Fiber-rush baskets

Jennie will teach how to make these baskets of fiber rush (paper fiber), which doesn't need to be soaked like wicker basketry, and it comes in many colors!

March 23 and 30, 2017 (two sessions per basket) 
$18 materials fee ~ contact the School Store by 3/3 to register!

We will use 5/32" diameter rush, which is sold by weight. One medium basket probably uses 1 lb of rush, so it's fun to get a couple of colors and share. You can bring your own materials or order from the School Store (use the email address at the bottom of that page if you don't see a specific link). If you know a local source, please let me know; otherwise, The Caning Shop http://www.caning.com/html/product/FIRUSHC.html in Berkeley, CA is the only source I've found for the colored rush. (Craft brown and yellow are widely available and less expensive.)

Valentines with young children

Valentines for classmates in early childhood can be very basic, and are not too difficult to have the children make themselves. Making enough for all the children and the teachers in the class may feel like a lot, and it's not required. It's definitely not something to lose sleep over! But it can be fun if you have a little time and just a few materials. If you don't have materials, ask your Class Parent for suggestions.

A few ideas:

Painted hearts 

Have your child paint a few paintings, or use some you already have, and cut into heart shapes (adult or child). For the child to cut, the paper can't be too thick or it's too difficult. 

Potato stamp (see photos)

Potato cut in half, cut out a shape with a cookie cutter and stamp with paint on paper, either large paper to cut into hearts or squares or already-cut valentine size.  

Sew paper

You or your child can hole-punch around the edge of a colored paper shape and then sew with yarn -- with big holes and big yarn no needle required. 

Special pens, crayons, or glitter on paper or cloth

Collage

Glue small pieces or paper onto a larger heart shape, etc. 

Valentines are preferably homemade and simple. Please do not address them to individual children as it is so much easier for each child to give everyone a card without needing to figure out which one is meant for whom. Children can of course write their own name on their cards if they wish.

Planting bulbs

In honor of the Jewish festival Tu Bishvat, the "new year of trees" and celebration of trees and plants as we look toward the hope of Spring's growth, we will be planting bulbs in containers to grow now. Tu Bishvat is on January 20, 2019.

Thursday, January 17, 2019 we will have small stones and some bulbs; please bring bulbs and a bowl, jar, or flower pot for yourself or to contribute to a classroom at the school.