The classrooms are closed and the sounds of children are silent for the holidays...but what a month preceded!
Our focus was the themes that winter holidays around the world share.
For science we studied the way the Earth travels around the sun. We also brought back our learning from the Autumnal Equinox about rotation and revolving. The Earth's rotation causes day and night.
The tilt of the Earth and its elliptical journey create the seasons in the northern and southern hemispheres. We created a model and a poster to help demonstrate our learning.
For ancient people, the disappearing of the sun's light was of great concern. They built fires, and hung golden fruits on ever-green trees as ways to encourage the sun to come back. We still hang golden orbs and light on evergreen trees, and lights are a symbol in many of the winter holidays and celebrations.
In art, we created mixed media trees by gluing strips of colorful paper. We practiced brush strokes to add texture with tempera, and added a few spangles.
Hanukkah was the first holiday this December. It is known as the celebration of lights. The story of Hanukkah reminds us that when we think we do not have what we need, we should begin with what we have, and know that all will come out right in the end. Thank you to Bethany for bringing in dreidles for us to try.
Soon it was Santa Lucia day. In Sweden, she is celebrated as the bringer of light and plenty on the darkest day of the year. (December 13th on the Gregorian calendar) Traditionally, the eldest girl in the household wears a wreath of candles on her head and she brings coffee and warm rolls and gingerbread cookies to her parents at dawn. The children had a choice of making a candle crown or star boy hat.
The day after Christmas is Kwanzaa, an African-American celebration begun in the 1960's. It also uses light, as candles on the Kinara are lit to honor the 7 Principles of Kwanzaa. Special foods are placed on a ceremonial mat to symbolize abundance. We wove our own Kwanzaa mats. I was very proud of how focused the children were. Those who got the knack of it helped others along. Thanks to Mr. Bagirimvano and Mrs. Perez for their support during this activity!
Here is magnificent determination...weaving while wearing a wrist brace. Good on you, Lucas!
Finally, it was time for our holiday workshop. The day before, the children, aided by Mrs. Perez, unwrapped all of the candy canes and peppermint candies for our Gingerbread houses.
I am so grateful to Mrs Tinsley, Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Waltrip, Mrs. Castano and her father, who came to help us on Friday. We glittered cones, made snow lanterns, painted t-shirts and made gingerbread houses. At the end of the day, we watched a little bit of Balanchine's Nutcracker. It was fun to watch both boys and girls leap and twirl when they had their extra recess.
Thank you to Mariah's mom, for providing the hangers for our t-shirts! And to everyone who brought in berry flats! Mission accomplished!
Thank you all for your kind wishes and gifts. The gifts are under my tree, and will be lovingly opened on Christmas.
I wish you all great blessings this season, and I will see you in 2019! xxoo - Ms. Rae
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