Hello Everyone!!
I trust that everyone is enjoying the simple pleasures of post holiday festivities and a wonderful vacation week -- and -- on behalf of all of the teachers, I thank you, all, for your thoughtfullness and generosity!!!!
As you likely already know, the week prior to vacation was a whirlwind of celebratory activity!!
On Monday, Tammy and Amy, especially, spent a great deal of time in the kitchen, preparing potato latkes, which were then served, with applesauce -- (according to Amy, they are very tasty with sour cream, as well) -- Kelly was very busy making lots of cookies to distribute to all of our helping hands -- (thank you, to all of the teachers and students, for their hard work and happy faces) -- and -- later that afternoon, the children painted wooden dreidels!!!!
Tuesday morning, we took our little friends Christmas caroling, at "The Big School" -- accompanied by the Minuteman C & T HS Early Education and Care Students, as well -- they sang, rang their jingle bells and handed-out homemade snowflakes to staff members -- it was a grand experience -- everyone was joyfully exhausted upon our return to the CDC . . .
Watching the Polar Express, in their jammies, and being served hot chocolate, was the highlight of Wednesday, for Butterflies and Puppies, alike!!
Our amaryllis is now 24 inches tall, (two feet!!), and, thanks to John, (:)), we saw the plant beginning to flower, which, we were all hoping to experience, before heading off on Wednesday -- it appears that four flowers are forming, while another bud is shooting up, from below -- we watered the amaryllis, generously, to keep it healthy until our return.
Other activities, this week, included, adding artwork to our Jan Brett-themed board, reading oh so many wonderfully interactive holiday books, (that I lost count!!), filling-in seasonal coloring books, (focused on shapes), fashioning pipe cleaner/cheneille stem decorations and mixing green play dough with silver glitter, (great fine motor skill activities), riding wheeled vehicles, (great gross motor skill activity), painting trees with salt and water, (to look like snow and for texture), math activities, (to encourage practice in one-to-one correspondence), wrapping gifts for family and friends, cutting-out snowflakes, and much, much more!!
And, during meeting times, we discussed "giving" as the major component to the holiday season, and, shared ways that we can make positive differences in our world.
I wish you a blessed holiday season and a happy new year, filled with joy!!!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Friday, December 25, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
"GROSS MOTOR EXTRAVAGANZA!!"
Dear Friends,
Well, by the third day indoors . . . the children could not get enough gross motor activity -- thank you, Kelly, Liz, Tammy and Sashi, for sharing your creative genius!!!! :) :) :) :)
Love Maria (Miss Peacock) XOXOXOXO
Well, by the third day indoors . . . the children could not get enough gross motor activity -- thank you, Kelly, Liz, Tammy and Sashi, for sharing your creative genius!!!! :) :) :) :)
Love Maria (Miss Peacock) XOXOXOXO
Friday, December 18, 2009
"HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, CHARLOTTE!!"
Dear Friends,
Yes -- a belated "Happy Birthday!!" to our friend, Charlotte, who turned four years old on December 6th!!
The weather has been cold and windy, and, as a result, the children have enjoyed many wonderful activities, indoors, where we continue to work on seasonal and other decor -- Mrs. Dolham has lavished one of our classroom walls with colorful and laminated banners bearing the greeting "hello!!" in languages spoken all over the world!!
Miss Downing has read Polar Express, as well as, shown the "train ride", multiple times, to the delight of our little friends -- during Activity Time, they were encouraged to "ride" the Polar Express, utilizing a string of chairs and jingle bells -- on Wednesday, the 23rd, we will wear pajamas to school, and watch Polar Express while savoring "snowman stew" -- hot chocolate with marshmallows and candy canes -- MMMM . . .
We have been reading many, many books about both Christmas and Hanukkah, and, our Butterflies and Puppies have been, especially, drawn to "Dreamsnow", a beautifully embellished book by Eric Carle, and, "Mistletoe", a story, with music, about a candy-cane colored kitty-cat who teaches all that it is far better to give than it is to receive.
Liz, Kelly, Tammy and Sashi have been keeping the kids very active with a wide variety of movement-inpired games and songs, as well as with baking activities.
We continue to review our calendar, daily, discuss the weather, sing our "December" song, and focus on letter recognition and sounds.
Please know, as well, that, on Monday, the 21st, we will be making Potato Latkes, served with apple sauce, with Mrs. Goell, and, on Tuesday, the 22nd, we will be going Caroling over at the "Big School" -- we look forward to another splendid Holiday week!!
BBBBRRRR!!!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Yes -- a belated "Happy Birthday!!" to our friend, Charlotte, who turned four years old on December 6th!!
The weather has been cold and windy, and, as a result, the children have enjoyed many wonderful activities, indoors, where we continue to work on seasonal and other decor -- Mrs. Dolham has lavished one of our classroom walls with colorful and laminated banners bearing the greeting "hello!!" in languages spoken all over the world!!
Miss Downing has read Polar Express, as well as, shown the "train ride", multiple times, to the delight of our little friends -- during Activity Time, they were encouraged to "ride" the Polar Express, utilizing a string of chairs and jingle bells -- on Wednesday, the 23rd, we will wear pajamas to school, and watch Polar Express while savoring "snowman stew" -- hot chocolate with marshmallows and candy canes -- MMMM . . .
We have been reading many, many books about both Christmas and Hanukkah, and, our Butterflies and Puppies have been, especially, drawn to "Dreamsnow", a beautifully embellished book by Eric Carle, and, "Mistletoe", a story, with music, about a candy-cane colored kitty-cat who teaches all that it is far better to give than it is to receive.
Liz, Kelly, Tammy and Sashi have been keeping the kids very active with a wide variety of movement-inpired games and songs, as well as with baking activities.
We continue to review our calendar, daily, discuss the weather, sing our "December" song, and focus on letter recognition and sounds.
Please know, as well, that, on Monday, the 21st, we will be making Potato Latkes, served with apple sauce, with Mrs. Goell, and, on Tuesday, the 22nd, we will be going Caroling over at the "Big School" -- we look forward to another splendid Holiday week!!
BBBBRRRR!!!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
"SUPER STOP & SHOP!!"
Good Evening Friends and Family Members,
We always have fun at school, and yesterday was no exception . . . but today . . . Miss Downing drove the Butterflies, Puppies, Mrs. Dolham, Miss Amy and me to Stop & Shop, (or, as one of our young friends said . . . "Stoppin Shoppin!!"
Rhonda, the Florist, invited all of the children to "smell the flowers", more specifically, a Lilly, pointed out the festive balloons and supplied us with coloring sheets, candy canes and Hershey kisses -- Thank you, Rhonda!! :)
Next, we stopped at the Deli, and after each child pressed the button, took a number and handed said back, he or she was given a slice of cheese . . . then, we headed over to see the lobsters and a squid with cherry tomato eyes -- aagghh!! -- thank you, Mary?!
John took us around back to demonstrate how to package and grind meat -- (rather carnivorous . . . I eat veggies . . .) -- thank goodness -- no samples of Steak Tartare!!
Rhonda quizzed the kids on the names and colors of vegetables and fruits, and, gave each child a fresh, delicious Clementine, before leading us to the bakery for -- yes -- shortbread cookies!!
Somehow, in between all of the above, we managed, with direction from our fearless leader and bus driver, (Kelly), to collect all of the ingredients we would need to make cheese scones, for ourselves, and, a variety of festive cookies, for our high-school friends.
Everyone had a wonderful time at the store and sang songs on both legs of the bus ride . . . today was another example of why, we, the teachers, so enjoy our work . . . and, on behalf of us all, I take this opportunity to, once again, thank you for sharing your children with us, all week long!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
We always have fun at school, and yesterday was no exception . . . but today . . . Miss Downing drove the Butterflies, Puppies, Mrs. Dolham, Miss Amy and me to Stop & Shop, (or, as one of our young friends said . . . "Stoppin Shoppin!!"
Rhonda, the Florist, invited all of the children to "smell the flowers", more specifically, a Lilly, pointed out the festive balloons and supplied us with coloring sheets, candy canes and Hershey kisses -- Thank you, Rhonda!! :)
Next, we stopped at the Deli, and after each child pressed the button, took a number and handed said back, he or she was given a slice of cheese . . . then, we headed over to see the lobsters and a squid with cherry tomato eyes -- aagghh!! -- thank you, Mary?!
John took us around back to demonstrate how to package and grind meat -- (rather carnivorous . . . I eat veggies . . .) -- thank goodness -- no samples of Steak Tartare!!
Rhonda quizzed the kids on the names and colors of vegetables and fruits, and, gave each child a fresh, delicious Clementine, before leading us to the bakery for -- yes -- shortbread cookies!!
Somehow, in between all of the above, we managed, with direction from our fearless leader and bus driver, (Kelly), to collect all of the ingredients we would need to make cheese scones, for ourselves, and, a variety of festive cookies, for our high-school friends.
Everyone had a wonderful time at the store and sang songs on both legs of the bus ride . . . today was another example of why, we, the teachers, so enjoy our work . . . and, on behalf of us all, I take this opportunity to, once again, thank you for sharing your children with us, all week long!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Sunday, December 13, 2009
"WINTER WONDERLAND!!"
Good Morning, Families, Friends and Blog-Followers,
Because Friday was really cold and very windy, our time outdoors was shortened, but, the day was filled with festive offerings, during Activity Time, and, throughout the day, as well!!
Miss Amy prepared a lovely presentation, for the first day of Hanukkah, which included sharing, with the children, a Menorah and reading about the Holiday -- additionally, Amy allowed the kids to peruse two wonderful storybooks related to Hanukkah -- thank you, Miss Amy!!
Our friends from the Minuteman C&T HS designed, planned and implemented many seasonal art and language-based projects, such as collages entitled "Winter Wonderland" and "Of What Do Trees Remind You?", glittery and colorful snowflakes, gingerbread men made out of sandpaper and rubbed with cinnamon sticks, "icicles" and other tree decorations and Mitten "Stories" -- thank you, ladies -- our boards and tree should, soon, be filled with many hand-made treasures!!
Additionally, the sensory table was filled with aromatic boughs, and scissors, for cutting, and, the hopscotch rug was looking quite surreal, with cosmotology heads available for holiday makeovers!!
Fine motor skills were reinforced by using glue and sprinkling glitter, rubbing cinnamon into sandpaper, cutting boughs and utilizing combs, ponytial holders and more -- what delightful scents filled our classroom!!
I read, with glasses fashioned out of pipe cleaners, and, looking like Mrs. Claus, (thank you, Christina!!), "There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell", another in the series, and, was accompanied by an animated reindeer playing the saxophone -- we danced and sang!!
Our Amaryllisses are sky-high, now, the tallest one reaching over 20 inches -- we anxiously await a red flower!!
Please note that Scholastic Book Orders are due on the 14th, and that, Toys for Tots donations are due on the 15th -- thank you, all, for your continued support!!
Please enjoy the rest of the week-end -- we look forward to greeting you, in the morning.
Lots of Love, Miss Peacock XOXO
Because Friday was really cold and very windy, our time outdoors was shortened, but, the day was filled with festive offerings, during Activity Time, and, throughout the day, as well!!
Miss Amy prepared a lovely presentation, for the first day of Hanukkah, which included sharing, with the children, a Menorah and reading about the Holiday -- additionally, Amy allowed the kids to peruse two wonderful storybooks related to Hanukkah -- thank you, Miss Amy!!
Our friends from the Minuteman C&T HS designed, planned and implemented many seasonal art and language-based projects, such as collages entitled "Winter Wonderland" and "Of What Do Trees Remind You?", glittery and colorful snowflakes, gingerbread men made out of sandpaper and rubbed with cinnamon sticks, "icicles" and other tree decorations and Mitten "Stories" -- thank you, ladies -- our boards and tree should, soon, be filled with many hand-made treasures!!
Additionally, the sensory table was filled with aromatic boughs, and scissors, for cutting, and, the hopscotch rug was looking quite surreal, with cosmotology heads available for holiday makeovers!!
Fine motor skills were reinforced by using glue and sprinkling glitter, rubbing cinnamon into sandpaper, cutting boughs and utilizing combs, ponytial holders and more -- what delightful scents filled our classroom!!
I read, with glasses fashioned out of pipe cleaners, and, looking like Mrs. Claus, (thank you, Christina!!), "There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell", another in the series, and, was accompanied by an animated reindeer playing the saxophone -- we danced and sang!!
Our Amaryllisses are sky-high, now, the tallest one reaching over 20 inches -- we anxiously await a red flower!!
Please note that Scholastic Book Orders are due on the 14th, and that, Toys for Tots donations are due on the 15th -- thank you, all, for your continued support!!
Please enjoy the rest of the week-end -- we look forward to greeting you, in the morning.
Lots of Love, Miss Peacock XOXO
Thursday, December 10, 2009
"ANTARCTICA"
Dear Friends,
Yes . . . that is what it felt like, in the snow and wind, these past couple of days -- deeply invigorating!!
In addition to experiencing the great outdoors, we have continued to challenge both the Butterflies and Puppies during Activity Time and many other times throughout the day.
A few highlights of Wednesday were enjoying hot chocolate, listening and responding to the Silly Sally story cards, creating a story around Winnie the Pooh characters and reading "I Love You Forever", which I read to my own son, many years ago . . . Special thanks to Mrs. Dolham!!
A few highlights of Thursday were playing a more sophisticated version of "the missing officer", hanging up our Circle Center, (thank you, Miss Downing!!), role-playing "There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly", complete with a puppet and soft fabric characters, playing "Wonder Ball" and "Alice the Camel", (thank you, Mrs. Goell !!), and, utilizing pipe cleaners to make festive ornaments for the tree and enjoying winter-themed coloring projects.
Tomorrow, our own Minuteman C & T HS Students will put their talents to work, having designed and implemented their own activities, specially prepared for our little ones -- thank you, ladies!!!!
The Scholastic Book order forms are now in mailboxes, with a due date of December 14, (Monday).
Have a wonderful night, and, we look very forward to seeing you in the morning!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Yes . . . that is what it felt like, in the snow and wind, these past couple of days -- deeply invigorating!!
In addition to experiencing the great outdoors, we have continued to challenge both the Butterflies and Puppies during Activity Time and many other times throughout the day.
A few highlights of Wednesday were enjoying hot chocolate, listening and responding to the Silly Sally story cards, creating a story around Winnie the Pooh characters and reading "I Love You Forever", which I read to my own son, many years ago . . . Special thanks to Mrs. Dolham!!
A few highlights of Thursday were playing a more sophisticated version of "the missing officer", hanging up our Circle Center, (thank you, Miss Downing!!), role-playing "There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly", complete with a puppet and soft fabric characters, playing "Wonder Ball" and "Alice the Camel", (thank you, Mrs. Goell !!), and, utilizing pipe cleaners to make festive ornaments for the tree and enjoying winter-themed coloring projects.
Tomorrow, our own Minuteman C & T HS Students will put their talents to work, having designed and implemented their own activities, specially prepared for our little ones -- thank you, ladies!!!!
The Scholastic Book order forms are now in mailboxes, with a due date of December 14, (Monday).
Have a wonderful night, and, we look very forward to seeing you in the morning!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
"LET IT SNOW . . . "
Dear Everyone,
Hmmm . . . more snow . . . kind of a culture shock, after last week's tropical wave . . .
Tuft's Traveling Treasure Trunk was a huge success!! :) The skits that they performed included "Go Bananas", "Where the Wild Things Are", "Red Bench", "Marching Band" and "Obstacle Course" -- as well, the actors asked for audience participation in singing and movement -- the expressions on the faces of Butterflies and Puppies, alike, were of sheer joy, and, quite a beautiful sight . . . After the show, small groups of, (very excited), little ones, high-schoolers and teachers, engaged in additional song and dance!!
Upon the departure of our new-found college friends, we bundled-up for outdoor fun!!
We continue to sing "The December Song", focus on the letter "B" and have new and colorful charts on the walls -- "Today Is . . . " and "Season and Weather" -- as well -- the teachers are working hard to create a more seasonal look for our walls and boards!!
Activity Time presented some very new and slightly different offerings, such as, the bumpy, curvy and rounded balance beam used as a track for driving vehicles of a wide variety, work with shapes, tugboats transporting wild animals, snow with pails and shovels, sculpting with playdough, glitter and chenielle stems, and, much, much more!!
We read many books, including, but not limited to "Under the Ground" and "Jobs", both by Usborne, and, Mrs. Goell and the children role-played the ever-popular "Caps for Sale".
Soon, you should find new Scholastic Book order forms in your mailboxes -- I am very excited that, just yesterday, "There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell!!", another delightful read authored by Lucille Colandro and illustrated by Jared Lee, was shipped to our school -- (very timely) -- which I am hoping to read, tomorrow!!
Be safe, all . . .
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Hmmm . . . more snow . . . kind of a culture shock, after last week's tropical wave . . .
Tuft's Traveling Treasure Trunk was a huge success!! :) The skits that they performed included "Go Bananas", "Where the Wild Things Are", "Red Bench", "Marching Band" and "Obstacle Course" -- as well, the actors asked for audience participation in singing and movement -- the expressions on the faces of Butterflies and Puppies, alike, were of sheer joy, and, quite a beautiful sight . . . After the show, small groups of, (very excited), little ones, high-schoolers and teachers, engaged in additional song and dance!!
Upon the departure of our new-found college friends, we bundled-up for outdoor fun!!
We continue to sing "The December Song", focus on the letter "B" and have new and colorful charts on the walls -- "Today Is . . . " and "Season and Weather" -- as well -- the teachers are working hard to create a more seasonal look for our walls and boards!!
Activity Time presented some very new and slightly different offerings, such as, the bumpy, curvy and rounded balance beam used as a track for driving vehicles of a wide variety, work with shapes, tugboats transporting wild animals, snow with pails and shovels, sculpting with playdough, glitter and chenielle stems, and, much, much more!!
We read many books, including, but not limited to "Under the Ground" and "Jobs", both by Usborne, and, Mrs. Goell and the children role-played the ever-popular "Caps for Sale".
Soon, you should find new Scholastic Book order forms in your mailboxes -- I am very excited that, just yesterday, "There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell!!", another delightful read authored by Lucille Colandro and illustrated by Jared Lee, was shipped to our school -- (very timely) -- which I am hoping to read, tomorrow!!
Be safe, all . . .
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Monday, December 7, 2009
"THE SNOWY DAY!!"
Dear All,
Yesterday began our second week learning about Community Helpers, and, our first day of snow!! (I just had to read "The Snowy Day", a classic, by Ezra Jack Keats, and "Bear", a story of limited words, by one of my personal favorites, Raymond Briggs.)
And, Kelly has begun teaching our little ones their addresses!!
At Circle, Mrs. Dolham & Miss Downing played a game in which the kids guessed wh/ "officer" was missing, with descriptives -- it was great fun -- and -- Miss Maggie dressed up as a police officer, allowing Butterflies and Puppies to try on her husband's jacket and hat -- I took many photos --thank you, Miss Maggie!!
We sang the "B" song, played in the snow -- (even built a snowman named "Frosty"!!) -- and enjoyed many choices, especially wet ones, (!!), during Activity Time.
The snow in the sensory table was polka-dotted, eventually turning purple!!
The children practiced "brushing teeth" using bases covered with shaving cream and barber-style brushes, painted tracks with vehicles, played Alphabet Bingo, Weighed toy animals with scales, pulled tugboats filled with small building blocks, began piecing together a floor-size puzzle of a fire-engine, and, again, thoroughly enjoyed woodworking activities!!
Today, we welcome Tufts "Travelling Treasure Trunk" and another snowy day!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Yesterday began our second week learning about Community Helpers, and, our first day of snow!! (I just had to read "The Snowy Day", a classic, by Ezra Jack Keats, and "Bear", a story of limited words, by one of my personal favorites, Raymond Briggs.)
And, Kelly has begun teaching our little ones their addresses!!
At Circle, Mrs. Dolham & Miss Downing played a game in which the kids guessed wh/ "officer" was missing, with descriptives -- it was great fun -- and -- Miss Maggie dressed up as a police officer, allowing Butterflies and Puppies to try on her husband's jacket and hat -- I took many photos --thank you, Miss Maggie!!
We sang the "B" song, played in the snow -- (even built a snowman named "Frosty"!!) -- and enjoyed many choices, especially wet ones, (!!), during Activity Time.
The snow in the sensory table was polka-dotted, eventually turning purple!!
The children practiced "brushing teeth" using bases covered with shaving cream and barber-style brushes, painted tracks with vehicles, played Alphabet Bingo, Weighed toy animals with scales, pulled tugboats filled with small building blocks, began piecing together a floor-size puzzle of a fire-engine, and, again, thoroughly enjoyed woodworking activities!!
Today, we welcome Tufts "Travelling Treasure Trunk" and another snowy day!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Saturday, December 5, 2009
"JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL"
Dear Families, Friends and Blog Followers,
Although it is still raining, it is relatively mild, and, I find it rather surreal to hear and see birds and other winged creatures confused by the warmth of the season -- just the other day, outdoors, at school, we heard the joyous sound and saw the splendid sight of a v-shaped flock of birds, flying overhead, and . . . to the north? Breathtaking.
Because the weather was crisp, yesterday, Mrs. Dolham decided that all would benefit from extended time outdoors -- and -- what a great decision it turned-out to be -- with long, thick strips of packing paper, Liz initiated the construction of a zig-zag obstacle course, adding hoops for jumping and a slide for added "mmpphh" -- then -- we rolled-up some of the paper, small and tight, and used said for "basketballs" of a sort -- great fun was had by all!!
During Activity Time, the children thoroughly enjoyed walking the curvy, bumpy and rounded balance beam, working -- very carefully -- at the wood-working bench -- with real wood, hammers, nails, and, of course, safety glasses -- (thank you, Miss Amy!!), utilizing scales and colored lenzes and painting, among a myriad of additional activities -- in addition to having a grand time, the children practiced their gross and fine-motor skills, as well as, experienced added hands-on sensory, art, language, math and science-based projects.
During said time, we listed to Judy Schachner tell her story of Skippy Jon's trip to Mars, via CD.
Olivia, one of our Lexington High School students, read "I Love Trains", to the kids, written by Philemon Sturgess and illustrated by Sharon Halpern, and, as hoped, I shared the story of "The Three Snow Bears", by Jan Brett.
And, our two Amaryllis plants are growing beyond the size of a standard ruler -- the first plant is almost 11 inches, its parts spread out like a fan, and the second plant is over 12 inches, its bud preparing to flower.
I do hope that all of you are enjoying some of the festivities offered in celebration of the holiday season -- this week-end, Mrs. Goell dances her heart out at the annual Holiday Show, and, Alana performed, with her choir members, this morning, in a fabulous show, at Fanueill Hall Marketplace!!
Happy Holidays, and -- please -- enjoy the rest of the week-end, with loved ones, in this marvelous season of giving!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Although it is still raining, it is relatively mild, and, I find it rather surreal to hear and see birds and other winged creatures confused by the warmth of the season -- just the other day, outdoors, at school, we heard the joyous sound and saw the splendid sight of a v-shaped flock of birds, flying overhead, and . . . to the north? Breathtaking.
Because the weather was crisp, yesterday, Mrs. Dolham decided that all would benefit from extended time outdoors -- and -- what a great decision it turned-out to be -- with long, thick strips of packing paper, Liz initiated the construction of a zig-zag obstacle course, adding hoops for jumping and a slide for added "mmpphh" -- then -- we rolled-up some of the paper, small and tight, and used said for "basketballs" of a sort -- great fun was had by all!!
During Activity Time, the children thoroughly enjoyed walking the curvy, bumpy and rounded balance beam, working -- very carefully -- at the wood-working bench -- with real wood, hammers, nails, and, of course, safety glasses -- (thank you, Miss Amy!!), utilizing scales and colored lenzes and painting, among a myriad of additional activities -- in addition to having a grand time, the children practiced their gross and fine-motor skills, as well as, experienced added hands-on sensory, art, language, math and science-based projects.
During said time, we listed to Judy Schachner tell her story of Skippy Jon's trip to Mars, via CD.
Olivia, one of our Lexington High School students, read "I Love Trains", to the kids, written by Philemon Sturgess and illustrated by Sharon Halpern, and, as hoped, I shared the story of "The Three Snow Bears", by Jan Brett.
And, our two Amaryllis plants are growing beyond the size of a standard ruler -- the first plant is almost 11 inches, its parts spread out like a fan, and the second plant is over 12 inches, its bud preparing to flower.
I do hope that all of you are enjoying some of the festivities offered in celebration of the holiday season -- this week-end, Mrs. Goell dances her heart out at the annual Holiday Show, and, Alana performed, with her choir members, this morning, in a fabulous show, at Fanueill Hall Marketplace!!
Happy Holidays, and -- please -- enjoy the rest of the week-end, with loved ones, in this marvelous season of giving!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Thursday, December 3, 2009
"A BRIGHT, BRIGHT SUNSHINY DAY!!!!"
Dear Families, Friends and Blog Followers,
It is December 3rd, and, this afternoon, I took photos of my little friends, playing out on the deck -- donning shirts and pants -- unbelievable!!!!
Today was filled with a great deal of physical activity, singing and dancing, reading, and, much, much more . . .
After moring Circle, with Liz, we sang the "A" song and read "Annie the Acrobat", with Kelly -- then -- got out a trunkful of socks, put them on our right hands and greeted our friends, and, sang the accompanying song as well as, "There's a Dog in Our School" -- ("oo-oh my!!") -- at afternoon Meeting, Tammy led us all in "Joe and the Button Factory" and the "Good Day Song" -- thank you, teachers!!
During Activity Time, the children, again, enjoyed the obstacle course, played with our new wooden train set and in the "dirt", and, participated in many other theme-based and art, language, math and science-based activities, as well as "Nutrition Lotto".
Much was observed and learned and fun was had by all!!
We are re-decorating the front hallway with photography and snowflakes and dedicating a section of "The Dot Wall" to the world of Jan Brett, author and illustrator -- tomorrow, I plan to read "The Snow Bears", Jan's lush re-working of "Goldilocks".
Please enjoy your evening -- we look very forward to seeing you in the morning -- (feel free to bring lounge chairs, sun block and "shades"?!?!)
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
It is December 3rd, and, this afternoon, I took photos of my little friends, playing out on the deck -- donning shirts and pants -- unbelievable!!!!
Today was filled with a great deal of physical activity, singing and dancing, reading, and, much, much more . . .
After moring Circle, with Liz, we sang the "A" song and read "Annie the Acrobat", with Kelly -- then -- got out a trunkful of socks, put them on our right hands and greeted our friends, and, sang the accompanying song as well as, "There's a Dog in Our School" -- ("oo-oh my!!") -- at afternoon Meeting, Tammy led us all in "Joe and the Button Factory" and the "Good Day Song" -- thank you, teachers!!
During Activity Time, the children, again, enjoyed the obstacle course, played with our new wooden train set and in the "dirt", and, participated in many other theme-based and art, language, math and science-based activities, as well as "Nutrition Lotto".
Much was observed and learned and fun was had by all!!
We are re-decorating the front hallway with photography and snowflakes and dedicating a section of "The Dot Wall" to the world of Jan Brett, author and illustrator -- tomorrow, I plan to read "The Snow Bears", Jan's lush re-working of "Goldilocks".
Please enjoy your evening -- we look very forward to seeing you in the morning -- (feel free to bring lounge chairs, sun block and "shades"?!?!)
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
"A FULL DAY!!"
Dear Families, Friends and Blog Followers,
Today, we had many visitors including friends from LHS and the LABB Program -- (welcome, Alyssa!!) -- and Mrs. Devlin and her Freshman Explorers from Minuteman C & T HS -- as well -- the children were thrilled to see Mr. Houle drive through in his "race car", early, this morning!!
Outdoors, the children thoroughly enjoyed decorating and utilizing empty cardboard boxes for train cars, and, at activity time, our Butterflies and Puppies lined-up, time and time again, at the obstacle course, which consisted of ribbon twirls, hopscotch squares, a straight balance beam and a gymnastics mat.
As well, all were invited to engage in a variety of language-based, (such as letter recognition, writing on chaulkboards and typing on keyboards), and math and science activities, (such as one-to-one correspondence, patterning, sorting and measuring).
At Circle Time, we continued to review the month and practice "The December Song", as well as, discuss what we would like to be when we grow up -- today's answers are as follows:
Kirsten -- Veterinarian
Juliana -- Firefighter -- (Go, Girl!!)
Nyah -- "Cinderella"
Molly -- A "Baker", (who promised to bake a princess cake for Nyah, and one for Juliana, as well . . . )
Nicky and Kolby -- Astronauts
Phil and John -- Race Car Drivers
Gryffin -- A "Purple" Race Car
Sheena -- A "Chicken" !!!!
I was more excited, than the kids, to read, "Skippy Jon Jones, Lost in Spice", the newest addition to her series, by Judy Schachner -- and -- said, in our best Spanish accents, "my eers are too beeg for my head, and my head is too beeg for my body, and . . . " -- well -- you have heard the rest, before!!
Another thank you, to those of you who have, thus far, contributed to Miss Sashi's collection for "Toys for Tots" -- we welcome donations of toys, books, and, more, for infants through teenagers, and, again, are very grateful for your thoughtful and generous support of all the School's endeavors.
We look forward to seeing many of you, bright and early, tomorrow morning!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Today, we had many visitors including friends from LHS and the LABB Program -- (welcome, Alyssa!!) -- and Mrs. Devlin and her Freshman Explorers from Minuteman C & T HS -- as well -- the children were thrilled to see Mr. Houle drive through in his "race car", early, this morning!!
Outdoors, the children thoroughly enjoyed decorating and utilizing empty cardboard boxes for train cars, and, at activity time, our Butterflies and Puppies lined-up, time and time again, at the obstacle course, which consisted of ribbon twirls, hopscotch squares, a straight balance beam and a gymnastics mat.
As well, all were invited to engage in a variety of language-based, (such as letter recognition, writing on chaulkboards and typing on keyboards), and math and science activities, (such as one-to-one correspondence, patterning, sorting and measuring).
At Circle Time, we continued to review the month and practice "The December Song", as well as, discuss what we would like to be when we grow up -- today's answers are as follows:
Kirsten -- Veterinarian
Juliana -- Firefighter -- (Go, Girl!!)
Nyah -- "Cinderella"
Molly -- A "Baker", (who promised to bake a princess cake for Nyah, and one for Juliana, as well . . . )
Nicky and Kolby -- Astronauts
Phil and John -- Race Car Drivers
Gryffin -- A "Purple" Race Car
Sheena -- A "Chicken" !!!!
I was more excited, than the kids, to read, "Skippy Jon Jones, Lost in Spice", the newest addition to her series, by Judy Schachner -- and -- said, in our best Spanish accents, "my eers are too beeg for my head, and my head is too beeg for my body, and . . . " -- well -- you have heard the rest, before!!
Another thank you, to those of you who have, thus far, contributed to Miss Sashi's collection for "Toys for Tots" -- we welcome donations of toys, books, and, more, for infants through teenagers, and, again, are very grateful for your thoughtful and generous support of all the School's endeavors.
We look forward to seeing many of you, bright and early, tomorrow morning!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
"THE MONTH OF DECEMBER"
Good Evening, All,
Today, at Circle, Liz reviewed the month of December, and, its many special days -- in addition to all of the holidays, Tufts University's "Travelling Treasure Trunk" will be performing, for the Butterflies and Puppies, and Charlotte will be turning four -- "Happy Birthday, Charlotte !!"
Under Mrs. Dolham's tutelage, as well, we played "charades", and fully appreciated the string of Community Helpers that she hung across the classroom wall -- thank you, Liz!!
This week, Kelly is teaching the children the "A" song -- a different letter song will be practiced, each week, in order to reinforce letter recognition and associated sounds -- and -- with Miss Amy's fabulous hand-fashioned block, she, as well, guided our little friends in a sing-along, which included "Baby Bumblebee" and "Wheels on the Bus". Miss Downing read ""If I Were . . . ", a Gymboree book, and, I read "The Train" by Paul Collicutt -- we flew like pilots and drove like race car drivers -- "WHOOSH!!".
New activites, along with lots of music, were incorporated into the mix, this morning, including the balance beam, which was extremely popular, and an excellent means to encouraging gross motor skill development -- and -- the kids thoroughly enjoyed pulling their stuffed animal friends around in tugboats and playing "Color and Shape Bingo".
And, although cold, we had an invigorating outdoor experience!! (Please consider leaving extra hats and mittens, at school, with your children, to ensure that they are appropriately dressed, as the weather becomes colder -- thank you!!)
Have a wonderful evening, and, we look forward to seeing many of you, in the morning!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Today, at Circle, Liz reviewed the month of December, and, its many special days -- in addition to all of the holidays, Tufts University's "Travelling Treasure Trunk" will be performing, for the Butterflies and Puppies, and Charlotte will be turning four -- "Happy Birthday, Charlotte !!"
Under Mrs. Dolham's tutelage, as well, we played "charades", and fully appreciated the string of Community Helpers that she hung across the classroom wall -- thank you, Liz!!
This week, Kelly is teaching the children the "A" song -- a different letter song will be practiced, each week, in order to reinforce letter recognition and associated sounds -- and -- with Miss Amy's fabulous hand-fashioned block, she, as well, guided our little friends in a sing-along, which included "Baby Bumblebee" and "Wheels on the Bus". Miss Downing read ""If I Were . . . ", a Gymboree book, and, I read "The Train" by Paul Collicutt -- we flew like pilots and drove like race car drivers -- "WHOOSH!!".
New activites, along with lots of music, were incorporated into the mix, this morning, including the balance beam, which was extremely popular, and an excellent means to encouraging gross motor skill development -- and -- the kids thoroughly enjoyed pulling their stuffed animal friends around in tugboats and playing "Color and Shape Bingo".
And, although cold, we had an invigorating outdoor experience!! (Please consider leaving extra hats and mittens, at school, with your children, to ensure that they are appropriately dressed, as the weather becomes colder -- thank you!!)
Have a wonderful evening, and, we look forward to seeing many of you, in the morning!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
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