The Legend of the Poinsettia

The poinsettia is a flower used as decoration here in the United States near the Christmas season. The plant comes to us originally from Mexico. We read The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola in which a young Mexican has no gift to offer but some green weeds that have red flowers.

Then we all made paper poinsettias!

St. Lucia Day

In Sweden December 13th is called St. Lucia Day. The oldest girl in each family dresses is a white robe with a wreath of candles on her head. She brings rolls and cookies to family members. The candles help fill the dark winter days with light. You'll see that everyone made their own wreaths with (paper) candles!

We also read a book called The Tomten by Astrid Lindgren. In Sweden, a tomten is a good-natured elf that lives on farms and helps with farm chores. At night he watches over the children while they sleep so no harm comes.

Saying Goodbye

Today we said goodbye to Miss Carey, our student teacher. She gave our class a book by our author of the month, Jan Brett. The book is one we hadn't read yet called Home For Christmas.

She read the book to the class...

and then we gave her our presents. We gave her a teacher book bag that each child signed in permanent marker! I asked each child to also write a short note to Miss Carey telling why she was a great teacher. Here's a sample! They wrote such kind things to Miss Carey and she will be missed!

Winter Holidays!

It's that time of year again! The weather is getting colder and students are talking about Christmas. In class we've begun learning about winter holiday customs and traditions in other places in the world. Our first stop was the Netherlands. On December 5th, the custom there is for children to place their wooden shoes on the windowsill for "Sinterklaas" fill. Sinterklaas is much like our Santa Claus. He brings presents and treats to children. Each child hopes for presents, fruits, nuts and candies, but those that are naughty might find coal! Everyone in our class found fruit and candy! Phew!