After Kuakini Fire Station, we went to Honolulu Hale.

Firefighter Noah climbed up the ladder that was attached to the ladder truck and took a picture of us.  He was really really high.

Today was our field trip, to the Kuakini Fire Station.  Mahalo to Uncle Billy Jarrett, Uncle Noah, and all the other firefighters.

Today, we finished our Christmas tree headbands.  The children used colored dots for ornaments.  The dots are arranged in a triangle shaped. 

The handmade drums continue to be a popular choice during outdoor backyard playtime.  These children formed their own marching band.  Not only are the children exploring their musical side with beat, rhythm, and marching, we could hear the children practicing rote counting.  Rote counting is the act of verbally counting.  It is the simplest of counting concepts to learn. The ability to count by rote can deceive both the teacher and parent into assuming that the child who can count by rote with ease to a hundred or above, also has an understanding of those numbers. In most cases this simply isn’t true.  If teachers and parents take advantage of natural counting opportunities like beating a drum, there is little need to contrive special counting activities.

Manao 1:   Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness.  To an opponent, tolerance.  To a friend, your heart.  To a customer, service.  To all, charity.  To every child, a good example.  To yourself, respect. (Oren Arnold)

Manao 2:  For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Christmas in literature and other mass media, presents images of Santa, Baby Jesus, decorated trees, presents, and snow.  Here in Hawaii, snow can be an intangible concept for many three year olds.  One way to bring the concept of snow into the classroom is in the form of ice.  Showing them that water can freeze into ice and that ice can melt back into water, gives the children hands on experiences.  In the sensory table this week, we will put frozen blocks of ice for the children to explore.  We added color and confetti to make it more fun.

The children are helping to prepare our planting area by the ‘Ulu Garden sign in our “backyard”.  When we return from Winter Break, we will be planting sweet potato in this area.  We also have 5’ x 5’ garden box.  After Winter Break, the children will help decide what we will plant in there. To help with this project, on our wish list is potting soil.  We would appreciate any size bag donation. Mahalo.

On our playground, Waipao, we have a big covered fenced in sand area.  Sand experiences have a sensory motor quality, which is a unique attribute that allows children to release tension in a non-threatening environment.  It allows children to have hands-on experiences using four of their senses (touch, sight, hearing, and seeing).  In addition, it promotes positive social interactions.  When asked by teacher, “What are you doing?”  One group was making a castle.  Another group was making food.  And the last group made a volcano.

Today, we had a return visit from Aunty Naomi and her bear puppet, Pua.  She taught the children “sign language” for shaka, I love you, and applause.  The main purpose of her visit was to do a follow-up to check for understanding.