Month: December 2013

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Sentimental thoughts…

Is there anything more exciting to a child than this season of love, peace, JOY, and goodwill?  Carols are playing in classrooms during workstation time, learners are sharing creative ideas and writings, classroom leaders are engaging students in all manner of clever activities, and everyone coming into the front office is smiling more these days.  Capturing all the sights, sounds, scents, and sentiments of Christmas can be a daunting task (and even overwhelming for some).  Finding ways to express the reason for the season can be so powerful that it becomes challenging to express the story well.  One young writer today was having no trouble though…

A young writing friend stopped me during walkabout to share card1his homemade card (completed in the card workstation yesterday).  His choice of colors and textures intrigued me.  While his words were personally heartfelt and filled with love for the recipient of this beautiful card, he made the comment, “You know…I hope someone sends me a card like this sometime; I’ll keep it forever!”  We talked about Christmas cards and why then mean so much to others who receive them.

As is our LME tradition, I begin each morning in December with a Christmas question-of-the-day, so today is dedicated to my young writing friend who asked me:  “What was the greatest Christmas Card you remember receiving from a friend or family member?”  Here’s hoping you send someone a special greeting card this holiday…the impact may be more than simply sentimental!

Note:  Speaking of sentiments, we greatly appreciate all the Angel Tree participation and assistance you are giving to the LME Angel Tree Project!  Please remember all items are due back to our caring counselor, Mrs. Stanley, this week. 

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Grinchy ways…

Grinch DayHe’s a mean one, that Mr. Grinch!  Our first grade team studied the clever writings of Dr. Suess by celebrating GRINCH Day in their classrooms.  From Cindy-Lou-Who to Mr. Grinch himself, students and staff read, wrote, computed, and 1st grade Grinchesdiscovered the imaginary world of the extraordinary Dr. Suess and his The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.

In the meantime, our Monty Moose was busy in the library media center redecorating and reading his favorite Moose literature IMG_0191including the book MOOSETACHE by Margie Palatini.  He shared his other favorite books and some cute moosetaches with some fun library patrons for a great day of reading fun and Christmas learning.

We also enJOYed the creative decorations of several busof our MISD “big yellows.”  You won’t find Grinches on these buses!  It’s great to have the BEST drivers in the state right here in MISD and at LME!  Thanks to each dedicated driver for sharing the JOY of the holiday season safely on the roads with our learners.

If you’re feeling grinchy, then it’s time for you to find some holiday JOY through the eyes of child today!  🙂

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Monty the MOOSE is loose!

The elf may be off the shelf, but there’s a northern friend loose in the hallways and classrooms of LME these days.  Monty the Moose is popping in, up, and all montygymaround the building.  Dressed in his Christmas finest, he is making the rounds and joining in all the seasonal fun.  For example, he worked out with the third graders in the gym early Monday morning because he was feeling rather sluggish from all the Thanksgiving feasting and wanted some exercise.  It is reported hemonty4th showed off his best Miller Moves with the jump ropes too.  Later, he was spotted by a 4th grade class trying to brush his teeth with a teacher’s toothbrush–what a mess!  Today Monty appeared inside the Happy Camper Reading Tent of a first grade classroom where he was reading his favorite book, If You Give A Moose A Muffin.  Did you know, montytentif you really give Monty Moose a muffin while he’s reading, he will smack and chew so loud he has to move his clip?  Did you know Monty really doesn’t care about moving his clip because he’s a moose?  It’s a good thing young readers love him.  As one friend told me, “Mrs. Van, Monty may be loose, but he’s doing great Moose work!”  Where will Monty Moose turn up next?  🙂

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Christmas is coming…

merry+christmas+picturesChristmas is coming; the evidence is all around. Christmas is coming and excitement abounds!  We are in high gear at LME with today being just one of 14 remaining school days before the big holiday starts.  Learners shared their activities throughout the past week, talking turkey and telling stories about their adventures.  Classroom leaders went on a hunt for Monty Moose, who’s hiding in various places throughout our campus right now–oh, the stories they are sharing about him!  PTO is prepping the annual Peppermint Village Gift Shop for next week where students can experience the JOY of giving to others by selecting gifts for the whole family.  Speaking of giving to others, locksofloveCamden donated her hair last week to Lock of Love; this is her second time to grow it out and cut it off for someone in need…way to go, Camden!  Christmas Party reservation forms went out today for everyone wishing to join us on the LME Christmas Cheer Express.  Finally, yes, students actually did lots of amazing and engaging school work today–the “real reason we’re here, Mrs. Van.”  🙂  Here’s hoping you catch the spirit of the season through the eyes of a child today…

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Welcome to December!

angel-treeredIt’s time to reconvene and push our way to another holiday soon.  We look forward to welcoming back our LME learners, families, and classroom leaders bright and early tomorrow morning!  In the meantime, finish up those leftovers, layout the backpack, and get ready to usher in a season of JOY as we share learning and laughter together.  Welcome back!  🙂