As is the case each year at the Knox Nursery School, November and December fly by as quickly as Santa and his sleigh.

In November, we welcomed Megan Murphy to the teaching staff. Megan assists with the class of 3-year-olds on Mondays and Thursdays.

Our focus in November was Thanksgiving. We read books and made crafts that explained and reinforced the reason we celebrate this holiday. Turkey headbands, Pilgrim hats, and handprint Mayflowers were among some of the projects.

“I am Thankful for” thoughts from each child were posted on turkey and cornucopia wall hangings.  Making pumpkin bread with chocolate chips was a highlight for the 3-year-olds. Each left for the holiday recess with a warm loaf of bread to share at their Thanksgiving dinner. Reports were that it was yummy.

Christmas activities began immediately!  The 3-year-olds practiced their scissor skills by cutting strips of multicolored paper to make a paper chain. This was wound around the tree in the hall entrance along with glittery star ornaments crafted from recycled toilet tissue rolls. 

The 4-year-olds glued dry pasta pieces to a star-shaped cutout, and then the teacher spray-painted the star with gold glitter. Placing a picture of the child in the center completed the personalized tree ornament.  A simple Nativity scene made into a window sun catcher served as a reminder for the true meaning of the season.

Although preparations for the holidays seemed to take up much of our time, we managed to maintain consistency with our “letter day.” Both classes are nearly half way through the alphabet.

The 4-year-olds continue to work toward mastering printing their names, a requirement for kindergarten.  You forget how difficult some letters are to write until you watch a 4-year-old struggle to make his pencil go in the right direction to form the letter. (For their sakes, you almost wish they all had names with just three or four letters!)

December wrapped up with the school’s annual Christmas parties. The 3-year-olds worked diligently to learn three songs for family and friends.  The children sang “Jingle Bells,” and “Ring Those Bells” accompanied with — you guessed it — ringing bells! The traditional “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” completed their performance.

The 4-year-olds presented their guests with a short skit of the Nativity story based on the book What is Christmas? They finished with a couple of favorite holiday songs.

Both classes made special holiday crafts and enjoyed a buffet of  “good for you” and “not so good for you” goodies, but everything was delicious just the same.

Now on to 2015!  We wish you peace, love, and happiness in the New Year.