January 2012 Newsletter

December Reflection

~Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

December brought us further acknowledgment of how beautiful children are.  Dr. Kubler-Ross, thank you for your words.

January Themes
Peacemakers around the world introduction: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr (honoring his day of rememberence) and musician Michael Franti

• Please note: Peacemakers will be introduced and discussed in an age approapriate manner, offering a picture of the Peacemaker and talking about his/her work in a large, foundation based scope.  Our Peacemaker unit (one that lasts from January-April, ending with Earth Day and Dr. Wangari Maathai, from Kenya) is a space where we explore how children are inherent peacemakers; offering class and family examples of how each of the children practice his/her own forms of peace making.  This unit will involve songs, poems and chants as well as kindness nurturing art projects (making necklaces for friends/family) and introduction to acting with puppet storytelling.

Small Native Winter Birds and the care we humans can contribute to their well being (Oregon Junko, Chickadee and Black-headed Woodpecker): outside exploration and identification of these birds as well as making bird feeders and establishing a safe school bird bath essential for the health of winter birds.
Snow flakes and ice: activities surrounding what ice is (solid and liquid) and what it returns to when heated.  More introduction to "cause and effect."

Thank You and Reminders

Thank you Day-Tharp and Morris families for the beautiful wooden toys, puzzles and learning cards contributions to Klahanie!

Thank you to all the immediate and extended families at Klahanie for who shared our December sing-a-long party.  What a special night and the beginning of many more years of such joy and sharing with all our Klahanie community families (present and alumni).

Happy New Year to all.  May this year bring many joyful wonderments to your families.