Run, Run as fast as you can...

     We started our Gingerbread Man theme this week and the children are really enjoying it so far.  We read our first Gingerbread Man book this week.  On Monday, we did a picture walk of the book - we looked at the pictures and talked about them but we didn't look at the end of the book.  Then, the children made predictions about what would happen to the Gingerbread Man.  We read the story on Tuesday, but didn't finish the story.  On Wednesday, we read the whole story.  Lastly, we read the story and the children helped re-tell the story and chanted the repetitive text.  We'll read several other versions and variations of the Gingerbread Man this month.  At the end of the month, we will compare the different stories we told.  

     The children have also been busy working on a special holiday gift for their loved ones.  We have a Gingerbread Man paper punching work on the shelf.  After the children punch out the Gingerbread Man, they can decorate him with buttons, googly eyes, and glitter glue.  Paper punching involves using an over-sized push pin to poke holes in paper following an outline of a shape (pumpkin, Gingerbread Man, fish, etc...).  After the children punch all the way around the outline, the teacher tears out the shape for the child.  This work requires a lot of concentration and fine motor control.  The children were also recently introduced to the table scrubbing work.  They really enjoy scrubbing the tables in our classroom.  This work has a lot of steps!  Table scrubbing helps children develop their ability to sequence an activity.  The children have to think about and plan for what they need to do to clean the table.  

     There are several new works available on the math shelves now.  This week, we had our first student complete the 100 Board!  Way to go Mason Tyree.  This work involves putting number tiles from 1-100 in order. 
 
Other works include the teen and ten boards, the bead stair, and the decimal system layout (bank game).  During the next few weeks, I will be introducing these works to the children.  

SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDERS...
There is still time to order books in time for Christmas delivery.  Orders are due 12/11.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA...
-Sign ups for Breakfast with Santa were sent home recently.  This is a FREE event.  The "amount enclosed" line is a misprint.


MID-YEAR SUPPLY LIST
As stated at the beginning of the school year, a mid-year supply list will be sent home the week before winter break.  The list will include classroom supplies needed for the remainder of the school year.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS...
The Sign-Up Genius page has been updated with dates for January through March.

Holiday Party...
*You are invited to our Holiday Cookie Decorating Party on Wednesday December 17th.  Party details were sent home in your child's folder on Thursday and an email was sent with a link to Sign-up Genius to RSVP for the party (or a paper copy for parents who prefer).  A few important things about the party:
-Time: 10:30AM and 2:15PM
- 1 adult per student please (due to space limitations).
- Adults need to have fingerprints on file.
- You might want to bring your camera, we have a little surprise planned!
- Link to sign-up: Click here RSVP and sign up

Polar Express and Pajama Day...
*On Thursday December 18th, please have your child wear his/her pajamas to school.  We will read the Polar Express and the movie will also be playing during work time.  We will also have a special snack.  Please make sure your child's pajamas are appropriate for the weather (we may go outside) and appropriate for school and play.  Your child needs to wear regular shoes to school but you can send slippers in his/her backpack if you would like.