1. Newsletter February 2009 February has been a busy month. We returned after a restful Chinese New year break with many stories to tell. We warmly welcome our new student Clint Lin and his parents Peggy and Kane. This month the children have been busy working on various projects. As we recalled our visit to the market, using photographs, the children remembered the many interesting things they saw. We made our own class big book using photos and the children’s words and then set to work making our own books. These experiences work on many levels for the children as their literacy skills are developing at different rates. They are illustrators, story tellers, readers and writers in their own way.

2. After some great discussions and imaginative ideas the children came up with a collaborative story about the statue in the lobby. We made a big book and individual books. (See the e book in photo gallery this month) This experience enriches the children’s language as they create stories, discuss and cooperate with the group. I have been communicating with a school in Australia. I sent the 4 and 5 year old class the photo of the statue and the children there are writing their own story about it. When I told our class they were intrigued and really interested about what the children there will write about. We look forward to hearing their ideas next week.

3. Shapes, what do they look like, what are they called, what can we do with them and where do we find them? The children have enjoyed many games we have been playing recognizing and reinforcing the names of geometric shapes. As they manipulate them they have discovered how 2 or more shapes together can make a different shape too.

5. The children were introduced to working with the medium of timber. The small pieces of wood we used were all different shapes which created a lot of different designs and structures. Buildings as tall as 101, roller coasters and houses.

6. Our dramatic play area is now a hospital and the children have been enjoying role playing. The Dr and nurse role is in demand as they like to give the shots, not receive them! Play in dramatic play areas help children’s social skills; how to play cooperatively, take turns, share equipment. Their language also develops as they play imaginatively together and communicating with each other.

7. We have resumed having sing a long with all the KA classes with Dr Moran every Thursday. We learn new songs and enjoy the interaction with our friends in the other classes.

8. Thank you to everyone who came to Guandu with us. We saw so many interesting things there. Field trip experiences enrich our program and promotes children’s ideas and discussions.

9. Parent participation: Please note on the March calendar I have suggested mornings for parents to come in and spend some time with us if you are able to. Thanks to Anjali for starting us off on Monday to do some cooking with the children. Bilingual Children Information Session for Kindergarten A and Kindergarten parents, Tuesday, March 3rd, 8:30 to 10:00AM, Small Theater Kindergarten Parent Information Night on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 7:00 PM in the lower school library. Buddies: we will meet our buddies next week who will be the children in Ms Donnay’s third grade class. Each child has been assigned a buddy for the semester, we have written to them introducing ourselves and everyone is looking forward to meeting each other. Our buddies will do activities with us and read to us. Student Led Conferences. Your appointment time will be sent home on Monday. Please note that siblings (older or younger) cannot attend our KA conference as this is a special time for you and your KA child. Thank you Liz Nixon and Doris Chen.