Chinese New Year Parade

As part of our cultural studies, we learned about Chinese New Year and participated in a parade with our Kindergarten friends.

We read stories, sang songs and wrote about the holiday. We even made beautiful dragons for the parade! Look at us with bells and drums shouting: "Gung Hay Fat Choy" (Happy New Year).

Back in class we tried some traditional foods: noodles, rice, seaweed, 

mandarin oranges and fortune cookies. 

 

May you all prosper in the New Year!

Valentines Day

Valentines Day was a major event for us!

We had TWO parties to allow both classes of 4th grade Play Partners to celebrate with us, it was Crazy Hair Day (my 4 year old styled my hair!) and the last day for our dear friend, Arcadius.

 The celebration started with making cookies with Ms. Craft's Class.

 Then some games in the classroom:

Pin the nose on the Puppy Dog

 

Ring Toss:

Followed by Play Partner Valentine exchange

 In the Afternoon, we invited our Play Partners from Ms. Craft's class to join us 

for some strawberry shortcake. Yum!

 And beading necklaces:

 Time for some Valentine's Bingo!

 We exchanged Valentines again and prepared to go home for the day. With a heavy heart, we said our last goodbyes to Arcadius. We will miss you friend!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Holiday Party

On the last day of school we had a holiday party with our new Play Partners.  

It was a day filled with friendship, fun and Pajamas!

The morning started with a great concert performed by the Terra Linda Choir.

We then made "grinch" snacks with our play partners.

Some candy cane beading crafts...

Then some skill games in the classroom.

Pin the nose on the snowman:

Tree Hoopla:

Reindeer Toss:

Then the long-awaited for Secret Friend Gift Exchange!

The prior week, the students had drawn a secret picture of a friend out of a basket, walked to the dollar store, picked out a gift for their secret friend and purchased it. Later in the week, they practiced fine motor skills wrapping and decorating it. 

Everyone was patient and excited for their friends and had a lot of fun!

We ended the party with a round of songs!

At the very end of the day, the 1st and 2nd grade students made reindeer food:

What a great day!

Hope you enjoyed your winter break!