With the new year in full swing, some quick reflections on our January activities ….

This month the children studied space — always a popular unit, and this time was no exception! Our space shuttle backdrop made an appearance, the astronaut suits and backpacks were ready for wear, and the classroom came alive with planetary decorations. The children made comets out of tennis balls and cut up cloth, planetary collages made of found objects (such as pen caps, old glue stick tubes, and rocks) and LOTS of glitter paint, and rockets from toilet paper tubes and colored paper. They studied constellations and made their own patterns of stars, and crafted “telescopes” for viewing objects in the classroom. Music with Ms. Lavenia complemented this experience, as the children sang old favorites such as “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” as well as new ones like our planet song:

Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars,

Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune,

And little Pluto, now demoted —

That’s our solar system!

Our older classes have also begun bringing items for “Letter of the Week.” It’s always fun to see the items that each child chooses — for instance, our “s” items ranged from a can of soup to a stingray to Superman!

As we charge ahead into February, anticipation is building for our annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser. Art projects are underway, and our children are looking forward to seeing their decorations hanging in the Oak Room. This year’s theme is “Up in the Air,” so it will be another great one! Mark your calendars for February 28th from 8-11:30 a.m., and be sure to bring your appetites!