Cutting Diamonds, Wrapping and Holiday Festivities

 

What a challenge, cutting a HUGE diamond! The children practiced their cutting skills as they carefully cut along the black line after establishing a comfortable grip with the scissors. Holding the paper with one hand while cutting and turning the paper as needed was not that easy! Sometimes we had to stop and take a breath. After cutting the diamond shape we examined it, making sure it had the characteristics of a diamond and much to our surprise it was made of the beautiful paper that we made by mixing shaving cream and water color. Then came the question of what might happen if we folded the diamond in half. Lots of predictions took place and then when folded it we discovered that a diamond folded in half made a triangle. In fact when we unfolded it we had two triangles! WOW! Next we took our scissors and cut along the fold making two triangles. What could we make from these? The children experimented moving the triangles around making many designs and shapes. Finally we made a Star of David!

 

What fun the boys and girls have using their fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination to pick up the plastic tees, place them into the foam board and hammer away. Of course, we wear our safety goggles just like a real workers to make sure we protect our eyes!

Designing our own little evergreen tree by placing different length branches into a mound of play dough was an activity that children enjoyed doing together. Often glittery pom poms and decorations were added for a finishing touch!

What a delight watching the "Nutcracker Ballet" as the curtain magically opened. The tiny dancers in colorful costumes danced about on stage as the music played!

Housekeeping has been busy, busy, busy! The boys and girls have had many holiday celebrations and some even boarded the train to visit friends and family.

One of the many highlights of our week was singing to our friends at Winston Park. The morning was crisp and cool as Alpha students put on our jingle bell necklaces, feeling quite festive as we walked to see our friends. The children proudly sang the beautiful holiday songs that they had been learning with big smiles on their precious faces as the brought joy to all!

On Friday the boys and girls were full of excitement at the "Holiday Sing" for their parents. They sang out loud and clear their favorite holiday songs. Next we all enjoyed the playground until it was time for the Holiday Party!

Making a gingerbread house of graham crackers, gum drops, peppermints, M&M's and red licorice was tons of fun. Making the gingerbread house with their very own design was the best, although it was difficult not to lick the icing stick until the house was complete!

Making hot chocolate mix was yet another fun time at the party. First the boys and girls decorated the outside of their bags with colorful sharpies. Then they carefully measured the cocoa, chocolate morsels and marshmallows to complete their mix!

Making ice cream sundaes was a hit! AND..... the children could add their choice of toppings all by themselves! Squeezing the chocolate and caramel sauce and scooping the sprinkles were a treat but pressing our finger and watching the whipped topping sputter out brought smiles to many faces!

Snowman bean bag toss, making a "melted snowman" and decorating snowflakes were other activities that the boys and girls enjoyed. Thank you to all of our parents for being there with us. You were so much help and it was a JOY to have you there!! HAPPY 2012!!!