Ms. Hamadi's Blog post

I am enjoying working with the children this semester. We have different investigations going on in our classroom. The children have been exploring open ended material such as City blocks and small bricks to extend their thinking of what can be done and how we can explore them. The City blocks with the small bricks were once a garage, an animal house and even a big house and garage combined. Our next step was for this exploration to build a wealth of skills such as fine motor skills, language and communication, thinking, reasoning and problem solving skills.

They have been developing these skills by communicating their plan to each other, trying to find ways to build up without having the small bricks to fall, thinking of where to place the chimney or the door. Our next steps will be to use wood sticks with Velcro and continue building with a solid foundation.

We have also been doing shadow exploration in various ways. We started with our understanding of what a shadow was, identifying where the shadow was coming from and how important the light is to be able to see the shadow. We then explored shadows using an overhead projector and traced the animal from the overhead reflecting on the wall. The children discovered placement was very important for them to be able to trace properly. They moved their bodies around and then realized that to be able to see the animal, they have to let the light reach. They noticed they were blocking the way by being in front of the light. They grasped the importance of the light for the shadow to appear. The children enjoyed exploring shadows and had various comments such as “My shadow is black but my shirt is pink, I don't see the colors.” We then developed our investigation with shadows and colors. We used colored shapes and light to see if we were able to see colors and understand why we couldn't. The more we explore, the more we will get to understand the children's thinking and provide questions in line with their interests. The exploration of shadows supported all types of learning: literacy, math, arts, social studies and dramatic play. Parents are welcome to explore shadows at home using a flashlight.  

The children know that I was born and raised in France. They know I speak French and have been curious to hear more. I am pleased to incorporate my French culture into our group time. The children have enjoyed singing the alphabet in French, singing songs like “Frere Jacques” in French and some already know the song. They enjoy listening to someone speaking another language. We have been reading Dr. Seuss in French, the version of One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish and Green Eggs and Ham. They have also been learning colors in French. I could see their focus when repeating the word carefully.          

I would like to invite you to participate in our French sessions. I always add some french aspect (singing, counting or reading) in our group time every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:20am. You can come and listen to what we do, or share anything in another language you’ve learned at school or speak at home.  I look forward to seeing you and see how we can participate together.

Educationally yours,

Hadidja Hamadi

Parent-Teacher conferences

We will have the times and dates posted Monday for parent-teacher conferences. Please pick a time and date by writing your child's name on a block. Conferences will be 20 minutes long. It is important to us to respect the time you have chosen to celebrate your child, please plan to arrive on time as there will be conferences before and after the block you choose. Thank you!

Important Dates  

11/26-27– No school: Thanksgiving Break! 
12/2-Curriculum Night 5- 6:30pm 
12/11-Last Day Before Break 
12/14-Optional Care Tuition Due 
12/14-18-Break (Optional Care)