Welcome back!

We had a fun and eventful first week back! This week we focused on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the lessons he taught the world. We talked a little bit about who he was and why he is so important in U.S. History. We also touched on Rosa Parks and the part she played in our history.

For craft on Monday we made a picture with a heart in the middle and one dark hand print and one light hand print. We had read a story about Martin Luther King Jr. and talked a little bit about hate and prejudice - in terms the kiddos can understand. Mostly we talked about friendship and being kind to others no matter what they looked like, whether they had blue eyes or brown, curly hair or straight. So, the picture was to symbolize friendship and kindness.

On Wednesday, I read the cutest story! It's called The Crayon Box that Talked by Shane DeRolf. I highly recommend this book - I made my whole family read it, including my husband! It's about a box of crayons who do not get along, certain colors don't like other colors and they don't really know why. After a little girl draws a picture with all of them, they see what they can make together and begin to like each other. It is a great lesson to all of us. The kids really understood what was happening and were happy that in the end they all became friends. I enjoyed this book for 2 reasons, it was a great way to teach the kids about prejudice, which went right along with our lesson on Mon. about MLK, but also, with the start of a new semester, we have new friends in class and it was a good way to teach the kids about friendship and kindness. It was a great way to start a conversation about what it's like to come into a class where you don't know anybody and how we can make each other feel welcome. I love, love, love this book for so many reasons! For craft the kids decorated their own paper crayon and I am going to make a crayon box for them - we will hang it all in the hall under our team funtime sign. Look for it next week!

On Friday we played with all kinds of balls in the gym. The kids had a blast, bouncing, rolling and chasing the balls and Amy and I had fun, kicking and throwing the balls with the kids. The kids seem to look so forward to Friday - they ask me everyday, "Miss Lisa, is it gym day today?" I love that they are excited about playing in the gym - they don't quite understand yet that exercise is hard work! :-) Wish I still felt that way about it....

For the next 2 weeks, our theme will be Winter Animals and their habitats.

Don't forget - No class on Monday for MLK day. See you all on Wednesday.

Have a great weekend!