Playing Is Learning

Each day, part of our day is spent exploring the math materials...sorting and organizing and talking or exploring alone.  Play is the work of young people.  They learn to negotiate and share.  They learn to take turns and delay gratification.  They learn to use their imagination.  All of these skills are needed in school and life.  Here are some pictures of your children doing the work of children...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!