Next semester?!

Hello All!  Well, after a couple weeks of trying to find a space, it looks like there will be no class this fall/winter.  The new principal of Parkside and I will remain in communication in case a room opens up that will work for our class.  I will continue to look into other places as well.
I am missing you all and hope you are all well and happy!  I'll keep this blog up as a way for you all to remain in contact too.
Hopefully I will update you all with good news soon as I am so saddened not to be teaching and playing this semester.  Until then, I send well wishes to you all and your precious children.

love,
Teacher Elizabeth

Playclass Update

Hello Everyone!

I hope you're all enjoying a nice summer.  Our summer has flown by!  Since I've last seen you, my family has survived a month of HORRIBLE coughing and a month long trip to visit family in Washington, D.C., Mystic Conn. and Louisville, KY.  We're now relaxing for the next week and a half until the girls start school.

A couple of weeks ago the new principal of Parkside and I finally connected face to face.  She is a lovely woman who really wants to help our class.  HOWEVER, Parkside teachers really feel that our class being there in the LGI classroom impedes on their freedom to use it when they need it on a last minute basis (like having P.E. in there on rainy days.)  While it is a hurdle for us, I empathize with the teachers!  So, we are currently looking for a new location to have our Learn Through Play Class.  I would very much appreciate ALL ideas including churches you may belong to, other rooms you've seen etc.  Unfortunately, we can't use rooms in libraries on a consistent basis since we aren't part of the Peninsula Library System.  Please let me know as soon as possible.  I am confident we'll find something that works, I'm just hoping it is quick!  Please check the blog as I will keep you updated with current changes.

I can't wait to see all of you.  I will miss those of you with "bigger" kids and please come by when there is a school vacation etc. for your child.  Talk to you soon.

-Elizabeth
eceaser@gmail.com

Monday, 6/30, last class

I look forward to seeing you all in a couple of hours!
Like Monday, we will start a bit late, 9:15-9:30 as I'm still caring for Ian (whose dad/caretaker is in China!)

See you soon.
Elizabeth

Last class, June 30th :(

Hello Everyone!

Please come join us at Parkside tomorrow for the last class of summer.  The weather is supposed to be nice so we'll have a couple of fun art projects, outside play and say farewell until the fall semester begins, Monday, AUGUST 29th.

Please continue to check the blog as I will post "park dates" or instruct you how to, so you all can continue to meet up and socialize.  I also will be posting the link for some of the hand outs I've given in class for those of you who missed them re:  safe sunscreens and fun things to do with kids in the bay area.

Hope to see you tomorrow!  Otherwise, enjoy the rest of summer and I look forward to seeing you at the end of August!
-Elizabeth

Monday, 6/27

We will have normal class at Parkside today, probably with snack outside after circle time, for some early outside fun!
Class will start A BIT LATE, 9:30 today, because I'm bringing my little friend Ian again and therefore have to pick him up etc.

Thanks,
Elizabeth

Play class for Thurs. 6/23

We will have normal, crazy, fun class at Parkside on Thurs, 6/23

A couple of announcements:
As you may have noticed on Monday, I have developed a pretty bad cough and am feeling a bit low on energy.  HOWEVER, I want you all to know(and forgot to mention Monday) that I checked with my M.D. and was assured that viruses are only contagious for the first couple of days(which was last weekend for me) and mostly even pre-symptoms.  I just want to reassure you that I would never put your kids or you in harms' way!  I really don't want to have to cancel class since we've had a few "park days" lately.

On that note, this semester has been much better in terms of only a few "cancelled" classes last minute and only a handful of necessary planned park trips.  I was feeling encouraged that Parkside's  principal was catching on.  However, as some of you know, I've recently learned that Lynn Gurnee (Parkside's principal) will be retiring and a new principal will be starting when they return to school Aug. 1st.  Unfortunately, due to the fact that we are at Parkside's mercy since they share the room with us for free, it seems that next week will have to be the last week of classes until after the summer break (starting back up Aug. 29th.)
It makes me very disappointed just as I was last summer, with the last minute realization that we cannot have summer classes.  I love the freedom of being outside more in the summer and having free reign of the playgrounds :)  However, I'm looking forward to beginning a positive relationship with the new principal and hopefully once again having continuity of classes, hopefully into next summer!  I apologize for this change since we all were planning on class through July.  Unfortunatley, because of the guidelines of the class, it doesn't suffice to have class at a park "every class."  However, I will post a park schedule for the group of you to continue to socialize until class resumes at the end of August.
I hope to see you Thursday and we'll have a great last week next (June 27-July1)week!
-Elizabeth

Monday, June 20th

Hello Everyone!

The plan is to have normal class at Parkside!
Hope to see you there!
-Elizabeth

Thursday, June 16

Hello!
We will have class at Ryder Park Playground on Thursday, 6/16.  We will meet there at 9:30.
Our other class days for the next couple of weeks are all clear for our regular class.  So, come play and we can all enjoy the sunshine together!
Also, there is "water play" at this park so you may want to bring x-tra clothes!
Hope to see you there.  Otherwise, I'll see you Monday, 6/20 at Parkside.

Thanks,
Elizabeth

Monday, 6/13

Hello Everyone.
I'm sorry we had to have a class change last Thursday, although we ended up having a wonderful morning at the park!
As of now, we should be able to have normal class at Parkside.
Unfortunately, someone wrote in some dates after I reserved the room for our class and checked with their scheduling.  Once again, we just have to be grateful for the use of their room, although it can be very frustrating!
Anyway, Monday, June 13 still had us only on the schedule as of Thursday.  If anything is different when I arrive in the morning, I'll borrow a phone and post it ASAP here on the blog.  June seems to be a crazy month for Parkside as is true for most schools at the end of the year.
Thanks,
Elizabeth

Monday 6/6

Hello Everyone!
We will be having class as usual on Monday, June 6th.  My girls are out of school so will be joining me for the rest of this semester.  Unfortunately, Nina has a fever and my husband is out of town.  I'll put her in a corner to rest w/a book etc. so your kids won't be exposed.  We might just end class a bit early for her sake and because it is supposed to rain, so most likely won't have our outside time!

Hope to see you all tomorrow!
-Elizabeth

See you next week!

Hello Everyone.
I hope you all enjoyed a nice, long weekend for Memorial Day.
Parkside is in fact using their room one more day tomorrow(Thurs, 6/2) and I'm going to use the morning to do a workshop to catch up on some units.
So, we will have regular class on Monday (6/6) and actually will have class continually, Mondays and Thursdays with July 4th being the only holiday.  It also looks like they should all be "normal" classes unless something comes up with Parkside.

For those of you who'd like to see friends tomorrow, maybe you could all meet at the 10:30 Foster City library story time?
See you Monday!
-Elizabeth

Laurelwood/Sugarloaf park today, 5/26!

The address of the park where we will meet is:
3471 Glendora Dr
San Mateo, CA 94403


It is a big park, so let's meet at the playground area, I'll be there by 9:30.  Please bring your own snack, I'll bring a tablecloth for the picnic table.
It looks like the sun is coming out so bundle up, and let's enjoy some outside play time!


Monday is a holiday, so NO PLAY CLASS 5/30.


Thanks,
Elizabeth

Monday, May 16th

We will have normal class at Parkside Elementary School on Monday, 5/16.

Classes will be held as usual also for Thursday,  May 19th, and Monday 5/23.

On Thursday, May 26th, class will meet at Laurelwood/Sugarloaf park @9:45 because Parkside will be using the big room.  Please bring your own snack that day.  Please refer to the following link for directions/info. for the park.

www.cityofsanmateo.org/exploreou...

Thanks.  I look forward to seeing you all soon!  Also, I have printed off a huge pile of registration forms and class info. for you new friends.  I can't figure out how to post them here for you to print!

Thanks,
Teacher Elizabeth

Thursday, May 12

Hello Everyone.
We will be having class at Parkside tomorrow, but will start class a bit later, at 9:30.  I'm bringing my toddler friend, Ian, and have to drop my girls, pick him up/get his stuff and come on down.
Hope to see you tomorrow!

-Elizabeth

Learn Through Play (class schedule)

Hello Everyone and welcome to many new friends!  At "Play Class" we enjoy playing with toys, interacting with other children and talking with and learning from the other parents.  I am also here not only to facilitate class and provide activities, but as a resource to answer questions, help solve problems or to provide education.
Our schedule:
Mondays and Thursdays, 9-12 in the LGI of Parkside Elementary. You are welcome to come and leave however suits you and your child/children the best, whether it be every class or once a month, for all three hours or for one.  Please use the following schedule as a reference to when you'd like to arrive.
9-10:20-  Free play/ project time
10:20-10:30- circle/singing time
10:30- group snack
open play inside /chalk, water play, and ball time outside the classroom
11:10-clean up time
11:20-11:30- parachute/goodbye circle (we need to be out of the big room by 11:30 for Parkside's lunch preparation.)


I look forward to seeing you all soon.
-Elizabeth

Happy Mother's Day!

I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow for a normal class.....finally!
 -Elizabeth

My car :(

Hello Everyone.

I'm so sorry to tell you that I just went to my car to take girls to school and drive to San Mateo and my Volvo (which I just picked up yesterday from car shop) isn't starting.  I tried jumping it w/my neighbor's cables and still no go.

I hate to have to cancel last minute and I hope you get this! Ok, off to walk my girls to school.

Thanks and sorry.
-Elizabeth

Monday, April 18th

Hello Everyone.

We will be having class as usual at Parkside on Monday, 4/18.  Class will start a bit later, approx. 9:30 b/c I will be bringing my girls AND the little 2 yr. old I take care of 2 days a week (whom I have to pick up and perhaps feed.)  So, sort of a crazy morning on my end :)
We will be decorating spring cookies and I hope to see you tomorrow!

Also, our family just decided that we will indeed be heading up north to Ukiah for some rest and relaxation since it is my girls' spring break.  Therefore, there will be no class this Thursday, 4/21.
I WILL be back for class on Monday, 4/25.

I look forward to seeing you all soon!
-Elizabeth

Week of Monday, April 11

Hello Everyone!
Class will be at Parkside today, and yes, INSIDE!
Hope to see you there.

Also, on Tuesday, April 12th, j
There will be a fundraiser for Japan relief at 11:45 with food, drinks music and more.
It will be held at the Adult School (SMACE) campus.

Spring Break 4/4-4/8

Hello Everyone!
I hope you're all enjoying this beautiful sunshine!  Thank you to all of you who were flexible and willing to play outside at Parkside last week!

This week is spring break for Parkside, which means no classes.
Class will resume on Monday, 4/11.

Thanks!
Elizabeth

Monday, March 28

Class at Parkside today!
Hope to see you there!

Class tomorrow, 3/21

Hello Everyone.
Class tomorrow, Monday 3/21, will be at Parkside in our normal classroom.
Thursday 3/24, Parkside is using the room so I've scheduled us to have class at Ryder park.  Unfortunately, it looks like the weather continues to be wet through the week. 
So, NO RYDER PARK Thursday.  Instead, we'll meet at Belmont library.  That way, if the rain clears up or it isn't too wet, we can play at the adjoining playground.  Otherwise, we can enjoy the 10:30 storytime and visit there.
Thanks for your patience with all of these days Parkside has needed the room.  As of now, there aren't any days in April.  (We'll see!)
Another date to mark on your calanders is spring break, April 4-8th.  The Adult School office is open but no classes that week.
I look forward to seeing you soon.
-Elizabeth

The tragedy in Japan...

We have many classmates who have come to us from Japan or have family in Japan.  I want to let those friends know that you are in my thoughts and I am sending well wishes for your loved ones who may be affected by what is going on in Japan.  I hope our class/friends can be of support.
My friend directed me to Zazzle (a fun, design-your-own t-shirt site) which is donating $ to Japan relief:
http://www.zazzle.com/japan+relief+gifts

I hope to see you all Thursday at Parkside.

Love,
Elizabeth

Monday, March 14

Hello Everyone!

So, tomorrow is one of the days that Parkside needs to use our room this month.  So, we are scheduled to meet at Cassanova Playground, 4012 Casanova Drive, San Mateo, CA 94403, at 10:00.  We will play, have snack and I will do one goodbye/parachute circle @11:30ish.
Hopefully, the weather will cooperate!  If not, we can meet at Redwood Shores Library (unfortunately the Hillsdale branch doesn't open until 1:00!) 399 Marine Pkwy
Redwood City, CA 94065-5236, at 10:00.
I could stand for some outside play and sunshine, so cross your fingers!
In case you don't join me at the park, class will be as usual on Thursday.
Thanks,
Elizabeth 

Monday, March 8

We will have class in our regular classroom tomorrow at Parkside.
However, class will start at 9:30 rather than 9:00 b/c I have to pick up my car from the mechanic after walking my girls to school, before driving to San Mateo.
Hope to see you tomorrow.
I'm off to make playdough!
-Elizabeth

Thursday, March 3rd

Hi Everyone.

We had an AMAZING class on Monday with so many "regulars" returning as well as fun new friends!

This Thursday, March 3rd, Parkside is having their picture day and will be using the room we normally use.  Since the weather looked potentially rainy, we will meet at FOSTER CITY library instead.  There is a fun story time at 10:30 and/or I can read books and will have a simple (non-messy) project.

Thank you once again for your flexibility!  This month I'll be focusing on reading, language and literacy for 0-3 yr. olds.  I'll have some hand outs at class, although much prefer to post them here to save paper etc.  Unfortunately, I am a bit technologically challenged, so have to wait a couple more weeks until my husband returns to the country to fix our scanner!  Hope to see you Thursday!

-Elizabeth

Thursday, February 24th

Hello Everyone.

Unfortunately, I just got home to a message from Parkside explaining that they are using the big LGI room tomorrow morning for a Life Skills assembly.  So, we cannot have usual class as I had planned :(
Also, the weather says there is a high chance of rain.  So, I guess we should plan on meeting at the Redwood Shores library, 399 Marine Parkway, for the 10:30 story time.  I'll be there at 10:00 for chatting and snack etc.
I'm sorry  to have to start the semester like this!
Hope to see you tomorrow.  I checked in with Parkside and the room is available for the weeks to come for regular class.


Thanks,
Elizabeth

NO Play class Monday, Feb.21

Monday is Presidents' Day.  Therefore, Adult School's office is closed and there are no classes.

We will resume regular class on Thursday, Feb. 24th

Thanks,
Elizabeth

class for Feb.17, at library

Hello Everyone!  Tomorrow, Thursday 2/17, we will meet for the 10:30 story time at Belmont library.  The library is located at 1110 Alameda de las Pulgas
Belmont, CA 94002
Map

If it isn't raining, we'll meet at the park right next to the library, around 10:00 for snack and play time.  Hope to see you there.

Thanks,

Elizabeth

Class at Parkside Thursday, Feb.10th!

Hello Everyone.

I'm back from Germany and therefore, we will have class tomorrow in our regular room.
It is a new semester now, so please bring a check for $30, and I have a huge stack of registration forms!
We will have a great semester, and as of now, there are no dates that we have to cancel or change!  And, I don't have any crazy European vacations planned!  Hope you all enjoyed a good couple of weeks.

Elizabeth

Class for Thursday, February 3rd

Hello Everyone.
I'm writing to you from Germany, where we're enjoying a great trip and adventure!
I'm sorry to hear that there was a mix up last week regarding class.  I'm assuming it was those of you who we missed at classes the week before I left?  Anyway, I'm sorry for the confusion for you and Teacher Cynthia, the substitute.  She was posting in the comments section as we discussed.

Anyway, this week Thursday, she'll be meeting you at http://curiodyssey.org/ 
which used to be Coyote Point museum, at 10:00 a.m.  Any details that she needs to add will be in the "comments" section.  Please check.

I will see you for normal class at Parkside, next week Thursday, Feb. 10th.

 There will be NO CLASS Feb. 7th.

Take care.

Elizabeth

Martin Luther King Jr. holiday

In observance of MLK Jr.'s birthday, Adult School's office is closed and there are NO classes on Jan 17.

Hope to see you this Thursday, Jan 13th!

Activity ideas for fun at home!

• Make an indoor "sandbox" out of a sturdy box and fill it w/rice...ideal for hiding small objects or making roads for little cars
• Find old pennies around the house, mix vinegar and salt together and let the children use it on an old cloth to polish the pennies.
• Decorate an old box to make a play house, cut out windows etc. can be for their dolls or if big enough, for them!
• make bowling pins out of used (cleaned) juice cans or eight ounce plastic bottles.
• Use an old, clear shower curtain or large piece of paper, make a street map with local places your child visits, fun with their vehicles!
• Save your junk mail and put it in an old shoebox.  Children will love opening their letters, using a pen to "write" on the letters and often will find stickers or promotions to stick on the letters.
• Make a "guess" box of an old shoe box, oatmeal box etc. and take turns putting in a small object, giving clues and then guessing what is hidden in the box
• Have inside picnics on the floor!

ART:

• Play dough recipe

2cups flour, 2 cups water, 1cup salt, 3 tablespoons oil, 4 teaspoons cream of tarter

add food coloring to water prior to mixing, then add all of the ingredients together and cook, at medium heat, until sticky and gathers in a big lump.  Cool and knead out lumps.

• Cereal necklaces
• nature collages (collect leaves, pebbles, sticks etc. and glue onto the back of finished cereal box, or thicker paper. Prior to project you can make a "scavenger hunt" list of nature things to find on a walk, then go home and make collage from your findings.
• cut out pictures from used magazines or catalogues and make collages or "photo books."
• Fun faces w/food (quarter an apple putting flat side down on cookie sheet.  use cream cheese to stick raisins for eyes, cut wedge for mouth and halve grapes to be little legs.  Be creative to make many other creatures :)
• cut up old sponges into shapes and "sponge paint" w/ washable tempura paint (available at Walgreens, Target)
• water down tempura paint in an old pie pan or yogurt container, cut a disposable straw in half and have child put watery paint on paper w/ dropper and then blow threw straw for a "splatter paint" effect
• use shaving cream (non-menthol, because it can burn) on a try or plastic cutting board at a table.  child can hide small plastic animals in it, "paint w/it" and it is easy to clean up!