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The Wonder of Another Week.

It's been an exciting week at school, but when is it NOT?!? Time spent on the playground meant big gusts of wind and children bundled up tight as we played into the evening, it meant learning to write/trace our names, it meant meeting new assistant teachers (welcome Liz and Leota). Every week is full of meaning...this one was no different.

Enjoy a short but sweet newsletter!

Thanksgiving Closure
Please remember we are closed in observance of Thanksgiving on Thursday and Friday of next week. Thanks and enjoy the time with family and friends!

Classroom Updates
Infant I: The class has shown considerable interest in jar lids of all varieties, and this has been true among most of the children. The little ones can been seen carrying the lids around the room in both their hands or mouths. The group is more and more active by the day. We have new crawlers and some standing without support. The movers are working on spatial awareness and finding new paths around obstacles and peers. Additionally, Danielle and Amanda have observed a lot of mimicking happening as well in both sounds and in actions. 

Infant II: The children have liked spending time with Liz this week, they really enjoy her company. We have a young student expecting a sibling in the coming days and we wish him and his family the very best of luck. We also have a student who will have his last day at school on Friday, and will will miss him! One area of focus has been working on greetings with adults and children during arrival and departure time. Most days, you can hear a clear "good morning" from one child or another as you arrive, and it's a sign of the progress we've made in talking about these important social interactions. 

Toddler I: We are hitting our stride! After some trial and error and then a little revision, we are getting into a schedule that really meets the needs of the children. It's important to evaluate and reevaluate just what works, and teachers Hannah and Berit have been very thoughtful about that. The room is now equipped with a new train table as trains have been a big interest with this group. This is a great addition, and provides another opportunity to practice sharing materials (mainly the engines) and taking turns. We have also been working on mindfulness at mealtimes, we are singing a song of general thankfulness before we eating to pause and focus on our intentions. 

Toddler II: At the start of the week the children focused on tracing their names carefully on paper. That interest really permeated other activities throughout the week. The children explored letters on the light table, finding the letters in their names and identifying the letters of their classmates names as well. Many children asked to have their first letter drawn on paper or the chalkboard. The mornings have been filled with painting and drawing, and a few new pieces of art have been hung up near the classroom door. Many of the children are showing incredible capability when getting dressed including zipping zippers, buttoning coats, and fastening boots independently. We ask that you allow your children to show you these skills/practice them with you when you are able. Sam was visiting Toddler II this week, and Sarah will return Monday. 

Pre-K: After some time away, the class journeyed down to a place we call "Campfire Forrest." While there, we had a ton of fun pretending to be plumbers and working on the numerous toilets in the area. Some of the children fell into the toilets and needed rescuing from their plumber classmates. The students are practicing signing in each day and are getting more accustomed to the "Question of the Day." This week at the library we enjoyed a jam theme thanks to the letter "J." There were even crackers with jam on them. And naturally we talked about our school being oh so nearby a jam factory. We do happen to smell their creations all afternoon. Kirby spent Thursday and Friday in the classroom with Holli, Jen will return Monday. 

As Seen at MVS








Thanks for Reading
-Sam

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