The month of December was filled with lots of exploration, magic and curiosity for our friends in Beginners. We introduced ice and snow themes and snow animals. We read many books about these themes, with our favorite being "Penry's Great Adventure." 

Towards the end of the month, we shifted our focus more towards holidays around the world and Christmas. We made many wonderful Christmas crafts and gifts for our loved ones. We learned popular songs around the world and really tried to grasp the concept of what Christmas is about- being together, celebrating one another and about Jesus being born. 

Since we only have 16 school days in December, the Nursery classes have been focusing on spreading Christmas cheer through making ornaments and crafts, singing Christmas songs like “Jingle Bells” . We learned about the true meaning of Christmas, as we watched the Stars perform in the Christmas pageant.

This month in the Lions class we learned about winter weather, and the holidays Hanukkah and Christmas. We made and lit a Lego menorah which we 'lit' each afternoon and read books about Hannukah.  In addition to hearing the story of Christmas in chapel and the Stars' pageant we talked about how we celebrate in our homes. In addition to our regular math, literacy, and science activities we were busy elfs making presents for our families.

This month the Lambs class focused on artic animals, ice and snow, and what to wear during the winter time. We performed melting ice experiments and created several art projects making our own artic animals. We identified sounds and objects that start with the letters I, P, and T.  We also discussed the different holidays in the month of December. For Saint Nicholas day we left behind little candy canes for the children to find and for Christmas we decorated our classroom Christmas tree together!

The Stars have been so busy since returning from Thanksgiving Break.  They rehearsed and performed the Christmas Pageant on December 14 for their families and the whole school. We are so proud of all their hard work! The Christmas Cookie Café opened and the Stars are working cooperatively serving cookies and hot cocoa, while learning about spending and counting money. We displayed the world map for the Stars to see where they live and which countries we are exploring in our holidays around the world theme. They are learning how to say “Merry Christmas” in Swedish, French, Spanish and Italian. They have also learned that Santa Claus is referred to as Father Christmas, Pere Noel, Tomte, or Babbo Natale in other countries. The Stars especially enjoyed sampling cookies from around the world and playing the Dreidel game. In addition, they have been busily making beautiful Christmas presents for their families.