I shared some of my favorite stories beginning with
"Simple Gifts" by Chris Raschka. This lovely picture book comes with a CD that reads and then sings the words. It also gives the children some background information about the Shaker's. We were able to build on our schema from the study of people from long ago during Thanksgiving time. We added the word "simplicity" to the Bradt School "Juicy Words" Bulletin Board, devoted to increasing our students vocabulary. We now know that simplicity means "not fancy" and that gifts do not have to be fancy in order to be valuable. We learned a simple spiral dance that goes with the "Simple Gifts" song. When we spiral in and out to the music we practice smiling at each other and looking right into everyone's eyes. It is a magical and very simple practice that never ceases to delight.
Later in the month I shared the story "The Gift of Nothing" by Patrick McDonald. This cartoon-like picture book teaches it's readers that the most important gift is in sharing time together. As the kids excitement grew throughout the month I reminded them of how they could give old Mrs. Hackett "the gift of nothing" and we regularly sat still and quiet watching the second hand of our classroom clock circle around, measuring the passing of 1 minute. I often received the gift of nothing just before lunch-time after a long, busy morning of learning together. Please feel free to redeem "the gift of nothing" at home. All you need is a clock with a second hand or a timer. You will be amazed at how slowly a minute passes by, relish in every second!
Here is a reading of the story for your enjoyment-
And finally the story of "The Quilt Makers Gift" by Jeff Brumbeau completed our literacy unit on giving. This lovely fairy tale tells of a greedy king that is transformed through the wisdom and generosity of magical quilt maker. You may have noticed a "story map" of "The Quilt Makers Gift" come home in your child's folder. These story maps serve as simple graphic organizers that assist the K kids to retell a story. Retelling is an important skill that we will be working on in the months to come. I hope you enjoy this beautifully written and illustrated story as much as I do.
I wish you all the gift of simplicity as we greet a new year together. Our relationship with our children doesn't need to be fancy to be valuable. Sharing books, music and time together is precious. I wish you and your child many marvelous moments.
