Solstice Stroll on Friday 12/19
The Solstice Stroll is right around the corner: Friday December 19th. Join us at 6pm at Stowe Elementary School for songs, snacks and a festive walk into town. All are welcome, so invite the whole family!
Upcoming School Closings
A reminder to all that we will be closed on December 24th, 25th and 26th, reopening on December 29th. We will again close on the first day on the New Year, Thursday, January 1st. Thanks!
Mitten Madness
Are you suffering from the chronic condition of "Mitten Madness?!?" Mittens, that pesky winter necessity. Kids seem to hate wearing them, adults loathe the chore of wrangling mittens that constantly fall off/are thrown off. So, what to do?
Here are some mitten suggestions from your favorite neighborhood mitten chasers at Mountain Village School:
1. Consider mitten clips. When and if the mitten comes off, you'll know right where to find them. And even cheaper solution is the yarn through the sleeve trick. An oldie but a goodie.
2. On your next mitten purchase, look for the following characteristics: side zipper for easy on/off, a Velcro closure that goes all the way around the child's hand, a cinch shut closure at the top, and waterproof materials. Once hands are soaked, mittens become even less fun. Take a look at this example. It's on the expensive side -and thus does not receive our official seal of approval- so if anyone finds something more reasonable, do let us know!
3. If your child is a bit older, allow them some choice. You can pick out the sensible styles that work, and they can pick the color, or some cool mitten clips.
Happy Mittening!
Lamoille Valley Building Bright Futures December Meeting
Every month, the Lamoille Valley Chapter of BBF holds a meeting to discuss the most pressing issues regarding early childhood education. Sarah serves as a committee member through this organization, and attends each meeting. This week marked the December session, and here are some key points to take away:
1. The Vermont Early Childhood Alliance has posted their Vermont Early Childhood Legislative Agenda for 2015. A quick look over this agenda shows just how many important issues are being brought to Montpelier on behalf of our youngest citizens. Of note is the effort to increase funding to provide working families with more financial support to obtain quality childcare. This is a huge step towards ensuring access to quality early childhood programs for all young Vermonters. Do have a look at the link above to find out more.
2. Have you heard? Let's Grow Kids is an initiative that brings a "Focus on the First Years."
Another agenda item involves Let's Grow Kids and their proposal to form a Blue Ribbon Commission to provide recommendations for sustainably funding high quality, affordable childcare. Check out their website, or "like" them on Facebook to stay connected on the latest in early childhood education in Vermont and across the country.
Classroom Happenings
Infant 1: This week in Infant I, the snow made its way indoors, as the sensory table was filled with the chilly white flakes. The babies used letters and spoons in the table as they had some cozy, warm fun with the snow from the comfort of their classroom. The children also enjoyed exploring some pop up tunnels and building with blocks. They did quite a bit of stacking and knocking down of their block creations. The class also welcomed a new student.
Infant II: The class did a lot of art this week with both paint and crayons. Outside, it was all about fun in the snow, as Katie and Sarah constructed some snow piles which quickly turned into slides. There was also a lot of interest in jumping into the freshest piles as the texture and amount of snow seemed to change all week.
Toddler I: Several children from Toddler I spent half days in the Toddler II classroom in preparation for their upcoming move. A few highlights from the week include: running around the "circle path" in the snow outside, asking to be buried in the snow, reading counting books -especially Five Busy Ducklings, and using the musical instruments. The kids also have new placemats for mealtimes, and are working hard on keeping cups upright and food on the table.
Toddler II: It was a pleasure having such a big class this week! Between a new student starting in the class and Toddler I visitors, there was a lot of energy and excitement in Toddler II! In anticipation of all the snowfall, the children made some snowmen/people from cotton balls. Their artwork is hung in the classroom with care, check it out. On Friday, the class had an outstanding walk, where they saw beautiful snow covered trees, Burdock, and a deer prancing on Depot Street. A reminder from Toddler II teachers to send along dry clothes in your child's bag. All the play in the snow leaves us a little soggy! Thanks so much.
Pre-K: More beaver investigation continued with our budding scientists! This week the beaver hut was completed, and the students began working on a life sized beaver project. The class also created a Venn Diagram on beavers to start thinking about some of the similarities and differences between what beavers and humans eat. A new beaver puppet showed up this week as well…with a name that is yet to be determined.
As Seen at MVS
The Solstice Stroll is right around the corner: Friday December 19th. Join us at 6pm at Stowe Elementary School for songs, snacks and a festive walk into town. All are welcome, so invite the whole family!
Upcoming School Closings
A reminder to all that we will be closed on December 24th, 25th and 26th, reopening on December 29th. We will again close on the first day on the New Year, Thursday, January 1st. Thanks!
Mitten Madness
Are you suffering from the chronic condition of "Mitten Madness?!?" Mittens, that pesky winter necessity. Kids seem to hate wearing them, adults loathe the chore of wrangling mittens that constantly fall off/are thrown off. So, what to do?
Here are some mitten suggestions from your favorite neighborhood mitten chasers at Mountain Village School:
1. Consider mitten clips. When and if the mitten comes off, you'll know right where to find them. And even cheaper solution is the yarn through the sleeve trick. An oldie but a goodie.
2. On your next mitten purchase, look for the following characteristics: side zipper for easy on/off, a Velcro closure that goes all the way around the child's hand, a cinch shut closure at the top, and waterproof materials. Once hands are soaked, mittens become even less fun. Take a look at this example. It's on the expensive side -and thus does not receive our official seal of approval- so if anyone finds something more reasonable, do let us know!
3. If your child is a bit older, allow them some choice. You can pick out the sensible styles that work, and they can pick the color, or some cool mitten clips.
Happy Mittening!
Lamoille Valley Building Bright Futures December Meeting
Every month, the Lamoille Valley Chapter of BBF holds a meeting to discuss the most pressing issues regarding early childhood education. Sarah serves as a committee member through this organization, and attends each meeting. This week marked the December session, and here are some key points to take away:
1. The Vermont Early Childhood Alliance has posted their Vermont Early Childhood Legislative Agenda for 2015. A quick look over this agenda shows just how many important issues are being brought to Montpelier on behalf of our youngest citizens. Of note is the effort to increase funding to provide working families with more financial support to obtain quality childcare. This is a huge step towards ensuring access to quality early childhood programs for all young Vermonters. Do have a look at the link above to find out more.
2. Have you heard? Let's Grow Kids is an initiative that brings a "Focus on the First Years."
Infant 1: This week in Infant I, the snow made its way indoors, as the sensory table was filled with the chilly white flakes. The babies used letters and spoons in the table as they had some cozy, warm fun with the snow from the comfort of their classroom. The children also enjoyed exploring some pop up tunnels and building with blocks. They did quite a bit of stacking and knocking down of their block creations. The class also welcomed a new student.
Infant II: The class did a lot of art this week with both paint and crayons. Outside, it was all about fun in the snow, as Katie and Sarah constructed some snow piles which quickly turned into slides. There was also a lot of interest in jumping into the freshest piles as the texture and amount of snow seemed to change all week.
Toddler I: Several children from Toddler I spent half days in the Toddler II classroom in preparation for their upcoming move. A few highlights from the week include: running around the "circle path" in the snow outside, asking to be buried in the snow, reading counting books -especially Five Busy Ducklings, and using the musical instruments. The kids also have new placemats for mealtimes, and are working hard on keeping cups upright and food on the table.
Toddler II: It was a pleasure having such a big class this week! Between a new student starting in the class and Toddler I visitors, there was a lot of energy and excitement in Toddler II! In anticipation of all the snowfall, the children made some snowmen/people from cotton balls. Their artwork is hung in the classroom with care, check it out. On Friday, the class had an outstanding walk, where they saw beautiful snow covered trees, Burdock, and a deer prancing on Depot Street. A reminder from Toddler II teachers to send along dry clothes in your child's bag. All the play in the snow leaves us a little soggy! Thanks so much.
Pre-K: More beaver investigation continued with our budding scientists! This week the beaver hut was completed, and the students began working on a life sized beaver project. The class also created a Venn Diagram on beavers to start thinking about some of the similarities and differences between what beavers and humans eat. A new beaver puppet showed up this week as well…with a name that is yet to be determined.
As Seen at MVS
Thanks for Reading!
Enjoy the snow covered weekend.-Sam