Term 3 - Week 3 - Types of birds

Hi there Moms and Dads

Birds of a feather flock together and this week, like last, we stuck with our birds theme.

Who knew there was so much to learn about our feathery friends? For example some chirp, some tweet, some crow, some talk and some, well some just make funny noises. Some fly, some swim, some run, some walk and others just waddle. It really is a fascinating world as the kids discovered this week.

We learnt the names of some common baby birds as well as the collective nouns for certain species and I must say even I learnt a thing or two. I mean who would have thought a group of owls is called a "wisdom" or that a baby ostrich is called a "whelp". We learnt that humming birds are the smallest and that ostriches run the fastest, not mention that both lay eggs at opposite sides of the size scale.

The letter U also presented us with some challenges this week with only a handful of words being volunteered by the children, not a very exciting vowel, but rather important nonetheless.

Life skills saw the children making there very own set of binoculars which they then used during outside time to practice their bird watching abilities and explore the garden area and its surrounds.

Thank you again to all the children who contributed items to the theme table, it helps to keep things interesting. Next week we will be learning about the nesting habits and eggs of all the different bird species, which we touched on briefly this week, so keep the items coming.

Wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom and a super weekend.

Lots of love till next time

Morah Tanya

Term 3 - Week 2 - Parts of a Bird

Hi there Moms and Dads

Well a rolling stone gathers no moss and boy things are surely rolling along in term 3.

This week we have been exploring the parts of a bird and what makes birds unique in our vast and great animal kingdom? Feathers, yes feathers are probably the most defining characteristics of the bird and our kids had great fun putting these "feathers" to good use making their very own birds. This weeks bird theme was also quite fitting as it was also a great way to explore the letter 'b' with beaks, bananas, boats, butterflies and balls to name but a few being the hot topic of the classroom discussions.

In life skills we learnt one way to beat the winter blues by making our own soup. The kids learnt to peel potatoes, chop carrots and dice turnips together with few other yummy vegetables.

Sticking with food Naor brought the biggest avocado I have ever seen for all of us to admire and eat. Every one had a chance to cut it open and use the avo slicer to cut it into slices. It was then thoroughly enjoyed as our midday snack. We also celebrated Musya's birthday, which fell over the holidays. Cinnamon and sugar pancakes smothered in syrup were the order of the day.

To end off the week we put our unique Sinai Academy spin on build a bear and instead built some birds from the various cut out body parts, cut out by the children. I am sure they will make great fridge decorations.

Wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom and a fantastic weekend.

Lots of love till next time
Morah Tanya

Term 3 - Week 1 - Welcome Back

Hi there Moms and Dads

Well the first week back at school has been quite exciting and emotional, not only for myself but I am sure for the children too.

From a personal point of view being away during the day from my beautiful little baby Demi has been a challenge, but thank goodness for all my children who have managed to fill the gap during the day. Each day is getting easier and I am really happy to be back in the saddle! Thank you so much to all the children and parents for the heartfelt warm welcome after my 4 month absence, it has really made my week a joy. It is questions like the one asked by Daniel Haynes in Thursday's morning ring "Morah Tanya, hows your baby doing?" that have made all the difference, thank you Daniel :)

The enthusiasm over the World Cup was still evident this week with all the kids and I am sure it has been an experience they will not forget anytime soon - I know I won't. The unity felt throughout South Africa over the past 6 weeks has been a great platform to lead us up to Nelson Mandela's birthday on Sun 18th July 2010. To mark the occasion the kids made friendship bracelets this week as well as bracelets reflecting his prison number whilst incarcerated on Robben Island

The balance of the week has been spent easing back into things and with the children exploring and enjoying all the new activities out in the classroom.

Wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom and a warm weekend. Go Bokke!

Lots of love till next time
Morah Tanya