Wednesday, July 21, 2010

"Good Grief", Charlie Brown said.


Today we read A Charlie Brown Christmas and the children loved it. It's a rather long book, so we read it in intervals. We began it this morning, sang some songs, went over rules for The Paint Spot, took a bathroom break, read a letter Santa wrote to us, played in the gym (while waiting for the Paint Spot to arrive, they got stuck in traffic) and then FINALLY were able to get started on our masterpieces! Each child received a salad plate which has their name on the back side of the plate. They were sitting in sets of 3 at a table to share the paint and water to clean off their brushes. They also were spread out through out the cafeteria to give each other space to work and not be too close together. They all did a wonderful job painting today. Some got a little rowdy, but they were very excited to do something different here at camp. After they completed painting, whatever they wanted on their plate, some one came around and picked their plate up. It was set aside to dry a little more before being taken back to The Paint Spot. Once it is taken back to the shop they will put them in the kiln and "fire them up", I believe there is also some type of glaze put over them before putting them in the kiln. Regardless, the plates will be ready by August 4. If they are done before we will let you know. A staff member will pick them up and have them waiting at camp for you that day. IF your child will not be at camp, they will be available for pick up at the Southwest YMCA's front desk.
After we completed our artwork, we went straight to lunch. These crafty, artistic children get hungry VERY quickly! They ate at a record speed today, I do believe. We then cleaned up our areas, took another bathroom break and went back to the room for nap time. There were a few children who listened so very well and were quiet every time they were asked. The counselors were so proud of those 5 children that they were able to stay back in the cafeteria to work on a special project while the others went ahead to get down for rest/nap time. We are really working hard to reward those who listen, follow directions quickly, help out others, respect others, show responsibility and are caring. We are so thankful that we have such a great group of children who already show these traits.
As many children were not able to get to sleep today, even after backs being scratched/patted, we got up a little early. Every one helped to pick up the mats and blankets so we could go take a bathroom break and get ready for water breaks/snack. Before we left the room the children all sat down to finish listening to the book we began earlier in the day. As the book ended, they lined up to go get snack.
The children did SUCH a great job with the field trip coming to us and have really been excited about "Christmas in July" all summer, that we have tried to go all out and bring out the Christmas music, the tree, some blow up yard items, making ornaments, writing letters to Santa, reading books AND we even got to watch A Christmas Charlie Brown this afternoon :-)
We do not do movies very often but I explained to the children how every holiday I always watched Charlie Brown shows with my dad and now it's become a tradition with my daughter and my dad too. They thought it was funny and kinda neat. Well, when we began reading the book I explained to them that we also had the movie and if they continued to have a good day that we might get to see the video later in the day. Most kept up their end of the deal, so we watched it. Some had to start the movie facing backwards but did join us after their few minutes of time out were over. They seemed to really enjoy it after reading the book first.
This week we have not had many posts on here due to a thumb injury of mine, sorry, I do apologize. I also had trouble getting online one night due to power issues. I am going to attempt to add some photos if the site will allow me to tonight. I will also do more of an overview of the week on Friday. Don't forget to wear Christmas colors on Friday to the "Christmas Brunch" and parents if you are joining the children for lunch~Please remember to bring your lunch with you. We do have the children's lunches provided but this week their are no lunches provided for any one other than the children. Next week we WILL have hot dogs, grilled chicken and ask you guys to bring a side :-) Have a great evening and we shall see you tomorrow.
Swimming tomorrow~swimming gear, extra clothing, underwear, sunscreen

No comments: