Christmas spirit has filled the air at SMART START! We feel honored to share in festivities and traditions with your child(ren). Bringing smiles and excitement to them through our teachings is our priority. We are off to a spectacular start and hope you enjoy learning about SMART START'S holiday activities!
SMART START Carolers have been learning some all-time favorite songs such as, "Here Comes Santa Claus", "Up on the Housetop", "Jingle Bells", "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." and more. They love these jingles and light up as they sing and dance during music time. Puzzles and magnets which promote fine motor, cognitive, hand-eye coordination and problem solving skills have been Christmas themed as well. During group story time, the children are filled with good cheer as we read many holiday classics.
Nutcrackers are a traditional decoration during Christmas. We have many different sized and themed nutcrackers that the children enjoy. Our wide assortment of Christmas stuffed animals, dolls and dress up have our imaginative pupils busy at play.
Holiday helpers worked diligently as they decorated our "Friends in Need" box. They used wrapping paper, ribbons and stickers to cover the cardboard. It came out wonderful and all were proud of their cooperative work. Prior to decorating, we discussed the importance of giving to others that are less fortunate. The children were very receptive to the topic and had great questions and commentary. This season our box will serve to collect canned goods, along with special items brought in by each student for a child in need. Even at a young age their hearts can understand what a kind action it is to help others. We are honored to work on this community service project with your child(ren).
Trimming the tree! A Christmas tradition loved by many. SMART START decorators were full of joy while decking our halls and Christmas tree. Each child received a lace board holiday shaped ornament to weave string through holes and hang on the tree when finished. A great way to add in some festive fine motor skill development!
Our SMART START Christmas tree would not be complete without homemade garland! Yuletide Students helped by cutting red, green and white construction paper into rectangular strips and glued them while interlocking the pieces together. Teamwork was in full swing and our young crafters did a marvelous job. The garland was hung just perfectly on the Christmas tree.
While making spirits bright, Santa's helpers were eager to work on their next project. Each colored two paper ornaments. One is for our "Friends in Need " box with an item listed on the back. Towards the end of the month, a Service Worker will come as part of our on site field trip series and collect these items, as well as our canned goods. In addition, they will explain where and how the items are delivered. The other ornament has a student's name listed on the back. We are asking that you shop for and wrap a book to add to this friend's home library. The gifts will be placed under our SMART START Christmas tree to be opened during our holiday party.
Our Christmas decorating included our chickens. Charlotte and Caroline were pleased having festive friends decorate their home with silver and gold garland and ribbon. The coop looks merry and bright in our outdoor classroom!
Jolly as ever in their chef hats and aprons, SMART START Bakers decorated their own gingerbread house. Each had a tray of ingredients: icing, gumdrops, red and green M&M's and blue and rainbow sprinkles. Oh what fun to create, build and design with this sensory approach. The gingerbread houses also served as a great tool for pretend play as each child had a different method and thought process allowing personalities to shine. We hope you enjoy their unique creations as a decorative piece in your home this holiday season.
Wishing you all a joyous holiday season filled with love and memories to last a lifetime! Thank you for your support and participation in our community service projects and celebrations here at school.
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