Happy Holidays

I had to make a quick exit on our last day of school due to a sick baby girl at home.  I was sad to have missed the Polar Express Party, but I heard the kids had a blast.  I was however able to participate in our book exchange - oh, how excited we were all were for new books to read!

We immediately opened our books to browse the pictures and read the wonderful stories.  There is no better gift than the gift of reading!!

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and a blessed New Year!  See you in 2013!

O Christmas Tree

The Christmas season can bring many things to mind - most notably, Christmas trees, decorations and treats.  While this may be just a short list of traditions, I thought it would be three Christmasy customs that we could easily combine into an exciting class activity.

Sugar Cone Christmas Trees

We designed and decorated sugar cones to look like beautiful Christmas trees.  The trees were gorgeous, even though we didn't get to look at them long.  They quickly found themselves in the mouths of some very hungry children!

Pure Christmas Deliciousness

Officially Sugar Rushed!

How to Make a Grinch Grin

Ever wondered what it would take to make a grinch grin?  After reading How the Grinch Stole Christmas, we discussed various ways we thought we could get a grinch to smile - and of course we had to make something fun to go along with it.  Based on our ideas, I think a grinch would have perma-grin after hanging out with us!

Back Safe and Sound

We concluded our world-wide trip this week, making our last visits to Italy, Germany and Mexico.  The kids were great travel companions, I must say.  They were up for just about anything the entire time we were abroad.  Here's a little peak from this week's travels...

Italy

Highlight of what we learned:  In Italy children wait until Epiphany on January 6 for their presents. La Befana, a kind witch, delivers the presents on a broomstick. It is said that she was busy and delayed visiting baby Jesus when he was born. She missed the Star and lost her way. She has been flying around ever since, leaving presents at every house with children in case he is there. She flies down chimneys and fills stockings and shoes with nice things for good children and leaves coal for children who misbehave.

We created La Befana's broom as a symbol of the Italian holiday.

Germany

Highlight of what we learned:  Christmas Trees are very important in Germany. They were actually first used in Germany during the Middle Ages. Traditionally, the tree is brought into the house on Christmas Eve and after it is decorated, families will read the Bible and sing Christmas songs.

We created a Christmas tree puppet to symbolize where the Christmas tree tradition originated.  We also pasted the lyrics to the song "O Christmas Tree" to the back, a German favorite.

Mexico

Highlight of what we learned:  It is believed that a young boy walking to the church to see the nativity scene showing the birth of Jesus realized on the way that he had no gift to offer so he gathered up some plain green branches as he walked in. He was laughed at but once he placed the branches near the manger they started to bloom a bright red poinsettia flower on each branch.

We created poinsettia flowers to hand around the room in celebration of the Christmas holiday - Mexican style!

We are so GLAD to be home - but feel much more in tune with the world this holiday season!

Experiencing the Holidays Abroad

It was great to have the weekend to rest considering how jet lagged we all were after our trips to China, England and Ethiopia this past week!  It's time to share a little about our trip around the world...we're only half way there!

To prepare for our two week journey around the world, we had to apply for a passport so we were all able to travel outside of the country.

We were relieved and excited when we got word that we were all approved!  Our passports arrived rather quickly - and it's a good thing since we were leaving for China in just a few days.
 

With passports finally in hand, it was time to pack our bags and head to the airport!

China was the first stop on our itinerary.  We received our boarding passes at the airport and loaded the plane...we could barely contain our excitement.

Here we are on the plan getting ready for take off!

 

We arrived in China and learned all about the Christmas holiday - songs, decorations, food and festivities.  To bring back a little Chinese culture to our classroom, we made our own paper lanterns and paper chains and decorated our Christmas tree.

Next Stop - England

Many of our current American ideals about the way Christmas ought to be derive from the English Victorian Christmas, such as that described in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The caroling, the gifts, the feast, and the wishing of good cheer to all - these ingredients came together to create that special Christmas atmosphere. 

We watched a clip of the original Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol.'  We also sang the popular British song 12 Days of Christmas.  We made traditional Christmas Crackers that we opened together in a circle.  The kids found little gifts inside that they were able to take with them back to the States!

Next Stop - Ethiopia

To learn the customs of Ethiopia, we had the pleasure of a visit from Mrs. Norfleet's husband, Marcus.  He brought pictures from his own travels to Africa and shared them with us.  He also taught us a couple of songs and dances!  We learned that Ethiopians participate in a huge processional to church to celebrate the birth of Christ.  Many of them play instruments, such as drums as they walk.

So we made our own drums!

Stay tuned for coverage from our upcoming trips!