"ONE, TWO, THREE, BLASTOFF!!"

Good Afternoon, All,

Today was the first day of a new theme, Outer Space, a favorite of students and teachers, alike!!

After practicing our "November Song", (lyrics in mailboxes -- thank you!!), talking about Thanksgiving and reviewing the calendar, with Mrs. Dolham, and, doing a themed finger play and watching a space shuttle launch with Miss Downing, the children went outdoors to paint boxes, that will, soon, become rocket ships!!

Our Butterflies and Puppies discovered a wonderfully big pile of leaves with which they had great fun, as well.

Several of our older friends, from LHS, are visiting us, in the mornings, while, Sophie, one of our many friends from the "Big School", remains throughout activitiy time.

With photographs of planets and stars, strewn about, the kids diligently began creating their "Space Journals" and used magic slates, colored pencils and yellow chaulk to draw the universe, constellations of stars and "aliens" -- here, the focus was on fine motor skills and the use of imagination.

In the block area, some children built space ships, while, on the hopscotch rug, others enjoyed an outer-space themed bean-bag game.

Our "spooky farm stand" will probably become less frightening, soon, and, continues to encourage the practice of buying and selling -- this morning, especially, it was quite busy, along with the "restaurant", which was set-up in the dramatic play area.

The concept of "space" inspires wonderful conversations about what we know of life beyond the earth and what questions remain unanswered -- this month -- the curriculum will assist the kids in obtaining answers to said, in tandem with exploration and discovery.

At our second meeting of the day, I read "Roaring Rockets", authored by Tony Mitton and Ant Parker, and asked each child, what, so far, was his/her favorite point of interest about outer space:

Noy, Nyah and Defne were most excited about seeing the rocket ship, (in the story), land, splash and float in the cold water.

Nick envisioned travelling into outer space, while Phil seemed to want his Mommy along for the ride . . .

John told quite a detailed story about the take-off, travel and landing of a rocket ship, and, Molly imagined a "pink rocket (decorated) with butterflies and flowers, with lots of 'remotes' and a TV, and a kitty lost in space" -- (Go, Molly!! :))

Ellie seemed interested in the talk of space, in general, while Sheena and Orion, (how appropriate a name!!), were ready to "take-off" for lunch!!

In addition, we read books, including "Zoom, Zoom, Zoom", by Dan Yaccarino, and listened to music related to our new theme, as well.

Our Amaryllis is growing, while our apple seeds continue to sprout, in preparation for re-planting.

Sprint and Buddy are wonderful class pets, whose favorite foods are whole grapes, (really!!), carrots and lettuce -- Sprint has the most fun annoying Buddy and falling in and out of the water bowl . . .

The teachers will focus on nutrition, moreso, during the second half of November.

Please enjoy the evening, and, we look forward to seeing many of you, tomorrow!!

Love Miss Peacock XOXO

(Oh -- PS -- Please remember to decorate and return the leaves for our family trees -- what Liz has received, so far, is truly "stellar" work -- thank you!! :))