Happy Autumn to everyone!!! I enjoyed seeing all of you at the Fall Festival and being able to see the children outside of the classroom environment. I must say watching Mrs Burdett do the zip line was a real treat.

We've been discussing the seasons during circle, reading stories about the seasons, and making accordion season booklets. Everyone hasn't finished their booklet there are many different steps the children must follow to finish this work. They are using their fine motor skills, hand to eye coordination, and some imagination.

Ms Elena is working with three children at one table on the coloring and pasting of the leaves. It is wonderful to hear their ideas and watch them place their leaves so carefully on the trees. Then the children place the pictures on the counter to dry. The next day they work with me putting the booklets together.

Thank you, to Julia Buckholtz for bringing our apples for the tasting circle. One thing the children found interesting is the Red Delicious apple has an elongated shape with feet at the bottom. The most popular apple was the Braeburn, with its sweet juicy and spicy flavor.

In the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd we have enjoyed doing the procession. Which is a prayer in which we sing, walk and pray to honor God. While processing we sing "Come, Worship The Lord"   Come,        wor-ship   the   Lord,     for we are his peo      -         ple______The flock that he shep-herds.         Al_______  le_______   lu________  ia.
Each child carries something from the prayer table naming it and modeling how to carefully hold it.

• There is a  statue of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.  Jesus said:  I am the good shepherd
• The cloth for the prayer table:  reminds us of the special time of the year we are celebrating.
• The candle reminds us that Jesus is the Light of the World.
• This is the Holy Bible. It is the Word of God that has been given to us. How beautiful.
• The Bible pillow: the Bible is so special we have a special pillow to place it on.
• We have a prayer card here. It is just a few words taken from the Holy Bible.
• We see flowers on the prayer table: We know that we give flowers often to those we love.
• Musical instruments

One procession around the room then the children place the items back on the prayer table beginning with the cloth for the prayer table. After everything is placed back on the table I will hold the 

 Holy Bible in my hands and tell the children "this is our most precious book because it contains God's Word for us, God's special secrets he wants us to know. Let's listen to one of God's messages."  I light the candle and read Psalm 118:27 .

We are continuing with our Continents, Apples, Seasons, Sounds, Numbers, and Sensorial work.

Have a wonderful week,

Ms Karen

Last week in preschool the children were using their listening ears and looking eyes. I introduced Grace and Courtesy during morning circle with little reminders throughout their work time.

By the middle of the week I found myself carrying the camera on a regular basis snapping pictures of children crumbing the table, asking another child “may I watch you do this work”. Your children are amazing little beings, explorers of their universe, and mindful of their surroundings.

Apple tasting was absolutely wonderful! The children were very verbal on the tasting of each apple. The Honeycrisp apple was the favorite for its sweet and tart taste, and crisp texture. We’ll continue with more varieties this week.

Thomas Hoover was so kind to help us with our prayer table last week. He shortened the legs a bit to make it perfect size for the children. Clara was so thrilled that she could place her elbows on the table to pray.

This week in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd we will have a presentation on the “Enthronement of the Holy Bible”. The children will learn a new song “I See the Love of God in You” with movement and gestures.

In Language we are using the Sandpaper Letters (three period lesson), followed by Rainbow Letter Booklets to reinforce the initial sound and writing direction of the letter.

In Math we are counting Spindles, Acorns, and Candles on the Birthday Cakes. Number Rods and Sandpaper Numbers (three period lesson), followed by Rainbow Number Booklets.

Botany~ the Parts of the Apple

Geography~ the Continents and the Continent Song

A huge THANKS to our room mothers Anne Krepick and Shannon Danitz. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Have a wonderful week.

Ms Karen

I am proud to say we finished our first three days of Preschool tear free! It seems the children have settled into their new environment with enthusiasm and eagerness to learn, explore and conquer all the days ahead.

This week we'll begin our focus on Grace & Courtesy, which includes activities that are important for establishing respect for self and others. This covers such tasks as greeting, rolling a rug, respecting someone else's space, tucking in a chair, and asking to observe or participate in someones work.

We will embark on our unit of the Months and Seasons, which continues throughout the year. During our work with the  seasons we will enjoy tasting circles, we will start with Golden Delicious, Gala, and Honeycrisp apples. The children will learn to prepare and serve the apples to their classmates.

In the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd I'll do a presentation on the introduction of the Prayer Table. The children will learn the song "The Lord is My Shepherd". They have been enjoying the Altar Table and placing the Chalice, Paten, and Crucifix on the table.

Kathleen is our first line leader this year, we do this in alphabetical order. When they are line leader they also snuff the candle at the Prayer Table.

School Picture Day is Wednesday the 16th.

We will end our week with a Celebration of Life Circle on Friday the 18th for Scarlett Obrien!

Have a wonderful week,
Ms Karen

                       
                                              Welcome Preschool Families
              
          We are so excited to to start a new year with our returning children and many new little faces also. When you arrive on Tuesday I will be outside to show you the routine of how the children will line up every morning. 

 We will stop briefly before entering the classroom, I will tell the children that our Good Shepherd Preschool is a very special room. We are so blessed to be in this room called an Atrium. Before entering I will demonstrate the dipping of the fingers and Sign of the Cross. We will use our quiet voices and walk softly when we are in this room.

Elena will be waiting to welcome and guide you when inside the Atrium. We'll have a brief introduction to our circle and morning prayer. We'll be happy to answer any questions at this time.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday!!!

Ms Karen