This and that...

Social Studies
As part of our social studies curriculum, we have been talking talking about 'then' and 'now'. Using the story, 'Celebrating Thanksgiving' by Joel Kupperstien, we talked about the many ways we are similar to the pilgrims in that we are thankful for our freedom and people who help us. We also talked about how we are different from the pilgrims in how we dress, the toys we play with, and how we make/cook our food. We discussed how the Pilgrims could not just pick up a turkey and some mashed potatoes at Walmart. Instead, they had to grow/make everything that they ate. To culminate the discussion, we made butter out of heavy whipping cream,  that we then spread on Saltine crackers. The kiddos LOVED this, especially when they got to shake (and shake and shake...and shake some more) their plastic containers of cream and watch it turn into butter. Try giving it a try at home (You Tube has tons of videos) as the butter is surprisingly good. Even if you don't like butter, it is a fun activity for the kids to do while you are trying to get Thanksgiving dinner together. lol.

No Friday folders on Wednesday
As with track outs and other long weekends, Friday folders will not go home tomorrow. Instead, we will staple their take home work and place it in the kids' backpacks.

Homework
Just in case you didn't get the note, there will be NO HOMEWORK this week. New homework will go home next Friday, November 30th to be returned December 7th.

Mystery Readers
Be on the lookout for the 'Mystery Readers' sign up on www.signupgenius.com coming soon. This is where a parent, grandparent, uncle/aunt may sign up to read to our class. The kids won't know who it is until that person comes into read. I will give hints throughout the week for the kids to guess who the mystery person is.

Winter Celebration
Be on the look out for our 'Winter Celebration' sign up form on www.signupgenius.com. I will be asking for donations of hot chocolate, candy canes, volunteers, and other goodies for our 12/20 celebration.