That's Scrubby Bear's motto! For the past couple weeks, some high school students have been visiting our classroom teaching us about germs, how they make us sick and how we can prevent that by washing our hands. We have had lots of fun with our new friends. We have also learned a lot! We even got to use "quiet powder" to see germs with an ultraviolet light and designed our own germs!
As we started our week on Monday, reviewing the crazy schedule to come, the children were very excited about a day off at home! I shared how excited I was as well...lots to do at home, fun with our families...but most of all, we discussed the importance of today, November 11...Veterans' Day. A day to remember those brave men and women who help to make our country a safe and happy place to live.
Upon the beginning of our class conversation, I asked what a "Veteran" is. I quickly received a response of "I know what that is...it's where we take our dog when he is sick." I chuckled inside, assuring that brave student the words Veteran and Veterinarian DO, INDEED, sound the same. However, a veteran is something a bit different.
We discussed "soldiers" next. That's when I saw the light bulbs click on in my students' eyes! They knew what I was talking about, AND they just learned a new vocabulary word for soldier. As a matter of fact, some were quite passionate about the subject, as one child's dad is in the Air Force.
Although I didn't share this information with my students, I feel I can share it with you. The importance of this day was realized by me when I was a very young girl, as my own father's identical twin brother gave his life for this country in Vietnam, just a few weeks before he was to arrive home to be my dad's best man. I am also the proud granddaughter, niece, aunt and friend of MANY other veterans as well.
Please take the time today to share stories with your child about their own family members or friends who have served in the armed forces. They are interested in the topic and have such great insight.
Enjoy your family today and hug them tightly, remembering that somewhere in this country, there is another family, just like yours, wishing they had the luxury of being together today, just as you and your family are.
Our trip to Breezy Maples Farm in Massena was fabulous! We were met by the Kenny Family, who happen to own/run the property. We enjoyed the Chicken Coop Theater, pony rides and a lesson on Chickens and Ducks (we even got to pet each one!!). The goats were fun to feed, too. Their tongues tickled our hands as they ate!
We ended our visit with a fun hay ride and a chance to pick our own pumpkin!
Also this week, we were fortunate enough to have a presentation called Making Friends. This presentation focused on the fact that some children need "helpers" in order to function day-to-day. We met puppet friends who use wheel chairs, braces and crutches, and canes and sight dogs every day. Our visitors made us realize that although some people may need to do things a little differently, using special tools or "helpers", we all enjoy doing the same kinds of things.
I know that there have been several questions from the children regarding some of our friends here at Lawrence Avenue who happen to need such tools and "helpers" to go about their day-to-day routines. I know this presentation was very informational and eye opening for my class. Please talk to your child about how everyone is unique and special, special helpers or no. Not only do all people look different, but some of us simply learn things differently or at different rates. That is what makes the world such a wonderful place. How boring would it be if we were all the same.
Well, I just have to say that the children in Room 108 were VERY good sports yesterday! We all came to school prepared for our fun day at Breezy Maple Farms in Massena...boots, coats, hats, mittens and lunches!!! Unfortunately, the farm called and had to cancel our trip for yesterday due to the fact that it was raining out and all our activities were outdoor activities for our visit. The children took the news as well as could be expected. They all seemed to cheer up when I announced we would be going on Monday instead!
However, there was one serious snafu (or so I thought)! We had no costumes to wear for the day ;o( I am proud to say that my roomful of 4 and 5 year-olds made the most of this unforeseen situation. We watched the other kids parade through school and admired all the creative, funny outfits worn to school. We also got to see some of the "big kids'" costumes when we took a walk through AAK Middle School.
We returned to our classroom to finish our Halloween Safety activities, made Balloon Jack-o-lanterns, did Mummy Wrapping (soooo many giggles and so much fun!), watched the movie Spooky Pooh and enjoyed a snack of juice and popcorn! We even squeezed in some free play time. All in all it was a fun day.
And I have the pics to prove it!
Have a SAFE and FUN Halloween! And don't forget to come to school prepared for more fun at the farm on Monday!!
On Friday, all kindergarten classes congregated for our monthly social gathering...October is Pumpkin Muffin Mixer. The teachers made pumpkin muffins in honor of this favorite fall treat! All children enjoyed relaxing next to their friends in the KIVA while enjoying a scrumptious pumpkin muffin.
