Xīn Nián Kuài Lè

Welcome back and Xīn Nián Kuài Lè (Happy New Year)! We were only gone for a little over two weeks (thanks to the surprising cold days), but it sure felt like we were gone much longer. Catching up and sharing all our activities while away was a top priority. Needless to say it was wonderful to be back together and in the swing of it all.

Our Unit of Inquiry, How We Express Ourselves, is leading so much inquiry, connections and research! Our central idea, "Celebrations help us recognize people's culture" is leading us through the many holidays that have been occurring. As we investigate our unit, we are driven by these questions:

1. What symbols identify different celebrations?
2. How do people celebrate a particular holiday?
3. Why do people celebrate the holiday?

Take a look at some of our many experiences:

We record what we have learned through our research.

Playing dreidel is a favorite activity.

St. Lucia Day fun!

St. Lucia Day fun continues!

Making Advent wreaths and menorahs

We love the pictures of how our friends celebrate their holiday!

Christmas tree decoration

Research, research, research! Our book studies answer a lot of our questions but lead us to more questions too.

More Kindergarten Fun:

Reading with laser fingers!

We are building our teen numbers using digits, dot groups and addition! Such thinkers!

Reading to friends!

Musical Adventure

Our trip to Severance Hall this week was fantastic! We had many wonders prior to going. One explorer shared that she was curious about what part of the Learner Profile the performers would show. What a fabulous wonder! Needless to say, we had a great conversation upon our return. What does your Explorer think? Why? So many possibilities!

THANK YOU MYSTERY READERS!!!

Upcoming Events:
"Dumpling Day" is coming this week with our Mandarin teachers. See the letter sent home on Friday for your the class schedule, ingredients and volunteer information.

1/17 (Friday)-Playhouse Square to see the Very Hungry Caterpillar