Doreen Cronin with pictures by Betsy Lewin and "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs", which Nyah provided, from home, and is now a movie, in 3-D, by Judi and Don Barrett!!
As well, in what is now our "Bookstore", Miss Downing read "The Little House", brought in by Nyah, and, I read "I Want to be a Ballet Dancer" and "The Sweetest Christmas", brought in by Kirsten -- along with many others, as well -- at afternoon Circle, Mrs. Goell read "What's Under My Bed", a beloved classic, by James Stevenson!!
(We have read at least 75 books, at this point!!!!)
After our friends from Lexington High School left, we went outside, with Kelly, and stuffed two scarecrows with leaves!!
We continue to work on literacy and numerical, scientific and art skills via a number of activities prepared for activity time.
We look forward to a wonderful experience at Honey Pot Hill Farms, today!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Thursday, October 22, 2009
TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY!!
Dear Friends, (Back Again . . . ),
This has certainly been a surprising week of days, weather-wise -- Monday, we were out in the snow, boots and all, and, Wednesday, we hardly needed jackets?!
This week, we have added several more books, read, to our reading challenge poster -- along with Nyah, Kirsten brought in Scholastic's versions of "You Read To Me and I'll Read To You" and "Snow White". Among the books read by the teachers were "Under the Apple Tree", (Mrs. Dolham), "Go Away, Big Green Monster" (Ed Emberly) and "Pierre" (Maurice Sendak), (Mrs. Goell) and "The Crayon Box That Talked" and "Fat Cat on a Mat", (Miss Peacock).
We have read more of "Bonz", such as a few more jokes, and danced to the "Bony Hokey Pokey", (while learning the meanings of several bones, including the "cranium")!!
We have had many visitors. this week, according to our schedule, including students from Lexington High School and Minuteman Career and Technical High School, on Tuesday, and, our friends from the LABB Program, on Wednesday -- We forever embrace Amy's daily contributions and surprise visits!!
We continue to learn more about our plethora of pumpkins by counting and baking both the seeds and tops, via sensory play and decorating -- the children have utilized their science, math and art skills, in addition to fine motor and language in pumpkin discovery, alone!!!!
On Tuesday, we designed a thank you card for Grotonwood Camp, from where Liz obtained the pumpkins.
Our Classroom is filled with music and dance, as always, and many of our little friends know all of the words to "The October Song"!!
Kelly has spent a great deal of time introducing the "Handwriting Without Tears" Curriculum to the "Butterflies" and "Puppies", especially via the concept and use of "Matman", and, Liz has been successfully teaching counting skills, through a variety of mediums, including the calendar.
Onward and upward!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
This has certainly been a surprising week of days, weather-wise -- Monday, we were out in the snow, boots and all, and, Wednesday, we hardly needed jackets?!
This week, we have added several more books, read, to our reading challenge poster -- along with Nyah, Kirsten brought in Scholastic's versions of "You Read To Me and I'll Read To You" and "Snow White". Among the books read by the teachers were "Under the Apple Tree", (Mrs. Dolham), "Go Away, Big Green Monster" (Ed Emberly) and "Pierre" (Maurice Sendak), (Mrs. Goell) and "The Crayon Box That Talked" and "Fat Cat on a Mat", (Miss Peacock).
We have read more of "Bonz", such as a few more jokes, and danced to the "Bony Hokey Pokey", (while learning the meanings of several bones, including the "cranium")!!
We have had many visitors. this week, according to our schedule, including students from Lexington High School and Minuteman Career and Technical High School, on Tuesday, and, our friends from the LABB Program, on Wednesday -- We forever embrace Amy's daily contributions and surprise visits!!
We continue to learn more about our plethora of pumpkins by counting and baking both the seeds and tops, via sensory play and decorating -- the children have utilized their science, math and art skills, in addition to fine motor and language in pumpkin discovery, alone!!!!
On Tuesday, we designed a thank you card for Grotonwood Camp, from where Liz obtained the pumpkins.
Our Classroom is filled with music and dance, as always, and many of our little friends know all of the words to "The October Song"!!
Kelly has spent a great deal of time introducing the "Handwriting Without Tears" Curriculum to the "Butterflies" and "Puppies", especially via the concept and use of "Matman", and, Liz has been successfully teaching counting skills, through a variety of mediums, including the calendar.
Onward and upward!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
"GOOD MORNING!!"
Dear Friends, Families and Blog Followers,
Good Morning!!
Last evening, at Carey Hall, Kelly, Liz and I represented Minuteman's CDC at the Lexfun!! event -- we talked to many parents, to whom we provided the opportunity to view our DVD, curriculum tools and ideas and projects and, as well, passed-out bags of Rainbow Stew, along with its recipe -- our efforts seemed to be well-received!!
Please remember that, on Monday, we will be heading over to "The Big School", for a Spanish Lesson; on Wednesday, the "Butterflies" will be field-tripping over to Wilson Farm, (Liz and I have a special morning planned for the "Puppies"); and, on Friday, we will all be parading throughout Minuteman's High School, trick-or-treating (!!) -- please remember to send your children in with their orange buckets -- thank you!!
and, tomorrow, we go apple and pumpkin picking -- (for real?!) -- a long-awaited adventure for all!!!!
I am very happy to report that I will soon be an Ambassador for author and illustrator, Peter H. Reynolds, which will enable the teachers to spread his message with added resources, such as software, up to date information, discounted purchases, and more!!
Oops -- gotta go -- will be back soon!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Good Morning!!
Last evening, at Carey Hall, Kelly, Liz and I represented Minuteman's CDC at the Lexfun!! event -- we talked to many parents, to whom we provided the opportunity to view our DVD, curriculum tools and ideas and projects and, as well, passed-out bags of Rainbow Stew, along with its recipe -- our efforts seemed to be well-received!!
Please remember that, on Monday, we will be heading over to "The Big School", for a Spanish Lesson; on Wednesday, the "Butterflies" will be field-tripping over to Wilson Farm, (Liz and I have a special morning planned for the "Puppies"); and, on Friday, we will all be parading throughout Minuteman's High School, trick-or-treating (!!) -- please remember to send your children in with their orange buckets -- thank you!!
and, tomorrow, we go apple and pumpkin picking -- (for real?!) -- a long-awaited adventure for all!!!!
I am very happy to report that I will soon be an Ambassador for author and illustrator, Peter H. Reynolds, which will enable the teachers to spread his message with added resources, such as software, up to date information, discounted purchases, and more!!
Oops -- gotta go -- will be back soon!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
"A SNOWY DAY"
Dear Friends,
We had our first experience of the "winter season" (?!), yesterday, with snow boots, heavier jackets, hats and mittens!! Mrs. Dolham took us on a walk to the Football Field, where we investigated and explored.
(Please remember to keep or send the abovementioned clothing to School, with your children, even at this very early time, in the year -- thank you!!)
Yesterday, we looked at and touched pumpkins, mixed them with ice, in the sensory table, and, decorated said, as well -- thank you, Liz, for the 20 (!!) pumpkins which you brought into School!!
We are planning to toast the seeds, and, discovered that, several of our friends are growing pumpkins, at home -- Kirsten says that hers is now green!!
Nyah shared a book, "Who Said Boo?", by Phyllis Root and Ana Martin Larranaga -- thank you, Nyah -- and -- I started reading "Bonz", filled with songs, games and jokes, by Byron Glaser and Sandra Higashi.
Miss Downing bought bright orange buckets, for "shopping" at the Farm Stand, and trick-or-treating -- thanks, Kelly!! -- and -- we have begun to grow an Amaryllis, as well!!
Our Scholastic Reading Challenge Poster is displayed, in the Classroom, along with a newly decorated seasonal bulletin board, themed "Five Little Pumpkins" -- we have read at least 64 books, out of the 100 required, so far!! WOOHOO!!!!
We will have a new student, Colby, joining us in November -- WELCOME, COLBY!!
We look forward to another learning and fun-filled day, today, at the CDC!!
(PICTURE DAY!!)
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
We had our first experience of the "winter season" (?!), yesterday, with snow boots, heavier jackets, hats and mittens!! Mrs. Dolham took us on a walk to the Football Field, where we investigated and explored.
(Please remember to keep or send the abovementioned clothing to School, with your children, even at this very early time, in the year -- thank you!!)
Yesterday, we looked at and touched pumpkins, mixed them with ice, in the sensory table, and, decorated said, as well -- thank you, Liz, for the 20 (!!) pumpkins which you brought into School!!
We are planning to toast the seeds, and, discovered that, several of our friends are growing pumpkins, at home -- Kirsten says that hers is now green!!
Nyah shared a book, "Who Said Boo?", by Phyllis Root and Ana Martin Larranaga -- thank you, Nyah -- and -- I started reading "Bonz", filled with songs, games and jokes, by Byron Glaser and Sandra Higashi.
Miss Downing bought bright orange buckets, for "shopping" at the Farm Stand, and trick-or-treating -- thanks, Kelly!! -- and -- we have begun to grow an Amaryllis, as well!!
Our Scholastic Reading Challenge Poster is displayed, in the Classroom, along with a newly decorated seasonal bulletin board, themed "Five Little Pumpkins" -- we have read at least 64 books, out of the 100 required, so far!! WOOHOO!!!!
We will have a new student, Colby, joining us in November -- WELCOME, COLBY!!
We look forward to another learning and fun-filled day, today, at the CDC!!
(PICTURE DAY!!)
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Sunday, October 18, 2009
More Good News about Scholastic Books!!
Happy Sunday, All,
The October Scholastic Book Order is in the mail, and, I have begun the process to order, on-line, effective in November -- by utilizing Scholastic's on-line resources, families will receive additional free books -- yet another means to building a wonderfully tailored and inexpensive home library -- I will keep you posted!!
The CDC is officially registered, on Eli Manning's Team, for the Reading Challenge -- of what I know to have been read, at School, we are close to 60 of the 100 books to be finished by mid-December. When our goal has been met, we will have helped to donate one million books to needy children -- I plan to hang the poster, tracking books, tomorrow.
With our recently earned bonus points, we have been able to order a set of Science Vocabulary Readers, "Stone Soup" and "A Pocketful of Kisses", for our Classroom!!
Thank you, all, for your continued support of ever important Early Literacy Skills!!!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
The October Scholastic Book Order is in the mail, and, I have begun the process to order, on-line, effective in November -- by utilizing Scholastic's on-line resources, families will receive additional free books -- yet another means to building a wonderfully tailored and inexpensive home library -- I will keep you posted!!
The CDC is officially registered, on Eli Manning's Team, for the Reading Challenge -- of what I know to have been read, at School, we are close to 60 of the 100 books to be finished by mid-December. When our goal has been met, we will have helped to donate one million books to needy children -- I plan to hang the poster, tracking books, tomorrow.
With our recently earned bonus points, we have been able to order a set of Science Vocabulary Readers, "Stone Soup" and "A Pocketful of Kisses", for our Classroom!!
Thank you, all, for your continued support of ever important Early Literacy Skills!!!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Friday, October 16, 2009
"IF YOU HAVE APPLES, MAKE APPLE PIE!!"
Dear Friends, Families and Blog-Followers,
(Once, again, I apologize for blogging later, rather than sooner, for Wednesday through Friday . . . )
As you likely know, our Fieldtrip to Honeypot Hill Farms has been re-scheduled for next Friday, and, in light of yesterday's happenings, I would like to say that, although I, too, was sad that we did not go apple and pumpkin picking, I was truly proud to be a part of the Child Development Center's Team . . . Once we realized we were to remain at School, a plan was immediately put into action -- the children were no longer disappointed, and, rather, gleefully engaged in wonderful, themed and seasonal activities, with the anticipation of another adventure, next week.
Kelly and Liz quickly prepared an applie-pie baking activity, in which every child participated, one-on-one, for which Tammy picked-up vanilla ice-cream, on her way in to School, and for which I set-out (interactive) Halloween books, a variety of pumpkin and bat cut-outs and shapes, character stampers, haunted house templates, crayons, etc. -- Miss Sashi, Amy and the High-Schoolers contributed greatly, as well, and, joined in the fun!! (The apple pie and ice-cream were delicious, by the way, and especially so, served with yummy hot chocolate!!)
To reinforce the ongoing theme, I read "Barnyard Hullabaloo", authored by Giles Andreae and illustrated by David Wojtowycz, a series of silly poems about farm animals, after which we mooed, baaed, neighed, meowed, barked, clucked, and more -- and -- as a reward for good listening, the kids were given teeny-tiny coloring books, and, as well, were able to spend plenty of time, outdoors.
On Wednesday, many friends visited, and assisted with, corn painting, pumpkin and ghost decorating, Fall/Autumn word typing, dancing and singing and collage work. Guords were mixed in, with the cornstalks, for additional sensory play and our Learning Centers were appropriately themed.
Kelly taught the Butterflies and Puppies about bus safety, introduced "Matman" and, with the children, acted-out "Under the Apple Tree", by Steve Metzger with pictures by Alessia Girasole.
I read "Hair 'Em, Scare 'Em", a pop-up "misadventure", written by Charles Ogden and illustrated by Rick Carton, and, at an afternoon meeting, used jack-o-lantern stick puppets to encourage our group to be part of the storytelling experience of "Witch's Surpirse Treat!" and "Boo To You Too!", both simple and colorful reads by author Hallie Wein and artist Carolyn Jayne Church.
Kelly baked pumpkin-shaped banana bread treats for snack, this, (SNOWY?!?!), am, and, we all made get-well cards for a little friend that has been out, this week.
Miss Downing read "Night is Coming" by W. Nicola Lisa, Mrs. Dolham and I re-introduced "Matman", and, I read "Haunted Halloween Party" by Matt Mitter and Viviana Garofsky and "Farm Animals" by Joanna Jarc Robinson and Cindy Kiernicki
In the late morning, Our Sophomores, in the Early Childhood Education Program, from Minuteman's Career and Technical High School, prepared and guided our little ones, during activity time, in painting spiders, puppeteering, mummy-wrapping and a ghostly scavenger hunt -- thank you, girls!!
Our more newly-structured Circles and Meetings are going quite well, thanks to Kelly and Liz, and at Rest Time, the quiet is enhanced by and our Little Angels enjoy listening to music and stories on CD and the added comfort of Miss Sashi.
Please know that October's Scholastic Book Order will be placed, this week-end, and, with bonus points earned from September's shipment, we have, already, received new books for our classroom!! The Holiday order forms should be in your mailboxes, on or around Monday, with a due date of November 5, in order to ensure delivery in plenty of time for gift-giving.
Our Reading Challenge Poster is filling-up, quickly, and, as Mrs. Dolham mentioned during a meeting on Wednesday, the children may add the titles of books read at Home, as well as at School -- excellent suggestion!!
We continue to assess bids for playground re-construction, our "Spanish" lesson has been scheduled with Constance Maynard, Minuteman's Spanish, French and Latin teacher, on October 26th, and -- remember -- PICTURES WILL BE TAKEN ON TUESDAY, October 20th!! :) :)
Enjoy the week-end, everyone -- next week "promises" warmer weather . . .
Love Miss Peacock XOXO :) :)
(Once, again, I apologize for blogging later, rather than sooner, for Wednesday through Friday . . . )
As you likely know, our Fieldtrip to Honeypot Hill Farms has been re-scheduled for next Friday, and, in light of yesterday's happenings, I would like to say that, although I, too, was sad that we did not go apple and pumpkin picking, I was truly proud to be a part of the Child Development Center's Team . . . Once we realized we were to remain at School, a plan was immediately put into action -- the children were no longer disappointed, and, rather, gleefully engaged in wonderful, themed and seasonal activities, with the anticipation of another adventure, next week.
Kelly and Liz quickly prepared an applie-pie baking activity, in which every child participated, one-on-one, for which Tammy picked-up vanilla ice-cream, on her way in to School, and for which I set-out (interactive) Halloween books, a variety of pumpkin and bat cut-outs and shapes, character stampers, haunted house templates, crayons, etc. -- Miss Sashi, Amy and the High-Schoolers contributed greatly, as well, and, joined in the fun!! (The apple pie and ice-cream were delicious, by the way, and especially so, served with yummy hot chocolate!!)
To reinforce the ongoing theme, I read "Barnyard Hullabaloo", authored by Giles Andreae and illustrated by David Wojtowycz, a series of silly poems about farm animals, after which we mooed, baaed, neighed, meowed, barked, clucked, and more -- and -- as a reward for good listening, the kids were given teeny-tiny coloring books, and, as well, were able to spend plenty of time, outdoors.
On Wednesday, many friends visited, and assisted with, corn painting, pumpkin and ghost decorating, Fall/Autumn word typing, dancing and singing and collage work. Guords were mixed in, with the cornstalks, for additional sensory play and our Learning Centers were appropriately themed.
Kelly taught the Butterflies and Puppies about bus safety, introduced "Matman" and, with the children, acted-out "Under the Apple Tree", by Steve Metzger with pictures by Alessia Girasole.
I read "Hair 'Em, Scare 'Em", a pop-up "misadventure", written by Charles Ogden and illustrated by Rick Carton, and, at an afternoon meeting, used jack-o-lantern stick puppets to encourage our group to be part of the storytelling experience of "Witch's Surpirse Treat!" and "Boo To You Too!", both simple and colorful reads by author Hallie Wein and artist Carolyn Jayne Church.
Kelly baked pumpkin-shaped banana bread treats for snack, this, (SNOWY?!?!), am, and, we all made get-well cards for a little friend that has been out, this week.
Miss Downing read "Night is Coming" by W. Nicola Lisa, Mrs. Dolham and I re-introduced "Matman", and, I read "Haunted Halloween Party" by Matt Mitter and Viviana Garofsky and "Farm Animals" by Joanna Jarc Robinson and Cindy Kiernicki
In the late morning, Our Sophomores, in the Early Childhood Education Program, from Minuteman's Career and Technical High School, prepared and guided our little ones, during activity time, in painting spiders, puppeteering, mummy-wrapping and a ghostly scavenger hunt -- thank you, girls!!
Our more newly-structured Circles and Meetings are going quite well, thanks to Kelly and Liz, and at Rest Time, the quiet is enhanced by and our Little Angels enjoy listening to music and stories on CD and the added comfort of Miss Sashi.
Please know that October's Scholastic Book Order will be placed, this week-end, and, with bonus points earned from September's shipment, we have, already, received new books for our classroom!! The Holiday order forms should be in your mailboxes, on or around Monday, with a due date of November 5, in order to ensure delivery in plenty of time for gift-giving.
Our Reading Challenge Poster is filling-up, quickly, and, as Mrs. Dolham mentioned during a meeting on Wednesday, the children may add the titles of books read at Home, as well as at School -- excellent suggestion!!
We continue to assess bids for playground re-construction, our "Spanish" lesson has been scheduled with Constance Maynard, Minuteman's Spanish, French and Latin teacher, on October 26th, and -- remember -- PICTURES WILL BE TAKEN ON TUESDAY, October 20th!! :) :)
Enjoy the week-end, everyone -- next week "promises" warmer weather . . .
Love Miss Peacock XOXO :) :)
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
"THE SUN IS NOT SUNNY"
Dear Everyone,
As Dr. Seuss says, ("Cat in the Hat"), children can still have fun when it rains -- although our fieldtrip, to the farm, has been postponed until Thursday, we made the Dr. proud, today!!
After cleaning-up the toys and activities of the early morning , I read David Carter's "Halloween Bugs", to the children -- David's pop-up books are among my favorites, and, said is no exception.
While Kelly engaged the Butterflies in her Circle Center focused gathering, Liz reviewed the calendar and, together, we sang songs and "went bananas" with the Puppies -- Liz made each Puppy a pair of "binoculars", and as she read "In the Small, Small Pond", both written and illustrated by Denise Fleming, encouraged our group to use them in spotting things of interest.
During Activity Time, in tandem with Amy and Minuteman's Sophomores from the "Big School", here with us, this week, we painted our binoculars, which we plan to use outdoors; examined really, really long corn stalks, which now adorn the hallway, thanks to Kelly and Alana (!!); played on farm-themed mats, with toy animals and vehicles; and, explored the many open Learning Centers -- stocked with costumes, now, Dramatic Play continues to be a favorite.
Both Butterflies and Puppies alike really enjoyed playing "teachers", today, in the book area, as Nyah, John, Nicky and Phil took turns describing the fronts, backs and spines of the books, the authors and artists, and "reading" stories to others.
And, of course, everyone was thrilled to see Sprint and Buddy back at School -- the day was thoroughly full of fun and friends!!
Tomorrow, you will notice, next to our Spooky Tree, a witch and a mummy, lavishly decorated at School, today.
We had many laughs at meeting, as I read "Halloween Colors", a turn-the-flap book by Carla Dijs, and "Whose Hat is That", "Halloween Parade" and "Boo! Scram! Happy Halloween" -- three pop-up books by the makers of Sesame Street -- we do love our books and toys, and took a few minutes to play tunes with interactive kitties, a ghost and a chameleon.
We are planning to paint with the corn, retrieved from the stalks, later on this week, and finish-up several more festive projects, as well.
Liz has sent home "leaves" with all of the children, for their families to decorate with photos and other symbols of special memories -- when complete, they will combine to make a large "Family Tree", for all to enjoy -- thank you, Mrs. Dolham!!
And, "yahoo!!" -- our first order of Scholastic books has arrived and been distrubuted, accordingly -- we earned lots of bonus points, already, and several new books for the classroom -- I am hoping to coordinate a "reading challenge", designed by Scholastic, to provide books to children in need -- I think that our little friends will have no problem, whatsoever, reading 100 books by December -- (we have probably read more than said, by now!!) -- I plan to keep you all informed of our progress, by tracking what we read, on a wall chart -- thank you, to all participating families, for your continued support!!
Nella mattina!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO!!!!
As Dr. Seuss says, ("Cat in the Hat"), children can still have fun when it rains -- although our fieldtrip, to the farm, has been postponed until Thursday, we made the Dr. proud, today!!
After cleaning-up the toys and activities of the early morning , I read David Carter's "Halloween Bugs", to the children -- David's pop-up books are among my favorites, and, said is no exception.
While Kelly engaged the Butterflies in her Circle Center focused gathering, Liz reviewed the calendar and, together, we sang songs and "went bananas" with the Puppies -- Liz made each Puppy a pair of "binoculars", and as she read "In the Small, Small Pond", both written and illustrated by Denise Fleming, encouraged our group to use them in spotting things of interest.
During Activity Time, in tandem with Amy and Minuteman's Sophomores from the "Big School", here with us, this week, we painted our binoculars, which we plan to use outdoors; examined really, really long corn stalks, which now adorn the hallway, thanks to Kelly and Alana (!!); played on farm-themed mats, with toy animals and vehicles; and, explored the many open Learning Centers -- stocked with costumes, now, Dramatic Play continues to be a favorite.
Both Butterflies and Puppies alike really enjoyed playing "teachers", today, in the book area, as Nyah, John, Nicky and Phil took turns describing the fronts, backs and spines of the books, the authors and artists, and "reading" stories to others.
And, of course, everyone was thrilled to see Sprint and Buddy back at School -- the day was thoroughly full of fun and friends!!
Tomorrow, you will notice, next to our Spooky Tree, a witch and a mummy, lavishly decorated at School, today.
We had many laughs at meeting, as I read "Halloween Colors", a turn-the-flap book by Carla Dijs, and "Whose Hat is That", "Halloween Parade" and "Boo! Scram! Happy Halloween" -- three pop-up books by the makers of Sesame Street -- we do love our books and toys, and took a few minutes to play tunes with interactive kitties, a ghost and a chameleon.
We are planning to paint with the corn, retrieved from the stalks, later on this week, and finish-up several more festive projects, as well.
Liz has sent home "leaves" with all of the children, for their families to decorate with photos and other symbols of special memories -- when complete, they will combine to make a large "Family Tree", for all to enjoy -- thank you, Mrs. Dolham!!
And, "yahoo!!" -- our first order of Scholastic books has arrived and been distrubuted, accordingly -- we earned lots of bonus points, already, and several new books for the classroom -- I am hoping to coordinate a "reading challenge", designed by Scholastic, to provide books to children in need -- I think that our little friends will have no problem, whatsoever, reading 100 books by December -- (we have probably read more than said, by now!!) -- I plan to keep you all informed of our progress, by tracking what we read, on a wall chart -- thank you, to all participating families, for your continued support!!
Nella mattina!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO!!!!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
"WELCOME HOME, SPRINT AND BUDDY!!"
Dear Friends, Families and Blog Followers,
Yes -- it is true -- our infamous pair of turtles, Sprint and Buddy, will be coming home, to our new CDC, shortly -- we have so missed our amphibious friends!!
And -- we move further and further along into well-structured days, which include the patience and calm of our Post Grad, Amy, as well as scheduled visits from high-school students from both Minuteman's Career and Technical High School and Lexington High School.
"Fieldtripping" -- (please do not forget -- we pick pumpkins and apples and eat cider doughnuts on Tuesday!!) -- is in full swing!!
While Liz and I are using a calendar, now, with the "Puppies" -- (thank you, Liz!!) -- with the "Butterflies", Kelly has re-introduced the Circle Center, and is reinforcing letter and number recognition, letter sounds, one-to-one correspondence, rhyming words, colors, shapes, weather, and, much more -- additionally, I recently purchased color-mixing charts which will back-up learning, with fun, during meetings.
On Friday, the children enjoyed a wonderful mix of activities, such as keyboarding Fall and Autumn-themed words, shaping our pumpkiny, home-made play-dough, making "spider webs", completing "The Royal Family" and our multi-media group collages, (which fosters teamwork, sensory stimulation and fine motor-skill development), doing puzzles and playing in the many learning centers.
A high-light was, indeed, the huge, stand-up "Jack-O-Lantern" bean bag toss game, for outdoor use, built for the CDC, by our friends in Carpentry!! Thank you, Amy, for your undaunted assistance -- everyone "made their marks" by "signing" a thank you card for the High-Schoolers in said Shop -- our valued resources continue to be a great asset to our Center, and, the enthusiasm that the Shop Teachers and their Students have shown truly speak to the uniqueness of the Program.
And, snacks and lunches brought over from the "Big School" are being well-received!!
Two favorite interactive songs that Liz often sings during Circle-Time, which surely get the kids moving, are "Jump Up and Down!!" and "Turn Around!!" -- I re-read "The Dot", written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds, and, as I was heading-out the door, on Friday afternoon, Liz was surrounded by our group of story-loving little friends.
Please note that, although our first order has yet to arrive, it is on its way, and, more Scholastic offerings are in your mailboxes, along with Unicef collection boxes for Halloween and Pumpkin Hill's directions for growing really, really big pumpkins and toasting pumpkin seeds!!
For those of you with children in Lexington's Public School System, please know that contributions are being accepted, at said schools, for our beloved troops -- participation in the "FLAGS" program offers youngsters credit for community service -- and -- a local dentist is offering to buy back Halloween candy, to, as well, be sent to the people stationed overseas.
If anyone has any questions about Scholastic book ordering, Unicef collections, "FLAGS" and/or the candy buy-back, please see me -- thank you!!!!
We continue to decorate for and enjoy the season!!
Love Miss Peacock, (Maria), always on behalf of Miss Downing, (Kelly), Mrs. Dolham, (Liz), Mrs. Goell, (Tammy) and (Miss) Sashi XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO.
Yes -- it is true -- our infamous pair of turtles, Sprint and Buddy, will be coming home, to our new CDC, shortly -- we have so missed our amphibious friends!!
And -- we move further and further along into well-structured days, which include the patience and calm of our Post Grad, Amy, as well as scheduled visits from high-school students from both Minuteman's Career and Technical High School and Lexington High School.
"Fieldtripping" -- (please do not forget -- we pick pumpkins and apples and eat cider doughnuts on Tuesday!!) -- is in full swing!!
While Liz and I are using a calendar, now, with the "Puppies" -- (thank you, Liz!!) -- with the "Butterflies", Kelly has re-introduced the Circle Center, and is reinforcing letter and number recognition, letter sounds, one-to-one correspondence, rhyming words, colors, shapes, weather, and, much more -- additionally, I recently purchased color-mixing charts which will back-up learning, with fun, during meetings.
On Friday, the children enjoyed a wonderful mix of activities, such as keyboarding Fall and Autumn-themed words, shaping our pumpkiny, home-made play-dough, making "spider webs", completing "The Royal Family" and our multi-media group collages, (which fosters teamwork, sensory stimulation and fine motor-skill development), doing puzzles and playing in the many learning centers.
A high-light was, indeed, the huge, stand-up "Jack-O-Lantern" bean bag toss game, for outdoor use, built for the CDC, by our friends in Carpentry!! Thank you, Amy, for your undaunted assistance -- everyone "made their marks" by "signing" a thank you card for the High-Schoolers in said Shop -- our valued resources continue to be a great asset to our Center, and, the enthusiasm that the Shop Teachers and their Students have shown truly speak to the uniqueness of the Program.
And, snacks and lunches brought over from the "Big School" are being well-received!!
Two favorite interactive songs that Liz often sings during Circle-Time, which surely get the kids moving, are "Jump Up and Down!!" and "Turn Around!!" -- I re-read "The Dot", written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds, and, as I was heading-out the door, on Friday afternoon, Liz was surrounded by our group of story-loving little friends.
Please note that, although our first order has yet to arrive, it is on its way, and, more Scholastic offerings are in your mailboxes, along with Unicef collection boxes for Halloween and Pumpkin Hill's directions for growing really, really big pumpkins and toasting pumpkin seeds!!
For those of you with children in Lexington's Public School System, please know that contributions are being accepted, at said schools, for our beloved troops -- participation in the "FLAGS" program offers youngsters credit for community service -- and -- a local dentist is offering to buy back Halloween candy, to, as well, be sent to the people stationed overseas.
If anyone has any questions about Scholastic book ordering, Unicef collections, "FLAGS" and/or the candy buy-back, please see me -- thank you!!!!
We continue to decorate for and enjoy the season!!
Love Miss Peacock, (Maria), always on behalf of Miss Downing, (Kelly), Mrs. Dolham, (Liz), Mrs. Goell, (Tammy) and (Miss) Sashi XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
TRICKS AND TREATS!!
Dear Families and Friends,
Good evening!!
The past couple of days have brought, with them, great anticipation of and enthusiasm for the fun to be had in October -- we have been talking about and preparing for fieldtrips and trick-or-treating!!
Both Kelly and Liz have been teaching the children about the season via apple-themed songs, games and exploration.
Wednesday, the kids looked at apples from the outside to the inside, marveling at the patterns of "stars" in their middles, counted and began rooting the seeds and engaged in stamping and printing with the halved and quartered fruits -- they have eaten them, as well, and do plan to make applesauce and/or pie, in the near future!!
As a result, our Butterflies and Puppies have explored apples from scientific, mathematical and artistic perspectives.
We finished decorating our "Halloween Tree", which you may already have noticed, as it is covered with even more orange, black and white crepe paper, cobwebs and large rubber bugs -- yuck!! :) !!
We have almost completed our Jack-O-Lanterns, which will be displayed on a bulletin board, in the main classroom, and have read a wide variety of October-inspired stories, such as "Black Cat Creeping", "Goodnight Goon", (a spooky take on the original, by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd), "Pumpkin Cat" and "Vunce Upon a Time", (a very entertaining tale of Dagmar, a young vampire, who is a vegetarian, eats candy and is as scared of humans as they are of vampires)!!
Soon, Kelly will finish "The Royal Family", with our little ones, so that it may be available to peruse.
We all have been thoroughly enjoying music and movement and newly-devised activities, including the use of a calendar, during separate circles and meetings, and, today, made perfectly-colored pumpkin-spice play-dough, shaped into pumpkins, bats, ghosts, witches and more, as well as, immersed very sappy pine-cones in tubs of water, to discover, later on, that the "petals" closed!!
Lots of outdoor play has exposed us to sun, rain, wind and a myriad of fall colors -- it is wonderful to have real yardspace.
The CDC has had many visitors, lately, including Amy, our friends from LABB and, today, some seniors from Lexington High School.
With Tammy in California, for a few days, Nyah, with the assistance of Kirsten, has taken on the responsibility of narrating "Caps for Sale", just before rest time -- thank you, girls!!
Do have a wonderful night, all, and we look very forward to seeing you in the morning!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO :) :)
Good evening!!
The past couple of days have brought, with them, great anticipation of and enthusiasm for the fun to be had in October -- we have been talking about and preparing for fieldtrips and trick-or-treating!!
Both Kelly and Liz have been teaching the children about the season via apple-themed songs, games and exploration.
Wednesday, the kids looked at apples from the outside to the inside, marveling at the patterns of "stars" in their middles, counted and began rooting the seeds and engaged in stamping and printing with the halved and quartered fruits -- they have eaten them, as well, and do plan to make applesauce and/or pie, in the near future!!
As a result, our Butterflies and Puppies have explored apples from scientific, mathematical and artistic perspectives.
We finished decorating our "Halloween Tree", which you may already have noticed, as it is covered with even more orange, black and white crepe paper, cobwebs and large rubber bugs -- yuck!! :) !!
We have almost completed our Jack-O-Lanterns, which will be displayed on a bulletin board, in the main classroom, and have read a wide variety of October-inspired stories, such as "Black Cat Creeping", "Goodnight Goon", (a spooky take on the original, by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd), "Pumpkin Cat" and "Vunce Upon a Time", (a very entertaining tale of Dagmar, a young vampire, who is a vegetarian, eats candy and is as scared of humans as they are of vampires)!!
Soon, Kelly will finish "The Royal Family", with our little ones, so that it may be available to peruse.
We all have been thoroughly enjoying music and movement and newly-devised activities, including the use of a calendar, during separate circles and meetings, and, today, made perfectly-colored pumpkin-spice play-dough, shaped into pumpkins, bats, ghosts, witches and more, as well as, immersed very sappy pine-cones in tubs of water, to discover, later on, that the "petals" closed!!
Lots of outdoor play has exposed us to sun, rain, wind and a myriad of fall colors -- it is wonderful to have real yardspace.
The CDC has had many visitors, lately, including Amy, our friends from LABB and, today, some seniors from Lexington High School.
With Tammy in California, for a few days, Nyah, with the assistance of Kirsten, has taken on the responsibility of narrating "Caps for Sale", just before rest time -- thank you, girls!!
Do have a wonderful night, all, and we look very forward to seeing you in the morning!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO :) :)
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
"Now, Where Was I?"
. . . Oh, yes -- more about yesterday, (Monday), -- I walked into a morning already in full swing, with Mrs. Dolham and the children parading around with large, colorful game pieces on their heads, singing "The Wheels On The Bus" -- all I could do was laugh, and, be reminded of why I love my work!!
Mrs. Dolham, as well, read, "The Grumpy Morning", a story about cranky farm animals made joyous by their farmer, written by Pamela Duncan Edwards and illustrated by Darcia Labrosse, and, "The Spotty Pig", a story about a pig who learned to appreciate the wonders of being different, written by Dick King Smith and illustrated by Mary Wormell.
I will be working, as follows:
M - TH 09:00 - 01:00
F 09:00 - 12:45
This morning, I arrived to the aroma of freshly-baked banana mini muffins.
We were fortunate to have Amy, with us, today, a post-graduate in Early Childhood Education, at the Minuteman Career and Technical High School, who will continue to join us every day, -- thank you, Amy!!
Shortly after Kelly had her first Circle of Butterflies and Liz and I had our first Circle of Puppies, we ventured outside to explore nature, once again -- Liz spent quite a bit of time reading and talking about the beginning of Fall, (Autumn).
(Today was the first day that we began having regularly scheduled meetings and separate circles -- woohoo!!)
We collected all kinds of leaves and other bits and pieces of nature, (no picking or plucking!!), and, later, during activity time, made beautiful multi-media collages, in small groups, and, examined our findings with magnifying glasses.
We toted each other around, in our wagons, (thank you, families), and decorated a shelter/box with crayons -- what lovely weather, indeed!!
In addition, during activity time, we continued decorating for Halloween, played with Legos and engaged in dramatic play -- we even made a card to send over to "the big school" -- to thank our friends, in Cosmetology, for their hospitality.
After lunch, I read what has now become a "new old favorite", The Scary Show of Mo and Jo", by Hanoch Piven, and, "the Leaf Man" by Lois Ehlert -- the children surely love their stories, and, often, head over to the Book Area, to "read" -- a beautiful sight!!
A very special thank you to Daphne, Ellie's Nanna, who made berets for all of the teachers -- how thoughtful and generous -- and toasty -- thank you, so very much -- a group photo is certainly in order!!!!
Tomorrow, we look very forward to seeing both Amy, again, and, our LABB students, and adding more and more touches of "Autumn" to our classroom!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Mrs. Dolham, as well, read, "The Grumpy Morning", a story about cranky farm animals made joyous by their farmer, written by Pamela Duncan Edwards and illustrated by Darcia Labrosse, and, "The Spotty Pig", a story about a pig who learned to appreciate the wonders of being different, written by Dick King Smith and illustrated by Mary Wormell.
I will be working, as follows:
M - TH 09:00 - 01:00
F 09:00 - 12:45
This morning, I arrived to the aroma of freshly-baked banana mini muffins.
We were fortunate to have Amy, with us, today, a post-graduate in Early Childhood Education, at the Minuteman Career and Technical High School, who will continue to join us every day, -- thank you, Amy!!
Shortly after Kelly had her first Circle of Butterflies and Liz and I had our first Circle of Puppies, we ventured outside to explore nature, once again -- Liz spent quite a bit of time reading and talking about the beginning of Fall, (Autumn).
(Today was the first day that we began having regularly scheduled meetings and separate circles -- woohoo!!)
We collected all kinds of leaves and other bits and pieces of nature, (no picking or plucking!!), and, later, during activity time, made beautiful multi-media collages, in small groups, and, examined our findings with magnifying glasses.
We toted each other around, in our wagons, (thank you, families), and decorated a shelter/box with crayons -- what lovely weather, indeed!!
In addition, during activity time, we continued decorating for Halloween, played with Legos and engaged in dramatic play -- we even made a card to send over to "the big school" -- to thank our friends, in Cosmetology, for their hospitality.
After lunch, I read what has now become a "new old favorite", The Scary Show of Mo and Jo", by Hanoch Piven, and, "the Leaf Man" by Lois Ehlert -- the children surely love their stories, and, often, head over to the Book Area, to "read" -- a beautiful sight!!
A very special thank you to Daphne, Ellie's Nanna, who made berets for all of the teachers -- how thoughtful and generous -- and toasty -- thank you, so very much -- a group photo is certainly in order!!!!
Tomorrow, we look very forward to seeing both Amy, again, and, our LABB students, and adding more and more touches of "Autumn" to our classroom!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
OUR DAY AT THE "BIG SCHOOL"!!!!
Good Morning, Friends,
I understand that Friday was another full day at our Center!! :)
And, yes, we looked like we were all "going on a bear hunt", yesterday morning, as we walked and wagoned our way beyond the football field, into our high school, and up the stairs to Cosmetology, where the kids were scheduled to have their hair washed, dried and styled!! and, oh, the pictures!!!! Some of the children chose to engage in activities that we brought over, with us, "just in case" . . . Many of us visited Ms. Devlin and our big high school friends, and, all of us spent some time in the library, (where we have our very own section of books!!), and, then, at the bakery, (which was beautifully decorated for Halloween!!), before we headed back to Mill St.
Many, many thanks to Cindy DeMaio, her staff and students!!!!
To our complete delight, our little friend, Noy, who is now in kindergarten, is joining us on Mondays!!!!
Our first day of "school lunches" went relatively smoothly, and, all of the children seemed very happy with their pasta.
Oh my -- I must be off -- I'll write more, later!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
I understand that Friday was another full day at our Center!! :)
And, yes, we looked like we were all "going on a bear hunt", yesterday morning, as we walked and wagoned our way beyond the football field, into our high school, and up the stairs to Cosmetology, where the kids were scheduled to have their hair washed, dried and styled!! and, oh, the pictures!!!! Some of the children chose to engage in activities that we brought over, with us, "just in case" . . . Many of us visited Ms. Devlin and our big high school friends, and, all of us spent some time in the library, (where we have our very own section of books!!), and, then, at the bakery, (which was beautifully decorated for Halloween!!), before we headed back to Mill St.
Many, many thanks to Cindy DeMaio, her staff and students!!!!
To our complete delight, our little friend, Noy, who is now in kindergarten, is joining us on Mondays!!!!
Our first day of "school lunches" went relatively smoothly, and, all of the children seemed very happy with their pasta.
Oh my -- I must be off -- I'll write more, later!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Friday, October 2, 2009
CHILLY OCTOBER DAYS
Dear Friends, Families and Bloggers,
Well, once October hit, so did the fall weather -- it has been a couple of cold days, indeed!!
This began my first week of working Monday - Thursday -- yet another transition -- I will have to get the "scoop", on today, Monday morning . . .
On Thursday, however, we continued to delve into autumn -- Liz began teaching our children "The October Song" and "Jump Up and Down", along with a myriad of other songs and games, and, she discussed, with them, the concept of "the harvest", in preparation for the months to come.
You may have noticed, as well, that most of the kids had new hairstyles upon pick-up -- some of the girls had french braids, while quite a few of the boys donned pony-tails, straight-up, on which they insisted stay, indefinitely -- we have a few photos, of course -- thank you, Mrs. Dolham!!
I read "If You Give A Cat A Cupcake", the latest in the series written by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond -- for those of you that possess a special fondness for said stories, you may like to know that the hardcovers and accompanying stuffed companions are being sold at Kohl's, for $5 each, with almost 100% of the proceeds going to charity -- it is not only a great way to build the collection at an exceptionally reasonable price, but also to make a difference in the lives of less fortunate children.
The Halloween themed version of "I Spy" was popular, as well, during activity time, and, just before rest time, Mrs. Goell, and the little ones, too, performed another lively re-creation of "Caps for Sale".
Speaking of books . . . please know that the Scholastic book order should be arriving in less than two weeks, in plenty of time for trick or treating, and that new forms should be in your mailboxes, very soon, so that you may purchase specialty books well before the holidays are in full swing -- we thank you for your support!!
We continue to decorate our big Jack-O-Lantern shapes for display -- a work in progress -- some of the happy pumpkins are so covered with leaves, colorful tape and a variety of textured stickers, and more, that there is hardly any orange left to see -- they are quite extra-ordinary!!
In keeping with the spirit of the season, we have begun to adorn our "Tree" for both the Red Sox and Halloween, using orange and black crepe paper, "cobwebs", hand-made ornaments and photographs of players -- however, we have only just begun!!
As well, the Butterflies and Puppies, alike, polished-up their red paper apples, which were then added to the family-inspired bulletin board, played in the many learning centers -- dramatic play is an especially popular area -- and spent quite a bit of time, outdoors, in quite an invigorating temperature.
Our new "Abstract Art Gallery" is located, across from the entryway, in the front lobby, while our "Spotted, Dotted Butterfly" is attached to a wall in the main classroom.
Two of our friends from the maintenance crew worked on improving the functioning of our doors and gates -- thank you!!
Please enjoy this week-end, and, we look very forward to seeing you all, for the beginning of a new learning and fun-filled week, at the CDC!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Well, once October hit, so did the fall weather -- it has been a couple of cold days, indeed!!
This began my first week of working Monday - Thursday -- yet another transition -- I will have to get the "scoop", on today, Monday morning . . .
On Thursday, however, we continued to delve into autumn -- Liz began teaching our children "The October Song" and "Jump Up and Down", along with a myriad of other songs and games, and, she discussed, with them, the concept of "the harvest", in preparation for the months to come.
You may have noticed, as well, that most of the kids had new hairstyles upon pick-up -- some of the girls had french braids, while quite a few of the boys donned pony-tails, straight-up, on which they insisted stay, indefinitely -- we have a few photos, of course -- thank you, Mrs. Dolham!!
I read "If You Give A Cat A Cupcake", the latest in the series written by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond -- for those of you that possess a special fondness for said stories, you may like to know that the hardcovers and accompanying stuffed companions are being sold at Kohl's, for $5 each, with almost 100% of the proceeds going to charity -- it is not only a great way to build the collection at an exceptionally reasonable price, but also to make a difference in the lives of less fortunate children.
The Halloween themed version of "I Spy" was popular, as well, during activity time, and, just before rest time, Mrs. Goell, and the little ones, too, performed another lively re-creation of "Caps for Sale".
Speaking of books . . . please know that the Scholastic book order should be arriving in less than two weeks, in plenty of time for trick or treating, and that new forms should be in your mailboxes, very soon, so that you may purchase specialty books well before the holidays are in full swing -- we thank you for your support!!
We continue to decorate our big Jack-O-Lantern shapes for display -- a work in progress -- some of the happy pumpkins are so covered with leaves, colorful tape and a variety of textured stickers, and more, that there is hardly any orange left to see -- they are quite extra-ordinary!!
In keeping with the spirit of the season, we have begun to adorn our "Tree" for both the Red Sox and Halloween, using orange and black crepe paper, "cobwebs", hand-made ornaments and photographs of players -- however, we have only just begun!!
As well, the Butterflies and Puppies, alike, polished-up their red paper apples, which were then added to the family-inspired bulletin board, played in the many learning centers -- dramatic play is an especially popular area -- and spent quite a bit of time, outdoors, in quite an invigorating temperature.
Our new "Abstract Art Gallery" is located, across from the entryway, in the front lobby, while our "Spotted, Dotted Butterfly" is attached to a wall in the main classroom.
Two of our friends from the maintenance crew worked on improving the functioning of our doors and gates -- thank you!!
Please enjoy this week-end, and, we look very forward to seeing you all, for the beginning of a new learning and fun-filled week, at the CDC!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
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