The first month of 2012 is almost over and we have been learning quite a bit. This week we will be discussing what is important in our lives. The bible story is about Mary & Martha. Jesus came to visit Mary & Martha and each woman chose to do different things. Mary wanted to listen to Jesus, while Martha made sure to have food prepared for Him. Martha was unhappy that Mary was not helping, but Jesus told Martha that Mary was doing the right thing... Putting Jesus First. Instead of worrying about what others are doing, we should do what Jesus wants us to do. During story time we will be learning about manners and listening. The books are Little Tiger is LOUD and Little Elephant's Listening Ears, both by Susan Hood.

Our shape for the week is an oval. We will find ovals around the room and talk about what ovals we may see each day. We, of course, will be learning a new song about the shape. Our art project this week will be decorating an oval. They will have a number of art supplies to make their oval beautiful. We will then display them for all to see.

Our sharing friends this week are:
Tues: Morgan, Kyler, and Madison
Wed: Kyler and Ellie
Thurs: Sophia and Kyler

Blessings,
Mrs. Kai

We are rounding out the month with a wonderful unit, I Can Pray!  This week we will be talking about the importance of prayer...  when do you pray, do you ask for forgiveness, do you pray for others?  As always, we will practice praying before snack and lunch.  The children will learn The Lord's Prayer during Bible time.  During art, the children will be making a Prayer Rock.  This will be something they will bring home and it will help them to remember to pray each day.  Our story this week is also about the power of prayer...  The I Believe Bunny by Tish Rabe is a wonderful book about a bunny who is trying to help a mouse that fell into a river.  The bunny can't quite reach, so he prays for help to save the mouse... what happens next?  You'll have to ask your child :)

The shape of the week is a Trapezoid.  Do elephants stand on trapezoids in a circus?  What else does a trapezoid do?  During table time, the children will have an opportunity cut and color trapezoids.  And, of course, will be learning a song about the shape. 

We are looking forward to more sharing time this week.  To finish the month of January, we have these children bringing something to share:
Tuesday: Madison and Conor
Wednesday: Jack and Logan
Thursday: Chloe and Claire

Blessings!
Mrs. Kai

Our theme this week is Choose What's Right while learning about choices made in The Garden of Eden.  Our bible story will be discussing The Garden of Eden and how Adam and Eve made a bad choice by listening to the "sneaky snake" instead of following God's word.  During art, the kids will be making a sneaky snake by making a paper chain and will add eyes and a tongue.  We will then display them around the room. 
The kids will learn about the Diamond shape, in circle time, and have the opportunity to make a paper kite using the diamond shape during table time.  They will also get time to try drawing and coloring diamonds with the color sheets.  We will also send sheets home for you to work on at home (no need to send them back).  
Our story this week is, Hey, Little Ant by Phillip and Hannah Hoose and Debbie Tilley.  It will give the kids a look at the choice that a boy has to make by wanting to smash an ant.  They get to see how the ant has a family to feed and other responsibilities.  What do you think the boy should do?  What would you do?

Blessings,
Mrs. Kai

What a great start to the new semester and 2012!  It was fun to see all your children again and to teach them about sharing with friends.  The first week of sharing time went well.  Please make sure to bring an item your child loves, so he/she will be excited to talk all about it.  This week's sharing friends are... Tues: Keaton & Alex; Wed: Katie & Luke; Thurs: Barron & Zach. 
This week's unit is Help Our Friends.  Our bible story will follow this theme with "Jesus Helps The FIshermen".  After fishing for a long time and not catching anything, a man will tell them to where to cast their net and find the fish.  The fishermen will then know the man is Jesus and will see the importance of following Him.  For art, we will be making some rainbow fish with tissue paper and tin foil, as we follow Jesus. 
The shape of the week is an Octagon and will get to paint a Stop sign.  We will also learn a new song, teaching the children about an octagon.  Story time will round out our helping friends theme with the book, My Friend Rabbit by Eric Rohmann. 

Blessings,
Kai

Welcome back!  I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Christmas and New Year.  I am looking forward to seeing all your children's smiling faces and to continue to watch them learn and grow this semester!  This week starts our sharing time, can't wait to see what they bring!  We will be continuing with shapes (rectangle this week) and will be talking about how Jesus was able to feed thousands of people with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. 

Blessings!
Mrs. Kai