HAPPY HOLIDAYS

May your Holidays be filled with the warmth

    of Hanukah candles,

and the HOHOHO's of Santa Claus.

Peace, Love & Joy

WELCOME WINTER

Winter, spring, summer, and fall the seasons go round and round.  Living in Florida where you don't get much change in the seasons it is not a very easy concept for the children to grasp.  Just seeing and reading about it in pictures just doesn't do the seasons full justice.  Looking at these shivering guys really makes you appreciate what WINTER really feels like.

HO HO HO THE TIME OF GETTING 

& GIVING

Children at this time of year are usually heard asking and wishing for this thing or that thing. Sometimes the amount of presents they want can be overwhelming for a parent and especially SANTA.  They need to realize that yes some of the things they ask for will be delivered BUT maybe not all of the items.  The real lesson here is that they should be appreciative for whatever they do get.  They should also be taught at the youngest age that they should be giving presents also.  If they have a sibling(s) they should have the opportunity to go to the store and hand pick something for them.  They should also give a toy to TOYS FOR TOTS or whatever charitable organization is in your community.

SEASON'S GREETINGS

The excitement is in the air.  The student's spirits are at an all time high. In order to have a well disciplined class doing what you want them to do you have to be willing to change your routine up a bit.  I like to incorporate holiday stories as part of reading, language arts having them write stories about such topics as What would you do if Santa got stuck in your chimney?--for example.  In math story problems dealing with presents and food.  Money problems  with prices of gifts.  I like to incorporate a lot of art activities which include a gift for parents and other holiday crafts and cards.  I like to do a Reader's Theater with them and usually they end up wanting to do it more than once.  Have them wear Christmas socks one day and incorporate a graphing math project on it.  So the couple weeks before Christmas Break can be enjoyable and not a ho hum time but a ho ho ho time!!!

CHRISTMAS & GIVING

Tis the season to be giving but it is important to also remind our students and children what they are THANKFUL for.  It is important for them to be part of the giving of gifts.  Going to the store and choosing some gifts to give to less fortunate children themselves.  So they can also give and have that feeling and also receive them.

SPARKING INTEREST

Getting your students imagination sparked easily with an animated figure or something that they can relate to will make writing a paragraph or a story so much easier for them.  Putting this picture in front of them and asking them questions such as where do you think Minnie might be going, who might she be going with, what will they be doing???  How would you feel if you could dress up like Minnie for a day??  Help make the writing process as easy for them as possible.