Back to Basics

I hope this newsletter finds you cozy and warm at home on this snowy day.



Despite the extensive variety of materials the children have available to them, they have narrowed it down to a few basics, requesting only paper, string, scissors and glue on a daily basis. For the last few weeks, you may have noticed a small group of children each morning gathered in front of the art corner on the floor, surrounded by a sea of cut up pieces of paper. They have been meticulously constructing highly detailed and original paper designs. Some examples include 'cream-puffs', roses, butterflies, people--with all of their many parts, flowers and bumble bees, cell phones, masks, and even doggy ears to use in lieu of the dog-ear headbands in the dramatic play area. What stemmed from a small group has now inspired the entire class. We have dedicated portions of our day this week to problem-solve and create using only the basics. The impact of their latest visual artistry does not come from the materials being used, but rather from the ideas behind them as they use their brain power to demonstrate their inner creativity.



On Thursday we discussed in depth how we can create a butterfly garden to house all of the butterflies they made, but only using paper! Next week we'll get started making grass, sun flowers, rocks, tomato vines, corn stalks (there are a lot of vegetables in our garden, although I was corrected by Sarah when she told me, "corn is not a vegetable, it's a grain"), all of which will receive light from our shining Sun at the center of our classroom.



We have been reading some really great books lately, including some new 'chapter-books'. One of my childhood favorites, "Tales of Amanda the Pig", and "A Harry the Dirty Dog Treasury" have been particular hits. The kids love the suspense of pausing the story at a certain point and resuming it the following day. Many of the children have been bringing in their own chapter books to share with the friends. We had Eva C.'s mom, Heidi, come in to read "A Kissing Hand" to the class on Wednesday morning. Many of the kids were familiar with this book and were excited to share their thoughts and comments with Heidi after she read. As I always say, it is always a special occasion when a family member comes in to visit our classroom. Thanks, Heidi!



Before we went on our February break, Caden's mom, Nancy, came in to make winter hats with the class that they were able to design themselves. Nancy brought in materials such as neon puffy paint, jewels, sticker felt pieces, sequins and ribbons, all of which were used to create some very original and funky hats. Once the kids finished their designs, the hats were completed with a tie and a fringe on top and were ready to take home to wear. Thank you, Nancy, for sharing this activity with the class! They really enjoyed it, especially considering their interest in fashion and clothing design.



The kids have been very determined to complete challenging floor puzzles each morning this week. Small groups have worked together to put complicated 48 piece puzzles together, always with success. It's great to see the pride the children take in themselves when they finish, and they will often protect the finished product with a barrier of tape in order to relish success as long as they possibly can.



The class participated in baking some all natural quinoa cookies before break that they all LOVED. Here is a very simple recipe for those of you who are interested:



1/2 c. Honey

1/3 c. Brown sugar

1/2 c. Butter

1/2 c. Peanut, sunflower seed, or soy nut butter (we used sunflower seed)

1 c. Whole wheat or rice flour (we used rice)

3/4 c. Quinoa flakes

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp cinnamon (or more to your liking)



*cream together honey, brown sugar, butter and vanilla



*combine all dry ingredients in separate bowl



*Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and beat with electric mixer



*drop ~2 Tbsp. onto baking sheet and bake 10-14 minutes, until lightly golden, at 350 degrees



REMINDER: Picture day is Tuesday, March 2nd at 10:30 am.



Have a great weekend!