Weekly News October 12th
Monday was Thanksgiving and based on lunches this week it looks like there was lots of yummy feasting going on! I hope everyone enjoyed the extra day with their family.
Tuesday morning we started with Fine Arts in the library with Miss Wood. During Fine Arts I was able to get those self portraits that had been completed up on the wall. They look amazing! Miss Mousseau made us some play dough last week and some students chose to practice their scissor skills with the play dough. The resistance of the play dough helps build the small muscles of the hands which help our fine motor skills. Tuesday was our first day on the lower playground at lunchtime. All kindies are wearing yellow pinnies at lunch for at least a few weeks while they acclimate to the playground routines and boundaries. After lunch we went to the library where Miss Julie read us The Very Noisy Bear - about a bear who tried different instruments to join the band. You can ask your child what instrument the bear finished with.
On Wednesday we made a point of getting outside for a play on the upper playground before snack. Mr. Seymour came to us after snack and we welcomed him with the Good Morning song - ’Uy’ netulh. He was impressed that we remembered it. He helped us remember the story from last week and then gave us a paper with the pictures on it so we could build a retelling structure to help us remember the story about the raven and the wind.
My favourite day of the week was Thursday. We started the day with a quick meeting with Miss Mousseau and Miss Mel’s classes. We had a conversation about the difference between being rude, being mean and bullying. We reminded everyone of the “STOP! I’m done!” message and handsign for communicating when the play isn’t fun anymore. I did a special demonstration of how words can hurt our heart and how saying that we’re sorry doesn’t take the hurt away. We said mean things to my paper heart and it crinkled up a little and got smaller with every mean word. Then we told it that we were sorry and opened it up a little bit at a time. When it was all the way open we could see that there were still wrinkles on the heart. It was back to its normal size but wasn’t going to be the same. It was a very powerful lesson and the students seemed to make a good connection to the message. Right after the meeting we went for our first walk in the woods. It was an eye opening experience to watch some of the students as they explored the woods - slowly at first, and then more and more enthusiastically. We got muddy and we had a blast! Tree climbing, bridge building, and puddle jumping is on the docket for future woods walks! We had a quick snack when we got back to the school and then attended the monthly assembly. Students were extraordinarily well behaved for only our second assembly. Mrs. Calverley told us about the Great BC Shakeout - a province wide earthquake drill next Thursday. We will be discussing it and planning it this week so we are prepared to practice what to during the drill. At the end of the day we had an awesome dance party because we got the room cleaned up with time to spare!
On Friday there was a guest teacher in the class. Miss Mousseau reported it was an energetic day!
Last weekend I read an article about the importance of allowing children to cry. As adults we want to step in and help smooth their feelings and problem-solve for them. Recent research has shown that it is important to allow children to fully resolve their tearful tantrums and learn that they can be happy again afterwords. In fact, sometimes just the act of crying it out allows them to leave the feelings behind and move on more quickly! This week I pulled a few things together to make a special spot in our classroom for when students feel the need to cry. We have a cushy spot to sit, a blanket to cover up or hide under, a “hug” (weighted shoulder cover), some kleenex, and a teddy bear to talk to. Students were assured that they can use the spot any time they need to and they will be not be disturbed. They can self-regulate when they are ready to come and join the group again. A few students have already made some good use of the crying spot and I am pleased that they feel safe enough to do so.
NEXT WEEK - October 15th - 19th
Monday - possible walk day - please dress for the weather
Tuesday - Library Day - please help your child remember their book
- PAC Meeting 6:45pm in the library - child minding available
Wednesday - bus safety lesson
- Scholastic book orders are due by the end of the day please!
Thursday - Earthquake Drill - The Great BC Shakeout - we will do lots of pre-loading of information for this so that students will feel prepared
Friday - PRO-D - no school for students