Senior Kindergarten

• CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING WCDS EVENTS

Upcoming Dates & Annoucements:

• February 6th: 11:30 Dismissal, winter long weekend begins
• February 9th-10th: No School 
• February 11th: Class Resume

This week our classroom was filled with powerful stories, thoughtful conversations, and clouds of every shape and size. Your children explored big ideas through books, art, math, and literacy—and they truly soared! Here’s a look at our magical week together:

🌟 Monday – Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
We began the week by reading I Am Martin Luther King Jr. by Brad Meltzer. Through this story, we talked about kindness, fairness, and standing up for what is right. The children created skin-color self-portraits and shared their own “I dream…” ideas about how they can help make the world a better place. Their dreams were thoughtful, hopeful, and heartfelt.

Here are their dreams:

Wendell – “Everyone is polite all the time” 

Lucas – “For more pets to have homes and not be in the animal shelters” 

Daxton – “For everyone to be treated the same” 

Emma – “Be kind to animals” 

Noah – “For more people to have homes” 

Parker – “More people to be grateful for their friends” 

Sophia – “Be kind to nature” 

Evelyn – “Helping people when they fall down” 

Mylah – “Being kind to people we don’t know” 

Moxley – “I wish for more people to not be hurt” 

Bodhi – “Being kind to friends”

Alyx – “Being kind to people” 

Kipton – “Be friends with everyone” 

Rory – “Donate to people who don’t have homes” 

Lola – “share things you have with people who don’t have things like you” 

Hailey – “Helping people even if you don’t know them”

☁️ Tuesday – Cloud Feelings & Cloud Facts
On Tuesday, we met Misty in Misty the Cloud: A Very Stormy Cloud. Misty taught us that feelings matter—when her mood changed, her cloud grew bigger and stormier. This led to wonderful discussions about emotions and self-regulation.
We also read the informational book Know Your Clouds and discovered the main types of clouds: cumulus, stratus, and cirrus. The children loved learning that clouds live at different levels in the sky—ask your child how many “levels of clouds” there are! We wrapped up the provocations by creating and sketching different cloud types by looking at pictures. These sketches will come in handy for Thursday!

🎨 Wednesday – Sky Colors Everywhere
We read Sky Color by Peter H. Reynolds, a beautiful story that shows how the sky is never just blue—it changes with time, weather, and mood. The children were inspired to paint their own sky scenes, including sunsets, sunrises, stormy skies, nighttime skies, and bright blue days. Each painting was unique and full of imagination.

✨ Thursday – Clouds Larger Than Life
On Thursday, we read Lizzy and the Cloud, the story of a girl who adopts a pet cloud—only to realize it keeps growing bigger and bigger! Just like Lizzy, we created clouds larger than life, painting them, adding glitter, and using loose-part materials to make them extra special. Our classroom truly felt like it was floating in the sky.

🔢 Math Magic
Our mathematicians practiced addition in many playful ways:

• Partnered addition using ten frames
• Dice addition games to make addition equations
• Finger counting strategies
• Rainbow buddy math 🌈 0-10
• Addition up to 10
• Handwriting numbers 1–20

📚 Phonics & Literacy

• Arden’s Group reviewed coding words and qu, and began reading simple sentences. They learned their first red word: “The.” Please be on the lookout for a red word book coming home soon!
• Miss Hanna’s Group has been mastering L blends and putting them into sentences. They’ve been working hard on fluency skills—especially with red words—and even made their own red word books with two words inside!
• Miss Lori’s Group reviewed the letter j and learned the letter v as well!

DAILY DISCOVERY & MORE FUN:

What a week! Stay warm and cozy as the “snowmageddon” storm is upon us!

Hanna & Arden

UPCOMING DATES & ANNOUCEMENTS:

• CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING WCDS EVENTS

• January 19th: Buttons for Flood Relief: In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Early Childhood grades have teamed up for our service project. Our classes will be doing our annual button sale with this year’s proceeds benefiting flood relief through the United Methodist Church. The handcrafted buttons made by the children will go on sale beginning Monday, January 19th before school in the gym. The buttons will be 1 for $2.00 or 2 for $3.00. 
• In addition we are also asking for donations of non-perishable items to help fill their pantry. Think canned goods, rice, pasta, laundry soap, etc. You can send these items to school with your child next week. 
• February 6th: 11:30 Dismissal, winter long weekend begins
• February 9th-10th: No School 
• February 11th: Class Resume

Hello SK Families!

The weather outside may have been frightful, but inside, it was quite delightful as we began exploring all things weather!

On Monday, we gathered together with curiosity as we read Jumping into January. The story invited us to travel through all the months of the year, pausing to notice how the world changes as time passes. The children were quick to observe the differences in temperature, the shifting skies, the foliage bursting with color, or disappearing altogether, and the clothing people wear to stay comfortable in each season. These details sparked thoughtful conversation as the children connected the book to their own lived experiences.

Our wondering naturally led us into a deeper exploration of weather. We talked about how our Earth works, discovering that places closer to the equator tend to be warmer, while areas farther away are often colder. We used a globe to look at different countries and decide which were warmer or colder. We explored the idea of pressure too, learning that low pressure often brings rain and storms, while high pressure usually means calm, sunny skies ans that pressure is measured with a barometer. The children were eager to share stories of weather they’ve experienced in different places, from heavy rains to bright, cloudless days.

On Tuesday, our weather journey continued as we read the book Weather, diving into the many ways the sky and air move and change around us. We explored wind, learning that gentle winds are called a breeze, while strong, powerful winds are known as a gale, and talked about how wind plays a role in creating everything from everyday storms to blizzards. The children were captivated by how something we can’t see can have such a big impact on the world around us.

With our weather observation charts in hand, we set out on a weather walk around campus, becoming true weather watchers. The children moved slowly and intentionally, noticing details in their surroundings. They observed that the creek was higher in some areas, while ice still lingered in others. Evelyn pointed out the direction the wind was blowing, testing it with careful observation, while Sophia noticed the clouds overhead and the changing color of the sky. It was a beautiful reminder of how deeply children can observe when given the time, space, and purpose to look closely at the world around them.

On Wednesday, we slowed down and listened closely as we read I Am the Rain, pausing to talk about the story and what rain might feel like if it could tell its own tale. The book invited the children to think about rain not just as weather, but as part of a larger cycle, one that moves, changes, and gives life.

Afterward, the children were invited to a hands-on exploration at tables filled with clear jars of water topped with fluffy shaving cream “clouds.” Armed with pipettes and blue liquid watercolors, they carefully dripped color into the clouds, watching intently as the shaving cream filled. Squeals and giggles filled the room as we observed the “clouds” swell, bounce, and eventually separate, creating tiny rain droplets that fell into the water below.

Mylah thoughtfully noticed that the larger, fluffier clouds seemed to hold more liquid, while flatter clouds released their precipitation much more quickly. Their wide eyes and faces were filled with anticipation, as the children eagerly waited for their clouds to finally “break” and rain!

On Thursday, with our late start, we leaned into a slower morning and allowed extra time for daily discovery. Almost immediately, the classroom transformed. The floor became a zoo, with the children working together to design shelters that would protect their animals from various weather elements. Their conversations were thoughtful and collaborative as they problem-solved what animals might need to stay safe and warm.

At the light table, hands busily squished and shaped floam into clouds and carefully constructed igloos. Nearby, others examined weather cards and translated what they saw into beautiful weather-inspired artwork. Another group focused intently on creating “buttons” for the upcoming button sale, using oil pastels, paint sticks, and glitter (we truly want to buy them all!).

The playdough station was a particular highlight as we introduced a pasta roller. The children were completely fascinated as they smooshed the dough through and turned the handle, watching it flatten and transform into spaghetti-like noodles, the beginnings of a playdough pasta shop.

It was a magical morning of simply being with the children, playing alongside them and listening closely as they explored, imagined, and created. We also celebrated finishing our final Mercy the Pig chapter book. Laughter filled the room as we shared the last adventure together, marking our fourth chapter book of the year already.

On Friday, we read Temperature, .We learned a fascinating new fact that things become cooler because of heat transfer, and explored how temperature is measured using a thermometer. The children discovered that here we typically measure temperature in Fahrenheit, while other places around the world use Celsius. These ideas sparked thoughtful questions and excitement as the children began to connect science to their own experiences.

The room then transformed into a series of inviting tabletops for exploration. At one table, the children tested different fabrics and materials, spoons, metal objects, and soft clothes, predicting and determining which would feel warmer or cooler against our bodies. They carefully sorted each item onto panels labeled hot and cold, explaining their thinking as they worked.

At another table, the children experimented with temperature through art. Frozen paint cubes and warmed paint were swirled across paper, creating beautiful, unexpected effects. The children listened closely as they painted, eagerly noticing the differences. Rory shared that the frozen paint wasn’t as easy to glide across the page, while Evelyn observed that it looked more like crayons as it moved.

At the final table, bowls of ice cubes, rubber ice cubes, warm water, and cold water invited hands-on investigation. With thermometers in hand, the children measured temperatures, determining which materials were the warmest, which were the coldest, and which held heat longer. They were completely enthralled, noticing how changes in temperature can transform materials and experiences around us.

In math, we continued to strengthen our understanding of number sequencing using a number line, while gently increasing the challenge. This time, the children sequenced a variety of cards, some showing tallies, others finger counting, domino dots, and traditional numerals. They had to look closely, talk with one another, and collaborate to determine which cards they were holding and, most importantly, “what comes next.” We also continued our work with addition using ten frames and writing out equations. The children are truly gaining confidence and momentum with their addition facts, and it’s exciting to see their growth.

In phonics, each group was busy building important early literacy skills. Miss Arden’s group reviewed decoding CVC words and was introduced to a new sound – /kw/, learning that Q and U stick together like glue! Miss Hanna’s group continued working on writing sentences and explored a new concept: blends. Miss Lori’s group is quickly becoming a room full of little CVC word readers. We are absolutely tickled watching these budding readers grow in confidence and joy as they discover the magic of reading.

With the chilly weather really beginning to emerge, we hope you get some extra snuggles from those little meteorologist’s because as we learned- heat transfers!

Miss Arden & Miss Hanna

Weather Observations:

Rain Jars:

Math Fun:

Temperature Explorations:

Daily Discovery & Explorations:

Upcoming Dates and Announcements:

• CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING WCDS EVENTS

• Classes resume January 5th.

Hello SK Families!

On Monday, our classroom was filled with laughter, wonder, and just a bit of holiday magic. We gathered together to read How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?, a story that delighted the children with its silly and imaginative possibilities. As each page turned, giggles bubbled up while the children listened to the many humorous ways Santa might make his way into homes around the world.

After reading, the children eagerly shared their own theories. Could he slide? Squeeze? Bounce? Use a little magic?

Then came a truly magical surprise. Miss Arden brought in a very special magic key from Santa himself. One by one, each child took a turn gently rubbing the key, infusing it with their own magic to help Santa enter through the door when a chimney isn’t available and to help him save some of his magical powers for the long night ahead. The room grew quiet as their tiny hands carefully held the key, fully invested in their important task.

Inspired by the story and the magic, the children drew and wrote about how they believe Santa goes down the chimney. Here were their thoughts:

Parker – “He flies down with his magic head first after he swims through the ocean”

Olivia – “He jumps feet first into the chimney”

Stylee – “He jumps through the door”

Evelyn – “He uses his magic to slide through the key hole.”

Sophia – “He uses the door, I know, because he sent me a video.”

Daxton – “He squeezes his belt to make him skinny and slides through.”

Noah – “He just comes down the chimney.”

Emma – “I think he just walks through the front door.”

Bria – “I think he has a magic key for every door.”

Bodhi – “He shrinks into dust and goes down head first through the toilet!”

Wendell – “The reindeer push him down the chimney.”

Lola – “He sprinkles magic on the roof.”

Scarlett – “He comes down with magic, feet first!”

Hailey – “Santa goes through doors!”

Moxley – “He flies down super fast head first!”

Lucas -“He shrinks down into the chimney.”

Kipton -“He turns himself into a fish and swims through the bathtub.”

Henry- “He turns flat like a pancake to go down the chimney.”

Leonardo – “He holds onto his sled, and that’s how he slides down the chimney.”

Bradford – “I know, he slides down the chimney…. butt first!”

On Tuesday, we gathered together to read Snow Globe Wishes, a story that follows a young child’s hopes, memories, and quiet dreams as winter unfolds. The story invites us to slow down and notice the small, meaningful moments that make the season feel special: connection, love, and togetherness.

Inspired by the book, the children created their own wintry snow globe scenes, carefully designing snowy worlds filled with imagination and wonder. Each child added a self-portrait to their scene, transforming their snow globe into a heartfelt gift for their parents, a simple reminder that even in the busiest seasons, love, presence, and the magic of being together matter most.

On Wednesday, we read the story When Santa Wrote Back, which sparked excitement and curiosity about what happens once a letter is sent to the North Pole. Inspired by the story, the children learned how to write a letter and carefully address an envelope, a crucial step in developing their writing skills.

Each child thoughtfully curated the perfect letter, including three wishes for Christmas. We couldn’t help but smile at their hilarious honesty, as many children carefully checked both “naughty” and “nice,” explaining with great sincerity, “Sometimes I’m a little bit of both!”

To ensure their letters traveled swiftly to the North Pole, we sprinkled a bit of glitter magic on each one before heading out to the mailbox. One by one, the children carefully placed their letters inside, full of hope and excitement.

The magic didn’t stop there. The children were absolutely shocked when our cameras appeared to catch Santa himself collecting the letters from the mailbox! This unexpected moment left us all wondering together… will he write back?

This week in Phonics, learning came alive through games filled with laughter and collaboration. The children practiced reading CVC words by finding friends with matching rhyming words, listening carefully to sounds and patterns as they worked together. We also played a favorite game called The Grinch, where the children selected popsicle sticks with CVC words, identified letters and sounds, and blended words together while trying very hard not to pick the green stick! If they did, all the popsicle sticks went back, and the room filled with giggles as the children embraced the fun and kept trying.

We wrapped up phonics with a Christmas-themed matching game, reviewing the identification of uppercase and lowercase letters. The children paid close attention as friends turned cards over, celebrating matches and patiently noticing when cards didn’t quite belong together.

In Math, the children helped Santa find different routes back to the North Pole villages. Using bingo daubers, they carefully followed each route, counted the dots along the way, and compared quantities to determine greater than and less than. Through this playful exploration, the children strengthened their number sense, counting skills, and problem-solving abilities all while keeping Santa on track for his journey home.

On Thursday, our classroom was alive with laughter, collaboration, and play. The children moved seamlessly between riddle games, constructed puzzles, a playful spin on tic-tac-toe, and the classic favorite Candy Land. The fun truly never stopped!

We also gathered together to read The Gift of Words by Peter H. Reynolds, a story that gently reminds us of the power words hold and how meaningful it can be to choose them with care. After reading each child selected a word, or a few special words, to add to their snow globe creations. These words became little messages of hope, kindness, and love, making their winter scenes even more personal and meaningful.

On Friday, we wrapped up a truly magical week with a very special delivery, a letter adorned with red glitter from none other than Santa himself! The children listened in awe as his kind words were read aloud, each one beaming as they heard the reasons he found them to be so special and why every single child landed firmly on the nice list.

The magic continued as we made reindeer food together, carefully mixing ingredients. We then cozied up with warm hot cocoa, complete with all the fixings, and enjoyed a viewing of Home Alone alongside LEGO building.

We cannot thank you enough for sharing the very best gift of all with us… your children! Have a wonderful holiday! We will see you next year!

Miss Arden & Miss Hanna

SNOWGLOBE WISHES:

LETTERS TO SANTA:

REINDEER FOOD:

GAMES, DAILY DISCOVERY & EXPLORATIONS:

CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING WCDS EVENTS

• Friday, December 19th, is a whole-school 11:30 dismissal for the start of our Holiday Break!

• Classes will resume on Monday, January 5th.

Hello SK Families!

This week, our classroom was filled with the gentle hum of anticipation as we prepared for the magic of Winter Family Night. We began by reading The Lights That Dance in the Night, imagining together what it might feel like to stand beneath the sweeping colors of the northern sky. Inspired, the children dyed fabrics to deepen the hues of our already stunning Northern Lights mural, while others created vibrant yellow stars to scatter across our winter sky. The excitement for the arrival of their “special people” was truly palpable.

On Wednesday, we read Otto the Ornament, the whimsical story of a shiny red ornament who accidentally gets knocked off the tree and must journey through the house to find his way back. Along the way, Otto discovers courage, friendship, and a deeper understanding of what it means to belong. Afterward, the children reflected on their own inner light with the writing prompt: “I reflect because I am…” Their words, full of pride, honesty, and joy, reminded us how aware they are of what makes them unique. Here were their answers: I reflect because I am….

Lucas – “Speedy” 

Ollie- “Kind” 

Sophia- “A good friend” 

Hailey – “Kind to myself” 

Bodhi – “Kind to my heart” 

Noah – “Joyful” 

Emma- “Helpful to my family” 

Izaak – “I have good friends” 

Alyx – “Brave and kind” 

Lola -”Smart” 

Evelyn – “Calm” 

Moxley – “Strong” 

Mylah – “Helpful” 

Kipton -”Loving” 

Scarlett- “Hardworking” 

Wendell – “Nice” 

Henry -”Athletic” 

Rory – “A jokester” 

Leonardo – “Cool” 

Daxton – “A good builder” 

Stylee – “A sparkling gorgeous face” 

Addison – “Kind” 

Bria- “A good dancer” 

Bradford -”Beautiful” 

Parker – “Sunshine”

On Thursday, we explored Everyone’s Tree, a story about a community coming together to care for a very special tree that grows alongside them year after year. Inspired, the children used oil pastels, watercolors, and bingo daubers to create their own “special trees,” each one wonderfully different, just like them. These trees later became an addition to their ornament-inspired reflections.

In phonics, we dove into our beloved “buzzard games,” racing to identify sounds, read CVC words, and stretch out spellings. The energy around phonics right now is electric; they simply can’t get enough!

In Math, we continued strengthening our addition and subtraction skills through hands-on exploration.

In SEL, Munchy and Jumpy helped us learn about the importance of apologizing sincerely and with kindness.

As the hours drew closer to our special evening, the children were absolutely beaming, proud, confident, and eager to share their work, their space, and their joy with you. Beneath our Northern Lights installation, we danced, bounced, swirled, and created pure magic with an epic winter dance party.

They say that when you surround yourself with people who light up a room, your own light shines brighter. We feel this every single day with your children. Thank you for joining us, for celebrating with us, and for allowing us to share this beautiful moment of magic, learning, creativity, and community. We loved welcoming you into our space, and your children loved it even more!

Next week, we will participate in the holiday week, and in addition, we are declaring Thursday as Board Game Day. The children are invited to bring their favorite board game or card game to school!

We hope you spend some time this weekend basking in the light that is your children!

Writing Prompts:

Tree Art:

WINTER FAMILY NIGHT:

Click the link to find out what’s happening at WCDS https://here.wcdsedu.com/events/

• Wednesday – Friday, November 26th-28th  – No School
• Reminder, as the weather changes, there is no bad weather, just bad clothing choices!
• SAVE THE DATE: EC Winter Family Night: Thursday, December 11th 5:30 – Early Childhood Winter Family Night
• Children should come dressed in festive attire that they feel best wearing. Please drop them off in their classroom by 5:15. Families can then head to the gym and find a seat for a special story time that will then be brought to life in each of the early childhood classrooms. Families will be invited to enjoy refreshments and travel freely around campus while participating in a variety of heartwarming activities sure to bring joy this holiday season! 

Hello SK Families!

Although this week was short, it was filled with all the thanks and gratitude our hearts could hold. On Monday, we read The Grumbles, a story about a family caught in grumpy feelings until they begin noticing the small, ordinary things that make life beautiful. We discussed how things that sometimes feel like chores can actually be our greatest blessings, if we just pause long enough to notice them.

With those ideas guiding us, the children added the final touches to their Gratitude Jars. Our hope is that these jars continue to grow at home as the children collect moments, people, and experiences they are grateful for throughout the year. Inside each jar rests a Thankful Spoon, designed by your child. This spoon is meant to be shared, passed around during meals or quiet family moments, to invite everyone to offer “a spoonful of thanks,” a simple and meaningful way to slow down and speak gratitude aloud. A jar full of gratitude and a spoonful of thanks… we think that’s the perfect recipe for a joyful holiday season!

On Tuesday, we gathered as a whole school for our Thanksgiving luncheon. Sitting amongst the children, listening to their giggles and their conversations, reminded us once again how thankful we are to do this extraordinary work with your incredible children. A very special thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Cooper and Miss Carly for providing such a beautiful meal, and to our parent volunteers who helped make the day feel effortless. It truly takes a village, and we are certain we have the very best one.

Before we each settle at our own Thanksgiving tables, before we scoop that heaping pile of potatoes, before we carve the turkey, and before the traditional holiday nap, we want to pause and say thank you. Thank you for sharing your children with us. Thank you for the awe-filled moments, the belly laughs, the questions, the stories, and the countless hugs they offer so freely. Thank you for trusting us with these gifts of gratitude each and every day.

We hope you know just how thankful we are!

Miss Arden and Miss Hanna

Upcoming Dates and Announcements:

Click the link to find out what’s happening at WCDS https://here.wcdsedu.com/events/

• Monday, November 24th is PAJAMA DAY!!!!!
• Tuesday, November 25 – Alumni Kickball, Thanksgiving Lunch, and Early Dismissal at 12:30 (No Aftercare)
• Wednesday – Friday, November 26th-28th  – No School
• Reminder, as the weather changes, there is no bad weather, just bad clothing choices!
• SAVE THE DATE: EC Winter Family Night: Thursday, December 11th 5:30 – Early Childhood Winter Family Night
• Children should come dressed in festive attire they feel best wearing. Please drop them off in their classroom by 5:15. Families can then head to the gym and find a seat for a special story time thatwill then be brought to life in each of the early childhood classrooms. Families will be invited to enjoy refreshments and travel freely around campus while participating in a variety of heartwarming activities sure to bring joy this holiday season! 

Hello SK Families!

This week, our classroom was filled with color, conversation, and so much heart as we read The Gratitude Jar. The children were instantly captivated by the story’s gentle reminder that even the smallest moments, like spotting a rainbow or receiving a warm hug, are treasures worth holding on to. As we turned each page, we paused to wonder together. What fills our own hearts with gratitude?

With thoughtful pauses, the children shared the people, places, and tiny wonders that make their days feel bright! Here is what they had to say:

Rory – “ I m thankful for my Mom” 

Bria- “ I am Family” 

Emma – “My dad” 

Scarlett- “ I am thankful for my mom because she helps me” 

Noah – “I am thankful for my brother because he helps me get my toothbrush down” 

Evelyn – “I am grateful for this school” 

Stylee – “I am thankful for my electric great dad” 

Ollie – “I am thankful for the whole school” 

Mylah – “ I am thankful for my dog Bingo” 

Kipton – “I am thankful for my cat Pickles” 

Lola – “I am thankful for my mom” 

Bradford – “I am thankful for everyone in this classroom” 

Wendell – “I am thankful for my mom because she lets me help cook so she can finish faster” 

Alyx – “I am thankful for my mom and dad” 

Addison – “ I am thankful for my brother because he helps me learn new things” 

Lucas – “I am thankful for my sister because she always hugs me” 

Bodhi – “I am thankful for my brothers” 

Izaak – “ I am thankful for my mommy” 

Moxley – “I am thankful for my brother because he helps me get my Pokemon cards out and sort them” 

Henry – “I am thankful for my fish Dragon” 

Daxton – “I am thankful for my cat Leroy that chases after toys and makes me laugh” 

Leonardo – “I am thankful for my tadpoles – they will turn into Frogs!” 

Parker – “I am thankful for my cat” 

Sophia- “I am thankful for my fish Valentine and Miss Arden” 

Hailey – “ I am thankful for love”

Inspired by the book, we then invited the children to participate in a hands-on art provocation, creating their own gratitude jars. Each child received a plain glass jar, empty and full of possibility. Using a magical mixture of clear glue and paint in beautiful neon hues, they transformed those jars into shimmering vessels of thankfulness. To add extra flair, glitter was sprinkled, colorful transparency was layered, and tissue paper was used. We can’t wait to add the finishing touches next week, so the children can bring them home and continue practicing gratitude throughout the year, celebrating moments that matter most!

On Wednesday, we read the story Apple Cake, a book that follows a little girl as she wanders through her day, naming all the things she is grateful for, from birds in the sky to warm sunshine to the simple joy of sharing food. The children loved following along with her kindness, her curiosity, and the way she noticed the small wonders around her.

Inspired by the little girl’s journey, we gathered together to make our very own “gratitude cake.” In true Kindergarten fashion, it became a time of collaboration, shared responsibility, and joyful mess-making. Each child took turns cutting apples with care, measuring and pouring ingredients, and mixing everything together with excited determination. There was laughter, teamwork, and plenty of proud smiles as the scent of warm apples began to fill our space.

As we baked, we talked about the people and moments we are thankful for, building community just as much as we were building a cake. It was a delicious reminder that gratitude grows when and with whom we share it!

In Math this week, our classroom was buzzing with hands-on learning and lots of Thanksgiving flair! We continued to strengthen our understanding of ten frames and number formation up to 30 using various tactile materials, loose parts, popsicle sticks, and plenty of playdough. The children are really beginning to internalize what numbers look and feel like as they build, shape, and explore them in different ways.

Then came our favorite math provocation of the week, Turkey Addition! Each child was given a ball of playdough to use as the turkey’s body, a pair of dice, and a collection of feathers. After rolling the dice, they added the two numbers together and placed that many feathers onto their turkeys. The results? Hilarious, fabulous little turkeys that looked like Taylor Swift as a showgirl, full of flair and LOTS of feathers!

In Phonics, we spent time reviewing familiar concepts and gently stretching into new ones. We revisited letter sounds, blending, and segmenting, giving the children time to practice skills they’re growing more confident in each day. We also introduced a few new challenges, nonsense-word play, sound-switching games, and finding Thanksgiving rhyming pairs, which kept everyone engaged and giggling!

This week, we dove into the magic and creativity behind Balloons Over Broadway, the story of how the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade first began. The children were fascinated by the idea that one person’s imagination and a whole lot of persistence helped create such an iconic celebration. We discussed how the parade began with simple puppets and evolved into the giant, floating balloons that soar through New York City today.

Inspired by Broadway’s puppeteer himself, we decided to create our very own Thanksgiving Day Parade. But of course… a parade needs BALLOONS! The children began by sketching their blueprints, careful drawings of the characters, creatures, and ideas they hope to float down our “parade route.”

Bodhi – “Peely Banana Balloon” 

Wendell – “Axilotl” 

Rory- “Turkey” 

Leonardo – “Chamelion” 

Parker – “A Zombie” 

Lola – “Mini Mouse” 

Lucas- “A robot” 

Henry- “A Dog” 

Scarlett – “A Rainbow”

Noah – “A Rainbow”

Bria -”A Heart with a Turkey inside” 

Evelyn – “A Heart” 

Moxley – “Myself” 

Addison -”A Doggie” 

Daxton -”Soccer Ball” 

Hailey – “A Star” 

Mylah – “Spongebob”

Emma – “A real heart from your body” 

Kipton – “Patrick” 

Ollie – “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” 

Alyx – “Pickachu” 

Bradford- “A balloon of shapes”

Stylee – “A Honey Bear” 

Sophia – “A Vampire”  

Izaak – “A Wild Krat”

Then, on Friday, after reading Holly’s Thanksgiving Wish, the sweet story of a little hedgehog and her balloon-filled adventure, we took our designs from paper to reality. Each child received a clear latex balloon and a set of acrylic paint markers and brought their sketched ideas to life! Stay tuned… next week, we will bring our entire parade to life! The children cannot wait to march, celebrate, and showcase their imaginative Thanksgiving balloons.

We hope you take time to find something simple to feel grateful for!

Miss Arden and Miss Hanna

The Gratitude Jar:

GRATITUDE CAKE:

BALLOON PLANS:

MATH:

DAILY DISCOVERY & EXPLORATIONS:

Upcoming Dates and Announcements:

Click the link to find out what’s happening at WCDS https://here.wcdsedu.com/events/

• Tuesday, November 25 – Alumni Kickball, Thanksgiving Lunch, and Early Dismissal at 12:30 (No Aftercare)
• Wednesday – Friday, November 26th-28th  – No School
• SAVE THE DATE: Thursday- December 11 @ 5:30- EC Winter Family Night
• Reminder, as the weather changes, there is no bad weather, just bad clothing choices!

Hello SK Families!

Despite a day off this week, we certainly filled our days with all the magical fall things!

On Monday, we concluded our journey through landmarks by reading the book, “Wonders of the World.” It carried us across the globe, one landmark at a time, inviting us to shine a light on hidden images to reveal natural and human-made marvels up close. Each page held a new surprise, from winding walls to lost ancient cities!

Inspired by these discoveries, the children added their final touches to their own landmark creations, thoughtfully selecting colors to help each one stand out. We can’t wait to bring these wonders to life and share the stories behind them!

On Wednesday, we read the wonderfully silly story Fall Mixed Up. The children giggled their way through each page, delighted to point out the mix-ups, pumpkins growing in trees, squirrels flying south, and all the little fall oddities that were just not quite right. Their joy in noticing what should be happening in autumn made the story come alive.

After, the children moved into a collection of fall provocations. Some explored leaf screen printing, rolling autumn paints across trays to create swirling fall scenes, and then pressing their paper down to lift a beautiful, final print full of texture!

Others used pipettes and liquid watercolors, reds, oranges, golds, purples, and greens to match the tones of our real leaves. They watched with wonder as the leaves soaked in the colors, shifting and blending right before their eyes.

Others created stunning fall foliage drawings, carefully cutting and hole-punching real leaves to add layers of natural beauty to their artwork. Each provocation offered a new way to explore the colors, textures, and magic of the season!

In Math, we explored ten frames with a special focus on numbers 1–20. The children dove into a variety of hands-on materials, loose parts, play-dough, and popsicle sticks, to work on number formations. This open-ended exploration was a huge hit! As they worked, the children naturally practiced number recognition, rote counting, and subitizing.

In Phonics, the children have continued their work on letter recognition, blending, and segmenting syllables. We’ve also been leaning into those playful rhymes, sharing silly nonsense words and inviting the children to find the real word that rhymes. Their excitement in spotting patterns in sound has been incredible to watch. Many have begun to confidently isolate individual sounds and even substitute new ones, showing their growth as young, budding readers.

On Thursday, we read the story Sweep, a gentle tale about Ed, who wakes up in a bad mood, one so big that it begins to sweep through his whole day. We noticed together how moods can grow and spread, and how Ed’s feelings eventually reached everyone in his town. It was a powerful way to explore how our own emotions can ripple out and affect those around us.

To honor the movers and shakers in our room, we set up a joyful exploration inspired by Ed’s sweeping feelings. With fans, feathers, tissue paper, scarves, and ping pong balls, the children experimented with the magnitude of how moods, just like these floating objects, can travel across an entire space. The room was filled with squeals of delight and bursts of giggles as objects soared through the air and the children worked together to keep them up and moving.

It was a beautiful reminder that while moods can sweep us up, we also have the power to notice, shift, and choose the beauty and positives in our day. Each child discovered that they, too, can decide which way their mood blows.

As we head into the holiday season, we can’t help but feel grateful for these children and the magical moments of learning and growth!

We hope you get swept up in something magical this weekend with these unbe”leafable” kiddos!

Miss Arden & Miss Hanna

LANDMARK PAINTING:

LEAF PROVOCATIONS:

SK GETS SWEPT UP:

MATH:

PHONICS:

DAILY DISCOVERY & EXPLORATIONS: