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I am looking forward to another year of learning and growing together. With great joy I will share with you the stories about what we have been working on in the classroom and provide ideas that you can do at home with your child. "The child who has felt a strong love for his surroundings and for all living creatures, who has discovered joy and enthusiasm in work, gives us reason to hope that humanity can develop in a new direction." Maria Montessori Agnes Woynarowskiagnes@traversechildrenshouse.org Room Parent Erin Gysbers |
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Classroom Highlights
October 18, 2024
Good Afternoon,
Thank you for coming to our Picnic at Jacob’s Farm. We couldn’t ask for a more gorgeous weather. We are grateful for the extension of the summer but this week really feels like Fall! However, everyone came to school prepared. Thank you for sending hats and mittens. Please, label them. Mittens and hats often get left behind at the playground and it is easier to find the owner if they have a name or initials on.
For those of you who are interested in winter gear recommendations please check this link, created by Annie Botsford.
With Halloween approaching we have been having conversations about Halloween decorations, costumes and other symbols that the children may come across during this holiday. We have some simple books about Halloween and language cards with images representing Halloween.
This holiday can be scary for a young child. Seeing a person in a costume or in a mask may upset their sense of order or they might not understand that the costume is not real. Sometimes your child may protest against putting a Halloween costume on, because of sensory reasons. The costume may feel too fuzzy, too ticklish, too scratchy or too bulky. Your child may not have enough words to express that they don’t like something and the outcome of it can be screaming for help that looks like a tantrum.
It became our Dandelion tradition that every year children try on the Ladybug or the Wolf costumes. We started with the Ladybug and it took a few days to find a volunteer willing to try it on.
Alexis was the first brave child who was eager to try the costume, which encouraged Ava and Adrian to dress as ladybugs. Today there was another volunteer who put on the wolf costume and an octopus hat.
In the classroom we will celebrate Pumpkin Fun Day during the week proceeding to Halloween. We will carve Jack - O - Lanterns and prepare many delicious snacks with pumpkin: smoothies, muffins, and even a dip.
Please, continue sending me family photos.
And lastly, on Thursday October 24, I would like to invite you to join us for a discussion around the school life of toddlers and parenting. The childcare for this event is available if you register before Monday, October 21.
September 16, 2024
The new school year started very smoothly for all of us. Children were happy to be back with their friends. Jett, TJ, Peyton, and Sloan have settled into their new primary classrooms and greet us with smiles and hugs.
Margo, Alexis, and Annika are our new friends who joined the Dandelion Community. Warm welcome to their families!
I have a privilege to be supported by a great, “seasoned” team. Each of them brings their own talents and experiences into our Dandelion Community. It is hard to fill Shea’s shoes, who is still mentioned by children in conversations, but Emily became accepted. She took on the task of leading the group time and taught the children many new songs and dance movements. Friday is “ukulele day” in our classroom. First Emily played few songs and then each of the children took turns and played their favorite song. We heard: “Twinkle, twinkle little star” , “Old McDonald”, “Baby Beluga” and even “I Like To Move It”.
Anna has been pouring her artistic talents into capturing beautiful moments of children's day in her photos. I have been sharing these pictures with you through Transparent Classroom. I am new to it so please be patient with me.
Brian brings his positive energy, wisdom and patience. Children love to play with him at the playground and spend time in his care at Friends Club.
Through the last two weeks, we have been witnessing lots of learning, maturing, and new friendships emerging.
I hope to see you at our classroom picnic this Thursday, at Jacob’s Farm @ 5:00pm.
Please, send me your family photo, which we will print and place on our language shelf, hoping to have many conversations about our families.