UCCPA 1-2s

We are entering the Christmas season and are looking forward to enjoying the season with your children. This week, we will begin with the Bible story of the angel appearing to Mary and Joseph with the promise of a Saviour. Our craft activity will include painting glitter wings on an angel. Also, we will make a nativity scene with popcycle sticks, straw, and paper figures of all who were in the stable. We are planning to incorporate each child's Christmas crafts into a book called "Christmas Is . . ." to remind all of the true meaning of Christmas. We will be enjoying Christmas carols during our opening music and movement time and singing "Joy to the World," "Jesus Loves Me," "Away in a Manger," and "Jingle Bells" during our circle time. I am also bringing in a xylophone that we can have a sing-a-long as I try to tap out Christmas tunes. We will also have a new fingerplay called "Five Little Candles" (words below) which I have prepared five candles with red felt flames with one through five glittered on each. For our snack, we will have cinnamon graham crackers. During our opening time, we will be making a pine needle paintings with dark paper and white paint. Our storytime this week includes "Off to Bethlehem" about everyone hurrying to get to Bethlehem to see baby Jesus. Our second story, I am excited to finally have as it is on loan from Emporia Library, is called "Dear Daisy, Get Well Soon" about being a good friend to Daisy who has chicken pox. It reinforces the days of the week and counting skills as each day an increasing number of animals take increasing numbers of items to Daisy's house to cheer her up. If we have enough time and attention span, I also have another story called "Big Red Barn" by Margaret Wise Brown which is also another favorite, but it may have to wait until next week.

Please remember to bundle your children up as we will continue to play outside weather permitting and as long as the temps are above freezing.

Have a wonderful Christmas season,

Mrs. Shelly

FIVE LITTLE CANDLES

Five little candles burning so bright. (wiggle fingers)

The first one said, "We make great light!" (arms up)

The second one said, "The child is born." (rock baby)

The third one said, "Our light will adorn." (arms out in front, palms up)

The fourth one said, "We shine for Him." (palms forward at sides of face, fingers spread)

The fifth one said, "Let's not be dim." (cover pointer finger with other hand)

So they stood very tall and glowed very bright.

And the Christ child smiled that very night.