News of Tuesday Fun

Wyatt's Nona visited with our class today to share their family holiday traditions with us.  Nona welcomed the children on the rug this morning and shared a little about her family heritage. We learned that before coming to the Untied States her family lived in Italy.  She showed us a photograph of an advent wreath which is a special wreath that has four tall candles placed around the circle of the wreath.  Three of the candles are purple and one is pink. This is used as a symbol of the Christmas holiday that has been passed along in her family. She also showed us a photograph of a manger scene. This photograph displays the holy figurines that represent the Christmas story.  Nona read the book  Merry Christmas Srega Nona by Tomie de Paola. This is a delightful Christmas story that includes the familiar characters Big Anthony and Strega Nona. Big Anthony is know for not liking to do his chores. In this story Big Anthony is called upon to help with the preparation for the big Christmas Eve feast. After much complaining and obstacles the Christmas Eve feast is cancelled by Strega Nona. In the holiday spirit, Big Anthony plans a surprise feast for Strega Nona with all of the townspeople and shows his appreciation joy of giving.

In Library this morning, Gwen introduced us to her puppet friend, Scaredy Squirrel. Many of the Cardinals had met this character before, but this story was one some of our friends have not encountered. In this book, Scaredy Squirrel plans his birthday. Throughout the tale, our class had many ideas on everything Scaredy Squirrel did from the planning to the party itself, to all the different changes that might needed.  The Cardinals enjoy the experience of going to the Lower School library and have become very comfortable in this setting.  The children loved the puppet and Gwen thought it might be time for Scaredy Squirrel to begin to explore more of our school. She asked if we would host our new friend for a little while and she sent us on our way with yet another Scaredy Squirrel story as well.

Areas of interest during Choice Time included Magna Tiles, blocks,  dollhouses, cutting, Legos, dramatic play and books.  We played outdoors and the children enjoyed the time playing with friends in all of our Early Childhood classes.