It feels good to get back in the school routine! I’ve mentioned to several of you that Christmas vacation is the best rest the kids get all year and it seems to jump start their learning! Everyone came back rested and ready to learn! Reading and writing skills are steadily improving and kids seem more confident!

Today you’ll see a math homework activity that is exactly like a game we played in class. Your child should be able to teach the game to you tonight! You’ll also notice a sheet to be returned to school…the game stays at home with you (to be played over and over) and the sheet comes back to me!

This time of year is really important for reading growth…the kids are really motivated and starting to realize that they “get it!” Try to find time to read each day…they are beginning to choose some books to practice each night. Some nights they’ll have chosen well, and other nights they’ll have chosen books too difficult to read independently. You’ll recognize the reading group book (it says “Reading A-Z” on the cover) which IS a just right book!

In preparation for our field trip to Shelburne Farms (on the 24th), we’ll begin learning about animals active in winter in Vermont! The lessons generally focus on animal tracks and other evidence of animal activity.

I’m so excited for you to read the stories your children wrote about Christmas! I’m thinking we can find a way to get them on the blog…I’ll work on it next week!

Have a super weekend!

The Calm Before the Storm!

After a hectic start to the week, today was a dream! The kids wrote in their Christmas cards for you and wrapped their presents quietly and calmly. We watched part of The Polar Express this morning and followed up with the end after lunch. We served hot chocolate with peppermint sticks...yum! Then off to the singalong where our class sang "I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas" to the rest of the kindergarten, first and second graders! Very cute! The day ended when they opened their gifts from me...a book, of course! I asked them to put several books into their homework bags for the long break. However, I didn't supervise each child as they packed their bag...hopefully you'll find reading material! I had planned on sending the first packets of math work home today, but with all the other stuff headed your way, I decided to wait until after the holiday.
Have a very Merry Christmas and see you in the New Year!

Tomorrow and beyond...

Your children are SO very excited about Christmas! Each moment is more exciting than the next! Tomorrow they'll be bringing home so many things...crafts, corrected work, books borrowed for vacation, etc. Much of it I'll be able to put into their homework folders, but please check the folders right off because your Christmas cards and the like will be inside!

Tomorrow we'll see The Polar Express and the kids are invited to wear and/or bring pajamas to wear while they watch. We'll be having hot chocolate with peppermint sticks while we're on the Polar Express! We'll also meet with the kindergarten, first and second grade classes for our annual sing along...this isn't a concert for an outside audience, but I'll take pictures!

Whew! One more day for me and then you get them for the last two, long days before Christmas! Have fun!

Merry Christmas!
Michelle