November was a very memorable month.
The children learned about all the different things to be thankful for, such as parents, food, clothing, housing, pets, toys and much more. They made turkey magnets, cards and decorations for our annual Thanksgiving feast. All the children cooked for the feast. They brought and helped cut vegetables to put in our vegetable soup. We made 13 pumpkin pies and lots of cornbread for all to share.
On Nov. 19, we had our Thanksgiving feast, attended by more than 100 hungry, thankful parents and children. The children took home decorations and a special card with the child’s picture. We finished off with the children singing songs and telling what they are thankful for.
The children of Desert Rose Preschool donated three large bags of snacks to Sunshine Acres Children’s Home, for the children who are less fortunate. This is a tradition for the past seven years. The children really learn what giving is all about.
In December, the children will learn about Christmas. We will be making lots of Christmas decorations, and gifts for the parents. The children will have a visit from Santa and will have pictures taken with him.
On Friday, Dec. 16, we will have our cookie exchanges for all classes. Everyone will bring two dozen cookies to school. We will exchange one dozen and share the other dozen at school. Coffee, tea and juice will be provided. Children will present their presents to their parents at this time.
There will be no classes from Saturday, Dec. 17 to Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012.
Math games on the spot
Make a Pattern
Fold a 4-by-18 inch strip of construction paper into thirds and place it in a paper bag. Add seasonal die-cut shapes, such as leaves, trees, pumpkins, and stars. Based on children’s ability to create patterns, you might use one shape in several colors, several shapes in all the same color, or several shapes in different colors.
To use, ask children to unfold the paper strip and place it horizontally on a table. Then have them use the shapes in the bag to create patterns on the strip (ABAB-AABB-ABC, and so on). If desired, glue the beginning of the pattern to several paper strips and place in the bag. Children can then use the shapes to continue the patterns.
Count to 10
Write a different number from one to10 on ten small paper plates. On the back of each plate, draw a set of dots equal to the number on the front. Place the plates in a paper bag along with a set of 10 to 12 plastic counters. Ask the children to remove a plate and place it on the table with the dots face up. Have them put a counter on each dot and then count the counters. They can check the back of the plate to see if they named the correct number.
For practice in creating sets to match the number, have children place the plate in with the numbers face up, name that number, and count out that many counters. Then have them turn the plate over and put the counters on the dots to check their answer.
Stick to a low-key evening routine
Your child’s days are packed. Create time each night to allow him to wind down with quiet activities, such as drawing or stretching. Setting aside time for rest, not just sleep, helps ease the anxiety children feel.
Desert Rose Preschool is located at the Trailhead Members Club and is a private preschool for Las Sendas children only. The preschool is operated all year long with classes for ages 3 to 5. Desert Rose Preschool offers half day options, plus the Lunch Bunch until 1 p.m., and full day until 3 p.m. We are currently full with a waiting list. Registration for next fall will be held in March.
If you have any questions, please call (480) 654-4223, or e-mail at jbuttitta@cox.net.