on friday, 13december at 5 pm. please check with your...
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Dear Parents,
I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving in the company of family, turkey, and
football!
With the rush of Black Friday behind us, the countdown to Christmas has officially
begun!
The children (Polar Bears and Brown Bears) are busy preparing for their Christmas program
performance on Friday, 13December at 5 PM. Please check with your child’s teacher about
what they need to wear that day. Both the children and the teaching teams are excited about
their performances and can not wait to share it with you. Please mark your calendars!
December is such an exciting month with all the wonderful traditions of Christmas – the story
of Jesus’ birth, the lights, the trees, the caroling, the decorations both at home and at the stores,
visiting Santa, thinking of others while buying gifts, the smiles on the children’s faces as they
help bake Christmas goodies, and, most importantly, spending time with family! At CDC, the
children will be counting down the days while discovering and exploring events, materials, and
the community associated with the holidays and each homerooms topic of adventure. Some
classrooms will also celebrate by having a Holiday party. Each care-giving teaching team will
provide you with more specific information when the time nears.
Now is also a good time to check your child’s extra
clothes supply to make sure weather-appropriate
clothing is on hand if needed. Also, winter jackets,
hats, and mittens are needed as the children will be going
outside every day weather permitting.
Christmas Time By Ronald Doe
Christmas Time is finally here, It only comes but once a year.
And it’s a time to spread good cheer, To those we love and hold so dear.
Christmas Time is a time of glee,
A time when peace and love run free. A time for those like you and me,
To sit beneath the Christmas Tree.
Christmas Time is a time of joy, A time to sit back and enjoy.
The smile on each girl and boy, As they play with a Christmas Toy.
Christmas Time is a time to share,
The passing of another year. Birth of Jesus, a joyful prayer,
To show loved ones how much we care.
Christmas Time is a time for song, A time for us to get along.
To make us feel Lord Jesus strong, Forgive all those who did us wrong.
Christmas Time is a time to pray, Put love and kindness on display. Show compassion along the way,
Christmas Time should be everyday
CDC will be closed for the Holidays
December 23 and will re-open January 2,
2014.
I want to wish each and every one of you a
very Merry Christmas and a Happy New
Year!
Jette
Twinkle, Twinkle Twinkle, twinkle little star
What a wonderful child you are! With bright eyes and nice round cheeks,
Talented person from head to feet. Twinkle, twinkle little star,
What a wonderful child you are!
The Little Lambs will explore the “Sweet
Sound of Music!” The Key Development
Indicators the Little Lambs will
encounter are listening and responding to
music. While playing different genres of
children’s music the children will be able
to distinguish the difference between
slow and fast paced songs by body
movement and body language. We also
have many Christmas stories and songs to
share with the children. Songs such as
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”,
“Frosty the Snowman”, “Santa Claus Is
Coming To Town”, “Jingle Bells”, “A
Holly Jolly Christmas.” And books such
as “Santa Paws”, “How To Build a
Snowman”, “Five Christmas Penguins”
and “My First Christmas – Touch and
Feel.”
I bring you my heart That is now filled with love,
Because God sent a baby From heaven above. I bring you my heart It’s so happy within.
I know Jesus loves me, He died for my sin.
I bring you my heart You should give yours away,
Give it to Jesus and be saved today.
The Character Education is “I Feel Calm!”
and lullabies will be played and sung
creating calm for Little Lambs to
experience and benefit from first hand. No
matter where on the planet or in what year
you were born, your mother sang you a
lullaby before putting you to sleep.
Lullabies have existed throughout human
history and some of the ones we sing to this
day are hundreds of years old. Although no
one is certain, it is believed that the name
“lullabies” comes from the “lull”-ing and
“by”-ing sounds one makes to help a baby
fall asleep. Others believe the term comes
from a Hebrew phrase, “Lilith-Abi”
meaning “Lilith begone.” Lilith is a
folkloric character who was believed to
steal children in the night and these
incantations were sounded to keep her
away. Whatever the origin, lullabies are
used to assure, comfort, console and
confirm one’s love for their baby and their
promise to keep them safe and secure. A
lullaby is the perfect Christmas gift to your
child and a gift that gives back to you.
Rock-a-bye Baby Rock-a-bye (name), in the tree top
When the wind blows, the cradle will rock When the birds sing, my sweet (name) will
smile And fall asleep sweetly, for a short while.
In the month of December the
children will explore pictures
of Belgium and singing songs
and nursery rhymes of Belgium.
We hope everyone a happy and safe
holiday!
Leola, Venicia, Kristi and Liliana
Throughout November the focus of our
conversations and activities ‘thankfulness’ using
the words ‘thank you’ in most interactions. The
Little Lambs also beautifully decorated their care
setting for Thanksgiving with your help..
December is here and the focus of our planned and
prepared lessons is “I Can Hear, Smell, and
Touch.”
December is here and the ‘Big Idea’ for the month
around which materials in the care setting will
be placed, books for reading will be selected,
finger plays for reciting and gesture supported
communication will be chosen and music will be
played is “Touch and Feel”.
"Touch and Feel Zoo", "Baby Touch and Feel
Farm", "Baby Touch and Feel Tractor", " Petting
Farm", "Touch and Feel Pets" will the support the
Communication and Laguage Key Developmental
Indicators of listening and responding,
communicating non-verbally, participating in
communication give-and-take, exploring
picture books and magazines and
enjoying stories, rhymes and
songs, the Exploring Objects
Key Developmental Indicators
of exploring objects using the
senses*, discovering object
permanence and exploring
and noticing and how
things are the same or
different and the Time Key Developmental
Indicators of anticipating familiar events and
noticing the beginning and ending of a time
interval.
*Sensory exploration is a
child's way of examining,
discovering and making
sense of their world. To
support your understanding of the necessity
and importance of sensory exploration,
please read the following excerpt from
“Sensory Play: Early Exploration Through
the Senses”, by Rachelle Doorley.
Exploration from Birth
When babies first interact with the world,
they don’t have words to describe what they
encounter, but they do absorb information
through their senses. A newborn’s sight is
limited at first, but as they get older their
sight becomes more finely tuned. A
newborn also begins to hear sounds in the
womb and can distinguish her mother’s
voice from other voices at birth. She can
differentiate between sweet and sour tastes,
will gravitate toward more pleasant smells,
and is comforted by warmth and a soft
touch.
As babies mature, their awareness becomes
heightened. A once “content” or “easy”
baby may suddenly take fright at loud
noises, be annoyed by a wet diaper, or reject
the texture of a new food. These changes
may confuse or frustrate parents, but they
can also signify developmental maturity as
the child begins to make sense of the world.
Language Acquisition
While babies may not have the words to
describe their experiences, sensory play can
help babies build vocabulary and
understand language. By using words and
questions that relate to the child’s
experience, a parent or caregiver can link
sensory experiences with cognitive growth.
Here are a few examples of how you could
articulate a sensory experience for a baby:
Touch: “I’m pouring warm water on your
head. Do you feel the wet water?”
Sight: “Do you see the bird in the tree?”
“Where do you see a squirrel? Oh, I see the
squirrel on the fence.”
Smell: “Would you like to
smell this flower? Mmmm, it
smells sweet.”
Taste: “I think you like the lemon.
Ooh, is it sour?”
Sound: “Do you hear the airplane? What
sound does it make? Woooooosh.”
Using descriptive and action words such as
cold, hot, bumpy, shiny, smooth, pour,
dump, scoop, sift, and splash in the context
of experiences will help solidify the
meanings of these words in a young child’s
mind.
Sensory Activities for Babies
Babies may be limited by their mobility and
dexterity, but not their ability to interact
with the world. Babies can enjoy the feeling
of water in a pool or bath, take in the
movement of wind on a walk, and respond
to the sounds of music playing on the
stereo. As babies become toddlers, they’ll
want to feel a variety of materials, scoop
and sort small objects, and experiment with
the properties of cause and effect (i.e. what
will happen if I dump this bowl of sand?)
Here are some sensory activities for
babies.
To nurture sight and touch experiences,
place your baby on a soft blanket and
billow a scarf overhead or offer
a variety of objects for your
child to touch.
Water Scooping
Playing with water is a
favorite activity for babies.
Fill a large, shallow bowl
with water and provide your upright baby
with simple scooping tools for open-ended
exploration.
Bean Bowl Exploration
Fill a large bowl or shallow tub with dry
beans, rice, sand, or wheat berries. Babies
will enjoy sifting these materials through
fingers, picking them up, and pouring them
out. Use your best judgment and pay close
attention when introducing young children
to small objects.
Tearing and Feeling Wet Paper
The simple ingredients of paper, water, and
a large tub make this engaging activity fun
for your child and easy for you.
This unit of exploration also has the goal to
encourage movement, develop social
relations, developing creative representation
and encourage them to listen to music which
are important key development indicators.
We will be providing musical instruments
for the children to explore maracas,
tambourines, and bells while introducing the
CD “Latin Playground” by Putumayo World
Music.
The teaching staff will also start introducing
Sign Language by using Annie Kubler “Sign
and Sing-Along” books. This month the
song we will be singing and signing is
“Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.”
Little Lambs II wish all the parents a
wonderful and bless holiday season.
Little Lambs II Teaching Team
As part of November theme, the
Caterpillars explored and touched
materials covered with a variety of
textures, noticing how things are the same
and different, exploring soft books and
soft blocks, listening and responding as
well as enjoying stories, rhymes and songs
and strengthening the attachment the
Caterpillars have formed with their
primary and secondary care givers and
other adults in the care setting.
The joy of the holiday season is upon us
and will be shared with the Caterpillars
through Christmas music, Christmas
books, decorations and pictures.
SILVER BELLS (tune: “Jingle Bells”)
Silver Bells, silver bells Ring them loud and clear. Silver Bells, silver bells
Bringing Christmas cheer. Ring them high, ring them low, Ring them ‘round and ‘round. What a lovely time of year When silver bells you hear.
Our big ideas for December
will be "The Magic of
Music" and "The Bells are
Ringing". The Caterpillars
will be offered a wide variety of bells and
rattles of different colors , textures, shapes
and sizes for listening to differences in
sounds and encountering the Key
Developmental Indicators of
exploring objects with their senses,
noticing how things are the same and
different, moving the whole of and parts of
the body, moving with objects, exploring
sounds, listening and responding to music
and songs, experiencing "more", repeating
an action to make something happen again,
experiencing cause and effect.
I LOVE BELLS (tune: “Three Blind Mice”)
Bells, bells, bells, I love bells,
All kinds of bells, They’re so swell.
Some are small and “ting-a-ling”. Some have handles that you swing. Some are big, you strike to ring.
I love bells, All kinds of bells.
BELLS ARE RINGING
(tune: “Frere Jacques”)
Bells are ringing, Bells are ringing. Ding, ding, dong. Ding, ding, dong
Happy little bells, Happy little bells.
All day long, Ring their song!
FIVE LITTLE BELLS Five little bells hanging in a row.
The first one said, "Ring me slow." The second one said, "Ring me fast." The third one said, "Ring me last."
The fourth one said, "I'm a chime." The fifth one said, "Ring me at Christmas time." The sixth one said, "Ring me with the others."
The seventh one said, "Ring me for the mothers." The eighth one said, "Ring me with a song." The ninth one said, "Ring me all day long."
Christmas music will be played and
sung in the care setting and colorful
light-weight scarves, bells and other
simple sound producing musical
instruments will be provided for use in
response.
We will also focus on the Key
Developmental Indicators of
communication non-verbally,
participating in communication give and
take, listening and responding to stories.
The children will listen to books about
the Christian celebration of the birth of
baby Jesus that include" The Twelve
days of Christmas", "Jesus Loves Me",
"Jingle Babies", "My Santa Claus",
"Here comes Santa Claus".
CHRISTMAS BELLS (tune: “Oh, Christmas Tree”)
O Christmas bells, O Christmas bells, We love to hear you ringing.
O Christmas bells, O Christmas bells, You make us feel like singing.
You sing to us of colored lights. You sing to us of Christmas night.
O Christmas bells, O Christmas bells, We love to hear you ringing.
In their “Awake, Alert
Time" the Caterpillars will
be also found crawling in
and out of the tunnel,
chasing the balls all around the classroom,
climbing the stairs in the care setting,
being ticked, cuddled, hugged, kissed and
engaged in communication and
conversation showcasing the Key
Developmental Indicators of expressing
initiative, doing things for and by
themselves, moving the whole body,
moving with objects, exploring and
noticing the location of objects and
forming attachment to the primary and
secondary care givers.
In December will have our first
Parent-Teacher Conference and
Conversation. A sign-up sheet will be
posted on the parent table for you to select
the time you wish to meet.
On December 18 we will sing Happy
Birthday to Davis!!!!
We wish everyone a very Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
Mrs. Margareta, Ms. Charlisa and Ms.
Brandi
One Little Christmas Tree One little Christmas tree
Stood all alone. Its heart was very sad,
For it hadn't found a home. Chop! went the ax. Down fell the tree.
And off it went with a happy family.
We hope everyone had a blessed, and
relaxing Thanksgiving holiday. Along
with the hussle and bussle that the
Thanksgiving holiday brings, we hope you
had time to enjoy your families and get in
preparation for the holiday. We would also
like to thank those that participated in our
Parent-Teacher Conferences and
Conversations.
The Koala Babies prepared for
Thanksgiving talking about families. We
are working on identifying members of our
own families, recognizing the similarities
and differences of families and celebrating
our School Family. We send a warm thank
you to the families that joined us in our
"I'm thankful for……….." cookie
decorating activity. Five Little Bells
Five little bells hanging in a row. The first one said, "Ring me slow."
The second one said, "Ring me fast." The third one said, "Ring me last."
The fourth one said, "I'm a chime." The fifth one said, "Ring me at Christmas
time." The sixth one said, "Ring me with the
others." The seventh one said, "Ring me for the
mothers." The eighth one said, "Ring me with a song." The ninth one said, "Ring me all day long."
As December approaches,
our neighborhoods are
beginning to look festive
with all the lights and
holiday decorations. In the first weeks, we
will be exploring different lights and
shadows. We will explore with flashlights,
string lights and strobe lights of different
colors. Along with observing lights, we
will also take a look at shadows. We will
observe shadows we make with our whole
bodies, parts of our bodies (hands, fingers,
feet and toes).
The Lights on the Tree (sung to the tune of "The Wheels on the Bus")
The lights on the tree go blink, blink, blink! Blink, blink, blink, blink, blink, blink!
The lights on the tree go blink, blink, blink! All Christmas Day!
In the weeks following, we will continue to
enjoy the winter weather by discussing
what clothing we wear outside when it gets
cold. We will explore clothing articles
such as coats, boots, hats, gloves, and
scarves. We will be discussing how and
why we wear certain articles of clothing
and encourage the children to "assist" us in
dressing themselves until we are assisting
them in their dressing.
The final weeks will be spent discussing
Jesus and Christmas. The children will
hear Christmas stories and music, view
festive decorations, create Christmas treats
and explore with wrapping paper. We will
host a Christmas party on Dec, 17th. We
encourage you all to join us if possible
Sign-up sheets will be available in the
weeks ahead.
As some of you may know,
each year at CDC, each School
Family chooses a country of the
world to learn about and discover
throughout the year. This year the Koala
Babies have selected Bolivia. Throughout
the year, we will be taking a look into the
history, language, foods, customs and
rituals of Bolivia. This month we will
explore Bolivian celebrations and
holidays. If there is any assistance or
ideas about or from Bolivia that you would
like to share with us, we look forward to
hearing them.
As a friendly reminder, we go outside on a
daily basis and we are also starting to walk
with the rope outside, please remember to
bring proper hats, coats and shoes with
your child every day.
Thanks again for the plastic "diaper" bags,
they have really come in handy, please,
keep them coming!
Winter break dates as follows: 12/23-01/2.
We hope everyone has a joyous, safe,
relaxing winter break and we look forward
to seeing everyone in 2014!
Cheers,
Rashawn, Ximena and Mycee
During November's "Fall Into
Nature" theme, the Polar Bears learned about
the Autumn season and a lot that happens
during the season! We talked about a few
things including the color changing of
leaves, squirrels and acorns, and made
colorful turkeys and cornucopias in
celebration of Thanksgiving!
Our little Polar Bears are growing more and
more each day! A few of them can say words
like “Ready”, “Block”, “Please”, “Yes”, and
“No". They can even say most of their peer’s
names!
They are also growing and developing
physically. The Polar Bears are working
really hard on using the railings when going
up and down stairs and really seem to enjoy
kicking balls and chasing them during our
time in the gym. HIBERNATION
Hibernation! Time for Hibernation!
Hibernation! Time to go to sleep!
In the winter where's the frog? Sleeping by a pond or log!
Where’s the frog? Pond or log?
OH! Hibernation!
Time for Hibernation! Hibernation!
Time to go to sleep! In the winter where's the snake?
In the mud beneath the lake! Where’s the snake?
In the mud in the lake? OH!
Hibernation! Time for Hibernation!
Hibernation! Time to go to sleep!
In the winter where's the bat? In a cave is where its at!
Where’s the bat? Where’s it at?
OH! Hibernation!
Time for Hibernation! Hibernation!
Time to go to sleep!
Our December theme will be
"Winter Wonderland".
Planned and prepared lessons
for learning will focus on the
season of Winter, including animals that
live in cold places, snow and Christmas!
TWINKLE, TWINKLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!
(sung to the tune of “Twinkle. Twinkle Little Star”)
Twinkle, twinkle Christmas lights! Santa Claus came last night!
Down the chimney with the toys! Woke me up with all the NOISE! Twinkle, twinkle Christmas lights!
Santa Claus came last night.
Feel free to sing this song with your Polar
Bear at home too!
Dance Like Snowflakes (sung to the tune of "Frere Jacques")
Dance like snowflakes, Dance like snowflakes,
In the air. In the air.
Whirling, twirling, snowflakes, Whirling, twirling, snowflakes,
Here and there. Here and there.
On Friday, 20 December, we will
celebrate Christmas with our Polar
Express themed Christmas party! The
children are invited to wear pajamas and
bring their special ‘lovies or teddy!
We will watch a few scenes
of The Polar Express movie,
drink hot chocolate
and make cookies! More
details will be provided
on our Parent Board
in the classroom as
we get closer to our
special day!
See the Snowflakes Falling See the snowflakes falling!
(wiggle fingers)
See the candles glow! (hold up one finger)
See the wreaths upon the door! (make wreath with hands)
It's Christmas time, I know!
Happy Holidays!
Ms.Tanganyika, Ms.Nina and Ms.Sherelle
During the month of November, the Brown
Bears discovered the taste and feel of
pumpkins, sweet potatoes, squash and
leaves. The Brown Bears made textured
turkeys, a harvest garden and celebrated
Thanksgiving with a potluck luncheon.
A Shining Star On the very first Christmas night,
(put hands together; lay head on hands as if sleeping)
A wondrous star shone big and bright. (hold hands above head; move fingers like stars shining.)
It marked the spot where the baby lay. (pretend to rock baby)
So Kings and Shepherds could come to pray.
(fold arms)
For the month of December our themes are
“Winter Wonders and Holiday
Happenings” exploring and discovering
what happens in winter; snow, snowflakes
and winter wear (coats, hats, gloves,
scarves, boots). Tastes associated with the
season, such as gingerbread and cocoa will
also be enjoyed. In relation to “Holiday
Happenings” we will discover Christmas,
Kwanza and Hanukah. We will have a
Holiday celebration on December 20th,
2013 at 3:00 PM.
TWINKLE, TWINKLE HANUKKAH Twinkle, Twinkle Hanukkah lights,
Shining brightly for 8 nights. See the dreidel spin around,
Eat some latke crisp and brown. Twinkle, twinkle Hanukkah lights,
Shining brightly for 8 nights.
SING A SONG OF KWANZAA (tune: “Sing A Song of Six Pence”)
Sing a song of Kwanzaa For seven nights long. Light a Kwanzaa candle
As each night comes along. Celebrate first harvest
And for unity. That’s the way to celebrate
With friends and family!
TWINKLE, TWINKLE SEVEN LIGHTS (tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”)
Twinkle, twinkle seven lights In the Kinara, burning bright. Time to celebrate first fruits And the history of our roots. Twinkle, twinkle seven lights In the Kinara, burning bright.
We will sing “Happy Birthday” to both
Oliver and Parker on 7 December.
Mark your calendars
CDC’s Annual Christmas program
in the sanctuary of the Church at
Clarendon at 5:00 PM on Friday,
13 December.
CDC closed for Christmas break
December 23 – January 1st. We
will reopen January 2nd 2014.
Lighting All the Candles (sung to: "I've Been Working on the
Railroad") I am lighting all the candles!
On this Hanukkah night! I am Lighting all the candles! To see them shining bright!
Flicker, flicker little candles! Fill me with your glow!
Now the time has come to count them! Ready, set and go! 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8.!
SING a SONG of HANUKKAH (sung to: "Did You Ever See a Lassie")
Oh, sing a song of Hanukkah! Hanukkah! Hanukkah!
Sing a song of Hanukkah! Happy Holidays!
With presents and presents! On every night, a present!
Oh sing a song of Hanukkah! A Happy Holiday!
Thank you,
Ms. Lupita, Ms. Vonita and Ms. Liping
It was a great pleasure talking with and getting to
know all of you more during the conferences. I want
to thank you all for the insightful information you
offered, and reiterate my openness to continued
communication thought the year. I greatly value
forming dialogue and relationships with families,
and find that it is beneficial for children, parents and
teachers alike.
Our Christmas wreaths
Are fat and round
Made of woodsy things
We found. We tied brown cones
Upon the green
And stuck red berries
In between. Upon the wreath
For our front door
We tied red ribbon
From a store.
Building on what the children learned last month
about giving thanks, the focus for December’s
planned and prepared theme of study will be “Joy to
the World”. We will celebrate all the wonder,
excitement, and beauty all around us as winter
officially begins and the magic of the holiday season
surrounds. We will discuss the meaning of giving and
receiving gifts, and continue to emphasize being
grateful for all we have. With an emphasis on the
Communication and Language Key Developmental
Indicators of listening and responding,
communicating non-verbally, participating in
communication give-and-take, communicating
verbally, exploring picture
Five Little Bells Finger Play Five little bells all hanging in a row
(wave one hand with fingers extended)
The first one said "Ring me slow" (wiggle thumb)
The second one said "Ring me fast" (move pointer finger fast)
The third one said "Ring me last" (move Middle finger).
The fourth one said "Ring me like a chime" (move ring finger)
The fifth one said "It's Christmas Time" (move pinky finger)
Another big focus of December will be preparing the
children for our part in the Christmas Program on
December 13, which was discussed with you in
detail during the Parent Teacher Conference and
Conversation.
The Creative Representation Key Developmental
Indicators of imitating and pretending and exploring
art materials will be presented with the addition of
seasonal décor and decorations for the children to
use and create.
Christmas Wreath Rhyme
books and magazines and enjoying stories, rhymes
and songs we will also be integrating more
environmental print and numbers into the learning
environment.
Star (sung to the tune of “I’m a Little Tea Pot”)
I’m a little star from in the sky I’ll sit on the tree top way up high I’ll shine for you in my special way
And twinkle brightly on Christmas Day.
We'll Decorate The Tree (sung to: "The Farmer in the Dell")
We'll decorate the tree, We'll decorate the tree.
Heigh-ho, it's Christmas time, We'll decorate the tree.
The presents we will wrap, The presents we will wrap.
Heigh-ho, it's Christmas time, The presents we will wrap.
Carols we will sing, Carols we will sing.
Heigh-ho, it's Christmas time, Carols we will sing.
A reminder...
- I want to reiterate the importance of dressing your
child for the elements, as we try our very best to
allow the children to get some fresh air and time on
the playground every day.
Ring the Bells (sung to: "London Bridges")
Ring the bells it's Christmas time, Christmas time, Christmas time.
Ring the bells it's Christmas time, Merry Christmas time!
(addition verses) *Play the drums it's Christmas time *Tap the sticks it's Christmas time *Clap your hands it's Christmas time
We have been busy decorating our room and
spreading the holiday cheer, and will continue to
make holiday themed crafts and art projects. We are
very excited to be celebrating the holiday season
with all of you, as 2013 comes to a close and we ring
in the New Year.
Christmas time is near. Christmas time is near.
Merry Christmas everyone. Christmas time is near.
It’s time to trim the tree. It’s time to trim the tree. Merry Christmas everyone. It’s time to trim the tree.
It’s time to wrap the gifts. It’s time to wrap the gifts. Merry Christmas Everyone. It’s time to wrap the gifts.
It’s time to hang the stocking. It’s time to hang the stocking.
Merry Christmas everyone. It’s time to hang the stocking.
Christmas Time is Here (sung to: "Farmer in the Dell")
Red and Green (sung to the tune of “Mary had a Little Lamb”)
Red and green are Christmas colors
Christmas colors Christmas colors
Red and green are Christmas colors
Pretty Christmas colors.
Little Tree (sung to the tune of “I’m a Little Teapot”)
I’m a little tree growing tall. Someday I’ll be the best of all. I’ll go home with a family and
A Christmas Tree is what I’ll be!
We would like to wish you all Happy Holidays!
Ms. Bernita and Ms. Anniea
The Inchworm teachers would like to say THANK
YOU to all of our Inchworm families for all you did
to contribute to making our month of November very
"family oriented". The stories written and illustrated
in celebration of “Names Day” were both
informative and inspirational as were the “Family
Trees.”
Also, thank you for making the time to sign up for
Parent-Teacher Conferences and Conversations. It
was very refreshing to have a chance to sit down and
speak with each family individually and in depth,
making me forward with anticipation to February,
when we meet again!
The Big Idea for December is "Until Christmas
Comes!"
Advent is a Time to Wait (sung to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star")
Advent is a time to wait, not quite time to celebrate. Light the candles one by one, 'til this Advent time is
done. Christmas Day will soon be here, time for joy and time
for cheer.
Someone's Coming Someone's coming, Someone's coming
Do you know just who? Jesus is coming, Jesus is coming Born for me, and born for you.
As we prepare for the most wonderful time of the
year we will participate in activities such as "tree
trimming", sharing, baking, and tons of art projects
to help make the season bright.
5 Little Christmas Trees 5 little Christmas Trees
Standing all alone Their heart were very sad
'Cause they hadn't found a home. Then chop went the ax And down fell the tree
And off they went with a happy family! (continue from 4 to 1 Christmas Trees)
No little Christmas Trees Standing all alone
Their hearts were very happy 'Cause they all found a home!!!
I'm A Little Pine Tree (sung to the tune of "I'm A Little Teapot")
I'm a little pine tree- as you can see, All the other pine trees are bigger than me.
Maybe when I grow up-then I'll be A great big merry Christmas tree!
We will also be practicing for the upcoming holiday
program. The Inchworms will perform a special
holiday dance that is sure to bring a smile to
everyone’s face.
Let's All (sung to the tune of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas")
Let's all do a little clapping! Let's all do a little clapping! Let's all do a little clapping! And spread Christmas cheer!
other verses: Jumping!, Twirling!, Stretching! Bending! And???????!)
After careful consideration, we have decided to
change our Country of Study for this school year to
Iceland.
During the month of December we will learn about
the Christmas Holiday traditions of Iceland. We will
also begin to learn phrases in Icelandic. This month
our language focus will be phrases of gratitude:
Thank You: Takk (Tahk)
No Thank You: Nei Takk
(Nay Tahk)
Please: Vinsamlegast
(Vin-some-le-gast)
December Key Developmental Indicators:
*Developing Social Play
*Expressing Emotions
*Exploring Building and Art Materials
*Exploring Picture Books and Magazines
*Listening to Music
*Communicating Verbally
*Listening and Responding
Dates to Remember:
Holiday Program-
Friday, 13 December 2013
Holiday Break-
Monday, 23 December 2013-Thursday, 2 January
2014
We wish each and every family a happy holiday
filled with love, laughter, and blessings.
See you in 2014!!
Ms. Lakisha & Mrs. Nicole
May the Love of Christ Surround you! May His blessings flow your way!
As you Celebrate His birth This Christmas Day.
Throughout November, the Lady Bugs had the
opportunity to reflect on all for which they are
thankful.
As we enter the season of the giving, lets continue
to give thanks for the love, kindness and joy that we
all share as well as the ‘Miracle’ wrapped in
swaddling clothing!
The Christmas Story by Leanne Guenther
Once upon a time, A long, long time ago.
Begins the story of a baby, That most of you should know. His daddy's name was Joseph,
And Mary was His mom, This babe was very special
He was God's only Son. Some angels came from heaven,
And they began to sing. To the shepherds in the fields below,
"Glad tidings do we bring!" A bright star lit the heavens,
To light the magi's way, To the baby in the manger
Who was born on Christmas day. And all who gathered round Him, Rejoiced and praised His birth.
For the babe, the King, named Jesus, Is our Saviour here on earth!
November highlights included learning the value of
“thankfulness”. The Key Developmental Indicators
that the children encountered included building
relationships with their teachers and peers,
participating in communication give and take and
talking with others about personally meaningful
experiences, specifically our families and their
Thanksgiving traditions. The Lady Bugs compared
attributes of fruits as they helped to cut them up into
a fruit salad. The children displayed creativity in
making Indian vests and head bands and Pilgrim hats
and collars as we re-enacted the “The First
Thanksgiving” at our Thanksgiving celebration.
I thank you for creating time to meet with me to
share exchange information at the Parent Teacher
Conferences and Conversations.
The First Christmas (Action Rhyme)
Clop, clop, clop went the donkey's feet, Clop, clop, clop down the stoney street.
Nod, nod, nod went Mary's head. She was tired, and she needed a bed.
Knock, knock, knock went Joseph at the door. "Do you have room for anyone more?"
"No, No, No!" the innkeeper said, "I don't even have one more bed."
"Wait, wait, wait," the innkeeper said, "You can use my stable for a bed."
"Shh, shh, shh...What is that I hear? The cry of Baby Jesus, oh so dear!"
The children will be giving to their friends
participating in a book exchange. We will read
books, listen to, learn and sing Christmas carols. Use
creative and sequenced movement as we “follow the
Star” to the Christmas miracle.
A Shining Star (Action Rhyme)
On the very first Christmas night, (put hands together; lay head on hands as if sleeping.)
A wondrous star shone big and bright. (hold hands above head; move fingers like stars shining.)
It marked the spot where the baby lay, (pretend to rock baby.)
So kings and shepherds could come to pray. (fold hands and kneel.)
On Friday 20 December, the Lady Bugs will have a
Christmas celebration where the children will
exchange books.
Mark your calendars for Friday, 13 December! The
Lady Bugs will be participating in FBCC CDC’s
Annual Christmas Program, singing “Rocking
Around the Christmas Tree.” We are asking that you
dress your child in white tops and red bottoms for
this event.
December comes with Joy, Sharing, Giving and lots
of Love, but most importantly the birth of Jesus, thus
“Jesus is the Reason for the Season” will be
experienced and expressed through our December
units of learning together.
“The Joy of Giving-the Sights, Colors and Sounds of
Christmas!”
If you have a Holiday tradition or a simple activity
as reading a holiday book that you would like to
share with the class, please do!
Love and Joyous Holiday Wished to All!
Ms. Elise and Ms. Elizabeth
Two Little Candy Canes Way up high on the Christmas tree Two little candy canes winked at me
So I shook that tree as hard as I could And down came the candy canes
Hmm, Hmm, Good!!
As November comes to a close, the Little
Discoverers will transition into the month of
December with the theme of “Tis, the Season.”, a
unit of study about Christmas and family tradition.
Christmas Candy (an action rhyme)
I took a lick of my peppermint stick (pretend to lick candy.)
And was it ever yummy! (lick lips.)
It used to be on my Christmas tree. (form tree shape with hands.)
Now, it's in my tummy! (rub stomach.)
Over the holidays, most of the children will be
spending time with many members of their families,
immediate and extended. The children need little to
no encouragement to talk about this special time, so
we are spending each day of December devoted to
our families. At Circle Time, we will discuss
families, human and animal and how they live and
love each other. Children will also have the
opportunity to engage in the Key Developmental
Indicator of sharing personally meaningful stories
about their family. We will also engage in various
holiday activities, and we will begin to count down
the day until Christmas. The Little Discoverers
engagement in the Creative Arts Key Developmental
Indicators art music, movement, pretend play and art
appreciation will yield a wealth of ‘Winter Art’.
Expressing and representing what the Small Scholars
observe, think, imagine and feel in product and
process two and three dimensional arts including
reindeer antlers, handprint reindeers, gingerbread
houses, peppermint play dough, Santa hats,
Christmas quilts and a holiday gifts and surprises for
family members. The smells and flavors most often
associated with this holiday season of the holiday
season include GINGERBREAD and
PEPPERMINT and Math and Science Key
Developmental Indicators will be engaged in and
encountered with cooking and science projects to
tempt and tantalize the senses and the taste buds.
On the last day of school before the holiday break,
we will make cookies for Santa and his reindeer.
Gingerbread Men (an action Rhyme)
Stir a bowl of gingerbread, smooth and spicy brown. (pretend to stir.)
Roll it with the rolling pin up and down. (making rolling motions.)
Take a cookie cutter and make some little men. (use imaginary cutter to cut imaginary shape.)
Put them in the oven 'til half past ten. (pretend to slide cookie tray into oven.)
MMMM!
During the month of December, Language, Literacy
and Communication Key Developmental Indicators
of comprehension, speaking, vocabulary,
phonological awareness, alphabetic knowledge,
read, concepts about print, book knowledge and
writing will be the focus of our reading of books
such as the classic Green Eggs and Ham, The Polar
Express, A Wish to be a Christmas Three , and How
the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Dates to remember
December 13 – Annual Christmas Show 5PM
December – 20 – last day school for the holidays
January 2 – return to school
Happy Holidays!
Ms. Kayla and Mr. Avery
November proved to be an interesting and
informative month as our Small Scholars explored
“Whoo’s Thankful? We’re thankful!” Throughout the
entire month the classroom was occupied with an
abundance of gratitude and delight. Not only did we
explore the concepts of thankfulness, we practiced
using our words to express ourselves, community
roles that we carry, and reflected on Thanksgiving
traditions.
In the month of November, the Small Scholars
began their journey in Christian Education. Through
our Christian Education enrichment program we
reinforced the concept of thankfulness, as we
expressed our appreciation for that that the Lord has
done, and continues to do for us. We were reminded
that the Lord provides for us in all ways and that we
can always count on His everlasting love to keep us.
Baby Jesus Baby Jesus snuggles in deep,
(pretend to sleep)
In warm but scratchy straw. (scratch nose)
On a nearby hillside, shepherds hear, (put hand to ear)
The angel’s song of awe. (animal sounds)
They race to Bethlehem to see, (run in place)
The king born in a stable. (animal sounds)
Then kneel before the Son of God, (fold arms)
A manger for his cradle. (rock a baby)
As we move into the month of December, the Small
Scholars will raise the question “Whoo’s That
Baby?” celebrating the story of the birth of Jesus
Christ. This theme will not solely be a continuum of
our Christian Education, but support all
developmental domains expressed in the Key
Developmental Indicators. Reading Biblical
accounts as well as books about the birth of Jesus to
acquire a deeper understanding of what the birth of
Christ meant historically as well as for us today will
provide opportunities for the children to engage
actively and meaningfully in the Language, Literacy
and Communication Key Developmental Indicators
of comprehension, speaking, vocabulary,
phonological awareness, alphabetic knowledge,
read, concepts
about print, book knowledge and writing.
Additionally, keeping with the Small Scholars’
standard, engagement in the Creative Arts Key
Developmental Indicators art music, movement,
pretend play and art appreciation will yield a wealth
of ‘Winter Art’. Expressing and representing what
the Small Scholars observe, think, imagine and feel
in product and process two and three dimensional
arts including holiday wreaths, Christmas trees, and
snowmen all to decorate our classroom with the
winter spirit. We will also create holiday cards to
express our joy for the holiday season. Similarly, we
will be creating yummy ginger bread houses out of
graham crackers, and decorate them with parent-
approved-candies. (We ask that our parents, please,
provide the yummy goodies needed for our
wonderful gingerbread houses.)
Gingerbread Men Stir a bowl of gingerbread
(stir as in bowl)
Smooth and spicy brown Roll it with a rolling pin
up and up and down (pretend to roll)
With a cookie cutter, (pretend to cut out)
make some little men. Put them in the oven
(place in oven)
till half past ten!
As we enter the month of December, we would like
to say thank you to our Small Scholars’ families for
their continued support in all we do. After all, we’re
thankful!
Ms. Gabby
With Christmas fast approaching, we are spending a
great deal of time practicing for the Christmas
program on December 13. We will be sending the
lyrics of the 4 songs we will be performing,
including a Chinese song. We are asking that the
children dress festive for our performance, wearing
red, white and/or green clothing.
During our discussion of “Gifts and Giving” to those
we love, the children will have an opportunity on
December 6 to bring in an item of their choice that
they received as a gift. We will create a dialogue
about why gifts we have received were special to us,
and how we can show others around us that we care
about and appreciate them. We will highlight and lift
up the many gifts and talents each child brings to our
classroom, and give them creative ways to express
the love and joy of the holiday season with their
peers, school community and families. We will also
have a Christmas tree in the classroom, giving the
children the opportunity to decorate it, and carry the
excitement of the season with them at school, and at
home.
Our "librarian of the week" program is going very
well, with the children showing great enthusiasm for
sharing books with their friends. The Roaring Lions
have been spotting rhyming words, deciphering
between fiction and non-fiction books, and making
problem solving suggestions to characters in the
stories we read. With an increasing interest in
written communication, activities will be planned
for the children to write holiday cards, prepare
visual aids paired with written captions, and add to
the amount of environmental print in the classroom.
Nurturing the children’s curiosity about where things
come from and how they are made, we will continue
to provide opportunities for the children to explore
new materials in our sensory table, and continue to
be a part of the food preparation process. The
children have been interested in viewing food items
before they are peeled, cooked and mixed together,
and noticing the differences of their properties before
and after we have manipulated them.
Enjoy your holidays!
Ms. Amanda and Ms. Ami
Dinosaurs lived long ago. Some walked (stomp in place)
Some swam (pretend to swim)
Some flew, you know! (flap arms at sides)
Some were big (hold hands high)
Some were small (hold hands low)
Some were gigantic— (stretch arms out wide)
V-e-r-y tall! (stretch arms up high)
The “Big Idea” for December will be “The Land
Before Time” and will focus on the time periods
where dinosaurs ruled the earth. While many
children already have a mild fascination with
prehistoric creatures, we will introduce them in a
chronological order from beginning to end during
the Mesozoic Era of the earth. In the three weeks
before Christmas we will discuss the Triassic,
Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods culminating with
the extinction of dinosaurs. For each period we will
learn about the earth’s geography and climate,
evolution of dinosaur and mammal composition,
marine life, avian life, and plant life. This exciting
theme will allow for many activities from dinosaur
bone excavations at the sand table to dinosaur
handprint art and related science experiments.
Dinosaurs, dinosaurs, Where have you been?
I've only seen you In books that you're in.
Dinosaurs, dinosaurs, Why aren't you here? I want to know what
Made you all disappear!
Dinosaurs, dinosaurs, How you would roam! Forests and beaches
Were your private home.
Dinosaurs, dinosaurs, How you could eat! Dining on plant life Or dining on meat.
Dinosaurs, dinosaurs, Where did you go?
Once you were giants, And how you did grow! Dinosaurs, dinosaurs, What made you die?
So many guesses, But no one's sure why.
DINOSAURS
The Dinosaurs The dinosaurs lived long ago, when life on earth began.
(gesture palm up wave over your shoulder)
Some were tall (gesture high).
Some were small (gesture low).
Some liked water (gesture swimming).
Some liked land (gesture walking by alternating palms on your knees).
Pteranadons had leathery wings (gesture flying).
Brontausaurs, long necks (gesture to neck).
But the meanest dinosaur of all (gesture mean face).
Was Tyranosaurus Rex (gesture heavy stomping by alternating
palms on your knees).
The Mesozoic Era extended approximately 186
million years and is divided by three periods known
as the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods.
Triassic Period
Lasted from 252.2-201.3 million years ago and is
characterized by:
One geographical landmass known as Pangaea
Evolution of reptiles into first “true”
dinosaurs such as the Eoraptor and
Herrerasaurus
Evolution of a wide variety of
ancestral crocodiles
Jurassic Period
Lasted from 201.3-145 million years ago and is
characterized by:
Pangaea breaks up into the Gondwana and
Laurasia continents
Small plant eating dinosaurs evolve into giants
such as the Brachiosaurus and Diplodocus
Medium to large carnivorous dinosaurs such as the
Allosaurus and Magalosaurus evolve
Evolution of armor plated dinosaurs begins
Dinosaurs
Cretaceous Period
Lasted from 145-66 million years ago and is
characterized by:
Pangaean supercontinent
continues to break up into
modern continent shapes
Carnivorous dinosaurs
dominate and evolution of
raptors and tyrannosaurus
occurs
Herbivore giants of Jurassic Period have mostly
died out
Armor plated dinosaurs increase in number and
grow in size. Examples include Triceratops and
Ankylosaurus.
Meteor impact on the Yucatan Peninsula results in
dinosaur extinction and end of the Mesozoic Era.
On December 13 at 5:00 PM in the church sanctuary,
the Sea Turtles will participate in the annual
Christmas performance and we look forward to your
attendance. Thank you for the instrument donations
for this event.
A Dinosaur For Christmas A dinosaur for Christmas is the only thing I need.
It doesn't matter if it's slow or one that's built for speed.
A massive one, a tiny one or one that's in between.
A dinosaur that's muddy brown or bright and shiny green.
I don't care if it's big and tall
or really old and ugly. I don't care if it's rough and tough
or soft and cute and snuggly.
A spiny one will do the trick. A scaly one is fine.
As long as it's a living, breathing dinosaur, and mine.
I promise if you bring me one
I'll never ask for more, That's all I want for Christmas:
just one single dinosaur. --Kenn Nesbitt
Happy Holidays!
Marquita and Sean
Our experience of giving, to show gratitude and
appreciation, continues throughout the holiday
season. Looking back, we want to say thank you to
parents for sharing and telling about your child
during Parent Teacher Conferences and
Conversations, volunteering your time with us on
the walk to TRADER JOE’S, helping with
information for share bags, and joining us at our
class Thanksgiving-Birthday feast.
Children have been working really hard on counting
their blessings in prayers, sharing acts of kindness
with each other, minding their manners,
acknowledging with appreciation all others do for
them and working together as great partners.
Children have also been busy making and expressing
choices, plans and decisions during the Plan-Do-
Review sequence and Small Group Time. The
Language, Literacy and Communication Key
Developmental Indicators of vocabulary,
phonological awareness, reading, alphabetic
knowledge, concepts about print, book knowledge
and writing focus have been presented in active and
participatory learning experiences in which children
are offered lessons in identifying upper and lower
case letters, writing opportunities when signing into
centers each day, position words, colors, size and
shapes. December Small Group learning will support
the listed Key Developmental Indicators with a
focus on phonemic awareness (sound to symbol) of
the consonants of s, f, b, h, m and k as well as
writing addresses. Mathematic as well as Science
and Technology Key Developmental Indicators will
be supported in opportunities to sort and classify,
recognize, identify and create patterns and explore
solid figures.
Children will prepare for “The Coming of Baby
Jesus” using the Advent Calendar and discovering
the family tree of Jesus through activities of the
Jesse Tree. They will deck the halls with tinsels,
ornaments and pictures of Biblical stories each day
leading to Jesus’ birth. Children will celebrate all
December birthdays with focus on birthday of the
Christ Child and participate in a gift exchange, the
details of which will follow.
JESSE TREE
The Jesse Tree is named for Jesse, the father of King
David. This is because the Gospel of Luke tells us
that Jesus belonged to
“the house of David”.
The prophet Isaiah tells
us, “A shoot shall come
out from the stock of
Jesse, and a branch shall
grow out of his roots”. (Isaiah 11:1)
The first Jesse Tree ever made is in a stained glass
window in a cathedral in Chartes, France. It was
made in the twelfth century and it shows a picture of
Jesse sleeping in a tree rising from his body. Each
branch of the tree shows one of Christ’s ancestors.
So a Jesse Tree is Jesus’ family tree in pictures.
Every night, a story about one of Jesus’ ancestors
can be read and a symbol of that person is placed on
the tree.
Happy Birthday:
Brandon 12/02
Sidney 12/14
Lyla 12/23
Happy Birthday, Jesus
Happy Birthday, Jesus, I'm so glad it's Christmas. All the tinsel and lights and
The presents are nice But the real gift is You.
Happy Birthday, Jesus,
I'm so glad it's Christmas. All the carols and bells make
The holidays swell And it's all about You.
Happy Birthday, Jesus
Jesus, I love You.
Information about the December Field Trip we are
planning to visit the exhibit of Nativities around the
world displayed at the National Cathedral will be
distributed soon.
CDC’s annual Christmas Program will be held on
December 13, 2013. Little Explorers are busy
preparing to give you a great performance. All are
invited!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Bindu and Lawrence
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