January
January went by fast!
During circle time we talked about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his work for peace, justice and equity. We had some thoughtful discussions about fairness. We practiced using our voice and our power to express, “No! Stop! That’s not fair!” We worked on several projects and activities as a community, made Peace Birds, and played games about helping our neighbors.
We also enjoyed learning about, Alaska and the story of Balto, the sled dog. I am guessing your kids can sing you the Balto song, like BINGO, but BALTO. “There was a sled that had a dog, and Balto was his name-o!” The students loved acting out the story after they memorized the book. We also learned about Polar animals, and enjoyed playing in sensory bins with with ice and arctic animals.
February
Thursday, Feb. 5-Music with Teacher Brittany
Wednesday, February 11th- Music with https://www.musicquestkids.com/
Thursday, Feb. 19th-Music with Teacher Brittany
Monday through Friday, 9-13th – Valentine’s Day –Each class will celebrate a little bit each day so nobody misses out!
Monday, Feb. 16 – NO SCHOOL – Presidents’ Day
Date TBD, Special Guests, Portland Forest School Middle Schoolers read to preschoolers.
Themes this Month
- Friendship and Valentine’s Day
- Where do you live? What are your parents’ names?
- Portland and Oregon
- Lunar New Year
- Black History Month
Art & Circle Time
Our students participate in art and circle time every day! Sometimes we work on art projects for a long time, like creating our Valentine boxes, holiday gifts and writing letters. Other days we do a craft, or a painting, and sometimes we experiment with colors. We enjoyed making a big volcano together, and watching it erupt!
During circle time we have group activities and discussions. We practice taking turns and listening to our peers, and playing cooperative games and games that build on our literacy and math skills. Our class has been enjoying The letter Box, and engaging in story time.
Special Guests
We love having special guests! This month we are excited to have music classes with Teacher Brittany and musicquestkids.com! We look forward to our reading buddies visiting once a month as well as a variety of other guests!
Spring Enrichment Classes
It is time to sign up for the next session of enrichment classes.
A new session dance starts Monday, March 2nd. To enroll in dance class please use this link: https://everybodydanceproject.com/schedule-se
If your child is already enrolled in Tuesday and/or Wednesdays Spanish classes, you do not need to re-enroll, to add your child to the class sign up here: https://www.adventuresinspanish.org/preschool-spanish-classes
If the Tuesday Spanish class has a waiting list, please add yourself. They will add an additional class if a few more children are on the waiting list.
To enroll in Thursday’s Northwest Children’s Theater or Friday’s Art Party, please email jennifer@handsonartandplay.com. The next session for NWCT & Art Party starts in April. There are 8 Theater classes in the spring session, $152, and 7 Art Party classes, $133. The Drama class will have a demonstration day at the end of the year, on Thursday May 21st. No Art Party Friday, May 22 as it is our graduation and carnival.
Valentine’s Day
We will celebrate Valentine’s Day a little bit each day February 9th to 13th. Please bring in your child’s Valentine cards by Monday, February 9th, the earlier the better! The students have lots of work to do delivering their cards to their friend’s mailboxes. Cards can be store-bought or homemade, and include treats & toys. Children will be encouraged to save any treats for after school, and ask parents first.
We have 38 children attending Hands On, 30 in the morning class, and 8 in the afternoon. Everyone will have plenty of love in their Valentine box, so please make as many cards as you feel comfortable making. 2, 8,12, 24,38 cards, whatever works for you!
You do not need to address cards to individual children, but make sure each card is signed from your child.
Example, “To my friend, Love Holly” or “From, Junot”
Play Time
We have lots of time to play each day, both inside the classroom and outside on the playground. Playing with peers helps to build relationships with classmates and learn new skills! Plus it makes learning fun!
Hands On Art & Play Inc.