A Little Off the Top

On May 21, one old catalpa tree that had died was cut down and the other three were trimmed of their dead branches.  Though the trees shaded our playground, they had become a hazard.  One tree had been struck by lightning and one branch was hanging over the swings.  With all the dead branches removed, the trees will hopefully regain some health and continue to shade the area for several more years.

The tree trimmers left a low stump and several logs from the tree so the children can see what a tree looks like on the inside, count the tree rings and watch as the logs begin to age and decay.  In the meantime, the logs have become new pieces of playground equipment for the children to enjoy.

Parents had raised funds for the tree trimming through the sale of caramel apples last fall.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

The children in Room 4 have been using their green thumbs to beautify the entrance of the building with perennials and plant vegetables for use in the meals and snacks.

Through a grant from CLOCC (The Coalition to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children), Lutheran Day was able to purchase 'Earth Boxes' to grow organic vegetables.  Currently, we have 7 containers planted with cucumbers, peppers, and egg plant.  Tomatoes and green beans have been planted in the front of the building.  Children will water the plants and help to harvest as the fruit ripens.  Studies show that children are more likely to eat vegetables  when they participate in growing them.

Celebrating Young Children

Each year, Lutheran Day observes the Week of the Young Child.  This year's activities were held each day the week of April 20-24, 2009.  Children enjoyed special crafts, a visit from "Officer Friendly" of the Chicago Police Department, an afternoon of kite flying and more.  On Tuesday, April 21, families gathered for our annual Pot Luck and Talent Show.  In addition to an all-school choir, several brave individual children performed a song or recited a poem for the parents and relatives.  Watch for a gallery of pictures of the event coming soon.

The Family That Reads Together...

On March 17, 2009, families enjoyed an evening of reading activities featuring the books of Dr. Seuss (his birthday is in March) at our First Annual Family Reading Night.  Children and their parents read "The Foot Book," "Green Eggs and Ham," "One Fish, Two Fish" and others.  Families were also introduced to "GROW,"  a new eco-friendly  book by Logan Square author Alyson Beaton.  One lucky family received their own autographed copy of the book.  

Studies show that young children who are read to on a daily basis develop strong reading readiness skills and become life-long readers.  At Lutheran Day, we take literacy seriously and we make reading a family affair. 

 

In addition to our Family Reading Night, the children in Room 4 participated in Book It, a national reading program that rewards children for reading books.