So Long September . . . Hello October!

October is here and that means fall is in the air . . . It’s so fun to be a teacher in the fall, because there are so many exciting activities which involve the season and the coming holidays.  In fact, I often wish fall was longer and we weren’t pushed by Old Man Winter and his holidays.  There is so much to savor, learn, discover and experience with the changing of the seasons.  All of October and November will be woven with activities and treasures of autumn.    

 

                                                 

Our October literacy focus will be two all-time favorite stories.  The first is an old Russian folktale, Caps For Sale.  It is about a peddler trying to sell his caps, but while he snoozes under a tree, a bunch of mischievious monkeys steal his caps.  This book is a natural for dramatization and retelling.  Even though the story line is quite simple it provides many opportunities for questions and group discussions.

At the end of the month we will be reading The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything.  This story uses rhythm and repitition to tell the story of a brave little old lady with a surprise ending.  Not only are the pictures captivating in this book, but the story is put to music and is usually a favorite song for children to sing and dance to long past October.

I would recommend both of these books for home libraries.  They are timeless classics and will stay with your children for a lifetime!  When stories, shared with family and friends, become warm memories children confidently look to books to bring them enjoyment as a pastime . . . and not a chore to be done. 

Read, read, read to your child.  It is the single greatest contribution you can make to your child’s education.

As part of our literacy focus this month we will be learning the following finger play.  Enjoy it with your child.

FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS TEASING MR. ALLIGATOR

Five little monkeys teasing Mr. Alligator, “you can’t catch me!  You can’t catch me!”

Along comes Mr. Alligator as quiet as can be . . . .SNAP!

Four little monkeys teasing Mr. Alligator, “you can’t catch me!  You can’t catch me!”

Along comes Mr. Alligator as quiet as can be . . . SNAP!  

(continue until there are no more monkeys)

Wishing you an October filled with warm family memories!   Kathy