Halloween handprints in PreK 3 class

The highlight of my week was the time I got to spend with the AM preschoolers on Tuesday.  I helped the kids do a really fun Halloween craft -- making black cat handprint paintings.  They loved the way the paintbrush tickled when I was putting the black paint on their hand!  It was very cute.  I sat with each child individually to make his or her own picture, which was a nice way for me to get a tiny little glimpse of each student, some of whom I hadn't met yet.  I was amazed at how polite, well-behaved, and what good listeners every single kid was when I was working with them -- a testament to both the parents and the fantastic NPES preschool teachers! 

I'd trade places with Cal in a heartbeat if I could -- they're lucky kids!

Chloe Patton (mom to Cal, PK-3)

Science in Preschool

On October 8th, NPES grandparent Jim Mellett volunteered in the afternoon preschool classroom. The preschoolers have been studying clouds. Mr. Mellett did a slide show and shared some information with them. He then showed them how a cloud forms when moist air and cool air meet by creating a cloud in a bottle. The kids loved having a chance to do a hands-on science experiment with an expert.

Jim Mellett -  Grandfather to Cal (4th Grade) and Maya (8th Grade)

Preschool Lunch Bunch

Last week I had the opportunity to volunteer with Mrs. Dago in the preschool Lunch Bunch program. I had so much fun, and hopefully the kids did too! The preschoolers learned about the parts of the body in Spanish – we focused on major parts of the body this week (head, legs, arms, hands, legs & feet), and we will learn more about the parts of the head next week (eyes, ears, nose, mouth).

We introduced the kids to the topic using "Señor Papa" (Mr. Potato Head); each child was given 1 piece of the body and when asked "Who has the arm?", responded "I have the arm." in Spanish with prompting. Next, as a group, we all stood and put our hands on our head/legs/arms, etc. as fast as we could when I called out the body part – together at first, and then without prompting as the kids became more familiar with the new words. Then the kids worked in pairs to trace each other on large pieces of paper and while they decorated their drawings, Mrs. Dago and I helped them to identify different parts of the body in Spanish.

The kids are so enthusiastic about Spanish and seeing the smiles on their faces when they hear "Muy Bien!" after saying a new word is so rewarding.

Cortney Wong - Mother of Thea (Preschool-4) and AJ (Kindergarten)

Library Helper 10/17/14

I have to admit, I am a book nerd! Anything and everything to do with reading and writing really gets me going.....just the thought of a bookstore or library brings a smile to my face so when I had the opportunity last year to sign up to be a library helper (yes, you too can help beginning in kindergarten) it quickly became one of my favorite half hours of NPES time and those days don't come around quickly enough!

Today was no exception. The First Graders were pumped up about Halloween and thoroughly enjoyed listening to The Biggest Pumpkin Ever by Steven Kroll.  Their curious minds were puzzled by a green pumpkin, their eyes lit up as the pumpkin grew and grew, and their inventive minds searched for ways to help get the pumpkin to the fair. I am not sure what was more fun, reading the story for the first time or hearing the sidebar commentary!

I also love to see what First Graders like to pick out for their book choices. These kids know what they want and within minutes have queued up ready for check out. With Waldo and Pokemon on hiatus, some favorites included Garfield, Halloween books, Nancy Drew, Guinness Books of all kinds, and books on Hamsters, Ponies, and Rocks and Minerals.

My precious half hour ended with these happy First Graders giving me huge smiles, a loud Thank You, and proudly holding up their book choices. They truly made my day!

Thank you Mrs. Rosenberg and NPES! Until next time.........

Julie Kaufield - Mother to Sofia (1st Grade) and Finn (Preschool-4)

Firefighters Teach Fire Safety to NPES Second Graders

Firefighters Teach Fire Safety to NPES Second Graders

NPES second graders got a special course in fire safety Wednesday, October 15 at the City of Chicago's Survive Alive House. City firefighters educated students about the importance of testing fire alarms, working with parents to plan an escape route and tips for preventing and detecting a fire. 

Students also participated in a hands-on demonstration where they entered a two-bedroom home environment. The room filled with simulated smoke and the fire detector sounded, allowing the children to crawl across the floor to a door, and use the back of their hand to check the temperature of that door. They safely entered the door and once all the children in the house escaped and arrived at their meeting place across the street, one student was instructed to call 911 to explain the emergency. It provided students with the life-saving skills and experience to escape the perils of a fire. 

Students also got a look at fire fighting gear, Chicago's original steam-powered fire engines and at the monument to the volunteers who have fallen in the line of duty. In the lobby — students learned about the plaque marking where the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 began. 

The tour ended with a view of the area where firefighters train by maneuvering through mock buildings and climbing ladders at sickening heights. While waiting for the bus, students participated in a FAQ with firefighters, where they asked great questions and shared stories.

Stop, Drop and Roll Fun Fact: The sliding pole was invented in Chicago in 1878. The original was made of wood.

The second graders would like to remind all NPES families that when you change your clock on November 2, change your battery on your smoke alarms.

Lauren Russ - mother of Zachary (2nd Grade) and Jacob (4th Grade)