LEEMIE VISITS

This week, Leemie the Lemur presented the children with a Big Question:

“Can I visit you at home?”

The answer was a resounding, “YES!”

But then he had a second big question:

“Do you know how to take care of a lemur?”

The answer this time was a tepid, “… maybe …?”

So… we set to work on correcting that.

First, we brainstormed a list of questions we had about caring for Leemie:

The Rainbow Ice Creams demonstrated their caring spirit through the thoughtful questions they asked.

To address these questions, Leemie wrote a book for them.

Armed with this new knowledge, we put them to…

THE LEEMIE TEST!

This part of our process was the least familiar and most challenging for the kids. “What is a test? And why is he giving us one?” they wondered. We explained that a test is a way to share what they know about a topic. And Leemie wanted to feel safe and secure during his visits, so he wanted to make sure the kids knew how to care for him. This helped them understand that bringing Leemie home for a visit was an opportunity that held both power and responsibility. We talked about how it felt to take a test: emotions tended to be split between confident and nervous. We further discussed how nervous feelings can be tricky to have, but they are a way that your brain and your heart lets you know that something feels important; and a strategy for managing them is to focus on doing your best.

So, we administered the test, graded the results, and were proud to declare all Rainbow Ice Creams passed with flying colors and officially became…

CERTIFIED LEMUR CARETAKERS!

With everyone now ready to host Leemie, the process of sending him home begins. At the end of each week, we’ll partake in the sacred Orange Room tradition of choosing a home for Leemie to visit. That child will spend the weekend with Leemie and record their adventures in Leemie’s journal. Upon return, they’ll have an opportunity to share all about their time together.

Questions to Ask Your Orange Room-er

1.) What special days are on your December calendar?

2.) What did you do with Nicki during your American Ballet Theater workshop?

3.) What new materials appeared in the Mystery Bag recently?

4.) What big question did Leemie have for you? Who will he visit this weekend?

5.) How many days have you been in school? (Answer: 57 as of today)

Reminders

* Children are bringing home Friday Folders today! Please help them empty these each week and return them on Monday. Some are empty but we sent them home anyway to help build this routine.

* If you would like to join us for a family share, please email us to discuss details!

* If you have spare paper towel or toilet paper rolls lying around, please send them in! We’re starting a collection for a future art project.