Dear Forest Families,

Welcome to the Forest classroom!  Our room has been buzzing with excitement as we welcome new and familiar faces to start a new academic year together.

You may have noticed that we begin our day with a “Mystery Question,” in which children find their own name and use it to answer a question using yes or no.  We also introduced the “Freeze Game” (a form of freeze dance), and are working on “Buddy Reading” which allows children to take turns telling a buddy about a book of their choice.  All of these activities are part of the Tools of the Mind program, a research-based curriculum that builds childrens’ social-emotional self-regulation skills through specially designed academic activities and intentional make-believe play.  A unique feature of the Tools program is allowing children the opportunity to plan their own play and encourage them to take part in creating props and roles within a themed unit.  As we move forward, we will introduce our first unit of “Family” and work together to enhance our classroom centers to include settings for make-believe play to take place all through the room.  (To learn more about Tools of the Mind, please see the handout in your Back to School folder, or visit www.toolsofthemind.org .)

This first week’s focus has been to orient ourselves to the different materials, routines, and people in our new classroom setting.  Children have had time to learn about the different materials and to explore all of the centers (Literacy, Art, Science, Blocks, Table Toys, Dramatic Play).  We also have begun building our community with a variety of songs and games that helps us to come together and get to know one another.

We are working on creating a classroom book of family photos.  Please bring a current photo of your child’s family to contribute to this book.  This book becomes a favorite for children to share with one another.

Happy birthday to Kieran and Wesley Day who both turned five this week!

Have a great weekend!

Ms. Amanda, Ms. Jess, Ms. Kristine, Ms. Freya, and Ms. Becky

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