The winter wind lies on the hills,
The sun a welcome friend.
We’ll gather all the warmth it brings
Til spring comes round again.
– from ‘Borderlands’ song
Dear Parents,
Thank you for coming to yesterday’s celebration. I admit I was surprised to have such high attendance. What a pleasure! The children were very excited, and obviously could barely contain their delight.
As we approach the winter solstice, the 12 nights of Christmas, and the new year, there is a significant feeling of significance. This time of year has been holy from times ancient for peoples across the globe. These days hold more meaning than is often demonstrated in our more common practices of resolutions and presents around the tree. I challenge you to experience the power of these dark days by really looking inward. What questions do you have about you? What does the upcoming year hold for you? What is your inner light? What is your inner darkness? I was thinking recently about words I use often in this line of work, like virtue and gratitude and blessing and love. Where are those things in my life and how can I bring those things to others? I will very purposefully be setting time aside during these nights to ask some questions about the first graders. What do they need? Who are they? What are they asking me for?
At the risk of sounding too out-there (but here she goes anyway), it feels like the stars are very close to earth these days. The angels seem to be right there, waiting to be consulted. There is a part of me which often lies dormant because I’m too busy and life is too noisy for it to be heard. This is the time of year we make space for that part to speak, and we make space for the wisdom that may come when we listen.
On a more practical note, I’ll also be taking these two weeks to ramp up for the next part of the year, which is longer than what has already passed. The past 4 months have been an incredible learning experience for me. There are some habits I’ve gotten into I’d like to break, things I’d like to do differently, and lots of lessons to plan. I’ve also really got to start thinking about the class trip and making some decisions about the class play. Lots of fun and learning are ahead, and I’ll be getting ready to make it happen.
PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR BREAK
- Keep a regular bedtime rhythm. Though you may be travelling and festing and feasting, don’t deviate too much from your school rhythm of bedtime and rising time. You will thank yourself for it when school is back in session in only two short weeks.
- Doing! A break filled with making cookies, house projects, knitting, board-gaming, or whatever hands-on activity you desire is infinitely more fruitful for your family life and for future school work than a break filled with sitting in front of screens. And don’t forget to keep the chores up!
- They’ve earned a break. The holidays can sometimes be hectic with family expectations. If possible, leave plenty of down time for free play. Your first grader has worked hard this term, and could use lots of unstructured time and some boredom. Let them rejuvenate for the exciting world of numbers that awaits them when they return to the classroom.
WEEK 14 HIGHLIGHTS
Our letter line is full! The alphabet is complete! In the last pages of our letter books, we wrote every letter in alphabetical order. A feeling of completion and satisfaction was experienced. We made it!
This week was filled with exceptions and celebrations. One of the most notable was the Advent Spiral, which was very beautiful. The other most notable change was the need to fill any spare second with our work on the presents we made for you. Harp class and Painting class turned into Star class. The busy ‘Santa’s elves’ feeling was fun for them. The work on these gifts started three weeks ago and has included many skill sets (drawing, cutting, spatial awareness, gluing) and lots of imagination. They are very proud. I know you’ll enjoy them! Make sure they perform it, though!
I included a little gift from me in their bags. In addition to the gift, I also wrote out the personalized poem that Saint Nicholas read to each child from his golden book when he visited a couple weeks ago. It was an awe-filled moment for them, but I know they all forgot the bulk of the poem. So now they have it written, though you will have to read it aloud for them. As I said before, St. Nicholas acknowledges each child’s virtue while also commenting on something they could strive to be better at. You may choose to include these poems as part of your bedtime tradition during this break or for the remainder of the school year.
While I know I’ll enjoy this respite, I look forward to returning to school and for the work ahead with these amazing children.
Best wishes and merry Christmas,
Hannah