This morning we tried a new tool, "thinking gum." We know that it needs to stay in our mouths, stay quiet, and that Mrs. Morin does not teach cows! The grade ones used it very successfully and demonstrated their very best writing yet! I was so impressed! We wrote about what we are most excited for over Christmas break. After recess we had our last Who Do You Tell Session, and learned a fun mixed-partner dance to "Jingle Bell Rock" in phys ed. In the afternoon the whole school came together for some lovely caroling ("I Want a Hippopotamus" was by far the most popular!), then we began a wintery art project. It needs to stay kind of a surprise...but I can say that so far they are beautiful! In music the students got to explore paper plate percussion along with music from The Nutcracker. Awesome!
Mail Pockets
- No new mail went home today, and unfortunately neither did Home Reading -- we were painting and cleaning up right to the end of the day! Sorry!
Please and Thank You / Volunteer Opportunities
- Please consider volunteering for Thursday's Winter Ridge Walk. We will be leaving the school at 2:00 on Thursday the 17th, returning by 3:00. We are hoping to have 1 more volunteer.
- We would love to have morning reading volunteers to share books with students one-on-one, from 8:30-9:00 any day that it works for you!
Traditions
Please feel free to bring an artifact (including photos) to share a seasonal family tradition that is special to you for Tuesday, December 15. It can be related to a holiday, or just winter in general. Part of our social studies curriculum is understanding and appreciating traditions from our own and other families and communities.
Seasonal Celebrations
- Holiday Headgear spirit day is Thursday, December 17th. Feel free to wear your favourite holiday or winter hat/hair decoration!
- Whole school Christmas caroling will take place next week. If you would prefer your child not partake, please let me know so I can make an alternate arrangement for them at these times. I will update the blog with caroling times once confirmed, if families want to come join.
- Please consider contributing a healthy snack for our Christmas celebration Friday, December 18th. Healthy snacks include: fruit, veggies, cheese / meat / pickles, crackers, and one treat would be okay! Please email Tara if you are interested in sending a snack. Thank you!
Gum as a Tool
I am planning to introduce sugar-free chewing gum as a tool to help students focus during writing this week. Chewing gum is recommended by occupational therapists for classroom use because it is heavy work for the jaw, with aids with concentration during sustained writing tasks. We will only use our "thinking gum" during sustained writing times. If you would prefer your child not have gum, please email me. Thank you!
Upcoming Dates
- Dec. 16 – Fun Lunch – Boston Pizza
- Dec. 17 – Field Trip – Ridge Walk (winter)
- Spirit Day: Holiday Headgear
– PoWer Hour Showcase 4:00 - 6:00 (Open House Format) - Come and check out your child's PoWer Hour and some of the others!
- Dec. 18 - Last day of classes before winter break
- Jan. 4 - First day back to class!
Daily Challenge
Caroling is a pretty wonderful school tradition! What is your favourite Christmas Carol, and why?