Time really flies, and it’s already time for our long winter break!  Although it still seems far away, January is right around the corner.  Beginning on January 3rd, our class will be starting a new book unit based on Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats.  This is a story about a young boy who goes for a walk in the snow, makes snow angels and watches a fun snowball fight.  The boy tries to take a snowball home in his pocket, but sadly, it melts.  Much to his surprise, however, it snows the next day and he has brand new snow to play with!

           This book, along with other favorites such as The Hat and The Mitten by Jan Brett, will help us discuss the changes we see in winter.  We will be learning about how snow is made, what makes ice melt, things to do in the snow, and how to make snow projects such as snow globes, snowmen or snowflakes.  We will play with foods that remind us of snow and ice, such as sugar cubes, Honeycomb cereal and marshmallows. 

           We will also be studying how the change to cold weather affects our bodies.  Since we get very cold without proper clothing outside, we need to dress warmly!  Our class will be sorting summer and winter items, dressing up the boy from the story in warm clothes and even talking about what kinds of warm foods there are to eat, such as soup or hot chocolate.  Weather permitting, we will be playing outside (even if it snows!) so please dress your child warmly! 

          I hope you all have a safe and fun vacation, and a very Happy New Year!  We look forward to our new unit and having a great start to 2012!  Stay tuned for more news after the break!