School Age #1
“Maybe Christmas he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps, means a little bit more.” ~ Dr Seuss, The Grinch
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Goodbye November and hello December. Oh! The weather outside has already been frightful, however, it won’t slow us down.
Last month we were interested in anything and everything collectible; rocks, gems, crystals etc. We plan to explore such keepsakes in an engaging science center. In addition, we also have a lot of wonders and thoughts about space, creatures and what it would be like to live in someone else’s shoes. We cannot wait to answer these questions and inquiries together and really dig into topics through a variety of planned activities.
We are also eager for Christmas and all the joy and magic the season brings. This year we would really like to teach the children how Christmas gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect on the important things around us.
School Age #2
The end of the year has arrived. This past month it has been our goal to provide the children with more thought provoking and open-ended provocations after school. They have enjoyed Lego stem challenges, creating board games and building stem challenges using a variety of materials that have sparked their creativity. Next month we will continue to provide materials and create invitations to play that will expand on their emerging interests.
As a group the children have enjoyed friendly competitions in the classroom playing their favourite word scramble game, brain quest trivia and taking part in an interactive “kahoot” game answering questions on our novel “Masters of Disguise,” using the iPads.
During November we celebrated Remembrance Day by discussing the importance of remembering those who fought for us and those in our families who fought in the war. We also celebrated a month of kindness. Our students had some AMAZING ideas to share that demonstrated what kindness means to them. Some children painted kindness rocks and hearts to distribute around Essex Public School. Additionally, they were given the opportunity to create cards for the local nursing home.
With December upon, us we will end the year creating Christmas crafts, baking and talking about our holiday traditions.
Just a reminder, Story Book E.L.C. will be OPEN on Mon, Dec. 23rd , 2019. We will be CLOSED from Dec. 24th – Jan. 1st (for the holidays). We will re-open on Thurs. Jan 2nd, 2020. Please let the staff know of any changes to your child’s schedule.
We hope you and your families have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!