Trees, Trees, Trees

This week we continued our study of trees.  We read several books including; The Apple Pie Family, Who Lives in Trees, and Trees Count.  We also started learning Yoga this week.  First we practiced our breathing while laying on our back with our hands on our bellies.  We also learned "Tree Pose."  The children pretended their toes were the roots of the tree and pushed them down into the ground to help them balance.  We will be practicing Yoga throughout the year.   Pumpkin punching (the children use a push pin to punch out the outline of a pumpkin) has been popular this week.  This work develops concentration and coordination (fine motor skills).  Mat Man was also introduced this week.  Mat Man is part of the Handwriting Without Tears program and teaches body awareness and fine motor skills. 
Check out the link to learn more about Mat Man and Handwriting Without Tears.
Mat Man and Handwriting Without Tears  

Another popular work this week has been pumpkin hammering.  The children are using a (real) hammer to pound golf tees into a pumpkin and then use pliers to pull the tees out again.  The children have also been very interested in making leaf pattern headbands.  When children complete this work, they are doing more than gluing shapes and making a hat,  they are working on developing patterning skills needed for reading and math. 

HOMEWORK...
*Bring an apple or apples on Monday or Tuesday.  We will be making applesauce on Tuesday.  We will also be tasting red, green, and yellow apples next week.  We are also hoping to taste apple pie.  Please let me know if you are interested in sending in an apple pie.
*My Book of Leaves - A leaf book will be sent home in your child's folder next week.  Take time to complete and read this book together.  No need to send it back to school, but I hope you will take the time to work with your child on this book.
*Help your child practice putting on and zipping his/her coat. 

REMINDERS...
*Montessori Information Night - Thursday 10/24 4:30-5:30.  Please RSVP if you haven't yet. 
*Spirit Cup Fundraiser starts next week.  Check your child's folder for more information.  I ordered several sets last year as gifts for family and friends.  It's not too soon to start your holiday shopping.
*Scholastic Book Orders Due 11/8.  Order some books and check another item off your holiday shopping list!
*If you plan to volunteer in the classroom or attend celebrations, you must be fingerprinted at the Board of Education in advance.  Fingerprints take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays and there is no charge.  Fingerprints generally take 2-3 days to process. 

New Photo Sharing Site-
From now on, I will be uploading photos to a Shutterfly web album.  If you are signed up to receive emails from me, you should have received an email invitation for the photo sharing site.  Only people who are invited to view the site have access and I will not be posting student names.  If you did not receive an email invitation to the site, please let me know and I will add you.  I may also change over to using Shutterfly as our newsletter site if the format works out.  I will keep you posted.  The Shutterfly site allows me to quickly and easily upload several photos at once and therefor I can share more photos with parents!  Shutterfly also gives you the option to order photo prints.   

Thank you...
A big thanks to all the parents who have signed up to volunteer in the classroom.  There will be ongoing opportunities throughout the year to help in the room.