Sunday, May 30, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
BEAUTIFUL WEATHER!!!!
Dear Families, Friends and Blog Followers,
In addition to the very many story book characters we enjoy, here, at school -- such as -- Froggy and Harry -- is George -- always "trying to help", and, always "getting into mischief", as a result -- lately, the children and teachers have shared lots and lots of giggles about George's adventures in the water, as well.
Friday was, yet, another bittersweet experience, as, although kids and adults, alike, maximized their time outdoors, and, Hayley worked on beach scene collages, containing a mathematical component, with the Butterflies and Puppies, we all said "good-bye" to more of our Lexington High School friends, moving on in their lives . . . To acknowledge their time at Minuteman's Child Development Center, Olivia, Ariane and Kelly planned and implemented a wonderful project centered around "friendship" -- they sang, with the kids, "Make New Friends and Keep The Old", and, decorated "people" with silver and gold glitter and a multitude of multi-dimentional embellishments -- the Butterflies will use their artwork as props during graduation, while, Mrs. Dolham and I plan to display, in the classroom, the pieces lovingly created by the Puppies.
And, while outdoors, Penny Taylor, one of the very helpful aides from Lexington's LABB Program, noticed a hawk, which many of us observed fly amonst the trees, stalk prey and, eventually, move onward -- the goings-on were quite captivating, and, resulted in many more photos!!
Please do enjoy this week-end's beautiful weather, and, remember the field trip to The Butterfly Place, for the Butterflies, and, Sports Day, for the Puppies, on Monday -- :).
With Much Love, Miss Peacock XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
In addition to the very many story book characters we enjoy, here, at school -- such as -- Froggy and Harry -- is George -- always "trying to help", and, always "getting into mischief", as a result -- lately, the children and teachers have shared lots and lots of giggles about George's adventures in the water, as well.
Friday was, yet, another bittersweet experience, as, although kids and adults, alike, maximized their time outdoors, and, Hayley worked on beach scene collages, containing a mathematical component, with the Butterflies and Puppies, we all said "good-bye" to more of our Lexington High School friends, moving on in their lives . . . To acknowledge their time at Minuteman's Child Development Center, Olivia, Ariane and Kelly planned and implemented a wonderful project centered around "friendship" -- they sang, with the kids, "Make New Friends and Keep The Old", and, decorated "people" with silver and gold glitter and a multitude of multi-dimentional embellishments -- the Butterflies will use their artwork as props during graduation, while, Mrs. Dolham and I plan to display, in the classroom, the pieces lovingly created by the Puppies.
And, while outdoors, Penny Taylor, one of the very helpful aides from Lexington's LABB Program, noticed a hawk, which many of us observed fly amonst the trees, stalk prey and, eventually, move onward -- the goings-on were quite captivating, and, resulted in many more photos!!
Please do enjoy this week-end's beautiful weather, and, remember the field trip to The Butterfly Place, for the Butterflies, and, Sports Day, for the Puppies, on Monday -- :).
With Much Love, Miss Peacock XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Thursday, May 20, 2010
"DOE A DEER"
. . . I truly hope that seeing a beautiful young doe, yesterday morning, on Mill Street, was a true sign of sunny days to come . . . XOXO.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
"TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, ALL DAY LONG!!"
Dear Families, Friends and Blog Followers,
"Today is Wednesday all day long, doo-dah, doo-dah!!"
Although the weather has been chilly -- and -- today -- rainy -- the children continue to enjoy many engaging and stimulating activities during the course of their school days, here at Minuteman's Child Development Center.
On Monday and Tuesday, for example, in addition to parading, with instruments, outdoors, the Butterflies and Puppies crafted paper bag fish and giggled as Mrs. Dolham told her own marvelously made-up stories and read, (more), about "Froggy" , (humerous frog series), and Mrs. Goell read, (more), about "Harry", (humerous dog series) -- especially concerning Froggy's and Harry's adventures in the water!!
Today, the children fashioned a huge ship out of the Block Area, where we all settled, together, for Miss Downing's rendition of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat", a multi-verse adaptation in story book form, followed by Goldfish for snack, and, then, by a kitchen activity, spear-headed by Mrs. Dolham, which entailed "fishing" for crackers and raisins with peanut-covered pretzel sticks -- many thanks to Kelly and Liz for making the best of a rainy day!!
Mrs. Dolham's "question of the week" was posed . . . "Who lives on the ocean floor?" and the wall decor is looking rather "fishy" . . .
As well, some of you may have noticed that the jungle-like, (?!), greenery, in our yard, was cut-back and the area was sprayed -- yahoo!!
Hopefully, Scholastic book order forms will be placed in your mailboxes, for the months of both May and June, sometime this week -- I haven't forgotten -- :) -- . . .
Nella Mattina . . .
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
"Today is Wednesday all day long, doo-dah, doo-dah!!"
Although the weather has been chilly -- and -- today -- rainy -- the children continue to enjoy many engaging and stimulating activities during the course of their school days, here at Minuteman's Child Development Center.
On Monday and Tuesday, for example, in addition to parading, with instruments, outdoors, the Butterflies and Puppies crafted paper bag fish and giggled as Mrs. Dolham told her own marvelously made-up stories and read, (more), about "Froggy" , (humerous frog series), and Mrs. Goell read, (more), about "Harry", (humerous dog series) -- especially concerning Froggy's and Harry's adventures in the water!!
Today, the children fashioned a huge ship out of the Block Area, where we all settled, together, for Miss Downing's rendition of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat", a multi-verse adaptation in story book form, followed by Goldfish for snack, and, then, by a kitchen activity, spear-headed by Mrs. Dolham, which entailed "fishing" for crackers and raisins with peanut-covered pretzel sticks -- many thanks to Kelly and Liz for making the best of a rainy day!!
Mrs. Dolham's "question of the week" was posed . . . "Who lives on the ocean floor?" and the wall decor is looking rather "fishy" . . .
As well, some of you may have noticed that the jungle-like, (?!), greenery, in our yard, was cut-back and the area was sprayed -- yahoo!!
Hopefully, Scholastic book order forms will be placed in your mailboxes, for the months of both May and June, sometime this week -- I haven't forgotten -- :) -- . . .
Nella Mattina . . .
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
FIELD TRIP REMINDER!!!!
Good Evening!!
Please note that, on Monday, May 24th, the Butterflies will venture out to The Butterfly Place, (. . . how befitting . . . ), and the Puppies will enjoy a Sports Day, with Mrs. Dolham and Miss Sashi -- details to follow!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Please note that, on Monday, May 24th, the Butterflies will venture out to The Butterfly Place, (. . . how befitting . . . ), and the Puppies will enjoy a Sports Day, with Mrs. Dolham and Miss Sashi -- details to follow!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Monday, May 17, 2010
GOOD EVENING . . .
Dear All . . .
Yet another very busy week has passed, filled with a wide variety of ocean-themed projects -- special thanks to all of the high school students who contributed their time and efforts via truly wonderful lesson plans in math, science, literacy and art, much of which is being displayed throughout our school!!
As many of the children ate them immediately after their completion, families probably did not see the marshmallow and pretzel stick octupi -- (most often) donning eight "arms" -- prepared, in the kitchen, under the supervision of Mrs. Dolham, beginning on Monday -- however -- photos were taken -- :) --!!
Activity time was spent sponge-painting and on several projects involving collage work, as well as, playing with water, sand and many different types of sea creatures -- and -- the kids learned about the cycle of ocean life, via the food chain, matching games and scavenger hunts.
On Thursday, following Miss Downing's laptop viewings the day before, Miss Amy brought in her hand puppet of "Orca", (alias the Killer Whale), along with books, rich with information about deep sea predators, for our little friends to peruse -- and -- Liz re-introduced the "mystery bag", full of things, we all see, during summer outings, seaside.
And, so, after one more bustling week-end, another Monday arrives -- welcome!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Yet another very busy week has passed, filled with a wide variety of ocean-themed projects -- special thanks to all of the high school students who contributed their time and efforts via truly wonderful lesson plans in math, science, literacy and art, much of which is being displayed throughout our school!!
As many of the children ate them immediately after their completion, families probably did not see the marshmallow and pretzel stick octupi -- (most often) donning eight "arms" -- prepared, in the kitchen, under the supervision of Mrs. Dolham, beginning on Monday -- however -- photos were taken -- :) --!!
Activity time was spent sponge-painting and on several projects involving collage work, as well as, playing with water, sand and many different types of sea creatures -- and -- the kids learned about the cycle of ocean life, via the food chain, matching games and scavenger hunts.
On Thursday, following Miss Downing's laptop viewings the day before, Miss Amy brought in her hand puppet of "Orca", (alias the Killer Whale), along with books, rich with information about deep sea predators, for our little friends to peruse -- and -- Liz re-introduced the "mystery bag", full of things, we all see, during summer outings, seaside.
And, so, after one more bustling week-end, another Monday arrives -- welcome!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
SPECIAL OCCASIONS . . .
Dear Families, Friends and Blog Followers,
Good day -- I do hope that Mother's Day was joyous for all . . . and . . . special thanks to all who contributed to making Teacher Appreciation Week special, as always . . . :).
This past week, many special occasions were celebrated, such as the birth of Noy's new baby sister, Kolby's 4th birthday, the arrival of our newest Puppy, Meredith, and Cinco De Mayo -- yahoo and hurray!!
On both Tuesday and Wednesday, we all soaked-in as much of the beautiful weather as possible, and, as a result, spent just about all of our activity time outdoors -- what a treat and what an appropriate introduction to our new "almost summer" themes of "Nature", "Oceans" and such!!
Mrs. Dolham opened, on Tuesday morning, with her "Question of the Week", which was, of course, "Who Lives in the Ocean?" -- we read abundantly about said, and, thoroughly enjoyed gummy worm and chocolate frosted cupcakes for Kolby's birthday -- there are oh so many delicious ways to bring the great outdoors indoors -- thank you, Kolby!!
And, beginning early on in the week, Kelly and Liz, especially, with the capable assistance of many high school students, organized our Mother's Day projects and gifts, which we hope you enjoyed "berry, berry much!!"
Early Wednesday morning, Meredith arrived, we sang and danced in honor of Cinco De Mayo, Liz role-played a "thunderstorm", in tandem with the children, and, Olivia spear-headed "look and find" beach scenes to challenge, both the Butterflies and Puppies, artistically, as well as, mathematically.
Upon opening the door of our School, just after Circle Time, Wednesday am, Mrs. Dolham discovered that the telephone pole, just outside the CDC, was being replaced, which lent itself to a fantastically spontaneous lesson in "community helpers" -- and so much more -- the workers and police officers were more than gracious in their roles as part of a super de duper learning experience -- :).
As well, we hosted William, for the second time, one of several new students joining us, at twenty Mill Street, come September!!!!
In addition to sculpting play-dough, embellishing paper fish and engaging in a myriad of ocean-themed activities, on Thursday morning, Ariane presented her "Rainbow Fish" lesson plan, which included teaching the kids to make fishy faces, Jeanetta guided the creation of an "under the sea" poster and Erin assisted Butterflies and Puppies in decorating Octopi -- both Jeanetta's and Erin's projects are hanging in the front hallway.
"Waffle" visited on Friday -- Kate Smith's talking parakeet -- much to everyone's delight --a gigantic "thank you, Waffle and Katie"!!
Liz continued with an outdoor Circle, resplendent with new music, games and discussion, on Friday, before which our high school friend, Kelly, made Mother's Day cards, with the kids, and after which Hayley, a LABB student, prepared an acquarium-making art-based project and Tray Von designed and implemented a food-chain science-based activity for our little ones.
Kelly continues preparing the Butterflies for their grand entrance to Kindergarten, while everyone enjoys the journey, with activity galore, in all of the School's learning centers.
As is always the case, adults and children alike, look forward to another learning and fun-filled week, at our school -- and --please be on the look-out for Scholastic's terrific end-of-school-year, (?!?!), offerings, which are scheduled to be in your mailboxes, shortly.
**** The last day of school, for Butterflies and Puppies, along with graduation and a celebratory gathering, is planned for Friday, June 18, 2010 -- details are forthcoming .****
Oodles and Oodles of Love . . . Miss Peacock XOXO
Good day -- I do hope that Mother's Day was joyous for all . . . and . . . special thanks to all who contributed to making Teacher Appreciation Week special, as always . . . :).
This past week, many special occasions were celebrated, such as the birth of Noy's new baby sister, Kolby's 4th birthday, the arrival of our newest Puppy, Meredith, and Cinco De Mayo -- yahoo and hurray!!
On both Tuesday and Wednesday, we all soaked-in as much of the beautiful weather as possible, and, as a result, spent just about all of our activity time outdoors -- what a treat and what an appropriate introduction to our new "almost summer" themes of "Nature", "Oceans" and such!!
Mrs. Dolham opened, on Tuesday morning, with her "Question of the Week", which was, of course, "Who Lives in the Ocean?" -- we read abundantly about said, and, thoroughly enjoyed gummy worm and chocolate frosted cupcakes for Kolby's birthday -- there are oh so many delicious ways to bring the great outdoors indoors -- thank you, Kolby!!
And, beginning early on in the week, Kelly and Liz, especially, with the capable assistance of many high school students, organized our Mother's Day projects and gifts, which we hope you enjoyed "berry, berry much!!"
Early Wednesday morning, Meredith arrived, we sang and danced in honor of Cinco De Mayo, Liz role-played a "thunderstorm", in tandem with the children, and, Olivia spear-headed "look and find" beach scenes to challenge, both the Butterflies and Puppies, artistically, as well as, mathematically.
Upon opening the door of our School, just after Circle Time, Wednesday am, Mrs. Dolham discovered that the telephone pole, just outside the CDC, was being replaced, which lent itself to a fantastically spontaneous lesson in "community helpers" -- and so much more -- the workers and police officers were more than gracious in their roles as part of a super de duper learning experience -- :).
As well, we hosted William, for the second time, one of several new students joining us, at twenty Mill Street, come September!!!!
In addition to sculpting play-dough, embellishing paper fish and engaging in a myriad of ocean-themed activities, on Thursday morning, Ariane presented her "Rainbow Fish" lesson plan, which included teaching the kids to make fishy faces, Jeanetta guided the creation of an "under the sea" poster and Erin assisted Butterflies and Puppies in decorating Octopi -- both Jeanetta's and Erin's projects are hanging in the front hallway.
"Waffle" visited on Friday -- Kate Smith's talking parakeet -- much to everyone's delight --a gigantic "thank you, Waffle and Katie"!!
Liz continued with an outdoor Circle, resplendent with new music, games and discussion, on Friday, before which our high school friend, Kelly, made Mother's Day cards, with the kids, and after which Hayley, a LABB student, prepared an acquarium-making art-based project and Tray Von designed and implemented a food-chain science-based activity for our little ones.
Kelly continues preparing the Butterflies for their grand entrance to Kindergarten, while everyone enjoys the journey, with activity galore, in all of the School's learning centers.
As is always the case, adults and children alike, look forward to another learning and fun-filled week, at our school -- and --please be on the look-out for Scholastic's terrific end-of-school-year, (?!?!), offerings, which are scheduled to be in your mailboxes, shortly.
**** The last day of school, for Butterflies and Puppies, along with graduation and a celebratory gathering, is planned for Friday, June 18, 2010 -- details are forthcoming .****
Oodles and Oodles of Love . . . Miss Peacock XOXO
Monday, May 3, 2010
"GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE!!"
Dear Families, Friends and Blog Followers,
Although it was an especially beautiful week-end, it was not without chaos . . . hopefully, everyone is coping, as well as can be expected, with the water crisis -- Kelly has, as always, gone above and beyond, by preparing the School for the dilemna, even though it is now located in Lincoln, (which has its own water supply) -- thank you, Miss Downing :) !!
This past week, we finished making birthday cards for Defne, and, the finished product will be mailed, shortly -- as well -- the tree, in the cubby room, is now fully embellished for Spring, (although, there is always room for more decorations!!)
Tuesday was a very exciting day, for me, as I received new books from Scholastic -- Woo Hoo?! . . .
In the early morning, Mrs. Dolham read both "I Knew You Could", written by Craig Dorfman and illustrated by Cristine Ong and "Our Earth", by Anne Rockwell, and, at afternoon meeting, Mrs. Goell read a lovely book about butterflies.
WE PLAYED ON THE BIG SCHOOL'S FOOTBALL FIELD!!!! . . . (a little bit wet and a little bit cool, but, invigorating, nonetheless!!)
Liz began introducing the Butterflies and Puppies to more "intense" recycling concepts, this week, and, on Tuesday, as well, continued the practice of "reducing, reusing and recycling" -- enjoy the bookmarks, kids!!
All week, the children enjoyed painting with watercolors, keeping the beat with drums and playing in the water table, with a variety of floor and table puzzles, manipulatives and more complex patterning and keyboarding resources -- and -- of course -- recycleables!!!!
On Wednesday morning, Mrs. Dolham skewered fruit and cheese, with our little friends, which they ate for dessert, that same afternoon.
As well, Laini read "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by ever popular Eric Carle, had the children complete a wonderful art and language-based activity, and, turned it into a new CLASSROOM BOOK, (!!) -- and -- Shakira gathered the kids together for a re-telling of "The Rainbow Fish" by Marcus Pfister, after which they decorated fishbowls -- thank you, ladies!!
Just before lunch, I read "Rose's Garden" by our very own Peter Reynolds, a lovely story based on the life of Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy.
Andrea designed, implemented and played Spring Themed Bingo, with the children, early Thursday morning, and Kelly made pancakes, for the kids, early Friday morning -- both Thursday and Friday were particularly exciting days, as we ventured over to "The Big School"!!
On Thursday, our Director/Teacher of very many hats drove us over to march in the Earth Day Parade, and, On Friday, we walked, through the woodsy path, to attend a special math class, courtesy of Debbie Dew, Kirsten's mother, at which the kids had great fun using both the Smart and dry-erase boards and piecing together fabulous shapes books -- thank you, Debbie and Kirsten -- :) -- !!!!
Please note the Minuteman CDC's EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR AND SUMMER FUN HOURS!!!!
Please note that May is a super de duper special month for the renewed awareness of our animal friends!!!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
Although it was an especially beautiful week-end, it was not without chaos . . . hopefully, everyone is coping, as well as can be expected, with the water crisis -- Kelly has, as always, gone above and beyond, by preparing the School for the dilemna, even though it is now located in Lincoln, (which has its own water supply) -- thank you, Miss Downing :) !!
This past week, we finished making birthday cards for Defne, and, the finished product will be mailed, shortly -- as well -- the tree, in the cubby room, is now fully embellished for Spring, (although, there is always room for more decorations!!)
Tuesday was a very exciting day, for me, as I received new books from Scholastic -- Woo Hoo?! . . .
In the early morning, Mrs. Dolham read both "I Knew You Could", written by Craig Dorfman and illustrated by Cristine Ong and "Our Earth", by Anne Rockwell, and, at afternoon meeting, Mrs. Goell read a lovely book about butterflies.
WE PLAYED ON THE BIG SCHOOL'S FOOTBALL FIELD!!!! . . . (a little bit wet and a little bit cool, but, invigorating, nonetheless!!)
Liz began introducing the Butterflies and Puppies to more "intense" recycling concepts, this week, and, on Tuesday, as well, continued the practice of "reducing, reusing and recycling" -- enjoy the bookmarks, kids!!
All week, the children enjoyed painting with watercolors, keeping the beat with drums and playing in the water table, with a variety of floor and table puzzles, manipulatives and more complex patterning and keyboarding resources -- and -- of course -- recycleables!!!!
On Wednesday morning, Mrs. Dolham skewered fruit and cheese, with our little friends, which they ate for dessert, that same afternoon.
As well, Laini read "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by ever popular Eric Carle, had the children complete a wonderful art and language-based activity, and, turned it into a new CLASSROOM BOOK, (!!) -- and -- Shakira gathered the kids together for a re-telling of "The Rainbow Fish" by Marcus Pfister, after which they decorated fishbowls -- thank you, ladies!!
Just before lunch, I read "Rose's Garden" by our very own Peter Reynolds, a lovely story based on the life of Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy.
Andrea designed, implemented and played Spring Themed Bingo, with the children, early Thursday morning, and Kelly made pancakes, for the kids, early Friday morning -- both Thursday and Friday were particularly exciting days, as we ventured over to "The Big School"!!
On Thursday, our Director/Teacher of very many hats drove us over to march in the Earth Day Parade, and, On Friday, we walked, through the woodsy path, to attend a special math class, courtesy of Debbie Dew, Kirsten's mother, at which the kids had great fun using both the Smart and dry-erase boards and piecing together fabulous shapes books -- thank you, Debbie and Kirsten -- :) -- !!!!
Please note the Minuteman CDC's EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR AND SUMMER FUN HOURS!!!!
Please note that May is a super de duper special month for the renewed awareness of our animal friends!!!!
Love Miss Peacock XOXO
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