Music - Seven Jumps Dance

Patterns are everywhere!! 1st grade have begun to create their own pattern using letters, shapes and even music.   It is interesting to see all the patterns that are used in dance. We had so much fun with this dance, you could even ask your child to teach it to you...

Group A

                                           

Group B

Clay Radiant Suns

The first graders have been engaged in an exploration of one of their favorite art room materials: clay! In our first session, the first grade artists had the opportunity to play with clay, rehearsing manipulative skills, creating shapes, coils and whatever they could dream up. In our second session, the artists learned the vocabulary words score and slip, which are techniques to join the clay together.

After looking at the inspirational images of Mexican Metepec clay suns, we got to work creating our own clay suns. We can't wait to see what they look like when they come out of the kiln and we get to add beautiful glaze decorations!

Extended Day Spring Enrichment

The Extended Day Enrichment Program at AFS is offering two fantastic courses this spring.  Please read below about the two programs being offered.  If you are interested in signing up for a course, please contact Beverly Weems or Danielle Benner.  

Visit this link to our brochure for program costs and additional 
registration information:  

http://www.abingtonfriends.net/LowerSchool/ExtendedDayProgram

Spring Soccer

Grades: K— 2, Wednesdays
Dates: April 9 – May 28

In this program, children will learn the basic rules and concepts of
the game of soccer in a fun and enthusiastic setting. Using theme
based games, we will focus on the core skills of the game. Coach Drew’s program will help children develop proper dribbling and shooting techniques; practice sportsmanship; and hone in on children’s ability to listen and follow directions. Children will
improve their ball handling skills, game awareness, speed and
agility in a fun yet challenging environment.

Intermediate Chess
 

Grades: K - 6, Thursdays
Spring: April 10 –May 29

Do you want to learn how to apply chess thinking throughout your life? Chess presents a fun
way to learn how to think strategically, mathematically, and creatively. Students will learn individually and, as a group, the best ways to take their chess game to the next level. This course does have a requirement of first completing the Chess for Beginners course or other prior Chess experiences. 

Save the Date for Science Night!

Science Night will be coming up soon, on April 10th.  

There will be lots of science presentations, hands-on experiments and student work to see.

Save the date for this all-school event that celebrates science learning at AFS!

Woodmere Art Museum Student Show

I am delighted to announce that artwork by every first grader will be included in the Abington Friends School's upcoming exhibit at the Woodmere Art Museum in Chestnut Hill.

We will present "Intersections: Exploring the Social Impact of Art" in the Hellen Millard Children's Gallery, a special exhibition space within the museum. This show is comprised of work from all school divisions and promises to be a rich and beautiful illustration of our school's focus on creative expression and socially conscious art.

Please join us in celebrating your child's achievement at the opening reception on March 16th, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the Woodmere Museum, where we will enjoy some light refreshments.

The Woodmere Art Museum is located at 9201 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19118. More information about visiting is available at www.woodmereartmuseum.org

Celebrating the Birthday of Dr. Seuss

This month many libraries are celebrating the birthday of Dr. Seuss. He was born on March 2, 1904. His books are as enjoyable today as when they were first published. A number of his books have been made into movies. The following is a paragraph from an email I received, written by Carrie Turner, the librarian of the Elkins Park Library. This celebration to be held on this coming Thursday evening is sure to be a treat for first graders and any younger siblings as well.

We are hosting a celebration of Dr. Seuss and reading for all ages on Thursday, March 6 @ 7 pm at the Elkins Park branch.  Monica Carnesi, author/illustrator of Little Dog Lost will be featured along with a Dr. Seuss Trivia Game Show, Seuss-y songs, treats and take-away craft and goody bags.  Be sure to bring your rhyming words!

I have included a link to a list of Dr. Seuss books. A fun home project for this still cold and snowy March is to read a number of these books. They will cause your first grader and the rest of your family to laugh. You will also find yourself inspired to play rhyming games as a family. This important skill that strengthens reading and spelling is fun and enjoyable.
http://www.seussdude.com/list-books.html