Spring is (almost) here!

It is that time of year when students yearn to be outside, they seem to grow physically by the minute, and we never know what the weather will bring!

Snacks:  The kids are growing and burning a lot of energy!  We have an optional snack time in the afternoon during choice time.  Recently, several children have been asking me for snacks because their lunch boxes are empty.  Unfortunately, I do not have extra snack at school, so I have been sending children to the nurse.  She is also very limited in her snacks as she relies on donations.  Please send an extra snack in with your child for the afternoon, just in case!

Weather:  The weather changes by the minute in New England.  Kids who come to school in shorts and t-shirts seem fine in the morning but are freezing by the afternoon when a weather front comes through. Additionally, a quick rain shower can make the slides and other playground equipment wet and pants and bare legs get cold and wet.   The best solution?  Layering!  Please send your children in with layers that can be removed or added as the day warrants.  An extra pair of pants and socks inside your child's backpack can really help!

Snow Day!

Today we enjoyed one of the perks of Transitional -- going outside!! We made fresh tracks in the Shaker Lane playground and tried to build a snowman as a class, but the snow didn't pack very well.

This was our first trip in the snow as a solo class, and we practiced some friendship skills. A couple of students didn't have snowpants today, so we found creative ways of playing without getting too wet!

If possible, please send your students in with an extra pair or two of socks. The snow did get inside some boots, and the nurse doesn't have a large supply of extra pairs. Also, please LABEL everything (initials are fine). We found out this afternoon that we have some children with the exact same color and brand of boots, and they were mixed up. Luckily one student actually knew his size, so we were able to figure it out that way. Also, all black snowpants look the same, so an initial in the tag makes packing up to go home a lot easier!

 

 

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Global Play Day in Action

Transitional's first Global Play Day was a big success. I didn't realize that the students loved Uno so much (and beat me several times)! This morning we sat down and talked about our favorite activities. They were: Littlest Pet Shop, puzzles, Uno, arts and crafts, Candyland, playing with stuffed animals, and visting Mrs. Janoch's class where half of our students played with her students (the other half will go visit next Tuesday).

A highlight of our day was going to the computer lab where Mr. Faherty surprised the class with a collection of his favorite toys from home. One of our students asked Mr. Faherty, when he was building with Lincoln Logs, why he was smiling so much. The power of play is valuable for both children and adults!

 

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Global Play Day

We are one week away from Global Play Day!  As you may have read in Mr. Faherty's weekly newsletter, Shaker Lane will be participating in Global Play Day on Wednesday, Feb. 3.  There is real learning and power in play!  As we speak, I am watching students in our Transitional class playing with Magnet Tiles.  They are negotiating over who gets which pieces, setting their own rules, asking for help when necessary, and using skills that we all use as adults every day.  On Feb. 3 we will devote an entire day to play both inside and outside.  We will honor the educational value of play as an entire school.  We are so excited!

HEART Jar Reward

We have filled our HEART Jar!  As a reward, tomorrow, Wednesday, January 26, will be Toy Day.  The students are allowed to bring in one small toy to play with at choice time.  It should be a fun day!

Fire Safety

We had a visit today from Littleton firefighters who shared some important lessons on fire safety. Students learned the difference between toys and tools and when to get an adult. They also practiced stop, drop, and roll, and learned the importance of covering their face when rolling. Please ask your children to share their thoughts on fire safety!

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Welcome New Friends!

As you may have heard from your child, we have welcomed two new friends to our classroom!  We are spending some time getting to know each other and the new routines.  I think these three smiling faces tell the whole story!