Is there anything more exciting to a child than this season of hope, peace, JOY, love, 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 friend stopped me during walkabout to share this 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, a student or I begin each morning message 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. 

The elf may be off the shelf, but there’s a wise winged friend flying about the hallways and classrooms of LME these days.  Ollie the Jolly OWL is flying in, up, and all around the building.  A personal friend of our own Monty the Moose who roamed our building last year, Ollie is dressed in her Christmas finest and is making the rounds by joining in all the seasonal fun.  For example, she read several books in the library with students before Mrs. Bolgiano noticed her shelving books.  Ollie really likes nursery rhymes and managed to compose a couple of her own to share too!

Next, she spotted some “friends” playing musical instruments with Mrs. Perez and second grade helpers today.  She decided to stay and play a few songs on the xylophone!  According to one learner, “Mrs. Van, she’s really got potential if she’d just practice a bit.”  🙂

It’s a good thing she’s decided to adopt us this holiday season.  Between her adventures and the treats she shares along the way, we wonder where she will turn up next?