Let It Snow!

Did you know that Ivory Soap expands a lot when you put it in the microwave?  It's very cool to observe and then when the soap itself cools you can sprinkle it around the room and have your own indoor snowstorm!  Just a peek at our Winter Wonderland Week...

Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Mrs. Newton's Class!  The kids looked so cute in their red and green clothes on party day - I just had to take some pictures and we had a fashion show.  I hope everyone had a relaxing break.  Thank you so much for the wonderful party and the monogrammed coffee cup!  I just love it.  See you all very soon!

Frozen Fun

We were supposed to do an experiment last week to help us learn that the extra fat layer that polar bears have helps them to stay warm (along with thick fur that also absorbs sunlight.)  The plan was to put a hand in ice water to feel the cold.  Then we would put crisco on our hand, wrap in cling wrap, and put it in the water again.  Well, when I tried it, it was still very cold.  I don't know.  Maybe you would have to use a whole can of crisco to get the desired effect?!  So we decided to scrap the experiment but still wanted to do something fun.  Luckily, we have shaving cream on hand.  We decided to stick with the cold theme and called it pretend snow.  The kids had a blast with this, playing, writing letters, and drawing pictures in the shaving cream.  I think you can tell by their expressions that this was a hit!  Then to add to the frozen fun, Chloe had brought ice cream for snack (thank you Septiano family!!) and we listened to "Let It Go."  All in all, it was a very delightful morning.

Veterinarian Visit

Oh, my gosh!  We had such a great time when Eli's mom, Dr. Fielstra, visited our class.  She brought her dog, Callie, and rat, Cutie.  She taught us about otoscopes and stethoscopes and let us use them.  She taught us to approach dogs slowly and quietly, to ask the owner if you can pet the dog, then to ask the dog if you can pet him.  You do this by putting out your hand.  If the dog comes to you it's okay to pet him.  We took turns practicing this approach with Callie.  Then Dr. Fielstra gave each student their own doctor kit which included a mask, hat, bandages, shots, and a stuffed dog.  What a great hands on experience for everyone!

Happy Birthday, Ellie!

Our first preschool friend turned four!  Thanks, Ellie, for letting us celebrate with you and for the delicious cake balls!

Pet Blessing

During Pets Week we also learned about St. Francis, the Patron Saint of Animals.  We learned that many Catholic churches have a pet blessing day.  We had our own pet blessing using favorite stuffed animals and saying a simple prayer.  We learned that St. Francis wanted us to care for animals and that he wanted all of God's creations to live in peace.

We love our pets!

Alex and Gonzo

Mitzi and Elsa

Matthew and Fishy

Ellie and Tank

Eli and Cutie

We had a great time during Pets Week!  Thank you so much for sharing your family pets with us.  The kids were really excited.