The Garden School Tattler

We had a very busy week last week. We worked on a theme of sharing. We talked about what we do and don't have to share. Some of it was a real eye opener to some of the children. Most children believe they have to share everything. At the Garden School, we don't believe that's true. We gave some pretty funny examples of what one just doesn't share - like tissue!

We brought our teddy bears to school on Wednesday to share verbally with our friends what we like, who we feel secure with and what kinds of things we love. We shared lunch with our friends and bears on blankets through the school - like a picnic. I think we all enjoyed it.

On Friday, we shared a little privacy by wearing our jammies to school. It was a nice day, and we went outside in our jammies which was especially fun.

This week we are doing a Japan Day - today. We'll talk about Japan, find it on the map, discover how to get there from here, look at some pictures, fold some paper, eat some shrimp tempura, some teriyaki beef, a baked salmon and some carrots and noodles - all with chopsticks! We'll eat some apples and oranges as well. It is Japanese Day!

It's 5:30, and it's snowing! Perhaps it will continue and the children will get some snow play!

On Tuesday, we'll have International Feast. That's an exchange of international foods with parents. It's a mommy or daddy and me day. Parents can bring a foreign dish for four to share. We will play some games and launch our - where in the world is...

We're beginning to see that post holiday jump in the classrooms. Miss Amy's class is copying sentences off the board. This gives the children a real feel for letter writing, and they are so proud of what they can do.

In Miss Kelly's class, the dominoes are quickly falling on the reading. The class is split between the readers and the non readers. Before Christmas, only two children were reading. It's an achievement for both Miss Kelly and her kids.

In our little class of threes and fours, we are learning to listen. We are polishing knowing how to count, to recognize colors, numbers, shapes and letters and answer questions. It's a split between those who know and those who don't.

We are also enjoying new toys and new games.