On Thursday, we welcomed the Beardsley Zoo animal ambassadors for a presentation on colors in nature. We met Patty the turtle, Cooper the dove, Gabby the gecko, and Munson the alligator.  We learned how the colors on their body relate to where they live and even how they communicate with their unique patterns. The animal ambassador handlers also made sure each child got an up close look of the animal, while providing interesting and engaging facts.  The children loved learning all about each animal and having the opportunity to ask questions about their diet, their habitat and even the sounds they make.

We wish everyone a chance to to unwind and enjoy the time with your families over the course of the next two weeks.

Peace & Love,

Michelle & Maria

You can find magic wherever you look. So sit back and relax, all you need is a book.  

                                                                                                                                                                    —–Dr. Seuss

Read Across America is a national event celebrated on March 2nd, the birthday of Dr. Seuss. This initiative was created by the National Education Association and implemented to encourage a love of reading in children. At FWM, we also turn that day into Pajama Day, and the children bring their favorite book to share. We hope you enjoy the pictures.

An online article from nationaldaycalendar.com has some beautiful ideas on how to motivate children to read wherever they are.

• Keep books everywhere you spend time. Put them in the car, in every room of the house, and tuck them in backpacks and purses. Make them easily accessible.
• Visit the library often. Knowing how to use the library and learning the benefits of a library fosters a love of reading as well as genuine respect for the services libraries provide.
• Get caught reading. Children imitate what they see the adults around them do. Whether they see you read a magazine, newspaper, or novel, let them know reading is the cool thing to do.
• Read to your children. No matter their age, reading aloud strengthens their vocabulary and language skills. It also opens up opportunities for discussion.
• Have your children read to you, too. You never know what you might learn!

In our classroom, we call books treasures. Reading is an integral part of each school day. I hope that Miss Maria and I can pass on our passion for literature to your children.

Happy Reading!

Michelle & Maria

While last week was a short week, it was a busy one.  Last week, the children exchanged Valentine’s with each other and had the opportunity to decorate a cookie to take home. We asked the children what love means. Their answers are sure to bring a smile to your face.  In similar posts that we’ve done in the past, we always say the world would do well to listen to these children. It rings true with this post as well.

This past Tuesday, we celebrated the 100th day of school. From the very first day of school, the kindergarten children have been learning to count by 1’s, 5’s, and 10’s to 100. They spent the afternoon going to different stations that revolved around 100. They drew pictures of what they would like when they were 100, what they would buy with $100, and what they wished they had a hundred of, made a 100 headband, and then played a game called Race to 100.  They even did 100 exercises and learned how hard it was to sit quietly for 100 seconds. The highlight was bringing home a delicious 100th-day-of-school snack. As always, thank you for the behind-the-scenes help from all of our parent volunteers to make these memories possible.

Love Is……….

Ainsley–         Doing things together with my family.

Alex–                Reading my construction book with my Mommy.

Angie–              Helping someone you care about.

Bodie–              Playing games with my Nana.

Ella–                 Mommy taking me to the park and giving me lots of kisses.

EmmaJo–       Being nice to people.

Greyson–        Giving people gifts that they will really like.

Harper–           Giving hearts to people to make them happy.

Isla–                   Giving your family lots of hugs and kisses.

Jonathan–       Eating popcorn, watching movies, and snuggling with Mommy, Daddy, and Gregory.

Landon–           Playing games with Mommy and Daddy.

Livie–                 Spending time with your loved ones.

Leo–                   Treating people the way you want to be treated.

Melina–            Giving Mommy and Daddy lots of kisses.

Noah–                Hugging my Mom a lot.

River–               Giving everyone in our class a valentine’s heart.

Saanvi–             Cooking buttered pasta with sauce for anyone who is hungry.

Stephen–          Kissing and hugging people you love.

Tommy–           Going to the park or playing games together like Paw Patrol together.

Zara–                  Taking care of people, reading to them, and saying prayers with them.

Wishing you all a week filled with peace and love.

Michelle & Maria