It’s our final week before Thanksgiving, and we’ve been celebrating with a full lineup of harvest-themed centers, hands-on activities, and festive art projects. The classroom has been buzzing with creativity, curiosity, and lots of laughter.
We kicked off the week by making our Friendship Fruit Salad. With fruit contributed by all of you, we added each of their ingredients, and mixed everything together. Just like our salad, we talked about how our class is made up of many wonderful “pieces” that come together to make something special. It was a sweet way to celebrate friendship and thankfulness.
One of our biggest highlights was reading the hilarious book How to Catch a Turkey. The children were completely engaged — laughing at the silly traps, pretending what might happen next, and joining in on the fun chaos of trying to catch a runaway turkey. Inspired by the story, the kids then created their own turkey traps, filled with imaginative details and clever ideas to trap that sneaky bird.
We also enjoyed making our own turkey dinners — preschool style! Using brown paper drumsticks, cotton-ball mashed potatoes, little squares of construction paper butter, construction paper peas or green bean casserole, and tissue-paper stuffing, the children built their plates with great pride. It turned into a wonderful sensory activity as they explored textures, colors, and the idea of what goes into a Thanksgiving meal.
In our sensory bin, we continued popping kernels off of dried corn cobs — an activity that takes some real hand strength! They all scooped, mixed, and stirred beans and extra kernels as well. And thanks to a surprise science moment, we learned a little bit about the life cycle of moths. Some of the children were fascinated; others preferred to observe from a safe distance! There are no pictures, and the bin was packed up and safely discarded.
In our dramatic play area, the children were busy “cooking” Thanksgiving meals. Turkey — well, Pigeon…, smoothies, cookies, and brownies were among the top items on the menu. Clearly we had some little chefs in the room!
Over at the easel, the children continued painting. They have loved experimenting with mixing colors to see what new shades they could make.
Our puppet theater has been full of performances this week. The owl and squirrel puppets remain the stars of many shows, and it has been wonderful watching the children collaborate, narrate, and entertain their friends.
In the block area, we saw towers, bridges, homes, and plenty of imaginative structures. We also really enjoyed knocking these creations over once built. Building together always sparks teamwork, and creativity, and it’s a favorite center for many.
Last week, we created both colorful and neatly outlined handprint turkeys. This week we assembled them into festive Thanksgiving placemats. Before finishing, each child shared something they were thankful for. These turned out so sweet and heartfelt. Each reflects your child’s creativity, and is sure to make your holiday table extra special.
We always have the most wonderful time in Chapel and Music and Movement each week.
In Chapel this week, Pastor Lee taught us three things. We were taught to rejoice always — be happy where we are, to always pray, and to always give thanks.
In Music and Movement with Miss Vicki, we moved our bodies, sang lots of fun songs, and practiced for our Christmas concert that you definitely won’t want to miss!
We had a special celebration on Friday for Libby’s birthday! We all enjoyed delicious cupcakes together, and both Libby and her mom shared three wonderful stories with the class. There were big smiles all around as we helped her feel extra loved on her special day. Happy Birthday, Libby!
We hope that each of you enjoys a wonderful, safe, and joy-filled Thanksgiving surrounded by family and friends. This season always reminds us of how much we have to be grateful for, and we are truly grateful the privilege of teaching your sweet ladybugs week after week. To witness their curiosity, their kindness, their growth, and all the ways they shine — along with the laughter they bring — fills our hearts with so much joy. Thank you for sharing your children with us, and for being such supportive partners in their learning journey. CCP truly is the best school, and we are so lucky for the gift of our wonderful school family!
Some last minute important dates, before wishing you well as you begin your break…
We will be closed November 24th - November 28th for Thanksgiving.
The holidays are upon us, and things are about to get super busy! We will be working on some special surprises for our parents, so please let us know if you have any planned vacation days between now and December 18th (so that we can plan time to get everything ready)!
Please mark your December calendars…
On December 14th and 15th, we will climb aboard the “Polar Express,” and listen to the story as we decorate some cookies and enjoy a cup of cocoa. The children are invited to wear their pajamas for this special day! I will be providing a sign-up genius link to sign up to contribute something for our Polar Express snack.
On Thursday, December 18th, at 9:30am we will have our Preschool Christmas Concert in the Sanctuary. Each class will sing a song or two, and we will tell the Christmas story. It is our gift to you! Tuesday/Thursday classes, please come too! Bring your child to the classroom at 9:00, and find a seat in the sanctuary. We will begin at 9:30. Please keep in mind that you may need to park in the municipal lots around Southern Village, since the whole school will be assembled.
Have a wonderful break with your sweet Ladybugs!
Wishing you full bellies and happy hearts! 🦃❤️
Miss Lisa, Miss Phoenix, and Miss Jenn