Wednesday and Thursday in the Gan

We're continuing to try out and fill our shelves with new materials in the Gan - in the art area, we've done some guided work with scissors, torn paper, glue sticks and oil pastels. We learned about when to use a placemat and where to put gluey items to dry, and how to clean up after ourselves. Now, these items are all on the art shelves for children to choose during explorations.

In math, we've become familiar with pattern blocks, unifix cubes and geoblocks and made some inspired arrangements and constructions. These items are also a choice for children throughout the day.

We've been playing some fun cooperative games and listening games. Here, children take turns wearing a blindfold and trying to guess who is greeting them.

Here we all tried to fit into one hula hoop, with success.

As some of you know, our caterpillars have had a disturbingly high mortality rate, something we are not dwelling on in class. I'm very hopeful that we'll get at least a few chyrsalises and butterflies, and are learning about the migration to Mexico in anticipation of this metamorphosis. Children were riveted (as they should be!) by this video.

We're still talking a lot about kindness and put-ups, drawing lots of attention to good examples as we notice them.

Have you heard about "magic beans?" Ask your child!

I regret that no challah will come home today, but it will be served at All-School Kabbalat Shabbat in the Oolam (Multi-Purpose Room) which begins at 2:40 today. All are welcome.