Dear Little Stars Families,
Families have continued to be a major focus in the Little Stars Room this month, stemming from the International Food Day and the wonderful posters that you made. One day we had a special family visitor – Niko’s grandfather, better known as Pop-Pop, who read the Little Stars “My Grandpa” by Marta Altes, a tender book about the special relationship between a grandson and his grandpa. The Little Stars have also read “You’re All My Favorites” by Sam McBratney (illustrated by Anita Jeram), about the love that parents have for all their children; “Families are Different” by Nina Pellegrini, a book that examines the different ways to be a family; and “A Mother for Choco” by Keiko Kasza, a book about a lonely bird seeking a mother that beautifully illustrates how a family is bonded by love and care.
Two recent family visitors were Max’s parents, who shared a circle time about Hanukkah with the Little Stars this past Friday. They read a book about the Hanukkah dreidel game, then gave each child a dreidel and showed them how to spin and play. They also showed the Little Stars a menorah and talked about Hanukkah being a celebration of light during the darkest days of the year. And they also gave each Little Star some Hanukkah gelt to take home. Thank you, Cheryl and Devin, for sharing your family traditions with us.
Another day the Little Stars read “My World” by Margaret Wise Brown (illustrated by Clement Hurd), a book about a bunny child’s home world, then talked about what is in their own homes. Responses included “grapes,” “food,” “mommy,” and “a potty.” Afterwards the Little Stars each made a collage of things in their homes by spreading Elmer’s glue with craft sticks onto a piece of construction paper, then placing small pieces of fabric onto the glue. The children were very engaged and focused on this activity as they took their time spreading the glue and touching the fabric. And another fun family/home activity was Mae’s delightful puppet show of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” using stuffed bears (thank you, Eleanor and Tate) and a Goldilocks finger puppet.
Important Reminders: Please remember to take home your child’s nap bedding for a good wash over vacation. And with the cold winter weather, please send in a warm blanket after the break for your child’s nap. Thank you!
Have a glorious vacation!
Martha