lcg 10/26

Hello,

Well, we had our last class in October today

We got off to a late start due to our surprise visitor, Michael, who really wanted to be with me for a while before he went to his willow class.

We did our opening, some marching and clapping games, then worked on passing bean bags. We counted by 3's (to a tune that I've used at home with my kids) and did the calendar poem.

Then we moved into form drawing-- our first of the second grade curriculum, which will mostly focus on symmetrical or mirror forms.

We worked on recorder and singing-- some older songs and continued on "Fall."

Catherina Vandenbroeck, a lovely older friend of LCG, who has been knitting her whole life, came to join us for handwork. She enjoyed seeing the children happily knitting and talking. Melissa continued to help those who got stuck. Many projects are progressing along.

We broke for snack-- another delicious and simple treat from Alyssa and Barb. Then we went outside for jump rope. We'll take advantage of the milder weather while we can.

We stayed out a bit longer than I thought we would, so we hurried in to review our story in verse, "Belling the Cat," and we drew our pictures and worked together on writing our synopsis. We came up with several versions before we hit on a beautifully succinct one.

Those who finished early sat with me on the rug and sang "Pumpkin Pie." Those still drawing could hum or sing along too.

And that ended our day. I was a bit frazzled in the beginning of class, but being with the evergreens helped me feel quite happy by 4:00.

We hope to see most of you at Powers Farm Market tomorrow (Wed.) at 10AM.

Emma started to actually knit this week and is doing great! I was so excited to see her working on it and she was really tenacious about it.

We went to Powers Farm Market yesterday morning and it was really fun. It was field trip for the Evergreen class to get some social time and was a huge hit. Emma has hit it off big with one of our neighbors, Nat, and they had a playdate today too, after music class. They might come over on Monday to hang out with us. Nat's little sister Audrey is 6 and she adn Soren enjoy each other's company so I look forward to a long friendship. Their mom, Lauren, and I, seem to be hitting it off as well, and it's great to have a nice family so close by! They also have a 4 yo daughter, Nora, who is so sweet and adorable :).

Soren had a good time at Willow class. She is making friends and was having a blast with her friend Iris. Her separation anxiety is waning a bit, and she's seeming so big and *6*! We sent out bday party invitations last week. Her class is doing a lot of rhymes. They did more woodworking and finger knitting. Her interst in knitting seems to have waned. I'd like to see her get started with some needles.

The girls watched the lunar eclipse last night and were fascinated!

Emma had gymnastics wed. and tonight. she's tired!

We went to the downtown library today, visited the secret room and got out a book on voting. Emma's rereading Matilda by Roald Dahl and Soren got a couple of Cynthia Rylant books as well. They're both really into reading these days.

Soren and I did some grade 2 math the other night - places (units, tens, hundreds) and greater than and less than. She found it all rather boring and easy.

Emma did more cursive.

On Monday we went to Strong Museum for a field trip with RAHA and saw a lot of different things. Soren and Emma both did some art work in the Arthur exhibit. Soren made a collage upstairs. She was also fascinated with the dance lab and both girls spent time in the radio room, where you can recreate old radio shows and commercials. Emma made a paper doll. We actually got to go for free b/c they were supposed to provide a tour and dropped the ball, so refunded everyone's money!

On Tuesday morning we took Jude to the doctor and followed up on his UTI, then Lilac.

I'm sure there's more, but it;s late and Jude is tired.