Star Student and Grandparent school participation — we got us a hoot

Birthdays mean Star Student at Escuela Grupe in Bella Vista, so guess who was star student in Miss Daniela's 4 year olds class?  Raleigh had previously completed a profile of his family including Deuce, Derby, and Clinton too.  He then had to present the profile in class and was also called upon to introduce his Grannandy and Granmama (current pronunciations).   

The class was pretty attentive, they had just completed "play period" so they were ready for "academics." And a part of Star Student day is the parental units are called upon to have a little program. Well Jen saw two potential volunteers and well you know what came next.

Patt and I spent the previous day cutting out little bear ears, noses and eyes, shopping paper plate heads and I practiced reading Going on a Bear Hunt.  I also practiced sounds and hand motions. You know the story, We're going on a bear hunt.  ….  We come upon a river.  We can't go over it….  we can go under it, we have to go through it …..splish splash and so on. About umpteen barriers to go through - great plot, story and action.

Miss Daniela translated a little as I "read / dramatically told / acted / the story while seated on the floor in front of the circle of kids. Not sure just how many knew English, (all who spoke to me spoke to me in Spanish, ie.  "Yo soy Raleigh amigo  Me llama Pablo"  "Sofia").  Those are the sentences I understood.

Then Patt provided the cutouts and gave instructions which were acted upon by teacher and helper as students colored and glued. Adults and kids went to work - with mom Jennifer in the midst beside Raleigh.  This next photo is out of order but does capture the work ethic of the class.

Note spindly legged guy in middle, he applied lots of glue and sorted ears from noses and provided encouragement.

Later spindly legged guy was glad to see an opportunity to let the ebb of the action flow past him.

Not flattering pose, but Patt sure captured the feeling. It was a good, but glad it was over, feeling. Note Raleigh's head.  He seems to really like the school, but likes his Mama better, so after activity time, there was no way he was staying in school with Mom leaving.

The entertainment value of the day was very high. Wish you all could have been there. One of those sights AND sounds you have to sort of experience. Glad we got to do it.

 That is Pablo under the table. He, Sofia, and Philipe especially seemed to follow the story.  Pablo and Sofia also worked hard on making their bears. Philipe also really liked Patt and sat next to her and held her hand as I read the story.

Group photo— we tried several - 

Jen never would pay attention.