November 26-29

This week in Nature/Science we will learn about the seasons and how animals prepare for winter as we practice narration with Animals in Winter. The children will visit the garden and try to identify which plants have been harmed by the cold weather. They will create a sketch of a Chrysanthemum Pacificum for their Nature Journals. We will also learn about Carniverous plants as we read about the Venus Flytrap, the Bladderwort, the Pitcher Plant, and the Sundew in Exploring Creation. In Social Studies we are planning to learn about how the children of other countries celebrate the holidays. We will read about Hanukkah(Israel) as we read The Eight Nights of Hanukkah, Latkes and Applesauce, and The Magic Dreidel. We will learn about Kwanzaa (Africa), and read excerpts from It’s Kwanzaa Time. In Music/Art, the children will create a book about Kwanzaa and decorate a Menorah. We will sing “Eight Little Candles”, march with the Menorah, and spin our little Dreidels together. We will also practice an interactive chant about Sengura the Rabbit, and have fun with instruments as we learn about Kwanzaa. In Bible, we will read about how Jesus taught at the Feast of the Tabernacles (Luke 23), and how he walked on water (Matthew 14). We will read from Matthew 13 about the Fishermen and the Net. We will also begin to paint the Nativity Scene that we are planning to display in the hall, and we will begin to read about the birth of Jesus. In Math the children will trace numbers as they create their Kwanzaa book. We will also read about the Dreidel and count and group candles. In Phonics/Language we will review our letters A through I. The children will learn that “icicle” begins with I as we practice sorting objects beginning with H and I into letter tubs. We will make “icicle I’s” on our little chalkboards. The children will also dot paint the letter I, and practice tracing their letters A through I. Our Christmas party will be on Thursday, December 6. We’re planning to decorate gingerbread men and sing jingle bell songs together. There will be a sign up sheet for food and goodies in the hall.