December 2010 Klahanie Nursery School Newsletter
November Reflection
The demands of winter weather have surely approached us and the holiday season is near at hand. What remains magical and fresh is the feeling each child offers Monday through Thursday here at Klahanie! I feel centered, grateful, humbled and full of love with this little group. This month sincerely felt like an expression of giving thanks.
Ady, Fin, Charlie, Kai and Gregory offered numerous signs of enjoyment exploring the themes presented in the class space. As we continued to practice different body motions (handshakes, hugs, smiles, bows and back-pats/rubs) and languages for “please” and “thank you”—emphasizing the connection of giving thanks to one-another—I observed a deeper bond forming between the children and greater degrees of patience. During the years here at Klahanie, a continued introduction and practice of “grace and courtesy” language and interactions will be requested of the children. Modeling caring and respectful language and action is key to nurturing children’s development of empathy. Daily I am observing more and more depths of empathy growing from each child as we practice our grace and courtesy!
The life cycle of the salmon books were also a huge hit with all four children. As we talked about the different body parts (singing the salmon parts w/ the “Head Shoulder, Knees and Toes” tune) all four would eagerly hop or sway to the song/finger-plays. Dramatic story telling of the salmon life cycle and migration became a very fun experience for us all.
December Topics
Here at Klahanie, December is the month celebrating the festivals of lights! Weaving the holidays of Christmas, Hanukah, Divali and Winter Solstice I will emphasize the celebration of lights and nature changes. This will be age appropriate and centered around songs, poems and enjoyment of the classroom decorations. For house/classroom decorations I will try to offer symbols from each holiday tradition for the children to enjoy.
One of my favorite holiday songs we will sing numerous times is “Douglas Mountain” by Raffi. This is a beautiful song celebrating the beauty of our biome during winter. I will sing along with sign language. If you want to sing it at home, the lyrics are as follows (and if you need the tune, I’d be happy to share it with you):
Snow is falling on Douglas Mountain
Snow is falling so deep.
Snow is falling on Douglas Mountain
Putting the bears to sleep;
Putting the bears to sleep.
Trimming the wicks on Douglas Mountain
Shining the chimneys so bright.
Trimming the wicks on Douglas Mountain
So earth can bring the night;
So earth can bring the night.
May we all experience December to be filled with a re-awakening of excitement and glee as we observe our children’s wild wonder of the town lights, holiday songs and beautiful foods shared with family and friends! Cheers to each of their beautiful souls!
Reminders
- NO SCHOOL Monday December 20-Thursday December 31.
- Please review the school bulletin board for the winter quarter snack schedule. Thank you!
Hoping you all have a wonderful Holiday shared with loved ones! See you in January 2011!
Much love,
Emmy
