DON'T Eat Tom

Today we played some new games I printed off from a fellow bloggers website. The kids loved this one. Each child got a turn to go out of the room. The other children picked which square would be "Tom". The child would return to the room and start picking off the candy corn. Everyone remained quiet until the child picked up our chosen " Tom square" and then they all yelled " DONT EAT TOM!" Then.. it was another child's turn. Fun game.

I bought this new miniature lincoln log set for the table at Cracker Barrel. Great fine motor material.
We made turkeys today !
Tomorrow is our Family Feast. I will be sending out a Facebook message this evening to " sum it all up."

Tylenol ?

Today - Do you ever have a day that you look in the mirror and say " I KNEW better than that ?"

All 16 of our munchkins were here today. The morning went smooth. Autum's dad and mom came around 10:00 to talk about his Indian culture. He brought arrow heads, indian jewelry and a dream catcher. The kids passed around the pieces and were able to ask him questions. Most kids think of an Indian - like we see in the books with the pilgrims. As a matter of fact , Autum is convinced her daddy is not an Indian. ( I asked him was he ok with Indian or offended by the use of that word and he said no. ) I love it when we have opportunities like that to show the kids " real" things.

Then... it all fell apart.

All I am gonna say if I loathe teacher directed crafts. The kids do not learn anything or little from them except to follow directions and be patient. But their head bands are cute...

Opps !

I worked all day with Jodie today. I have had business obligations outside of work lately and today's TA was cancelled so I let Randy have some time off. It was really nice to work with a woman all day. The downside to that was - at nap time I didnt do what I normally do. I didnt blog , I didnt get notes ready that I wanted to send home. :) It's all good.

The note was about our Thanksgiving Feast next Wednesday. It is from 11-1 at the community building. You are invited and you can also bring family. Normally the kids do a couple songs and then we eat and you leave - with your child. It is just a little time to spend together. It is not a program at all . I cook turkey or ham and traditional stuffing and provide drinks ( Tea or water and milk for the kids ) You will sign up to bring side dishes like green beans, corn, rolls etc... The sheet will go out tomorrow and I would like to know by Monday who is coming and how many people will be with you and what you plan to bring . That way, I have a day or two to plan and fill in the gaps.

Today we make a little book that emphasized positional words like beside, under and on. It was a Thanksgiving book that would say the turkey is " under the tree " and the child takes his turkey and shows me where under .. is. I got this out of a mailbox magazine.

It was so chilly at lunch today ( and our bodies havent quite adjusted from the summer ) that we only went out for 30 minutes. I would like to remind you that ABC rules , which are based on best practice for children everywhere , state that there is no such thing as bad weather - only bad clothing. So, PLEASE make sure your child has clothing appropriate to wear outside and stay warm. If you think or have been told all your life that going outside when it is cold will make you sick - here is a good read for you ! CLICK HERE!

Families and Thanksgiving

Today we started talking about families and the approaching holidays. The kids always love it when I change out units. They find many new things to interact with . When I think about their excitement I remember there are kids that stay in one room every day and their materials never get rotated or changed out. How sad... Makes me want to go shopping for more! :)

These little guys are playing with a box of dice. Picture this group several years down the road. Looks like a hot game of street poker...

I have had a alphabet sorter rack for a long time but it was huge and bulky and I rarely got it out. I wanted to make it more accessible to the kids so I adapted with something that I already had. I took a nuts and bolts organizer and put letters on the drawers . Inside the drawers are little items that begin with the letters . Fun Stuff !

Patterning !

Some activities on the table today.

Matching shapes on a cornucopia.

New Books !

Sorting fall colored buttons

Using letter turkeys to dish up our names !

How many leaves on the tree ?

Sensory tub ! Match the turkey feathers.

Roll the dice and put that many pom poms on the turkey !

Wreaths of Green

Some days, I just want to strangle Randy. Then there are days like today when Rosanna came in not having so great a morning and he was able to turn her frown... upside down, that I remember how well we balance each other out. I am a lot of things, but silly isn't one of them. Randy has silly down to an art and it works every time. I guess I will keep him around.

Some of the new activities for the table during the Christmas season. Sorting/ stacking Christmas themed erasers. A Christmas tin full of miniature Christmas presents just waits for the kids to sort or count. I am not sure how long this one will last. The younger kids don't seem to understand that there is nothing really in the present and keep upwrapping them. :)

This is basket full of felt gingerbread men and parts. The kids decorate as they wish and then can start all over. They have enjoyed this!

There are new Christmas books in the parent resource center for you to check out.

I LOVE finding little signs the kids make and hang around the room.

And the Christmas Decor / crafts begin.

Our Indian Corn is finally growing!

Did you know we pour our own water?

It has been a better day. I am still struggling with getting a schedule that works for cold weather but we will get there.

Toodles.

Thanksgiving Feast Fun

We had such a great day today ! We have 16 little reasons to be thankful.