All I want for Christmas.

Are some strong, fine motor skills.

Some strong, fine motor skills.

Some strong, fine motor skills.

All I want for Christmas

Are some strong, fine motor skills,

So I can do my work!

Fine motor skills use smaller muscles to help the body complete tasks such as cutting, coloring, writing, and fastening clothing items to name a few. There are many toys designed to help strengthen those fine motor skills needed to help children not only with school activities, but also with day to day tasks.

Below are some pictures of just a few ideas of some toys that help to strengthen these smaller muscles:

A few other ideas not pictured are: tinker toys, paper dolls, baby dolls for the girls to undress and redress, and wooden puzzles.

A reminder.

Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes are due this Friday, October, 29. Check out this video of Julie's story to see for yourself the impact that your shoebox can have on the life a child.

God keeps His promises.

You may or may not know that every morning before the children arrive at school, the faculty at Heiskell are meeting together. Mr. Leatherman, our school chaplain, leads the teachers in a time of Bible study and prayer. Throughout the year, we systematically study scripture, taking each passage verse by verse. Just last week, we completed our study through the book of Revelation, and today, we started over in the New Testament with the book of Matthew. Like the gospel of Luke, Matthew begins with a genealogy of Christ. Mr. Leatherman led us to several Old Testament passages of scripture, where God begins to prepare His people for the coming Christ. He begins in Genesis with His covenant to Abraham. Later in the Old Testament, God makes a similar covenant with David, promising to David that his kingdom will last forever. We know that God is not speaking of an earthly kingdom, but of Jesus reigning forever and ever. Today, in my pre-kindergarten class, we looked in depth at the life of Abraham. We discussed how God promised Abraham and wife, Sarah, a son, and how God fulfilled his promise by giving Abraham and Sarah that promised son, Isaac. It is important to note that God always keeps his promises. For me, I was reminded two times today that God does, in fact, keep His promises. I was reminded in faculty devotions first thing this morning and again later with my pre-kindergarten class. Aren't you thankful for that truth today?

“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10

We are helpers!

At Heiskell, this is one of the very first verses that the children in our Builder's program memorize. Every grade level is responsible for memorizing Bible verses and learning about character traits each month. This month in pre-kindergarten, we are learning about being helpful and dependable. Today, before the children were able to line up for recess, they had to share an example of how they can be helpful at home. No one could say the same answer, either. Parents, I think you are going to like their responses:

• I can help feed the kitty cat.
• I can help sweep the porch.
• I can help wash the dishes.
• I can help wash the tables.
• I can help with the garbage.
• I can help clean my room.
• I can help change the sheets.
• I can help make my bed.
• I can help feed my dog.
• I can help vacuum.
• I can help wash the car.
• I can help fold the laundry.
• I can help load the dishwasher.
• I can help clean up my toys.
• I can help water the plants.
• I can help feed my fish.
• I can help sweep the floor.

Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm.

2 Corinthians 1:24

Books we are reading in October.

Operation Christmas Child.

Today, in your child's weekly folder, you will find information about Operation Christmas Child. Each year, at Heiskell, we ask families to participate in this incredible ministry of taking Jesus and God's love to the nations. My family participated in this special event last year. You can read more about our story here. Did you know that 20% of the children who receive shoe boxes ask Jesus into their hearts? Isn't that reason enough to pack a shoe box yourself? Check out this video if you need a little more convincing.

Will your family participate in blessing a child not only with a special gift for Christmas, but also with the love of Jesus?

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Matthew 28:19-20

Hiding God's Word in our hearts. (October)

Daily, we are learning to hide God's Word in our hearts. One of the most effective ways to do this is through memorizing God's Word. Each month your child will be responsible for learning Bible memory verses.

Bible Memory Verses for October:

"Even a child is known by his actions."

Proverbs 20:12

"I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

Psalm 139:14

To help your child learn their Bible memory verses, have them recite each verse on the way to school or at night just before bedtime.

Apple Crisp Recipe

Friday, each student brought in a sliced apple for our apple crisp. The children were so very excited to help me cook our treat. They eagerly watched as I added each ingredient, and they walked with me to and from the kitchen as we melted butter and placed our dish in the oven. What a fun experience this was for our class.

Here is the recipe we used (we doubled it for our purposes):

• 5 medium tart apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup quick cooking oats
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/3 cup water
• Arrange sliced apples in buttered 8 inch square dish.
• In a bowl, combine the sugars, flour, and oats.
• Stir in melted butter.
• Spread the mixture over the apples.
• Pour water evenly over the top.
• Bake in a 375 oven for 30 minutes, until apples are tender and top is nicely browned.
• Serve warm or cooled with ice cream or whipped cream.

Columbus Day

Today, in pre-kindergarten we talked about Christopher Columbus. I shared with the students that in 1492, he founded America. We discussed how he might have gotten to America from Europe. Their answers were too funny not to share. Here are some pre-kindergartners' ideas for how Columbus might have arrived in America:

• motorcycle
• walked
• ran
• cruise ship
• airplane
• giant bus
• horse
• car
• train
• bicycle

The children learned that he came in 3 ships: The Nina, The Pinta, and The Santa Maria. Quiz them today and see if they remember!

I pledge allegiance.

Every morning as we are beginning our day, we stand together and say our pledges to the American and Christian flags. Practice with your pre-kindergartner at home saying these pledges correctly. It's also a great way to make certain they know their right hand from their left hand, as well as where on their body their heart is located.

I pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag

and to the Savior for whose Kingdom it stands.

One Savior, crucified, risen, and coming again

with life and liberty to all who believe.

I'm a big brother!

This handsome fella became a big brother for the second time on Thursday, October 7, 2010. He is so excited about the newest member of his family. Please be in prayer for them as they adjust to life as a family of five!

Have you read it?

Written by John Rosemond, it is a must-read for those parenting children of all ages. Here's the best part, you don't have to look hard to find it either. You can pick up your copy today in the office of the pre-school. Also, check out this website to find out further information. If you still need a little convincing, here is a testimonial from a parent of one of my pre-kindergarten students. I think you will find her argument compelling.

Miss Heather, I love love love the book. It will be my Christmas present to all my friends

and family.

My son started doing chores. I asked him to transfer the laundry from the washer to

the dryer while I make my bed, so I wanted to share this picture with you.

Thanks, Miss Heather, I have already seen a change in my son since he started at

The Heiskell School.

Give us a hand.

We use our hands for so many things. In pre-kindergarten, we use our hands to draw, paint, get our teacher's attention, cut, write, play, clap, hold items, pray, and to do so many other neat things. You have probably noticed, we have used our hands recently for some craft projects as well. We painted our hands and made prints, and this week, we traced and cut out our hands to make elephants. (You will be able to see these very soon!) Something helpful that you can do at home with your pre-kindergartner is to trace their hands and have them practice cutting them out with scissors. I think you will find this to be a wonderful learning experience for you and your child.

Invite your friends.

Open House

Friday, October 8, 2010
9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.
Campus tour and orientation meeting

The Heiskell School’s accelerated academic program and its focus on building Godly character have had a life-changing impact in the lives of children for more than 60 years.

Preschool • Elementary • Junior High
Two Years through 8th Grade
Call 404-262-2233
www.heiskell.net
3260 Northside Drive, NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30305

Saddle up your horses.

We've got a trail to blaze!

Check out these cute cowboys and cowgirls ready to hit the trails!