The Legend of the Poinsettia

Today we read The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola.  This story takes place in Mexico and tells the story of the Poinsettia at Christmas.  A young girl finds she doesn't have any gifts to give at Christmas.  An old woman appears and tells her that anything given is a gift.  The young girl gives some pretty green weeds which suddenly, and miraculously, bloom into beautiful red flowers.  And so this is how the Poinsettia has become a popular Christmas plant...or so it is said.  Here are some of the lovely poinsettia flowers made in our classroom today!

Latkes and Menorahs

Yesterday we learned a little bit about the Jewish holiday Hanukkah and each child made a beautiful menorah.  Actually, we started them yesterday and finished today.  I read them a poem that explains why Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah and that it isn't just a Jewish Christmas!  The class was interested in the story of Hanukkah and how they had to defeat the King of Syria because he wouldn't let them pray the way they wanted.  It didn't take long for them to notice that the King of Syria was a little bit like the King of England from the Pilgrim story.  Today we made potato latkes.  Your children peeled and grated potatoes and some even helped to chop onion into very small little pieces!  We mixed the egg, flour, potato and onion together and then I did the frying.  As much as I like to cook with children, hot oil makes me a little nervous!  I served them with a dill pickle and they loved the latkes!  Check out these awesome menorahs and my helpful little chefs!

 

 

 

Russian Stars

Today we read the book Uncle Vova's Tree by Patricia Polacco.  It's a touching story of a family whose roots are Russia.  Uncle Vova and Aunt Svetlana incorporate their Russian traditions into the mid-western celebration of Christmas.  Each year Uncle Vova and the children make traditional paper stars to decorate the tree outside along with popcorn and cranberries for the animals.  After reading the book and looking at Russia on the globe, each child began working on their very own paper star.  Aren't they beautiful?