Simple Things

Yesterday we finished our parent gifts. The children made photo frames last week and I put their Christmas photos in them. Yesterday they decorated paper lunch sacks with tree cutouts and stickers. I folded the tops over, punched a hole in them and tied a ribbon. We don’t do “fancy” in my class. I have neither the time nor the patience for complicated crafts.

We also learned how to cut snowflakes yesterday! It was so much fun to watch! Over the years I’ve gotten pretty good at simplifying the procedure and instructions, so most of my students were successful. The first ones were rather primitive, but the sixth and seventh ones were quite good. Today I’m sure I will have several students begging to do more. And I posted one of my best snowflakes and this note on my door for our custodian: “Ms. M, We are learning to make snowflakes. We are sorry for the mess.” We did pick up most of the scraps, but she liked the note anyway.

Another thing we did this week was paper chains. These are always a favorite! I have a book that shows a little girl decorating her tree with paper chains. We read the book and then I showed the children how to make the loops. I always tell them the same thing, “You must make at least six loops for your project, but you may make more if you like. If we run out of paper strips I will cut more.”  They always go crazy once they learn the process, and I always have to cut more strips! One boy worked during both “free choice” times and ended up with a chain five feet long! He had to have a sack to take it home. Then other students thought it was so cool that he had the sack- they had to make theirs longer so I would give them a sack. Kids this age are so funny!

This time of year reminds me again of the reasons I love kindergarten. Though they may ask for cell phones and iPods, and adore Hannah Montana, they still find joy in the simplest things.

Have a great day! It’s Friday. J

Oh, and here is an encore of my amaryllis. Two blossoms and two more buds.

Comments

[Linda Hillin]

I'm so glad I found your blog. I look forward to it every day.

[Megan]

I love your snowflakes. We're doing the paper chains this weekend!

Love your flowers. How do you keep your cat from enjoying them?

[mary]

Thanks Linda!
Megan- My cat is too close to the fire these days to notice that I have plants!