2-6 is learning about others and making a difference

February 2010

Heath Extended Day 2-6 Newsletter

During the month of January:

The 2-6 children began the month of January with an All about Art theme.  Using different art mediums and techniques, the children created many creative pieces of artwork.  Glass painting was a big hit!  The kids chose from an assortment of glass squares, which they painted patterns on using glass paint.  The patterns they created were vibrant and creative!  The big painted squares make wonderful drink coasters for your home, while the small glass squares they painted were turned into magnets.  Furthermore, during the All about Art theme, the children used markers to create trading cards and 2010 calendars, clay to make functional pieces, liquid watercolor to paint the snow and scratch art to create metallic designs.

The second half of January and the first week of February was dedicated to a three week theme of Cultural Celebration.  The 2-6 team created this unit as a way for the children to learn, understand and appreciate the many cultural backgrounds of their peers. The countries the children learned about during this unit were Italy, Greece, India, Israel, Slovakia and China.  For each country we studied, the children learned about the country’s map, flag, a specific landmark, traditions and foods.  In learning about the map, the children colored a small blank outlined map for each country and wrote facts that they learned.  They then outlined a bigger version of the country’s map and recorded their favorite fact.  In learning about the flag, the children individually created the country’s flag using different art mediums.  They learned about traditions through stories, readings and from kids’ personal experiences.  The biggest hit during this unit was building landmarks from different countries and the cooking their traditional foods. The children were given a choice to be builders or cooks.  The builders built a given landmark by using paper, recycled materials, clay and cardboard.  Some chose to work in small groups while others chose to work independently.  The results of their creativity and interpretations of a landmark were wonderful.  Please see all the displays of the maps, flags and landmarks during the 2-6 Cultural Celebration.  The cooks followed recipes of foods traditional to the country.  We made two recipes from each country, typically a meal and a dessert.  The kids loved making and tasting the different foods.

Cultural Celebration Family Potluck Dinner:

Thank you to all who join us for the 2-6 potluck dinner on Monday, February 8th.  It was a wonderful evening filled with art, culture and wonderful food.  We were lucky to have shared this very special event with you and your family.  Each family was asked to bring in a dish or dessert traditional to their culture. Your recipe will be used for the recipe book we will be making for all the 2-6 families. This book will also include all of the recipes we made during our unit.

What to look forward to in February:

During the first week of February, the children will be finishing up with the Cultural Celebrations unit.  While learning about China, the children will also be celebrating Chinese New Year!  During the second week of February, the children will be participating in art and craft activities and gift making for Valentine's Day!  During the last week of February, after vacation, we will be focusing on an Olympics theme to celebrate the 2010 Winter Olympics!  Included in this theme will be a focus on team building, good sportsmanship and conflict resolution. 

Also in the last week of February, we will be focusing on a Bully Proof: being a better friend theme. The children will be split into small groups where they will participate in role playing games, friendship building projects and kind word activities.