December+6,+2009+(vol.+1,+issue+8)

== **__ Important Dates __**

Dec. 9 – Pre-K4 International Lunch Buffet, 12 p.m.

Dec. 16-Jan. 4 – Winter Break, No School



= __** International Buffet **__ =  As part of our yearlong unit, We Represent the World, we will be sharing a dish and meal together from our home country. You should have received information from Elly Chia, our room mom. If you need further clarification or information regarding our event, please send me an email. We look forward to seeing you this Wednesday.

= **__Small Group Time__** =


 * __Measurement Activities__** – The children have been introduced to the mathematics of measurement. They have been participating in activities to describe and compare sizes, to directly compare length, and to practice comparing lengths. You can also explore measurement by helping your child mark the heights of family members on a doorframe or a large sheet of paper. Compare the marks and talk about who is tallest and who is shortest.


 * __Rhyming Activity__** – Rhyming in song, nursery rhymes and books lays a strong foundation for reading and writing in that it assists children to understand that words have patterns and that language has a rhythm. The children have been participating in rhyming games and activities. Rhyming activities help strengthen children’s listening skills, in particular the children’s auditory closure skills. This relates to their ability to identify the last sounds in words.


 * __Paper Tearing Collage__** – Developing fine motor skills and strength is an important part of the early years. The simple activity of paper tearing, using the thumbs and index fingers to grasp the paper and move in opposing directions, helps build strength in the muscles. The children will tear paper to make a collage.