// What we have been up to these days... //

Week of February 25th

         This is a transitional week for the Circle Room staff. We must bid “goodbye” to dear Ms. Patricia and wish her the best of luck with the birth of her new baby. The teachers and students will miss Ms. Patricia’s quiet, warm, and proficient manner.  At the beginning of February, Ms. Deborah joined the Circle Room team and has been gently weaving her way into the hearts of her co-workers and students alike. We understand that the changes may be difficult for our students and will continue to have conversations about the transition.

     As an extension to the “Love Light” work, Ms. Mara presented the class with a basket full of glowing yellow discs that can be pinned on one’s shirt to indicate that he/she is feeling their Love Light shining. 

     Pencil sharpening with a small hand held sharpener, a useful endeavor that builds concentration, wrist and hand strength, and independence was introduced. A very calming and satisfying work: water painting using a small Buddha Board has also been presented. In the Language area, the square-shaped Metal Inset has been added to our Metal Inset holder.

Week of March 4th

March Magnets!

The highlight of our week has been the introduction of magnet work. Although magnets have been quietly at work in the background in activities such as the magnetic refrigerator numerals, the MagnaTiles and the Magnetic Maze, now we are beginning to focus on the force of magnetism. The students can classify objects as “magnetic” or “non-magnetic.”  They are observing how magnets sometimes cling to each other and at other times push forcefully away from each other - they are learning specialized vocabulary such as “attract” and “repel.” The children are becoming aware of the many ways that magnets are in use within the classroom and sometimes, on their own backpacks! 

    These days, the students are eager to participate in large and small group lessons and can grasp more abstract ideas than earlier in the year. They are embracing many concepts that will be re-visited when they enter the Early Childhood environment.

   It was a pleasure to see several of our families at the Winter Gala. Thank you for your interest and participation. The event and auction were a huge success and will greatly benefit the Music Program.