This week we have begun our unit on The Three Little Javelinas.  It is a southwestern take on the classic story of the three little pigs.  It contains a variety of new vocabulary such as javelina, desert, cactus, snout, nostrils, tumbleweeds, and adobe bricks.  We have been working on acting out the story in the block area where we can build houses.  We will also read a variety of other versions of the story and compare them.  At home, see what your child can retell you about the story.  You might even want to ask them to act it out with you.  Check their knowledge of new vocabulary as well!

Conferences are next week which means we have early dismissals.  Students will be released at 11:15. Please be prompt since conferences start at 11:30.

Conferences are upon us.  For some of you, conferences will be assigned so that therapists can attend.  If this is the case, those dates and times are going home in backpacks tomorrow (11.17.2009).  If this is not the case, a sign-up sheet will be placed on our door for you to select a time.  Please do so as soon as possible.  Thanks so much!

We have wrapped up our unit on The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything and are moving on to Franklin Has A Sleepover.  Franklin is an adorable turtle who shares a sleepover with his friend bear.  In the imaginative play area we add a tent, campfire, sleepbags, pillows, and other fun camping items.  We explore the concepts of fast and slow, work on more difficult patterns, and enjoy pretending to have a  sleepover with our friends. 

On Thursday, November 19th, we will have a pajama day.  Please send your child to school in appropriate pajamas (i.e. no nightgowns, slippers).  Remember that they will still be running around on the playground and playing on the floor so appropriate shoes will be needed.  You may also send your child with one pillow, stuffed animal, or blanket (clearly labeled).  Each child should have one comfort item.  We will have a “sleepover” by watching a movie and having a snack.

For your convenience I have added a link in the Blogroll to the newly up and running ELP blog.

Yesterday we began reading The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything, a simple, repetitive Hallween story.  The appeal is in the simplicity.  Children enjoy this book because the can help “read” it when it’s read aloud as well as independently. 

We will be enjoying the holiday of Halloween along with this story this week.  Next week we will continue to the read The Little Old Lady.  Here are some new vocabulary you can discuss with your child:  cottage, herbs, spices, stumble, scarecrow.

To the right you’ll find a new page. Click on it and you’ll access the helpful chart our room mothers made containing all the pertitnent information about classroom parties.

On Thursday, October 29th we will celebrate Halloween in our class.  Please send your child to school in costume that day.  Keep any masks or props (i.e. swords, purses, etc) at home please.  Label all items so that everything gets returned to the appropriate backpack.  Please pack a change of clothes so that we can change students out of their costumes after trick-or-treating. 

We will have a special snack at 9:45 and trick-or-treat immediately after.

Thanks for everyone’s help with the festivities!

When we began our unit on apples we started by posing questions.  I asked what my friends would like to learn about apples.  As we’ve read and discovered new information through pictures and experiences we have added to, modified, and answered some of our questions.  Some wanted to know where apples came from while others wanted to know what that “thing” on the top of an apple is called.  But by and large, most were curious about the colors and kinds.  Are there orange apples? red? blue? rainbow?  brown?  Most recently we added black to that list which sparked curiosity about what would happen if we left an apple out for a long time.  So we’re launching an experiment to see just what does happen.  Some think it might turn black while others don’t.  Our scientists will discover what happens to an apple when it’s left out.  Ask your child each day if they can tell you what our apple looked like.

Fireman Bob and his firetruck will be visiting ELP on Wednesday, October 14th at 9:30. Please make sure you’re students arrive on time so we won’t be late. Thanks!