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November 2009
News from Pre-K
November will be a month to investigate how animals adapt for the cold winter  months. Which animals migrate? Hibernate? Grow a thicker coat of fur? Make food caches? Our woolly bear caterpillars are already snug in our small refrigerator hibernating until we take them out next spring! We do enjoy taking them out and watching them in their deep sleep, though; they are so chubby and cute.
We will also learn about wild turkeys this month; many of the children have been spotting turkeys in their own yards and are very curious about these large birds. Our ‘turkey museum’ is sure to delight you later on this month. Learning to use a ‘turkey call’ is a very popular yearly ritual. Come on in and try it for yourself, it takes practice!
The Thanksgiving holiday provides the perfect backdrop to discuss the difference between wants and needs, and what all living creatures need to survive. We will also surely be busy bakers as we prepare for the school’s annual Harvest Feast. Cranberries and pumpkin will be featured ingredients in our baked goods. Yummy!
We have started using a “Let it Go” can to help us move past frustrations in a playful and positive way. There are lots of things that can frustrate us in our lives, so having a way to get the bad feelings out is very helpful. The children have a cup of ‘magic pebbles’ next to the Let it Go can, and when they feel they need to, they can drop a magic pebble into the can and say goodbye to the anger/sadness/frustration. Learning to brush off small issues and move forward in a calm and productive way is essential to not only school, but life in general. Our goal is to eventually move from the concrete can to internalizing the concept. Thanks to Paula Buchanan for this wonderful idea.
The colder weather does mean that we are in need of warm coats, mittens (not gloves, please!) and hats each day for recess. It is most helpful if you can have your child independently put on his/her coat and begin to learn to zip/button/snap. When the first snow comes (!) the children will need snow pants and boots. Many families find it more convenient to leave a pair of snow pants at school to alleviate the schlepping back and forth. Please note that scarves are no allowed at school for safety reasons.
In this season of Thanksgiving, we stop and reflect on the gifts and blessings we are fortunate to have. We do count the Taylor School community among those gifts, particularly the amazing children we are lucky to be with every day. We do so enjoy them!
Best wishes for a healthy and happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Warmly,
Annie & Kate
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