Dec 17-Dec 20

Our letter of the week was Mm.  We talked about the sound Mm makes (like in monkey, Monday, mom, and more).  We practiced our hand symbol, and read our Alphatales story, Monkey's Miserable Monday.  The students are doing really well with our alphabet letters.  I am so proud of their progress with the sign language symbol, the sound symbol, the letter and even our handwriting sheets are improving!  Mm was an easy transition from the Nn in formation and the students are doing well with it.



I slightly modified, having students do the sign language for M (see website) and rubbing that symbol on their stomachs.
Mrs. Gloudemans' Class Website








Construction continues on the igloo.  Please keep the milk jugs coming!  Students help by holding the jugs together while they dry and then help bring them to the wall to put on.  We are three rows up and will begin the doming of the igloo next!

We played a game as a "team."  

Students took turns rolling the dice, counting the dots as the roller points, and then the whole team colors the spot on the gingerbread man that matches that number.  This game is now in our center area.

On Wednesday, we worked on our presents for the parents!  We made our own wrapping paper, present, and card.  The making of the wrapping paper worked on their fine motor skills, expressing self creatively through art, and following directions of increasing complexity.  Making the present consisted of fine motor skills, expressing self creatively through art, and the mathematical skill of shapes, and counting.  The card worked on fine motor skills, expressing self through writing, and the understanding letters make words, words make sentences, and that all tells somebody something.   I was going to post pictures, but since the snow day came on Thursday,  I was not able to send their gifts home.  I dont want to spoil the surprise ;) You will receive them on the 2nd of January.  

With the CT tragedy, I received this letter on facebook from a friend: 

If you know a teacher, or have kids in a school, please pass on:
A building has been designated to house the students from Sandy Hook Elementary School. They are in the process of transporting desks, chairs, supplies and so forth to this location.
My neighbor is the president of the Newtown PTA and we met tonight discussing what we can do to make these children feel comforted upon their return to school.
Please join us in "The Snowflake Project".
We are asking your students to make and decorate a snowflake. We will hang them in the hallways at the stark, new building where the Sandy Hook students will be returning. PLEASE NO WORDS! We want just a cheerful, happy (glitter and sparkle) environment for the students entering the new building.
Please pass on to any teachers you think may want to participate.
When you send your snowflakes, please include a note to tell us where they are from (your school, class, town, etc) to display along with your snowflakes. You can send them to me directly, and I will give them to our PTA.
Bonny Marsicano
22 Pine Tree Hill Road
Newtown, CT 06470
Thank you so very much!

  Though we are not talking about the tragedy in our class, I thought it would be still very nice for these students to have this gift.  I told the students that some kids are getting a brand new school and they are not getting a snow storm like we are.  We are going to make some snowflakes to make their classroom and school bright, shiny, and fun when they come to their first day of school.  They were excited about it.  I will be shipping them out tomorrow.

Herbie got into quite the mischief this week.  On Monday, he built himself a little fort and played in there.  Tuesday he was reading the book about him!  He was open to the page about him going to Santa and telling what he sees and it is up to Santa to decide what list to put the students on.  I wonder if he was spreading a message?  One Wednesday, he was  hanging from the ceiling on our tree house sign!  Birds eye view of all that was happening in our classroom!  

Classes Resume on Wednesday January 2nd.  See you all then!

Important Notes:

• RSVP for the YMCA swim night.  Please return RSVP forms regardless if you can come or not so we are able to give an accurate count the the 
• Book Orders are due January 18th.  Feel free to take a look at all the choices and place an order at any time before then.  
• Milk Jugs  Please continue to bring in the milk jugs.  We have a good start, but according to the website, we need almost 400!  We are going to use the caps to pattern and sort.  We will use the igloo in counting and other math activities.  Building this will include fine and gross motor skills.  Also, it will build the imagination as they play it in the home living center!  We are all very excited about this and all the learning and imagination it can bring!
• Dress for the Weather.  We go outside Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Students need coats, hats, and mittens.  If there is snow or even if it is in the 30s I would suggest snowpants and boots for warmth and dryness.  St. Edward Extended day families, these students go outside for "long recess" after lunch daily and need to be dressed for it daily.  Please come with everything they need to stay warm and have fun!
• Lost and Found.  Our lost and found is growing.  If you are missing something please feel free to check out the box on top of the lockers by our door, or email me and I will take a look for you!  
• As always, any questions or concerns please feel free to email me!  Have a great weekend!

Next week:

Theme: Polar Animals

Letter: Mm (finishing it up from the snow day.  It is a short week so no letter was planned)

AM Snack:Degeneffe

PM Snack: