Ciao, Coccinellidae !

We released the ladybugs this week, into the community garden down the block. Each child enjoyed finding a nice and comfortable spot for the bugs, and although it was rather cold out, we enjoyed the experience (not too sure about the ladybugs, though!) They were great class pets, although a bit stinky at times (their defense mechanism).






But before we released them, we carefully observed them. We love making observational art. The children always notice interesting details from the observed 'scene,' in this case, the ladybug house. This was a great opportunity and the children were enthusiastic about all things ladybugs. We will surely miss them!

This week, we began exploring dice, a wonderful math manipulative / fine motor / building tool. The children almost instinctively began shaking the dice in baskets, tubes, or their hands ("Come on, Poppa needs a new pair of mittens!")
Next week we will teach the children craps and blackjack (just kidding).




Shaving cream = sensory wonderland

We let the students really dig their hands in... they loved it!
They lathered up like a yeti at the barber. [insert better analogy here]




Here are some pictures from our pajama party. It was a lot of fun! We read bedtime-themed stories and poems, and enjoyed some TRULY delicious cookies with milk.... all in our pajamas!! What could be cuter?
Here is the recipe for the cookies, which were enjoyed by all (parents, too!). As with all of our cooking projects, the children do all of the work (except the parts involving the hot oven).

1 large banana
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup of oatmeal
1/2 cup white flour
3/4 cup wholewheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 apple

Mash banana and mix with butter and brown sugar. In separate bowl mix dry ingredients and then mix them together. Add the apples last.

Spoon onto greased cookie sheet and bake in oven at 325 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Prep time: 30 to 45 minutes / Makes about 20 to 30 cookies



We have a fun filled week coming up, albeit a shortened one:
Fall Feast on Monday (you can drop off your food item on Monday morning). We will be having a feast with our class in celebration of Fall. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Field Trip on Tuesday to the Aviation Hall of Fame.
Half-day Wednesday (12pm dismissal).

Enjoy the break!