December Branch News

Dear Branch Families,

We are so grateful for another fun-filled month of learning, exploring, and adventures with all our Branchers! Coming together for conferences was so refreshing. Ms. Heather and I enjoyed our great conversations and getting to know you better! November has been a fantastic month celebrating the season of thankfulness, friendships, and families!

As we began the month, we talked about our families and what makes every one of our families so unique! We helped the branchers see how unique each family is with family graphing! By using different colored Unifix cubes, each Brancher was asked to list their family members and find the Unifix cubes accordingly. Dark blue (dad), red (mom), yellow (sister) and orange (brother). Once the cubes were chosen, each Brancher stacked their cubes up. We then placed each stack side by side to compare and measure. Not only was this a fun, hands-on learning activity, but it also incorporated mathematical skills. We now hear our Branchers counting, comparing, and measuring throughout the day!

No month would be complete without self-portraits, but we added a unique twist to them this month! Using their unifix cube family for help, the Branchers then sat down, and each drew a Family Portrait. They were thoughtful with all the details of their family members, adding details such as how big each family member was and what their hair was like. It was so fun to watch and listen to them describe their families.

Next up, we discussed the importance of friends and friendships. This month, the Branchers have been enjoying “The Compliment Game!” The directions for the game were quite simple. As we sat in our circle, each Brancher was asked to look at their neighbor and compliment that friend. We brainstormed just what we thought a compliment was. As a whole group, we came up with the following conclusion: A compliment means that you’re saying something kind to a friend. As we went around the circle, each friend was able to give and receive a compliment. At the end of each game, we could reflect on how our hearts felt after hearing such kind words from our peers. We played this game numerous times throughout the month, with compliments becoming more detailed! We’re hearing compliments left and right between our Brancher friends all day. Learning and feeling empathy is such an essential part of not only being a Brancher but also being a friend!

After practicing our compliment skills, we brainstormed other ways to show our friends kindness. We landed on the idea of Friendship Bracelets! Beading has played an important role for our Branchers, so incorporating ‘friendship beading bracelets’ seemed fitting for our next activity. Each friend was asked to draw a name from a bucket. With that name in hand, they were then asked to find letter beads that matched the name they had. Once those beads were chosen, the beading creations began! Each Brancher was able to create a one-of-a-kind bracelet for their classroom friend. Each Brancher put lots of thought and consideration into the bracelet they made. They asked their friends their favorite colors and added unique shapes to each bracelet. Letter recognition, fine motor skills, patterning, and friendship were all used! We love how each bracelet turned out so beautifully different, and our Branchers wear them with pride.

November is apple taste testing and apple sauce-making month! Thanks to the Smith Family, we could taste and test an Opal Apple and make apple sauce! We sliced the apples and added some cinnamon, and then each Brancher took a turn to help mix all the ingredients. Lastly, we placed it in the Crock Pot and let the slow cooker do the rest! Our classroom smelled delicious while the applesauce was simmering. It was a delightful addition to our afternoon snack. The Branchers were proud of the applesauce and the hard work they put into making it!

This month, the Branchers took a particular interest in our playground’s fallen leaves. At circle time, we read the story Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert. After reading the story, a great idea donned on the Branchers. We could use the leaves we have found to make our own creations! So the Branchers found more leaves and glued them onto paper to make their own leaf creations. We had a wide variety from Leaf Cows, Leaf Men, Leaf Birds, and Leaf Mickey Mouse! We love seeing their creativity!

December is coming in strong! Most of our gross motor development is outside play. We are busy moving and playing outdoors, whether in snow, sleet, rain, or even sunshine. Proper clothing is essential. Below are the items that they need at school at all times.