Giving Thanks 2014

November marks the start of the holiday season, and at school and Mrs Carolyn's the focus begins on how the kids can give back. Also there are A TON of turkeys in our house, we have paper ones, laminated ones, painted ones, ones with feathers, ones that make noise... turkeys are everywhere folks. It's fantastic.

Michael and Penny have been very busy this month participating in a number of things to help them give back and give thanks. We took a trip to Mariano's to purchase food for Michael's room at Montessori. Each year the class put together a a basket for a family in need. It was interesting to see what the kids picked and why they picked the food they did.Its important to me that they learn the value of giving back in conjunction with being an active participant. Penny helped me fill the bag of food and Michael brought it into the class.

At school Michael also put spent sometime thinking about what he was thankful for. and documenting it....way to go Darth.

The children took a trip to the Arlington Heights historical society  where they participated in the story of thanksgiving using Orff Technic of music.Carl Orff (1895-1982) was a German composer and educator who developed a unique approach to music education. Orff defined the ideal music for children as "never alone, but connected with movement, dance, and speech—not to be listened to, meaningful only in active participation." Orff said, "Experience first, then intellectualize." Based on this ideal, the Orff approach builds understanding of concepts and skills through connecting students with the music by experiencing it on all levels. These levels include speech/chants, movement, singing, drama, and by playing pitched and un - pitched instruments. 

Lastly, they prepared a feast for each class. Michael contributed pumpkin pie this year. All the children passed, poured and ate together.

We also took a trip to Bloomington for turkey number 1! It was great to see everyone!

The kids have such a great time with their Aunts and Uncles. Thanks to Uncle Steve for letting us stay. Its always a pleasure with this group, they are the most kind, caring people I know.