Mrs. Ross' Class Blog

They read him at our morning gathering, they read him in the library and they read him with some of our upper elementary friends who read him in the hallways.

Photos give a better feel for what is actually going on.  This week was pretty busy getting back in the grove of the work cycle.  Here are some pictures of the afternoon session.  Next week we will try to focus on the morning session featuring some of the younger crowd.

This past month the children explored the Antarctic regions of the South Pole.  We found that there are at least 17 different kinds of penguins.  I think their favorite name is the macaroni penguin.  They also focused on the book called The Mitten, by Jan Brett.  The children retold the story many times using a CETA strategy we learned at the Kennedy Center.  We have also been memorizing The  Mitten Song poem.  The children have been designing their own mittens finishing them off with stitching around the edges to add a little texture.

Goodbye 2015!!!

December was a whirl wind of activity, beside our normal work load... We worked hard and played hard!  Here's a quick overview of some of the things we did:

• We listened to and watched the Russian ballet perform the Nutcracker, via Youtube.  Mrs. Ross played the music almost everyday at lunch time, and now we recognize many of the musical compositions.
• 
  
• We had a visitor named, Nour! She used to be in this class and is now a 1st grader. Nour assisted us in decorating our own original paper gingerbread man.  
• 
  
• Adam's grandfather made his annual visit to our class with his accordion and rhythm instruments.  Each child was given and instrument to play and they accompanied him with giggles of glee.  **Click the play button below to see a snippet of our musical talent!**

View on Flipagram

• Azra's sister, Ayla, also made her annual appearance to read a story to us about ballet, with a giant Nutcracker in hand!
• 
  
• We made Gingerbread Houses on the 17th! We showed our creativity and got sticky... yummy times :)! A big THANK YOU to all of the moms who came and helped... you all made that activity a success! We appreciate all you did that day and all you do everyday!!!

Hello Parents! I know this blog post is late... forgive me, please :)!  

DECEMBER EVENTS

**December is a busy month with the holidays just around the corner....  Below are a few remaining dates to remember!**


Dec. 16th (Wed.): The children will decorate gingerbread houses in the all purpose room from 9:30am- 10:45am.  Parents are welcome.  Building gingerbread houses are a Drew tradition and the children really enjoy it.  Please check the list for what you need to bring in for that day. (List was sent home in the Thursday folders)

Dec. 18th (Fri.):  The Kindergarteners will attend the Elephant and Piggy show at the Kennedy Center with Ms. Shevina.  Unfortunately, there are no extra tickets for chaperones.
The kindergarten class may bring their pajamas to change into after the play and finish out the day in comfort.

The 1st and 2nd years will stay back with Mrs. Ross and make holiday crafts along with a special snack.  If anyone would like to help out with the younger crowd, it would be much appreciated.  The younger crew are welcome to wear their pajamas for the day since it is the last day before the winter break. 

Traditionally our class has welcomed parents throughout the month of December to come in and read a story from their holiday tradition, or just a favorite story.  While we are certainly happy to have you during this month, we would like to extend this opportunity throughout the school year.  We would love it if one or both parents could volunteer 10 to 15 min of their time to come and read a story as part of our reading initiative here at Drew.  The story doesn't even have to be in English.  Several parents in the past, have read in Spanish, Arabic and Mongolian.  From now until the end of the school year, we would like to work on 100% participation.  What do you get in return?  Glad you asked! We will take your photo reading to the class and post it on our blog and in our classroom so that the children can have a constant reminder of how important it is to read.  Don't know what to read, the librarian will be happy to help with suggestions.  Your child will be so happy to have you come in and participate, and he/she will be so proud of your picture hanging in our class! So please plan to participate at your convenience. There will be an email sent out with the Sign-up Genius directions so that you can sign up!