We have had a great first week in the owl class! We are exploring our surroundings, learning about each other, and learning how school works. The kiddos have done a great job and some are still working on the transition from being home to being at school and some tears are to be expected. Please keep reassuring them that you will come back, school is fun and that they will have a great day.
I sent home a few things this week one was a paper asking some questions for you the parents. I know you filled out some packets that are in the student file but this one is a quick reference for me to have and I also like to use them to find things some kids have in common and try to help them build relationships with other children who have similar interests. It also lets me know how to get a hold of you and others in a quick reference kind of way. Turn those in to me as soon as you can. The second was an all about me poster. This is another way to encourage kids to find things in common with others in a visual way. It also helps me get to know them and their family. Please turn in the posters by September 5th. One more thing I need is a family photo this way the kids have a picture of their family in class it makes them feel at home in our room. This picture will remain on the wall all year.
A few reminders if your child is ill please review the guidelines in the handbook regarding when your child is too sick to be at school. We do wellness checks in the mornings and I hate to have to send friends home, but its best for us all. If your child was sick and is still recovering let me know so that I can keep an eye on them and note any changes in behavior. Also please help me in the mornings by making sure your child washes their hands as soon as they are in class. This and frequent hand washing during the day help us to reduce illness in the class.
Next Wednesday and Thursday we are having an extra messy art exploration day! Be prepared for paint, water, shaving cream and lots of mess come prepared with clothes that can get messy and extras.
I have added a poll on the side of the blog page asking if you would be interested in having a closed group facebook page for our class. We would use it to post messages for our class, a few pictures, a way to contact me and class reps etc. I would be the admin and would add in parents only! Pleasde answer the survey and if we have an interest we can work on getting that together.
Enjoy your first weekend and I will see you all next week!
Friday, August 28, 2015
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Our first week of school!
I am happy to say we are starting school earlier than anticipated! Our restoration company has done an amazing job and school is now ready for us to move back in and start on the 24th! I have a few reminders and some information on how the first week of school looks.
All about me is our opening theme, I like to spend the first few weeks getting to know your child and all the children in my classes. We do this by exploring what their likes and dislikes are, who is in their family and who they are. There will be a lot of getting to know you games, activities and questions going on in class. This is my opportunity to explore who your children are and what needs and interests we have as a class. In the first two weeks I would also like for each family to send in a picture to class this is for our family wall. Each child will tell us about the people in their family and the picture will be placed on the wall for the remainder of the school year.
A few reminders
A few things to not bring to school are
· Never bribe or negotiate a “deal” (if you stop crying I’ll give you this…)
All about me is our opening theme, I like to spend the first few weeks getting to know your child and all the children in my classes. We do this by exploring what their likes and dislikes are, who is in their family and who they are. There will be a lot of getting to know you games, activities and questions going on in class. This is my opportunity to explore who your children are and what needs and interests we have as a class. In the first two weeks I would also like for each family to send in a picture to class this is for our family wall. Each child will tell us about the people in their family and the picture will be placed on the wall for the remainder of the school year.
A few reminders
- Please make sure your child has a back pack with a full change of clothing or two for the first days of school. If you can please put those clothes in a Ziploc bag so I can return any wet or dirty clothes home.
- Make sure your child's bag is labeled with their name it will make it easier for me to know which belongs to your child.
- We get messy at school please do not send your child to school in anything you are afraid to get paint, glue, food, water or anything messy on. I want them to explore freely and not feel like they have to worry about their clothes or shoes.
A few things to not bring to school are
- Toys from home
- Medicines
- Wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Lip gloss or chap stick (they like to share it with friends when they bring it)
- Sunscreen (We as teachers are not allowed to apply sunscreen to your child)
· Never bribe or negotiate a “deal” (if you stop crying I’ll give you this…)
· Never send them home- this sends the message that they can get their own way if they throw a tantrum
· Speak positively and cheerfully
· Reassure your child you love them and will be back
· Stay calm
· Once you leave, DON’T COME BACK IN. This makes it very confusing and teaches the child that crying works to get you to come back.
· If other children complain about noisy crying say, “Yes, Jimmy is crying because he misses his mom. He needs some time to learn how school works. Let’s show him how much fun ____ is and maybe he will join us.” Then move along to your next activity.
· Acknowledge the child’s feelings (I know you miss your mom, you’ll see her soon.)
· Invite the child to join in activities but don’t force them to participate if they are overly distraught.
This was an article I found many years ago that still applies today! Some children may have no problem being left on their first day of school, but they may have a few tears after a week or two. Some children from the beginning may have BIG FEELINGS about being left but with care and persistence it will pass and they will get used to the transition soon.
Please know I am very compassionate with your children and will tell them “I know you are sad/mad, but I know your mom/dad is coming back!” “Do you need a hug?”
Also as parent helpers you may be asked to help with these children as well. Some things to remember:
· Don’t tell them not to cry, they need to express their feelings and we are here to help them name their feelings and learn to communicate HOW they are feeling.
· Sit next to them and tell them and offer support by just being there and acknowledging their feelings.
· Try and get them interested in an activity.
Please know we will love your child and try to make their transition away from you a positive experience. Please also know if your child is REALLY inconsolable and we have exhausted all of our strategies we will call you!
With a little love and compassion those that may be reluctant will soon be excited to come to school and have a great time!
Now for you I have an acronym I learned from a mentor teacher many years ago its called HELP.
Hug- Let your child know you are leaving with a quick hug and a kiss please don't sneak out.
Encourage- Give them words of encouragement, help them to locate a friend or a teacher.
Leave- Leave don't linger longer that actually makes it harder.
Pray- Pray for the teachers, the parents working and for your child that they receive the comfort and reassurance they need. I truly appreciate those prayers!
Have fun getting ready to come to school next week I'll be working hard setting up our "nest" for all my little owls!
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Welcome to the Owl Class 2015
Welcome to my blog new and returning Owl families!
If you are here you either followed my link from Facebook or you typed in the address from the outline you received at orientation. Either way welcome. I am working to build this blog with more postings, suggestions and class updates as the year progresses.
Please add yourself as a follower on the side column and please make sure you get added to the school's Facebook page if your not already to get all the latest news and updates!
Hope to see you all soon!
If you are here you either followed my link from Facebook or you typed in the address from the outline you received at orientation. Either way welcome. I am working to build this blog with more postings, suggestions and class updates as the year progresses.
Please add yourself as a follower on the side column and please make sure you get added to the school's Facebook page if your not already to get all the latest news and updates!
Hope to see you all soon!
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Marching to spring break
Yes I am late with this its already March and we are already into the Dr. Seuss study. Days one and two have gone well a few kiddos are familiar with Dr. Seuss thanks to some popular movies that are out as well as the books. They are also enjoying the idea of crazy scenarios and funny words.
In class we are covering the stories of doctor Seuss we plan to look at Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, and a few of the shorter stories (as Dr. Seuss wrote some very long ones as well) Our main story and the theme for our room is One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. Its a silly rhyming story with lots of fun made up creatures and fun pictures. At home you can continue the fun by reading Dr. Seuss stories at home. Local libraries have a good selection and you can sometimes find readings of the stories on Youtube and iTunes. You can also find the movies some are a bit long but can be watched in parts Horton Hears a Who, Cat in the Hat, The Grinch, and The Lorax are all available to see so Dr. Seuss's world is brought to life.
We are continuing to work on names we have moved from recognition to writing names. I use a Font found online called dot lines and it creates the dots and all the lines you can use this at home as well if your child wants to practice at home. But it has to be fun! It needs to be kept light and interesting because if they feel pressured to write they may reject it. You can make the sheets at home and place them in a sheet protector and use a dry erase marker so you don't end up making multiple copies. The kids are doing awesome with all of this and they are really beginning to enjoy labeling things with their names.
Some of you have seen that I have been doing little interviews with the kids this is in preparation for progress reports that you will receive in April. A few questions I have asked are what's your first and last name. Its important for your kids to know both names there are a lot of children with similar names so knowing both names is essential. Another question I asked is what are mom and dads names. This is important as well if your child is ever lost or needs help knowing their own name and parents names is very helpful. So you can practice this at home any time and especially review before you go to a large event or gathering place. I still do this with my own kids who are 6 and 9 and as they get older teaching them your cellphone number helps too. The interviews are always fun and I love the answers I get. It's fun to ask kids who now have their own opinions on what they like, don't like and how things in their world operate. It's important that your children can answer questions serious and not so serious when asked.
After the un-birthday party we head to spring break its a good time to relax a little and get in some fun family time. I always see spring break as a good time to take a fun/educational field trip. I used to love taking my preschoolers to the discovery museums in Rancho Mirage and Hemet. We would go on hikes or to the zoo or something fun every break. We would read a lot! My kids are readers so I always encourage breaks as a great time to get into a good book your children even at age 3/4 can become involved in a longer story Breven and Aubree loved The Magic Tree house stories at that age. I would read a chapter or two at a time and they always got excited about cliffhangers and waiting for that next chapter.
When we return its a new study and celebrating Spring and all that comes with it. I am excited to finish up our year and see the continued growth as we finish it together!
Let's have an awesome 2 weeks!
Ms. Charlee
In class we are covering the stories of doctor Seuss we plan to look at Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, and a few of the shorter stories (as Dr. Seuss wrote some very long ones as well) Our main story and the theme for our room is One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. Its a silly rhyming story with lots of fun made up creatures and fun pictures. At home you can continue the fun by reading Dr. Seuss stories at home. Local libraries have a good selection and you can sometimes find readings of the stories on Youtube and iTunes. You can also find the movies some are a bit long but can be watched in parts Horton Hears a Who, Cat in the Hat, The Grinch, and The Lorax are all available to see so Dr. Seuss's world is brought to life.
We are continuing to work on names we have moved from recognition to writing names. I use a Font found online called dot lines and it creates the dots and all the lines you can use this at home as well if your child wants to practice at home. But it has to be fun! It needs to be kept light and interesting because if they feel pressured to write they may reject it. You can make the sheets at home and place them in a sheet protector and use a dry erase marker so you don't end up making multiple copies. The kids are doing awesome with all of this and they are really beginning to enjoy labeling things with their names.
Some of you have seen that I have been doing little interviews with the kids this is in preparation for progress reports that you will receive in April. A few questions I have asked are what's your first and last name. Its important for your kids to know both names there are a lot of children with similar names so knowing both names is essential. Another question I asked is what are mom and dads names. This is important as well if your child is ever lost or needs help knowing their own name and parents names is very helpful. So you can practice this at home any time and especially review before you go to a large event or gathering place. I still do this with my own kids who are 6 and 9 and as they get older teaching them your cellphone number helps too. The interviews are always fun and I love the answers I get. It's fun to ask kids who now have their own opinions on what they like, don't like and how things in their world operate. It's important that your children can answer questions serious and not so serious when asked.
After the un-birthday party we head to spring break its a good time to relax a little and get in some fun family time. I always see spring break as a good time to take a fun/educational field trip. I used to love taking my preschoolers to the discovery museums in Rancho Mirage and Hemet. We would go on hikes or to the zoo or something fun every break. We would read a lot! My kids are readers so I always encourage breaks as a great time to get into a good book your children even at age 3/4 can become involved in a longer story Breven and Aubree loved The Magic Tree house stories at that age. I would read a chapter or two at a time and they always got excited about cliffhangers and waiting for that next chapter.
When we return its a new study and celebrating Spring and all that comes with it. I am excited to finish up our year and see the continued growth as we finish it together!
Let's have an awesome 2 weeks!
Ms. Charlee
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Februrary friendship and love!
February 3rd already! Its a short month full of love and friendship. There is a lot going on at school so here are a few updates.
Please remember to check the work calendars online the link is on my blog under work calendars or take a picture on your mobile phone of it to ensure you are at school on your designated work days. If you are unable to work please try and find a sub early there are a few and they get called often. Calendars are up through March.
This week we have been continuing with space and we read a fun book about aliens and underpants ask your child they can tell you some funny details! Next week we have a short week there is no school Monday February 9th. We will start off the week by celebrating the 100th day of school we will be talking about 100, counting 100 items (by 10's), and we will be doing some fun crafts. Then Thursday and Friday we will celebrate Valentines day. Party sign ups are posted in class and we will be making English muffin pizzas! Our party theme is love bugs so we will have a few crafts about that. If you plan to send valentines with your child please make sure we have one for every child in class there are 17 kids in each class. If candy or treats are a part of your valentine make sure they are nut free for our friends with allergies. I will also not allow the kids to open goodies and treats at school they will be sent home so you can check things first. Children will pass out their own cards at a designated time.
February 16th is another holiday and we return for another short week and we may continue with space or we may move on not quite sure yet. Our class will continue working on name recognition and name writing for those interested. There has been a huge interest in writing names and its very exciting. If you want to practice writing at home please help your child by showing them the name written as it would appear starting with a capital letter then followed by lowercase letters. Its harder to recognize their name when its written in all capitals because that's not how it appears on paper. 90% of what we read is in lowercase so that's why the Zoophonics program focuses so much on lower case letters. Capitals will come later as they go through the Zoophonics program. We have also been working a lot on kindness in class. From kind words, to gentile hands, and taking turns and sharing. We will continue to practice and talk about these skills as the year continues on.
We bumped circle time up to first thing in the morning and it has been working much better for us. More kids are engaging and we are getting a lot more participation.
Looking ahead March is when we celebrate Dr. Seuss and all he has brought to literature and wrapping it up with our 3rd annual un-birthday party. More details on that will be coming soon! Then we head to spring break! I know its crazy we are already talking about spring break.
As always if you have any questions feel free to email me or call me at school.
Looking forward to another great month.
Ms. Charlee
Please remember to check the work calendars online the link is on my blog under work calendars or take a picture on your mobile phone of it to ensure you are at school on your designated work days. If you are unable to work please try and find a sub early there are a few and they get called often. Calendars are up through March.
This week we have been continuing with space and we read a fun book about aliens and underpants ask your child they can tell you some funny details! Next week we have a short week there is no school Monday February 9th. We will start off the week by celebrating the 100th day of school we will be talking about 100, counting 100 items (by 10's), and we will be doing some fun crafts. Then Thursday and Friday we will celebrate Valentines day. Party sign ups are posted in class and we will be making English muffin pizzas! Our party theme is love bugs so we will have a few crafts about that. If you plan to send valentines with your child please make sure we have one for every child in class there are 17 kids in each class. If candy or treats are a part of your valentine make sure they are nut free for our friends with allergies. I will also not allow the kids to open goodies and treats at school they will be sent home so you can check things first. Children will pass out their own cards at a designated time.
February 16th is another holiday and we return for another short week and we may continue with space or we may move on not quite sure yet. Our class will continue working on name recognition and name writing for those interested. There has been a huge interest in writing names and its very exciting. If you want to practice writing at home please help your child by showing them the name written as it would appear starting with a capital letter then followed by lowercase letters. Its harder to recognize their name when its written in all capitals because that's not how it appears on paper. 90% of what we read is in lowercase so that's why the Zoophonics program focuses so much on lower case letters. Capitals will come later as they go through the Zoophonics program. We have also been working a lot on kindness in class. From kind words, to gentile hands, and taking turns and sharing. We will continue to practice and talk about these skills as the year continues on.
We bumped circle time up to first thing in the morning and it has been working much better for us. More kids are engaging and we are getting a lot more participation.
Looking ahead March is when we celebrate Dr. Seuss and all he has brought to literature and wrapping it up with our 3rd annual un-birthday party. More details on that will be coming soon! Then we head to spring break! I know its crazy we are already talking about spring break.
As always if you have any questions feel free to email me or call me at school.
Looking forward to another great month.
Ms. Charlee
Monday, January 5, 2015
Space
Welcome back families! I hope everyone had a great Christmas break and that everyone is ready to return to class this week.
When we return our topic is space. So think astronauts, planets, stars and moons. We will talk about these things when we return and see what the kids really take an interest in. This week is a transition week as we all return to the routine of school and we will be working on continuing to follow the rules and routines of school after our 2 week break. Encourage good listening and being a good friend.
This month I want to work on name recognition. Not necessarily knowing how to spell their name but being able to find it in the world. So at home encourage your child to look for letters that are in their name and the order they go in. Find opportunities for them to find their name on things. Here I will be working on a matching game of faces to names, making name rockets, and practicing the letters in zoo phonics that make their name.
We will get back to our regular routine of calendar and looking at patterns the simple AB pattern is our first goal for them to recognize what is a pattern and how its made. We will practice this in class with colors and items.
Since we are covering space what better way to do that than to make a rocket. So I will be needing some scrap items for the kids to make their own rockets. I need some foam stickers in basic shapes, plastic solo cups, things to make cones for the tops. If you have any of these items at home that your willing to donate please bring them in. I am also in need of TP, and paper towel tubes. We will be making simple rockets with them this first week but we may need more to build taller more complicated things.
This week Wednesday the 7th and Thursday the 8th is a parent meeting right after drop off with Ms. Tamara. The 19th is Martin Luther King day and we will be off and we are working on scheduling a field trip.
I will update the blog as we go along please watch facebook for any parent power hours and special requests!
See you this week!
When we return our topic is space. So think astronauts, planets, stars and moons. We will talk about these things when we return and see what the kids really take an interest in. This week is a transition week as we all return to the routine of school and we will be working on continuing to follow the rules and routines of school after our 2 week break. Encourage good listening and being a good friend.
This month I want to work on name recognition. Not necessarily knowing how to spell their name but being able to find it in the world. So at home encourage your child to look for letters that are in their name and the order they go in. Find opportunities for them to find their name on things. Here I will be working on a matching game of faces to names, making name rockets, and practicing the letters in zoo phonics that make their name.
We will get back to our regular routine of calendar and looking at patterns the simple AB pattern is our first goal for them to recognize what is a pattern and how its made. We will practice this in class with colors and items.
Since we are covering space what better way to do that than to make a rocket. So I will be needing some scrap items for the kids to make their own rockets. I need some foam stickers in basic shapes, plastic solo cups, things to make cones for the tops. If you have any of these items at home that your willing to donate please bring them in. I am also in need of TP, and paper towel tubes. We will be making simple rockets with them this first week but we may need more to build taller more complicated things.
This week Wednesday the 7th and Thursday the 8th is a parent meeting right after drop off with Ms. Tamara. The 19th is Martin Luther King day and we will be off and we are working on scheduling a field trip.
I will update the blog as we go along please watch facebook for any parent power hours and special requests!
See you this week!
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Christmas Time Already??? !!!
Wow it's practically December and almost Christmas already I feel like we didn't even get through fall! I know this is a very busy time for all of us adults and kids as well. I am going to try my best to breathe deeply and enjoy this season with my family and with our class. I am so excited to be inside the classroom this year and to share the joy and excitement that this time brings for your children as I get to watch them wonder, explore, imagine and create holiday memories at home and at school.
We return to school Monday December 1st for 3 weeks which the school has decided to go with a general Holiday theme. Each teacher and class is allowed to cover what ever they choose in the winter holiday area. I have chosen to start off with Gingerbread man I love the story, I love that there are several versions of the story and even new fun twists on the story as well. I love the smell of the spices in gingerbread and the look of each individual cookie and that each is different, and unique like our children. On the second or third week of the holiday theme I will need one parent from MWF and One TTH parent to bake some gingerbread children for us to decorate. I can provide the cookie cutters, and I am offering power hours. Please ask me for details we will do this on a day when its just our class after free choice it will be something we do as a class.
Wednesday December 3rd is the ugly sweater night out and Bunco game at the Highland Springs Resort. Its a fun evening out with a dessert bar, Bunco and conversation. If you are available that evening please RSVP and join us this is one of the few adult only things we do at IPS and its fun to bond with others when the kids are not running around!
We will also cover a little bit of Hanukah. We will play dradle and talk about the lights and menorah. We will also share the story of the birth of Jesus and the manger. This will allow us to explore other holiday traditions as well. My family is Hawaiian, Portuguese, Scottish and Swedish so we celebrate those customs. The children in our school are from so many cultures and religions if there is something you wish to share with our students please feel free to come to me and we can set up a center the day that you work doing an activity from your culture as well. I want our class to learn, absorb and participate in a diverse environment so anything you would like to share is welcome! Please shoot me an email or talk with me in person and I can get plans and arrangements made.
So the first week back we will be transitioning to the holiday theme with some gingerbread man stories, counting, and other fun activities to ease them back into the routine. It is important for us to maintain as much routine during the holiday time as possible. I will be working on maintaining as much consistency as possible. Please help me to do this by reminding your child of the school rules, and being a good listener as we return this week, and in the weeks ahead. Its important that we encourage them to do well at school and use positive reinforcement at school and at home.
When we return you may notice its getting cooler this is a great time to check the extra clothing in your child's backpack to ensure its weather appropriate. IPS doesn't keep a lot of extra clothing on hand and even in chilly weather we still play outside sometimes with water, we still paint and get messy so those extra clothes come in handy. I would suggest also taking a jacket to school each day. Even if they fight it a cheap hoodie in a backpack comes in handy some days and we can put it on as needed. Try to make sure your child's name is on their coats, hats, or any other clothing they use at school so just in case you leave it I can return it quickly. No matter how cold it is we find it valuable to play outside so please consider that when dressing for school. I know sometimes its hard to convince them otherwise. I found with my daughter she said to me recently princesses don't wear pants. I have told her they do but under the dress and I found some cute leggings that go fantastically under dresses. They even make fleece lined tights. For boys I let them know that even super hero's wear jackets and ninja turtles would be nothing without a warm shell.
Cold weather is also a time for us to remind families of the sick child policy we have at IPS. We really encourage you to keep your child home if they are sick and the same goes for parents who work in class. I follow the same rules as the kids in regards to illness usually for me my issues are all allergies and sinus problems. If your child has had fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or any documented contagious illness within the last 48 hours it is recommended that you keep them home. Illnesses that are considered contagious are hand foot and mouth (that illness requires a longer time out of the classroom) strep, pink eye, chicken pox, rotavirus, croup, lice, RSV, Scarlet Fever, Impetigo, whooping cough, and some others. If you have questions as to when they come back the CDC, your doctor and the school staff can help answer those questions also be aware that some illnesses require that your child stay home more than 48 hours please respect these rules. If in doubt keep them home! I am trying my best to fight the spread of illness with good hand washing, cleaning high traffic areas and good self care. You parents are a part of that too when we clean the classroom remembering to hit all those regularly touched surfaces, reminding kids to cover coughs and sneezes and helping with hand washing. Also at home helping to remember what they are taught at school will help them to bring less home and these things are good life lessons.
Work calendars are ready and available on the blog under the work calendars tab. Please remember it is your responsibility to check either the calendar on here or in the office to make sure you have to correct work days. If you are unable to work please try to find a trade or a sub. Failure to find a sub or no-show for a work day results in fines (which are never fun) There is a sub list available in the office. If you or your child are sick please try your best to get a sub coming to school sick just spreads it around more and we don't want to be sick for the holidays.
We will be getting ready for our holiday party as well. On Thursday December 18th and Friday December 19th we will wrap up and head out for break with a party. Our class will sing and dance then we will enjoy a snack and then play games and give gifts at our first Christmas party. I will provide details soon of our scheduled time to sing. As always families are welcome this will be a pajama party with breakfast. Yes I said pajama party we will wear PJ'S to school and be comfy all day even I am wearing PJ'S! Please make sure they are comfortable and school appropriate PJ'S and if needed leggings go great under those super cute night dresses. I am asking that each child bring to school with them a book wrapped and tagged to a friend from your child's name on party day so we can do a Christmas Gift book exchange, that will take place during the party. I am asking as I do on all party days that if you have additional gifts or goodies to give please have them ready to distribute to cubbies that day. I will give you more details on all these things as we as a staff get them finalized.
Our school participates in the Yucaipa, and Beaumont Christmas parades. Yucaipa is a day time parade with a theme and Beaumont's is a night parade with lights. Details of those will come in the Friday blast. I personally always attend the Beaumont parade with my daughter who rides the IPS float with me. Its a fun evening ride.
With all this I want our children to think of others at this time. How can a 3yr do this you ask? Well we have 2 ways this year. One is to donate food that will go to stock local food pantry's they can help you gather items and turn them in to the office. Talk with them about how not every family has food and we are giving this to help others. Let them know that the Bible says we need to share what we are blessed with. Tie it in to your own family holiday traditions as well. In our class we will have a card making station as well. I used to work in the probation system, foster care and retirement care settings and the holidays are particularly rough on those groups of people. I remember working in the retirement home how some residents never got many holiday cards or crafts and how it would make someone's day to know that they received something from someone. So we are partnering with The Lakes at Banning to make cards and crafts that will be distributed to those who may not get them. I will be telling the kids that these are going to a place where people may not get cards and how their simple card with some art will brighten someone's day and make them happy. With that said please encourage your child to make one, and let them know that you are excited to hear what they did. I will be delivering these cards once a week. I am also in need of supplies. Craft items, stickers, ribbon and various card decorations and myself and other parents will be helping the children to write messages in the cards.
Wow this is a lot of stuff! Please continue to check Facebook, the Friday Blast and teacher blogs for the latest updates! And if in doubt ask questions we are here to help.
We return to school Monday December 1st for 3 weeks which the school has decided to go with a general Holiday theme. Each teacher and class is allowed to cover what ever they choose in the winter holiday area. I have chosen to start off with Gingerbread man I love the story, I love that there are several versions of the story and even new fun twists on the story as well. I love the smell of the spices in gingerbread and the look of each individual cookie and that each is different, and unique like our children. On the second or third week of the holiday theme I will need one parent from MWF and One TTH parent to bake some gingerbread children for us to decorate. I can provide the cookie cutters, and I am offering power hours. Please ask me for details we will do this on a day when its just our class after free choice it will be something we do as a class.
Wednesday December 3rd is the ugly sweater night out and Bunco game at the Highland Springs Resort. Its a fun evening out with a dessert bar, Bunco and conversation. If you are available that evening please RSVP and join us this is one of the few adult only things we do at IPS and its fun to bond with others when the kids are not running around!
We will also cover a little bit of Hanukah. We will play dradle and talk about the lights and menorah. We will also share the story of the birth of Jesus and the manger. This will allow us to explore other holiday traditions as well. My family is Hawaiian, Portuguese, Scottish and Swedish so we celebrate those customs. The children in our school are from so many cultures and religions if there is something you wish to share with our students please feel free to come to me and we can set up a center the day that you work doing an activity from your culture as well. I want our class to learn, absorb and participate in a diverse environment so anything you would like to share is welcome! Please shoot me an email or talk with me in person and I can get plans and arrangements made.
So the first week back we will be transitioning to the holiday theme with some gingerbread man stories, counting, and other fun activities to ease them back into the routine. It is important for us to maintain as much routine during the holiday time as possible. I will be working on maintaining as much consistency as possible. Please help me to do this by reminding your child of the school rules, and being a good listener as we return this week, and in the weeks ahead. Its important that we encourage them to do well at school and use positive reinforcement at school and at home.
When we return you may notice its getting cooler this is a great time to check the extra clothing in your child's backpack to ensure its weather appropriate. IPS doesn't keep a lot of extra clothing on hand and even in chilly weather we still play outside sometimes with water, we still paint and get messy so those extra clothes come in handy. I would suggest also taking a jacket to school each day. Even if they fight it a cheap hoodie in a backpack comes in handy some days and we can put it on as needed. Try to make sure your child's name is on their coats, hats, or any other clothing they use at school so just in case you leave it I can return it quickly. No matter how cold it is we find it valuable to play outside so please consider that when dressing for school. I know sometimes its hard to convince them otherwise. I found with my daughter she said to me recently princesses don't wear pants. I have told her they do but under the dress and I found some cute leggings that go fantastically under dresses. They even make fleece lined tights. For boys I let them know that even super hero's wear jackets and ninja turtles would be nothing without a warm shell.
Cold weather is also a time for us to remind families of the sick child policy we have at IPS. We really encourage you to keep your child home if they are sick and the same goes for parents who work in class. I follow the same rules as the kids in regards to illness usually for me my issues are all allergies and sinus problems. If your child has had fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or any documented contagious illness within the last 48 hours it is recommended that you keep them home. Illnesses that are considered contagious are hand foot and mouth (that illness requires a longer time out of the classroom) strep, pink eye, chicken pox, rotavirus, croup, lice, RSV, Scarlet Fever, Impetigo, whooping cough, and some others. If you have questions as to when they come back the CDC, your doctor and the school staff can help answer those questions also be aware that some illnesses require that your child stay home more than 48 hours please respect these rules. If in doubt keep them home! I am trying my best to fight the spread of illness with good hand washing, cleaning high traffic areas and good self care. You parents are a part of that too when we clean the classroom remembering to hit all those regularly touched surfaces, reminding kids to cover coughs and sneezes and helping with hand washing. Also at home helping to remember what they are taught at school will help them to bring less home and these things are good life lessons.
Work calendars are ready and available on the blog under the work calendars tab. Please remember it is your responsibility to check either the calendar on here or in the office to make sure you have to correct work days. If you are unable to work please try to find a trade or a sub. Failure to find a sub or no-show for a work day results in fines (which are never fun) There is a sub list available in the office. If you or your child are sick please try your best to get a sub coming to school sick just spreads it around more and we don't want to be sick for the holidays.
We will be getting ready for our holiday party as well. On Thursday December 18th and Friday December 19th we will wrap up and head out for break with a party. Our class will sing and dance then we will enjoy a snack and then play games and give gifts at our first Christmas party. I will provide details soon of our scheduled time to sing. As always families are welcome this will be a pajama party with breakfast. Yes I said pajama party we will wear PJ'S to school and be comfy all day even I am wearing PJ'S! Please make sure they are comfortable and school appropriate PJ'S and if needed leggings go great under those super cute night dresses. I am asking that each child bring to school with them a book wrapped and tagged to a friend from your child's name on party day so we can do a Christmas Gift book exchange, that will take place during the party. I am asking as I do on all party days that if you have additional gifts or goodies to give please have them ready to distribute to cubbies that day. I will give you more details on all these things as we as a staff get them finalized.
Our school participates in the Yucaipa, and Beaumont Christmas parades. Yucaipa is a day time parade with a theme and Beaumont's is a night parade with lights. Details of those will come in the Friday blast. I personally always attend the Beaumont parade with my daughter who rides the IPS float with me. Its a fun evening ride.
With all this I want our children to think of others at this time. How can a 3yr do this you ask? Well we have 2 ways this year. One is to donate food that will go to stock local food pantry's they can help you gather items and turn them in to the office. Talk with them about how not every family has food and we are giving this to help others. Let them know that the Bible says we need to share what we are blessed with. Tie it in to your own family holiday traditions as well. In our class we will have a card making station as well. I used to work in the probation system, foster care and retirement care settings and the holidays are particularly rough on those groups of people. I remember working in the retirement home how some residents never got many holiday cards or crafts and how it would make someone's day to know that they received something from someone. So we are partnering with The Lakes at Banning to make cards and crafts that will be distributed to those who may not get them. I will be telling the kids that these are going to a place where people may not get cards and how their simple card with some art will brighten someone's day and make them happy. With that said please encourage your child to make one, and let them know that you are excited to hear what they did. I will be delivering these cards once a week. I am also in need of supplies. Craft items, stickers, ribbon and various card decorations and myself and other parents will be helping the children to write messages in the cards.
Wow this is a lot of stuff! Please continue to check Facebook, the Friday Blast and teacher blogs for the latest updates! And if in doubt ask questions we are here to help.
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