Over the past few weeks, the finches have been engaging in many meaningful activities and seasonal celebrations. We began by celebrating Diwali and learning more about it. The children enjoyed creating colourful decorations and discovering the traditions behind this special festival. As we moved closer to the end of October, the group also prepared Halloween decoration and worked together organizing our party.
Our ice-skating season has been a wonderful experience for everyone. Finches have shown great progress and confidence on the ice. We completed our final session which make everyone little sad because they want go every week.
We also prepared a warm and thoughtful father`s day celebration. Everybody worked hard to create a special afternoon for all the dads and grandparents. We also went on our first long trip to the Raatikko Tanssiteatteri to see the Hämärinkäinen Christmas performance, and it was a wonderful experience that all the children enjoyed.
As the season changed the days have grown darker and colder. We have continued to enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities. We have been practicing fine motor skills through cutting, sewing, colouring and creating new decorations. Our classroom becoming everyday more festive as we prepare for Christmas.
We welcomed the last month of the year, December, with great excitement. We received a special package from Rovaniemi, where inside, we found a surprise from our dear Santa. It was a letter and an Elf helper. The letter explained why Santa has sent him to us. His name was very long and difficult to pronounce, so Santa suggested the Finches could choose a new name for him. Everybody gave ideas and decided to call him Glitter. Now we need to send him back before the 24th of December so he could spend Christmas with Santa. The Finches welcomed Glitter with happy and excited faces and gave him our doll house to help him feel at home. Every morning, the Finches are eager to see what he will bring us as part of our Christmas calendar. Because he hides somewhere in the classroom every day, all the Finches have to go and look for him as soon as they arrive. This is how our Christmas calendar continues throughout December.
In December, the Finches also celebrated Finland’s Independence Day. We organized our own small gala party to mimic the real Independence Day broadcast. The Finches took turns to greet the teachers just like the president greets his guests on television. We also baked the cake to mark the day. We also sang happy birthday to Finland, which the children enjoyed very much.
Next week will be our Christmas party, and the finches have been practicing their Christmas songs. We also went downstairs to follow Glitter`s suggestion for Christmas caroling, and it was a wonderful experience for the whole group.
It has been an amazing journey from August until now, filled with learning, joy and growth. We look forward to seeing everyone again after the new year. Until then, we wish all our families a peaceful and happy holiday season.
