“Old Man Winter” certainly had a frosty grip on us during January and February. Fortunately, the freezing temperatures, frequent snows, and a “bug named Stomach” did not interrupt the activity at the Knox Nursery School.

During January, the 3- and 4-year-olds learned about hibernation. Related books and posters helped to describe the concept that some animals sleep all winter. Of course, for both classes, the most popular hibernating animal is the bear!

The kids went through a hibernation of sorts when outside playtime was limited due to the unsafe cold temperatures, even though they insisted it wasn’t too cold for them.  On days that offered warmer temperatures, outdoor time was spent climbing and sliding down plowed snow mounds and sledding.

January was also the month the kids heard the story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his dream for all people. The 4-year-olds had the opportunity to tell their teachers a wish of their own. These wishes were written on stars. In honor of Dr. King’s birthday, the 3-year-olds colored and cut out cakes.  The cakes and stars were displayed on a wall along with a picture of Dr. King in recognition of this great man.

Traditionally, January is when the 4-year-olds begin to learn to recite the “Pledge of Allegiance.” A few still struggle with the big words and using the proper hand, but, all in all, they are doing a great job!

Our small group of 2-year-olds is very faithful and very full of energy.  January was their snow friends and animals month. Story time included books about penguins, building snowmen, and crazy polar bears.

Their winter bulletin board sports footprint penguins and snowmen faces.  Friendly-looking polar bears greet parents and kids as they enter the classroom. To keep up with the season, glittery snowflakes were added to the 2-year-olds’ all season tree.

February became even shorter when we had our first snow day, then another, and then another, and then a week of vacation. Nonetheless, we squeezed in the usual February activities.

A story about a groundhog prompted ideas of when winter will end. Piles of hearts in various shades of pink, purple, and red were cut out to make valentine cards and valentine mailboxes for the card exchange. Remembering our 16th president with books and special crafts will round out February.

We are already planning for the 2014-15 school year.  Beginning March 1, we will begin accepting applications for our September classes. Anyone interested in our program should call the school at 872-2015.