Oh Jennie Jenkins!

Last weekend was a nice, relaxing one (just the kind that I like!) and, with all the time I spent on the couch, I was able to put together some felt shapes for a song we sing in class. The words are about Jennie Jenkins who won't wear white because it's too bright...won't wear red because it's the color of her head...won't wear green because it's a shame to be seen...purple because it's the color of her turtle...black because it's the color of her sack. It's a fun song to sing and, after the kids learned it, it was nice to sing it with some illustration. Leah gave me the Jennie (who is actually a felt Madeline doll from the Madeline books) and I cut out and designed all the dresses (I know, I think I missed my calling!). Oh and the turtle. I figured if we were singing something as dumb as a purple/turtle rhyme, I better go ahead and make the turtle too! Her black sack turned into a black purse and voila! we have a story board. Leah had helped me make the felt board several months ago but I wasn't inspired to make any shapes until this song came along. As I sing the words, I put the dresses over her and as she rejects each color, I put them all around her. The kids informed me after the last time through it that they would like to do that job from now on, so I guess that's what we'll do!

Granny, I think you'll recognize the little green chair that I have in my room. I can't remember if I showed you that I put Mrs. Fox's chair in the classroom already or not, so, since the camera was out, I snapped a picture just in case! This is getting run-on-sentency because it is late at night (9:30!!!!!!!!) and apparently that's past the point of coherency. So, behold the artwork:

Amherst friends (if you're still reading...Elaine..) you can see the poster on my board above the bookshelf. It's the Star Spangled Banner. And we say the pledge everyday too...Amherst wouldn't make it in WA! ;)