School Announcements: We thank you for your cooperation with today's two hour delay due to the ice storm. We always want to err on the side of caution and keep families safe! A reminder that we look to Leander ISD as an indication of whether or not roads are safe for travel early in the morning!
It has been a muddy few days here at school. Please remember to have your child's boots at school and ready to go--we sure do use them!
Highlights from the Infant Room: Welcome to Emma Grace! All of the PreK children enjoyed taking a look at Isaac's baby sister and Janie's daughter. Ali and Gage loved holding hands and spent a lot of time checking out their new little classmate.
Highlights from the Toddler Room: Welcome to Jack and "Happy First Birthday!". Today we visited the animals in the wagon, our favorite mode of transportation! The children played in the play kitchen, read books with Caprice, snapped together Legos, and used the nesting cups. Vivian is walking everywhere now and Orion is talking more and today said "book". Everyone loved extra helpings of brown rice and ranch beans.
Highlights from the Twos Room: At story time the children enjoyed reading Goodnight Moon. The children talked about some "everyday" words such as "girl", "boy", "truck" and "train". The kids loved talking about farm animals and practiced saying "cow", "pig", "sheep", and "duck". Outside the children loved seeing the animals and played with miniature cars on the porch. We had a good day!
Highlights from the PreK:
The children enjoyed working with homemade playdough, rollers, and cutters. Small groups of children worked with Mr. Jamie and the animals. We reread the story "Hansel and Gretel" and enjoyed the book Alice the Fairy--Nina knew almost all the words by heart. Everyone worked hard kneading bread, and we worked on our bread baking rhyme during morning snack. We had a squishy, squelchy, muddy day!
AM Snack: cinnamon Life cereal, organic milk
Lunch: ranch-style beans, brown rice, organic broccoli, oranges, organic milk
PM Snack: bagels and cream cheese, water
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
School Opening 2 Hours Late Wednesday!
We will be following the lead of Leander ISD, and will be opening two hours late today. School will open at 9 AM.
Please drive safely, and we look forward to seeing you at school!
Please drive safely, and we look forward to seeing you at school!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Menu for the week of Jan. 26 - Jan. 30
After many requests, we're now posting our weekly school menu in advance. Menu is subject to change.
Monday 1/26
AM Snack: Vanilla yogurt with organic granola, water bottles
Lunch: Vegetable barley soup, cheese sandwiches on whole wheat bread, organic milk
PM Snack: Pumpkin spice muffins, water bottles
Tuesday 1/27
AM Snack: Graham crackers, organic apple juice
Lunch: Turkey, lettuce and tomatoes in a pita, watermelon, organic milk
PM Snack: Nutrigrain bar, water bottles
Wednesday 1/28
AM Snack: Life cereal, organic milk
Lunch: Ranch beans with brown rice, broccoli, oranges, organic milk
PM Snack: Bagels with cream cheese, water bottles
Thursday 1/29
AM Snack: Bananas, rice cakes, water bottles
Lunch: Pasta with meat sauce, tossed salad, organic milk
PM Snack: Apples with yogurt dip, water bottles
Friday 1/30
AM Snack: Waffles with cinnamon sugar, water bottles
Lunch: Organic Central Market pizza, organic baby carrots with ranch, grapes, organic milk
PM Snack: String cheese with whole wheat crackers, water bottles
Monday 1/26
AM Snack: Vanilla yogurt with organic granola, water bottles
Lunch: Vegetable barley soup, cheese sandwiches on whole wheat bread, organic milk
PM Snack: Pumpkin spice muffins, water bottles
Tuesday 1/27
AM Snack: Graham crackers, organic apple juice
Lunch: Turkey, lettuce and tomatoes in a pita, watermelon, organic milk
PM Snack: Nutrigrain bar, water bottles
Wednesday 1/28
AM Snack: Life cereal, organic milk
Lunch: Ranch beans with brown rice, broccoli, oranges, organic milk
PM Snack: Bagels with cream cheese, water bottles
Thursday 1/29
AM Snack: Bananas, rice cakes, water bottles
Lunch: Pasta with meat sauce, tossed salad, organic milk
PM Snack: Apples with yogurt dip, water bottles
Friday 1/30
AM Snack: Waffles with cinnamon sugar, water bottles
Lunch: Organic Central Market pizza, organic baby carrots with ranch, grapes, organic milk
PM Snack: String cheese with whole wheat crackers, water bottles
Week in Pictures
Waylon, Gavin, Kai and Mason hanging out in the dirt.
Spencer and the guitar.
Miles and Colton take a turn on the xylophone.
Catherine finds her passion--strumming a tune on the electric guitar.
Leilani and Cooper, neighbors and classmates, painting their caterpillars in Ms. Michelle's class.
The kids take a walk with Mr. Jamie to visit Abby.
Vivian fell asleep after a yummy school lunch!
Orion and Luke take a look through the fence.
Ali, Jack and Gage enjoy a wagon ride outside with Ms. Caprice. We love the Bumbo bus!
Friday, January 23
School Announcements: Mark you calendars for the next Evening of Indulgence 2/6 from 6:30-8:30. Services this month are: foot/salt scrub, bangs/cuts/ hair trims, eyebrow shaping/waxing, and seated massage! Prices range from $15-$35. Everyone enjoys a glass of wine and snacks no matter how many services they choose!
Highlights from the Infant Room: Ms. Caprice continues to share her love of music with the children. Today Ms. Caprice played her electric guitar for the little ones. Each child then had an opportunity to strum the guitar with help from Ms. Caprice.
Highlights from the Twos Room: Ms. Gayelyn is out due to a death in the family. She will return to her classroom next Wednesday. Our thoughts are with her family during this sad time.
The children enjoyed a fun day with Ms. Janie & Ms. Tina. Hay was fed to the animals and all our friends enjoyed the wonderful Texas weather today. We sang ABCs, If You're Happy and You Know It, The Wheels on the Bus, read Good Night Moon and Potty, counted to five in English and Spanish.
Highlights from the PreK: Today in the PreK we enjoyed creating designs using a geoboard crafted by Mr. Jamie, lots of fun dressing up as well as some much needed outdoor time. Ms. Caprice visited with her electric guitar as well as the xylophone. The children had a great time taking turns playing both instruments.
AM Snack: Fresh pear & apple slices, water bottles
Lunch: Mr. Jamie's homemade potato & lentil soup [YUMMY!], cheddar cheese cubes, apples, organic milk
PM Snack: whole grain cereal bars [for the toddlers], special birthday celebration snack [PreK] courtesy of Saxon's family, water bottles
Highlights from the Infant Room: Ms. Caprice continues to share her love of music with the children. Today Ms. Caprice played her electric guitar for the little ones. Each child then had an opportunity to strum the guitar with help from Ms. Caprice.
Highlights from the Twos Room: Ms. Gayelyn is out due to a death in the family. She will return to her classroom next Wednesday. Our thoughts are with her family during this sad time.
The children enjoyed a fun day with Ms. Janie & Ms. Tina. Hay was fed to the animals and all our friends enjoyed the wonderful Texas weather today. We sang ABCs, If You're Happy and You Know It, The Wheels on the Bus, read Good Night Moon and Potty, counted to five in English and Spanish.
Highlights from the PreK: Today in the PreK we enjoyed creating designs using a geoboard crafted by Mr. Jamie, lots of fun dressing up as well as some much needed outdoor time. Ms. Caprice visited with her electric guitar as well as the xylophone. The children had a great time taking turns playing both instruments.
AM Snack: Fresh pear & apple slices, water bottles
Lunch: Mr. Jamie's homemade potato & lentil soup [YUMMY!], cheddar cheese cubes, apples, organic milk
PM Snack: whole grain cereal bars [for the toddlers], special birthday celebration snack [PreK] courtesy of Saxon's family, water bottles
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday January 21, 2009
Today we baked bread!
School Announcements: Mark you calendars for the next Evening of Indulgence 2/6 from 6:30-8:30. Services this month are: foot/salt scrub, bangs/cuts/ hair trims, eyebrow shaping/waxing, and seated massage! Prices range from $15-$35. Everyone enjoys a glass of wine and snacks no matter how many services they choose!Highlights from the Infant Room: Caprice has been working on a special project for the classroom--making some colorful decorations for the windows and to hang from the ceiling. The children enjoyed a nice long walk outside today!
Gage, in his favorite chair, lounging outside.
Jack enjoying a book.
All of our friends enjoyed a walk outside!
All of our friends enjoyed a walk outside!
Highlights from the Toddler Room: We enjoyed meeting a new friend, Rylee. Jack is visiting our class more and more as he prepares to move up to our room. We enjoyed a wagon ride this morning to see the animals, and this afternoon we played outside in the warm sun on a quilt! Favorite indoor activities included the tunnel and nesting cups.
Rylee pushing the wagon.
Vivian, Ali, and Jack enjoying the sunshine.
Highlights from the Twos Room: The children enjoyed baking bread, spending time on the playground watching the new animals. They sang "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "The Itsy Bitsy Spider". They all loved lunch--"make your own nachos".
Highlights from the PreK: Today in the PreK we enjoyed a "workout" with Landon's mom Ashley, both inside and outside. Several small groups worked with Jamie. Indoor work included kneading and baking bread, Legos, using droppers with colored water, and pretend play.
AM Snack: whole wheat English muffins with strawberry jam, water
Lunch: "make your own nachos"--Mexican spiced lentils, tortilla chips, cheddar cheese, lettuce; cinnamon applesauce, organic milk
PM Snack: craisins and sesame sticks for the Twos Class, peanuts and raisins for the PreK, water
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Pictures from our Infant and Toddler Room
Caprice playing the xylophone for her adoring fans. . .
Jack, a sleeping angel.
Vivan has the giggles.
Peaceful moments in the infant room . . .
Gage has learned to reach for everything. Here he's reaching for the camera!
Ali is doing her beadwork!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
School Announcements:
Welcome to Gayelynn, our new teacher in the "Twos" classroom. The kids had a great day! We'll miss Heather and Claudia, and wish them well!
Today we welcomed another sheep to the farm from the FFA Program at Lake Travis High School. Many thanks for the generous donations!
Highlights from the Infant Room: The infants enjoyed listening to Caprice play the xylophone. They sang "You Are My Sunshine". Ali is sitting up unassisted. Gage loves to play on the play mat and grasp toys. Jack is pushing chairs around the classroom, pulling up to the cribs and checking on sleeping friends, and many other big boy things! Alex is adjusting more and more to our school, and likes to watch all of the action while snacking in the high chair.
Highlights from the Toddler Room: Orion had fun feeding hay to the goats and sheep. He met up several times with his beloved sister, Leilani!
Highlights from the Twos Room: The class enjoyed feeding and petting the animals and playing with Gayelynn. The kids laughed a lot when she played "I'm Gonna Getcha" with them! The kids talked about letters and numbers in Community Time.
Highlights from the PreK: At Community Time today, the children enjoyed hearing the story of "Hansel and Gretel". We will be focusing on one fairy tale each week, as the children really enjoy them and the lessons that they teach. We are transitioning from books and tales with lots of pictures to listening to something and creating an image in our own mind. You can see the wheels turning as they listen.
Work with Jamie involved grooming Lily Belle and reviewing the names of the grooming tools.
The children in Michelle's small group today made treasure maps and did rain drop art. In Leslie's small group, the children worked sharpening pencils at the writing table, or worked with glass flasks and colored water--seeing the result of mixing yellow and red. Beeswax crayons were available for drawing.
We had a good day!
AM Snack: mozzarella string cheese, water
Lunch: quesadillas made with whole wheat tortillas, watermelon, baby carrots, organic milk
PM Snack: banana, water
Welcome to Gayelynn, our new teacher in the "Twos" classroom. The kids had a great day! We'll miss Heather and Claudia, and wish them well!
Today we welcomed another sheep to the farm from the FFA Program at Lake Travis High School. Many thanks for the generous donations!
Cooper on the balance board . . .
Highlights from the Infant Room: The infants enjoyed listening to Caprice play the xylophone. They sang "You Are My Sunshine". Ali is sitting up unassisted. Gage loves to play on the play mat and grasp toys. Jack is pushing chairs around the classroom, pulling up to the cribs and checking on sleeping friends, and many other big boy things! Alex is adjusting more and more to our school, and likes to watch all of the action while snacking in the high chair.
Highlights from the Toddler Room: Orion had fun feeding hay to the goats and sheep. He met up several times with his beloved sister, Leilani!
Highlights from the Twos Room: The class enjoyed feeding and petting the animals and playing with Gayelynn. The kids laughed a lot when she played "I'm Gonna Getcha" with them! The kids talked about letters and numbers in Community Time.
Highlights from the PreK: At Community Time today, the children enjoyed hearing the story of "Hansel and Gretel". We will be focusing on one fairy tale each week, as the children really enjoy them and the lessons that they teach. We are transitioning from books and tales with lots of pictures to listening to something and creating an image in our own mind. You can see the wheels turning as they listen.
Work with Jamie involved grooming Lily Belle and reviewing the names of the grooming tools.
The children in Michelle's small group today made treasure maps and did rain drop art. In Leslie's small group, the children worked sharpening pencils at the writing table, or worked with glass flasks and colored water--seeing the result of mixing yellow and red. Beeswax crayons were available for drawing.
We had a good day!
Making a treasure map with beeswax crayons.
Landon and Soleil cooking something good!
Iris making pasta . . . thanks Lora for all of the pasta that you dyed for us!
AM Snack: mozzarella string cheese, water
Lunch: quesadillas made with whole wheat tortillas, watermelon, baby carrots, organic milk
PM Snack: banana, water
Monday, January 19, 2009
Monday, January 19
School Announcements: Happy Martin Luther King, Day!
Today we welcomed two beautiful roosters to the farm--a generous donation from someone who thought they had mail ordered all hens and received a surprise. They are young, but we were excited to hear them crow today at about 11 AM!
Highlights from the Infant Room:
The infants took a walk with Ms. Caprice to see the animals. Jack and Ali had fun exploring a water sensory bag. Gage laughed and cooed and is quite a flirt with Ms. Caprice and Ms. Janie. Everyone had a great day and enjoyed the warm January day!
Highlights from the Twos Room:
Things are busy in the Twos room! Kai, Waylon, Gavin, Mason and Maksim had fun playing outside this morning. We sang songs with Ms. Heather and played with Legos, reading books in the special reading nook as well as making lots of animal sounds while playing with the mix of large plastic animals.
Highlights from the PreK: Several friends were out today in observance of the holiday!Today we enjoyed meeting the new roosters and hearing them crow. Inside work included: playdough and cookie cutters, pouring blue water with glass pitchers and using eye droppers to move it from one container to another, and learning to sharpen a pencil with our new pencil sharpener at the writing table. In the afternoon, Jamie set up a fun agility course for us!
AM Snack: Whole grain waffles with butter, cinnamon and sugar, water bottles
Lunch: Cheese tortellini with homemade spinach Alfredo sauce, black grapes and organic milk
PM Snack: Hummus with green bell pepper, carrots and cucumbers, water bottles
Today we welcomed two beautiful roosters to the farm--a generous donation from someone who thought they had mail ordered all hens and received a surprise. They are young, but we were excited to hear them crow today at about 11 AM!
Highlights from the Infant Room:
The infants took a walk with Ms. Caprice to see the animals. Jack and Ali had fun exploring a water sensory bag. Gage laughed and cooed and is quite a flirt with Ms. Caprice and Ms. Janie. Everyone had a great day and enjoyed the warm January day!
Highlights from the Twos Room:
Things are busy in the Twos room! Kai, Waylon, Gavin, Mason and Maksim had fun playing outside this morning. We sang songs with Ms. Heather and played with Legos, reading books in the special reading nook as well as making lots of animal sounds while playing with the mix of large plastic animals.
Highlights from the PreK: Several friends were out today in observance of the holiday!Today we enjoyed meeting the new roosters and hearing them crow. Inside work included: playdough and cookie cutters, pouring blue water with glass pitchers and using eye droppers to move it from one container to another, and learning to sharpen a pencil with our new pencil sharpener at the writing table. In the afternoon, Jamie set up a fun agility course for us!
AM Snack: Whole grain waffles with butter, cinnamon and sugar, water bottles
Lunch: Cheese tortellini with homemade spinach Alfredo sauce, black grapes and organic milk
PM Snack: Hummus with green bell pepper, carrots and cucumbers, water bottles
Friday, January 16, 2009
Friday, January 16
Visiting the animals on a chilly morning makes us smile and say "thank you" to everyone who has donated animals--The Reus Family (and grandparents); Dr. Vasut and friends at Lake Travis High School; the Carter Family and friends; and Vicki, Grammy, and everyone at Sonshine Stables
Queso and Lily Belle are a study in size--large and small to be exact!
Cooking . . .
AM Snack: cinnnamon graham crackers, organic milk
Queso and Lily Belle are a study in size--large and small to be exact!
Meet Peachy and Aurora . . . DOB 10/30/08
Meet Tonka . . .
Meet Tonka . . .
Meet Chevy--he's the white one!
Meet Spencer--we like his wool "socks".
School Announcements: We hope Mr. Jamie feels better today! He has been out sick yesterday and today.
Highlights from the Infant Room: Ms. Caprice had fun with Ali, Jack, Gage and Vivian today. They explored simple puzzles, matching shapes and playing music on Ms. Caprice's xylophone.
Highlights from the Toddler/Twos Room: The toddler class had a good time playing with their new friend, Kai, who is transitioning from the One/Twos room. We spent some time outside this morning and found that it was a little to cool for most friends so we retreated to the warm classroom. Circle time included singing our morning song and the days of the week song along with reading Doctor Suess ABC and Farm Animals. Maksim cooked eggs for the class, Gabrielle had fun running a car on the table, Kai and Gavin both wore hard hats while playing, Waylon put the farm animal puzzle together three times and Mason built with Legos. After a yummy lunch, everyone passed out within five minutes! What a busy morning!
Highlights from the PreK:
This morning we enjoyed visiting all of the animals and watching Queso take a walk outside of his pen. The goats and sheep were glad to meet us! We walked the labyrinth and sang a "red bird" song as we quietly tip toed around the school grounds hoping to catch a glimpse of a beautiful red cardinal. He was always a couple of trees ahead of us, but we managed to get a look. We were surprised to hear that boy cardinals are much fancier than girl cardinals! Inside, Matt, Miles and Noah enjoyed building structures in a pretend dinosaur land. Colton, Isaac, Asa, and Catherine enjoyed using play stands and silks to build a rocket ship. Goggles are apparently necessary to wear for blast off! Landon enjoyed working with cylinders, and Nina and Iris enjoyed the writing table. We had a lovely Friday!
This morning we enjoyed visiting all of the animals and watching Queso take a walk outside of his pen. The goats and sheep were glad to meet us! We walked the labyrinth and sang a "red bird" song as we quietly tip toed around the school grounds hoping to catch a glimpse of a beautiful red cardinal. He was always a couple of trees ahead of us, but we managed to get a look. We were surprised to hear that boy cardinals are much fancier than girl cardinals! Inside, Matt, Miles and Noah enjoyed building structures in a pretend dinosaur land. Colton, Isaac, Asa, and Catherine enjoyed using play stands and silks to build a rocket ship. Goggles are apparently necessary to wear for blast off! Landon enjoyed working with cylinders, and Nina and Iris enjoyed the writing table. We had a lovely Friday!
The rocket ship . . .
Cooking . . .AM Snack: cinnnamon graham crackers, organic milkLunch: homemade egg salad, English cucumber slices, organic apple wedges, whole wheat saltines, organic milk
PM Snack: organic cheese pizza, water bottles
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Thursday, January 15
School Announcements: We have had a busy couple of days at school! Most folks seem to be feeling better, though we still have a couple of friends out sick today. Please note that the illness we have been seeing involves several days of diarrhea, and maybe some vomitting or a headache. It takes several days to fully recover and be ready for school--a reminder that children must have been free of vomitting and diarrhea for a full 24 hours before returning to school.
A big thank you to Dr. Vasut and the students at Lake Travis High School. We were so grateful to receive their donation of two beautiful goats (one a champion), named "Tonka" and "Chevy". We also received a beautiful lamb named "Spencer". The animals are doing very well on their first day, and our kiddos are very excited! Again, many thanks to Dr. Vasut, the students, and Tanya Carter (Matt's mom) for all of her coordination!
Highlights from the Infant Room: The infants have been enjoying Caprice's xylophone today. Each child had a chance to make some music with Caprice. The children enjoyed reading books and playing with the play mat. We are so glad that our friend Jack is feeling better. Thank you, Caprice, for bringing in your beautiful instrument to share.
Highlights from the Toddler Room: Orion and Vivian enjoyed building with large Legos and wooden blocks. They tossed the soft soccer ball around the room, and visited our new animals this afternoon. They loved outside time, and enjoyed hearing Caprice's beautiful music.
Highlights from the Twos Room: Gavin, Kai, and Mason loved seeing the new goats this morning. The class read Dr. Suess' Amazing Alphabet Book and a colors book. The boys took a long nap, and didn't think much of afternoon snack--veggies and dip!
Highlights from the PreK: The morning got off to a busy start when we watched Jesse move in another fridge, as our school fridge wasn't working well. We had lots of questions! The children enjoyed painting--attempting some wet on wet painting with Michelle. Mr. Jamie was sick, so we will spend time getting to know our new animal friends in the afternoon. The class enjoyed hearing Miles' three little pigs book and discussing it. Indoor work included cooking in the play kitchen, scooping pasta, and the newly established writing table.
AM Snack: organic honey nut toasted "o"s, organic milk
Lunch: organic brown rice, mixed vegetables, roasted chicken, mandarin oranges, organic milk
PM Snack: zucchini sticks, baby carrots, ranch dip, water
A big thank you to Dr. Vasut and the students at Lake Travis High School. We were so grateful to receive their donation of two beautiful goats (one a champion), named "Tonka" and "Chevy". We also received a beautiful lamb named "Spencer". The animals are doing very well on their first day, and our kiddos are very excited! Again, many thanks to Dr. Vasut, the students, and Tanya Carter (Matt's mom) for all of her coordination!
Highlights from the Infant Room: The infants have been enjoying Caprice's xylophone today. Each child had a chance to make some music with Caprice. The children enjoyed reading books and playing with the play mat. We are so glad that our friend Jack is feeling better. Thank you, Caprice, for bringing in your beautiful instrument to share.
Highlights from the Toddler Room: Orion and Vivian enjoyed building with large Legos and wooden blocks. They tossed the soft soccer ball around the room, and visited our new animals this afternoon. They loved outside time, and enjoyed hearing Caprice's beautiful music.
Highlights from the Twos Room: Gavin, Kai, and Mason loved seeing the new goats this morning. The class read Dr. Suess' Amazing Alphabet Book and a colors book. The boys took a long nap, and didn't think much of afternoon snack--veggies and dip!
Highlights from the PreK: The morning got off to a busy start when we watched Jesse move in another fridge, as our school fridge wasn't working well. We had lots of questions! The children enjoyed painting--attempting some wet on wet painting with Michelle. Mr. Jamie was sick, so we will spend time getting to know our new animal friends in the afternoon. The class enjoyed hearing Miles' three little pigs book and discussing it. Indoor work included cooking in the play kitchen, scooping pasta, and the newly established writing table.
AM Snack: organic honey nut toasted "o"s, organic milk
Lunch: organic brown rice, mixed vegetables, roasted chicken, mandarin oranges, organic milk
PM Snack: zucchini sticks, baby carrots, ranch dip, water
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
School Announcements:
We continue to see a rash of diarrhea and vomitting at our school in in our families. We are sending any child home for 24 hours that exhibits either symptom given the vast number of families that have been infected. Thank you for not sending your child until they have had a period of 24 hours without diarrhea or vomitting.
We are so sad to share that all of our beloved rabbits were killed on Saturday night or early Sunday morning. We believe that a dog or dogs attacked the rabbits. They were lovingly buried at the front of our property near the labyrinth, with signs marking their graves. We told the children gently on Monday and Tuesday, told the children how much the rabbits loved being their pets, and shared that their spirits had gone to the spirit world where they were happy and playing!
We have reinforced a "night pen" with barbed wire for all of our animals except Queso and the kittens. The kittens sleep in the feed barn at night. On Monday morning before sunrise, Leslie pulled up to the night pen to check on the animals and saw a wild rabbit with a big fluffy tail hop into the woods behind the pen. Perhaps this was a sign from our rabbits that they were OK.
Highlights from the Infant Room: The infants enjoyed reading The Pokey Little Puppy and listening to story CDs. Ali and Gage bounce their heads to the beat of music sometimes. Alex likes to move toys around the room! The children had a good day! We hope Jack can join us soon!
Highlights from the Twos Room: Kai enjoyed visiting the Twos Room today. He loved all the new toys! Gavin and Kai enjoyed time with Lacey. They worked on puzzles, made animal sounds, and visited Abby and the new kittens.
Highlights from the PreK Room: The PreK divides into two small groups on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Leslie's class enjoyed modeling beeswax while listening to the story of "The Pied Piper of Hamelin". The class drew with beeswax crayons and built structures and roads with dominoes. Several children enjoyed building a huge train track! Michelle's group read Bear Stays Up and No, David!, using some sign language with the second book. The class worked with droppers, water, and glass pitchers on trays. Some children made puppets with paper and tongue depressors. Outside, both groups enjoyed working with Mr. Jamie in small groups. Riding bikes and small cars were lots of fun. Two friends used sticks to beat a rhythm against a tree in our tree house, and enjoyed singing a song together!
AM Snack: whole grain bagels with berry jam and cream cheese, water
Lunch: breakfast casserole (organic potatoes, sausage, eggs), whole grain crackers, grapes, organic milk
PM Snack: "rockets"--pineapple rings with banana halves, water
We continue to see a rash of diarrhea and vomitting at our school in in our families. We are sending any child home for 24 hours that exhibits either symptom given the vast number of families that have been infected. Thank you for not sending your child until they have had a period of 24 hours without diarrhea or vomitting.
We are so sad to share that all of our beloved rabbits were killed on Saturday night or early Sunday morning. We believe that a dog or dogs attacked the rabbits. They were lovingly buried at the front of our property near the labyrinth, with signs marking their graves. We told the children gently on Monday and Tuesday, told the children how much the rabbits loved being their pets, and shared that their spirits had gone to the spirit world where they were happy and playing!
We have reinforced a "night pen" with barbed wire for all of our animals except Queso and the kittens. The kittens sleep in the feed barn at night. On Monday morning before sunrise, Leslie pulled up to the night pen to check on the animals and saw a wild rabbit with a big fluffy tail hop into the woods behind the pen. Perhaps this was a sign from our rabbits that they were OK.
Highlights from the Infant Room: The infants enjoyed reading The Pokey Little Puppy and listening to story CDs. Ali and Gage bounce their heads to the beat of music sometimes. Alex likes to move toys around the room! The children had a good day! We hope Jack can join us soon!
Highlights from the Twos Room: Kai enjoyed visiting the Twos Room today. He loved all the new toys! Gavin and Kai enjoyed time with Lacey. They worked on puzzles, made animal sounds, and visited Abby and the new kittens.
Highlights from the PreK Room: The PreK divides into two small groups on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Leslie's class enjoyed modeling beeswax while listening to the story of "The Pied Piper of Hamelin". The class drew with beeswax crayons and built structures and roads with dominoes. Several children enjoyed building a huge train track! Michelle's group read Bear Stays Up and No, David!, using some sign language with the second book. The class worked with droppers, water, and glass pitchers on trays. Some children made puppets with paper and tongue depressors. Outside, both groups enjoyed working with Mr. Jamie in small groups. Riding bikes and small cars were lots of fun. Two friends used sticks to beat a rhythm against a tree in our tree house, and enjoyed singing a song together!
AM Snack: whole grain bagels with berry jam and cream cheese, water
Lunch: breakfast casserole (organic potatoes, sausage, eggs), whole grain crackers, grapes, organic milk
PM Snack: "rockets"--pineapple rings with banana halves, water
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
School Announcements: Don't forget the Evening of Indulgence this Friday night from 6:30-9:00. Enjoy a massage, a glass of wine, and appetizers--a great way to start the weekend!
The farrier came yesterday to work on the animals' feet--only Queso had a trim as Lily and Abby were having no part of it!
A sheep and two goats are coming soon courtesy of Dr. Vasut and arrangements by the Carter family. We are excited to meet them all! Our kittens, Peachy and Aurora, are getting more and more accustomed to people and are venturing futher from the feed barn each day. Queso is doing well, and has a bigger area in which to roam. Sir Benito and Milkshake, the new rabbits, are easily handled and loved lots of fresh veggies yesterday afternoon!
Thanks to Andrea Acosta, Lora Keane, and Stacy Wooster for all of the great donated crafting items! The kids are really enjoying all of the new treasures!
Highlights from the Infant Room: The children enjoyed riding in the pack and play crib to see the animals. Ali and Gage sat in Bumbo seats, and Alex held Gage's hand. Ali and Gage held on to the fence on the rabbit pen to get a closer look. We hope our friend Jack feels better soon! Liam, Mattvey and Landon from the PreK helped Caprice push the crib around the school grounds.
Highlights from the Toddler Room: We took a big wagon ride around the farm and visited all of the animals. We examined leaves on the play yard, crushing them in our hands. Kai enjoyed ringing bells outside from the center of the labyrinth. The teepee was lots of fun in our classroom. Vivian likes the soft soccer ball and scooting from place to place watching the activities of the classroom. When no one is looking, she plays and has a great time, but it's secret. Kai still loves Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? more than any other book!
Highlights from the Twos Room: Waylon, Gavin, and Mason enjoyed a wagon ride with Heather. They enjoyed exploring the texture and sound of the new dyed pasta in a sensory box. With Heather's help, the boys took time to craft with glue! Everyone was ready for a good lunch and a good nap!
Highlights from the PreK Room: Today the PreK was busy! Inside we read No David!, The Grouchy Barnyard, and The Story of the Gingerbread Man. We crafted with wooden sticks, glue, and some great pasta dyed by Liam's mom. Small groups of children took turns working with Mr. Jamie. We worked in small groups all morning with Michelle and Leslie! It was a busy day at farm school! Work inside included: chalk/chalkboards, wipe off boards and markers sorting, dress up, construction set, and pour/scooping/tongs with the great new pasta!
AM Snack: rice cakes with peanut butter, water
Lunch: pasta with ground turkey marinara, orange slices, green peas, organic milk
PM Snack: grapes, pretzels, water
The farrier came yesterday to work on the animals' feet--only Queso had a trim as Lily and Abby were having no part of it!
A sheep and two goats are coming soon courtesy of Dr. Vasut and arrangements by the Carter family. We are excited to meet them all! Our kittens, Peachy and Aurora, are getting more and more accustomed to people and are venturing futher from the feed barn each day. Queso is doing well, and has a bigger area in which to roam. Sir Benito and Milkshake, the new rabbits, are easily handled and loved lots of fresh veggies yesterday afternoon!
Thanks to Andrea Acosta, Lora Keane, and Stacy Wooster for all of the great donated crafting items! The kids are really enjoying all of the new treasures!
Highlights from the Infant Room: The children enjoyed riding in the pack and play crib to see the animals. Ali and Gage sat in Bumbo seats, and Alex held Gage's hand. Ali and Gage held on to the fence on the rabbit pen to get a closer look. We hope our friend Jack feels better soon! Liam, Mattvey and Landon from the PreK helped Caprice push the crib around the school grounds.
Highlights from the Toddler Room: We took a big wagon ride around the farm and visited all of the animals. We examined leaves on the play yard, crushing them in our hands. Kai enjoyed ringing bells outside from the center of the labyrinth. The teepee was lots of fun in our classroom. Vivian likes the soft soccer ball and scooting from place to place watching the activities of the classroom. When no one is looking, she plays and has a great time, but it's secret. Kai still loves Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? more than any other book!
Highlights from the Twos Room: Waylon, Gavin, and Mason enjoyed a wagon ride with Heather. They enjoyed exploring the texture and sound of the new dyed pasta in a sensory box. With Heather's help, the boys took time to craft with glue! Everyone was ready for a good lunch and a good nap!
Highlights from the PreK Room: Today the PreK was busy! Inside we read No David!, The Grouchy Barnyard, and The Story of the Gingerbread Man. We crafted with wooden sticks, glue, and some great pasta dyed by Liam's mom. Small groups of children took turns working with Mr. Jamie. We worked in small groups all morning with Michelle and Leslie! It was a busy day at farm school! Work inside included: chalk/chalkboards, wipe off boards and markers sorting, dress up, construction set, and pour/scooping/tongs with the great new pasta!
AM Snack: rice cakes with peanut butter, water
Lunch: pasta with ground turkey marinara, orange slices, green peas, organic milk
PM Snack: grapes, pretzels, water
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
School Announcements: We enjoyed the beautiful skies today!
Don't forget to enjoy a massage at the Evening of Indulgence this Friday from 6:30-9!
Highlights from the Infant Room: Check out our new room arrangement! Things feel happy and fresh for the New Year! Today the children explored various textures including chenille, fuzzy pipe cleaners, and the pliability of other objects. Caprice sang and danced to "I'm H*A*P*P*Y*" and read Good Night Summer Lights. The kids smelled a new sensory bottle containing cinnamon. Ali and Gage pulled toys out of the toy basket and even pulled each other's socks off! We hope to find some time for outside tomorrow to see the new animals . . .
Highlights from the Toddler Room: Welcome to our new friend Vivian! Today the class read Baxter Bear Goes to the Farm and Wild Animals Picture Book. We practiced making sounds for a chicken, dog, cat, pig, and cow. The children stacked wood blocks and then had fun knocking them over. Other work included: stacking cups, tossing bean bags, playing with the ABC floor mat, and the teepee.
Highlights from the Twos Room: Today the class read The Greedy Crocodile. The kids enjoyed wagon rides and kick ball outside. The children enjoyed baking bread today--for some of our friends it was the first time! Work inside included: cooking, playing with the dollhouse, looking at books/picture books, and cars.
Highlights from the PreK: The class read There Were Ten in the Bed and Everyone Poops. We enjoyed working with Mr. Jamie, baking bread, playing playdough, and dressing up. We had a very busy day, and most friends passed right out at naptime! We enjoyed playing with our new friends Noah and Cole!
Don't forget to enjoy a massage at the Evening of Indulgence this Friday from 6:30-9!
Highlights from the Infant Room: Check out our new room arrangement! Things feel happy and fresh for the New Year! Today the children explored various textures including chenille, fuzzy pipe cleaners, and the pliability of other objects. Caprice sang and danced to "I'm H*A*P*P*Y*" and read Good Night Summer Lights. The kids smelled a new sensory bottle containing cinnamon. Ali and Gage pulled toys out of the toy basket and even pulled each other's socks off! We hope to find some time for outside tomorrow to see the new animals . . .
Highlights from the Toddler Room: Welcome to our new friend Vivian! Today the class read Baxter Bear Goes to the Farm and Wild Animals Picture Book. We practiced making sounds for a chicken, dog, cat, pig, and cow. The children stacked wood blocks and then had fun knocking them over. Other work included: stacking cups, tossing bean bags, playing with the ABC floor mat, and the teepee.
Highlights from the Twos Room: Today the class read The Greedy Crocodile. The kids enjoyed wagon rides and kick ball outside. The children enjoyed baking bread today--for some of our friends it was the first time! Work inside included: cooking, playing with the dollhouse, looking at books/picture books, and cars.
Highlights from the PreK: The class read There Were Ten in the Bed and Everyone Poops. We enjoyed working with Mr. Jamie, baking bread, playing playdough, and dressing up. We had a very busy day, and most friends passed right out at naptime! We enjoyed playing with our new friends Noah and Cole!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
School Announcements:
Don't forget about the Evening of Indulgence this Friday night (1/9) from 6:30-9:00--come enjoy massage and hair touch-ups!
Everyone is settling back in from the break--we look forward to a good week. Today's sunshine was much appreciated!
Highlights from the Infant Room: Welcome to Alex! Today Caprice read the children lots of books. The children enjoyed learning to clap hands while Caprice sang "If You're Happy and You Know It" to them.
Highlights from the Toddler Room: Today the class read There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly and Book of Shapes and sang "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" with hand motions. Welcome back Kai and Orion! Kai enjoyed playing in the new tunnel and reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?. Luke played with the stacking cups, built with wood blocks, looked at books--reading "independently", and played inside the teepee. Orion played with wood blocks, liked someone to pretend that they couldn't see him/then find him, and throwing the soft soccer ball.
Highlights from the Twos Room: The Twos enjoyed a nature walk with visits to the animals and drawing with beeswax crayons. They enjoyed puzzles, blocks, and the dollhouse inside!
Highlights from the PreK: Today we read Time for Bed and The Sun's Asleep Behind the Hill. We sang "Morning has Come" and "Good Morning". We played a name game to meet our new friends Alex, Cole, and Noah (who will start tomorrow). The class visited Lily Belle and watched Mr. Jamie groom her and clean her feet. After that, we took a nature walk to visit Queso, feed the rabbits, and spent some time in the story tent. Some friends worked with beeswax crayons and our new index cards, donated by a parent and Wiley Middle teacher, Andrea Acosta. Fine motor work included sewing cards, puzzles, and playdough. We had a good day, and lots of good naps!
Morning Snack: cranberry bread, water
Lunch: homemade chicken pot pie (chicken, mixed vegetables, crust), applesauce, organic milk
Afternoon Snack: pretzel sticks, cheddar cheese cubes, water
Don't forget about the Evening of Indulgence this Friday night (1/9) from 6:30-9:00--come enjoy massage and hair touch-ups!
Everyone is settling back in from the break--we look forward to a good week. Today's sunshine was much appreciated!
Highlights from the Infant Room: Welcome to Alex! Today Caprice read the children lots of books. The children enjoyed learning to clap hands while Caprice sang "If You're Happy and You Know It" to them.
Highlights from the Toddler Room: Today the class read There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly and Book of Shapes and sang "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" with hand motions. Welcome back Kai and Orion! Kai enjoyed playing in the new tunnel and reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?. Luke played with the stacking cups, built with wood blocks, looked at books--reading "independently", and played inside the teepee. Orion played with wood blocks, liked someone to pretend that they couldn't see him/then find him, and throwing the soft soccer ball.
Highlights from the Twos Room: The Twos enjoyed a nature walk with visits to the animals and drawing with beeswax crayons. They enjoyed puzzles, blocks, and the dollhouse inside!
Highlights from the PreK: Today we read Time for Bed and The Sun's Asleep Behind the Hill. We sang "Morning has Come" and "Good Morning". We played a name game to meet our new friends Alex, Cole, and Noah (who will start tomorrow). The class visited Lily Belle and watched Mr. Jamie groom her and clean her feet. After that, we took a nature walk to visit Queso, feed the rabbits, and spent some time in the story tent. Some friends worked with beeswax crayons and our new index cards, donated by a parent and Wiley Middle teacher, Andrea Acosta. Fine motor work included sewing cards, puzzles, and playdough. We had a good day, and lots of good naps!
Morning Snack: cranberry bread, water
Lunch: homemade chicken pot pie (chicken, mixed vegetables, crust), applesauce, organic milk
Afternoon Snack: pretzel sticks, cheddar cheese cubes, water
Monday, January 5, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009 . . .We're Baaaaack
School Announcements: Welcome back to all of our families! Hope that you had a great Winter Break--we did! Watch for several new animals, rounding out our farm. Many thanks to Kevin and Tanya Carter (and Mattvey, too) for arranging for us to have Lucy Pig, Abby the Donkey, and soon two goats and a sheep!
Highlights from the Infant Room: Jack and Ali held down the fort in the infant room today, and we look forward to seeing Gage tomorrow. Everyone has grown! Jack is pulling up on everything, and Ali doesn't want to miss anything that is happening. Today Caprice practiced saying "mama" and "dada" with the kids--and they both did it! They also enjoyed rhymes and finger plays.
Highlights from the Toddler Room: Luke was the Lone Ranger in this room today, and enjoyed several new items in the classroom, though he is a little unsure about the new tunnel. He loved lots of snacks from his teachers!
Highlights from the Twos Room: Gavin loved his new classroom today! Mason, Maksim, and Gabrielle enjoyed their time with Heather, who is the new teacher in the classroom. Everyone enjoyed painting and having lunch with our preK friends.
Highlights from the PreK: At community time today, the class enjoyed singing: "Morning Has Come" and several counting songs including "Five Little Monkeys Singing in a Tree" and "Three Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed". We counted in Spanish and English and read Little Quacks Hide and Seek and Rock It, Sock It, Number Line. We took a walk around the farm to meet the new horse, "Queso" and two new rabbits, "Milkshake" and "Sir Benito". We heard a story about Sir Benito in the story tent. We painted with green, and enjoyed seeing friends that we missed! We hope to have even more outside time tomorrow.
Breakfast: granola bars, water
Lunch: albacore tuna salad, baby carrots and ranch dip, whole grain crackers, bananas, organic milk
Snack: whole grain Goldfish crackers, raisins, water
Highlights from the Infant Room: Jack and Ali held down the fort in the infant room today, and we look forward to seeing Gage tomorrow. Everyone has grown! Jack is pulling up on everything, and Ali doesn't want to miss anything that is happening. Today Caprice practiced saying "mama" and "dada" with the kids--and they both did it! They also enjoyed rhymes and finger plays.
Highlights from the Toddler Room: Luke was the Lone Ranger in this room today, and enjoyed several new items in the classroom, though he is a little unsure about the new tunnel. He loved lots of snacks from his teachers!
Highlights from the Twos Room: Gavin loved his new classroom today! Mason, Maksim, and Gabrielle enjoyed their time with Heather, who is the new teacher in the classroom. Everyone enjoyed painting and having lunch with our preK friends.
Highlights from the PreK: At community time today, the class enjoyed singing: "Morning Has Come" and several counting songs including "Five Little Monkeys Singing in a Tree" and "Three Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed". We counted in Spanish and English and read Little Quacks Hide and Seek and Rock It, Sock It, Number Line. We took a walk around the farm to meet the new horse, "Queso" and two new rabbits, "Milkshake" and "Sir Benito". We heard a story about Sir Benito in the story tent. We painted with green, and enjoyed seeing friends that we missed! We hope to have even more outside time tomorrow.
Breakfast: granola bars, water
Lunch: albacore tuna salad, baby carrots and ranch dip, whole grain crackers, bananas, organic milk
Snack: whole grain Goldfish crackers, raisins, water
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