Hello all,
Well, it may have been “Winter Week” at PPA but with temperatures much warmer than usual, we are not so sure Mother Nature got the news! As the students spent each day running and racing around the playground enjoying weather close to 50 degrees, they wondered if Winter was actually coming! Thankfully, the teachers had some “Magic Snow” for the students to explore in their activity stations (see below). The students reaped the best of both worlds as they enjoyed the late December sunshine and the “Magic Snow” inside the classroom while discussing all of the wonders and splendors of our upcoming season – Winter! If only the (room temperature) magic kind of snow was the only kind of snow that we could see this winter!
Throughout each morning of “Winter Week”, the students completed win-teriffic activities and crafted beautiful winter-themed art projects to display in their homes! For their morning work on Monday, the students worked together to bake from scratch a winter holiday favorite – Gingerbread people! Here is how they turned out!
In the afternoon on Monday, the students prepared to say goodbye to the Fall as they discussed the upcoming season, Winter! The students created a list of the different things that happen on Monday and a list of Winter Favorites on Tuesday! Here is the list from Tuesday.
The Winter crafting began on Tuesday as the students began the day with a reading of Kristine O’Connell George’s book, One Mitten. In the story, we meet a girl who has only one mitten – a situation preschoolers know all too well. But what can one do with only one mitten? Adventures unfold as the girl has all sorts of fun with only one mitten. Before long, the other mitten is found and the fun continues- with two mittens this time! The student created the following mitten-inspired craft later that morning.
On Wednesday, the students created some sock snowpeople! Whether it was a snowman or a snowlady the students created, one thing was for sure – they were snow-dorable!
On Wednesday (and Thursday) afternoon, the students rehearsed musical and Winter-riffic performances for Friday’s Winter Holiday Celebration! Also on Wednesday, the students were visited by a PPA Mommy Guest Reader! The students loved hearing the Mommy photographed below read a winter-story called, Chilly Catches A Cold. In the story one of Doc’s toys – a snowman named Chilly, develops a bad case of “Brrrrrrritis” after staying outside in the cold weather for too long. Thankfully Doc knows just what to do to ensure that Chilly is feeling better soon! A special PPA Thank You to this Mommy for spending the afternoon with us!
Thursday was the final winter craft day of the week at PPA. The students transformed a few popsicle sticks and some fancy jewels into an adorable winter sled!
After a full week of hard work, the students were thrilled to learn that Friday had finally arrived! Ready to celebrate, the students spent the morning rehearsing their musical performance of not one but TWO winter songs! They also took turns coming up and sharing what they will be doing over the holiday break when school is closed. Many of the students will be traveling to different parts of the country (some even the world) to celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year! How exciting!
Also on Friday morning, the students were visited by a PPA graduate! The student photographed below came in to visit her friends and teachers and tell them all about the amazing world of Kindergarten! She also demonstrated her very impressive Cats Cradle abilities! What a special morning it was! A big PPA Thank You to our graduate for coming back and visiting us!
Soon Friday afternoon had arrived and the Park Prep Annual Winter Celebration had begun! The students were joined by their families to help wrap up the end of the calendar year and get ready for the holidays! Look below to see some of the highlights from the party!
Wow! The “PPA Holiday Party Winter Performance” was a complete success! The students did such an incredible job performing and what better way to reward them than with yummy holiday treats! The students and their families spread around the classroom and helped themselves to a wide assortment of delicious goodies! What an amazing turnout the 2014 PPA Winter Holiday Celebration had! Thank you to all of the families that were in attendance; we hope you had a great time!
Everyone at Park Prep Academy would like to take this opportunity to wish all of the students and their families a wonderful, happy, healthy holiday and new year! As always, thank you for reading and we will see you next year! Be sure to view all of the photos from the party by clicking the link at the bottom of this blog entry!
-PPA
REMINDERS:
School Closed for Winter Recess
12/22/14 – 1/5/15
School Resumes on
Monday, January 5th
THEME FOR NEXT WEEK:
