Bush Elementary Parent Notes
May 15th, 2020
Wrapping Up the Year
Belongings Pick-Up
We will have student belongings that were left in the building ready to be picked up next week, May 18th-21st. Distribution times are 11-1 or 3-5.
May 18th, Last Names A-F
May 19th, Last Names G-L
May 20th, Last Names M-R
May 21st, Last Names S-Z
Families with multiple last names, come at the most convenient of the scheduled time above.
You should pull up to the front drive (closest to the building), let the staff know your child's name and they can either put your items in the vehicle or hand through the window. Please stay in your vehicle.
If you have questions, don't hesitate to email.
Cats Cradle String Game
The object of cat's cradle is to pass the string back and forth as many times as possible, keeping the cat’s cradle intact.
Here’s how to play the cat’s cradle string game:
- Tie the ends of a 4-foot string together, forming a circle.
- One player puts both hands through the circle, then stretches out the string and holds firmly under their thumbs
- The same player then loops each side of the string around their hand.
- The player then extends their middle finger on one hand and tucks it under the string on their other hand, pulling tightly.
- The same movement is repeated using the middle finger of the other hand.
- If done correctly, there will be 2 X’s formed on both sides of a loop (or cat’s cradle) in the middle of the string.
- Player two then pinches both X’s simultaneously with both thumbs and forefingers, pulling the X’s up tautly
- Player two then pushes the pinched X’s between the outside strings.
- As player two is bringing the X’s through outside strings, they gently lift and pull the entire string. Player one should slowly work their hands free of the cat’s cradle at the same time, passing the puzzle into the other player’s hands.
- If done correctly, when passed from player one to player two, the cat’s cradle should look just like it did in step 6.
What do kids learn from playing cat’s cradle? You probably think the biggest thing kids would learn from cat’s cradle is creative problem-solving. And while you would be right (cat’s cradle is like a puzzle made of string!), it’s not the only skill kids learn by playing this simple game.
Games like cat’s cradle help improve children’s hand-eye coordination and help strengthen the small muscles in the hands and fingers - which kids use when writing, using scissors and performing other small motor tasks. It’s also a fun way for kids to learn patience, practice giving and taking direction, and create a wonderful memory with the parent or caregiver who teaches them how to play!