Bitter Sweet

CONGRATULATIONS to the Funtime class of 2011!!!

As I write this last post of the 2010-2011 school year, my heart is heavy... I have had so much fun getting to know your children this year! I have watched them blossom and grow, witnessed some major fits, had a ton of laughs, given lots of snuggles, received countless hugs and even some kisses - all memories I will cherish.

We had the Pre-k graduation before the picnic on Friday, there were so many things I wanted to say, but couldn't, less the flood gate of tears be opened! I can't look at the parents and tell them how proud I am of their children, without bawling my eyes out... so here is the speech I would have given, had I not been so emotional (as it is - I'm going to have to re-apply my makeup after typing this).

Parents-
I am so proud of your children! They have grown and changed before my eyes. They have learned to be good students, to take turns, to raise their hands and use their manners. They have learned to recognize their letters &  numbers. They have gone from barely being able to write their names to writing the whole alphabet!! They never cease to amaze me! These children know the months of the year and the days of the week and how to count, yep, they are ready to move on. But I'm not... I will miss them terribly and think about them constantly (just a minute- I have to grad a tissue to wipe my tears). Some of the kids in this class I have had since they were just 2 years old! I love & hate, at the same time, that I have to let all these kids go. I love that these babies are moving onward and upward, but I hate that I have to say goodbye! I know it's not forever, our paths will cross again, but for now my heart is heavy with the memories of Friday's goodbye hugs.

Love-
Ms. Lisa

Phew... I think I need to whole box of tissues, one just isn't doing the job! This is why I don't say much at the graduation ceremony or at the picnic. These kids make my heart sing each and everyday and when I have to say goodbye, a little piece of my heart goes with them. I am excited that many of you will return to Funtime in the fall! And I am sad that many of you will not... it's always so hard for me to let these precious little things go!

I hope you all have a wonderful summer and I look forward to seeing you in the fall!

Here are a bunch of pictures of the different events of the last 2 weeks. Enjoy!

Update

Wow, the weeks are just flying by! Can you believe this is the last week of Funtime? It's a little bittersweet for me...

Before I get to what we did last week, here are a few updates:

Wacky Wednesday 5/18 - Pajama Day and Gym day
Friday 5/20 - Pre-k Graduation 10am- 11am Club Tico
                     Funtime End of year picnic 11am-1 pm City park

Last Monday we made Wild Thing masks. That is one of my favorite stories, I just love reading it to the kids. They enjoyed acting out the story with me and making the masks.

Wednesday our plan was to take the kids on a walk to collect rocks and then make pet rocks out of them. However, the weather did not cooperate... so we had an impromtu gym day. Let the kids run off some steam with the rainy day.

This week we will spend some time cleaning and organizing for summer, getting ready for the graduation and enjoying each others company before this session ends.

Have a great week.

better late....

After a busy weekend, I finally have 2 minutes to sit down and update you on what we did at Funtime this week.

The kids really enjoyed making Mother's Day gifts for their wonderful and amazing Moms! While they worked, we heard some pretty interesting stories about what their moms do, I know they don't always show it, they have fits and meltdowns (usually in public), but I can tell that all you moms have a really special place in your children's hearts. They always only say good things about you all and you're the ones they ask for if they get hurt during class.

I think my favorite part (2 things really) of this week was watching the kids try to keep our gifts a secret, they were so excited and I could tell that a lot of them really wanted to tell you what they made, the minute you walked through the classroom door. My other favorite part was on Friday when the Mom's walked through the door and the kids shoved your gifts in your face and made you open it right there - priceless! They just could not contain their excitement.

I hope all you Funtime Dad's spoiled the Mothers of your children and your own mothers as well.
Moms - I hope you had a Fabulous day yesterday!

Reminders:

Please make sure your child goes potty and washes hands before class.

No School Friday May 13th

Funtime Graduation Pre-k class Friday May 20th (time and details coming later this week)
Funtime Potluck/picnic Friday May 20th (time and details coming this week)

Last week of April

This week our theme was space. We had a lot of fun talking about what was in space, but I think the highlight was turning off the lights to see the planets glow in the dark!

On Monday we made our very own stargazers. Using toilet paper rolls, construction paper, rubber bands and a paper clip. The kids had fun using the paper clip to make their stars and then gazing through the tube to see the stars. The Pre-k class did a review of the numbers 1-10 and worked on their address' and phone numbers.

On Wednesday we used some awesome glow in the dark paint to paint a rocket ship, then we attached it a piece of black paper using a brad. The kids decorated their paper with chalk and space stickers. Now their rocket ship can fly through space! We had a lot of fun turning off the lights and watching our rocket ships glow. The kids wanted to do this over and over... we only did it twice, though, as we were out of time! The pre-k class did a short review of some of the letters that have already written and then worked on the letter Rr. We continued to work on address and phone number memorization.

Friday - gym day! Ms. Amy put out some soccer balls and playground balls and the kids ran around the gym kicking, throwing and bouncing. They always have so much fun in the gym, I love watching them play! The pre-k glass got a visit from some very special guests. Joa's mom (who is a Kindergarten teacher) brought in the baby chicks that her kinders hatched. They are so cute and soft. We all enjoyed holding them and listening to their little cheeps. Thanks Kim! and Thanks to Shelley (Max's mom) for taking the photos.