Kinder News
Volume 2 - Issue 5
Friday September 26, 2008
Weekly Happenings
•Apples: This week we began our study of apples. We will continue learning about apples, in a variety of subject areas, in the coming weeks.
oMath: We sorted apples by color and size. We tasted the apples, then graphed our favorite tasting apples.
oScience: We made a chart about the things we think we know about apples, and what we’d like to learn. We made a large pictorial of an apple and it’s parts. Then students cut and pasted labels onto their own personal apple, labeling the parts (stem, core, meat, skin, seeds). Ask your child which part of the apple you do not eat.
oSocial Studies: We learned about a family owned apple farm and all of the roles that members of a family participate in to help it run smoothly.
•Literacy Centers: This week we began our weekly Literacy Center rotations. Each week 5 literacy centers will be introduced, and through a daily rotation, students will have the chance to complete all reading and writing related tasks. This week students explored magnetic letters, completed a matching exercise with colors, completed the book Paint Ponies, completed name puzzles, and practiced their writing on wipe of strips. Ask your child which their favorite was.
•Math: We worked on sorting. Students sorted with a variety of objects: linking cubes, apples, and even ourselves (boys/girls, those with stripes/without stripes). Practice sorting household items.
•Fire Drill/Bus Evacuation: We had our first fire drill. Students practiced lining up and walking out to the playground silently. Our class was very successful and we had some interesting conversations focusing on fire safety and accident prevention. We also saw a presentation featuring Buster the Bus and practiced exiting the bus using an Emergency Exit.
•P.E.: We got together with Miss Casellini’s and began our P.E. We stretched, did a warm up lap, and played Duck, Duck, Goose. Our classes played together, and split into individual classes.
•Walk-A-Thon: Today we met up with our buddies, we walked a lap with them and carried the banner for our country (Ethiopia). Hope you all enjoy the dinner and silent auction after school.
Notes and Reminders
Conferences: Beginning October 6th are parent/teacher conferences. Please remember that dismissal all week is at 1:10. Also, please be punctual as I have scheduled most conferences back to back. Also please remember that these conferences are for the parents and teacher, so please make arrangements for your children.
Parent Volunteers: Thank you once again for your enthusiastic response. I have emailed the rough draft and volunteers will begin next week at your scheduled time. Remember that when you are volunteering you must check in through the office and have an up-to-date TB test on file. Thank you again! (If you are unable to make it to volunteer, please contact me)
Wanted Items: I am still looking to start some sorting boxes in my classroom. If you have any of the following items lying around your house that you wouldn’t mind sending in with your child, I would greatly appreciate it: bread tags, beads, shells, old keys, shaped erasers, container lids, metal washers from screws, tile pieces, foam shapes, birthday candles, uncooked pasta, colored paper clips, etc.
Classroom Expectations: In the past few weeks, hitting and physical altercations have become an issue throughout kindergarten and in Room 4. I realize children are getting used to expressing themselves and we are learning strategies for conflict resolution, but it’s becoming a safety issue. Beginning this week I will be cracking down to try to alleviate this problem.
1st time a child is seen hitting: Warning/Verbal Reminder - 2nd time a child is seen hitting: Loss of Recess or Choice Time
3rd time a child is seen hitting: Sent to the office (call home)
Upcoming Events
Tuesday September 30, 2008 Individual Picture Day
Monday October 6th- Friday October 10th Parent-Teacher Conferences (Minimum Days)
Check www.misswagenaar.blogspot.com for more updates
Photos available at http://picasaweb.google.com/MissWagenaar/
(new this week: pointy triangle, blue day, sorting, literacy centers, walk-a-thon)
Friday, September 26, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Kinder News 2.4
Kinder News
Volume 2 - Issue 4
Friday September 19, 2008
Weekly Happenings
•Color Week: We spent the week working on activities that helped reinforce our knowledge of and comfort with Brown, Purple, Pink, White and Black.
•Brown Bear: We read Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See? by Bill Martin. The students helped to read the story aloud, we used our memory of the story to color, cut, and order the ten characters (numbered 1-10).
•Science: We began our unit on Wood and Paper this week. We started with a hands on lesson where students got to observe different types of wood – redwood, plywood, particle board, pinewood and basswood. Students learned that wood comes from trees. In the coming weeks we will be going more in depth with our study.
•Math: We continued working on our number formation. So far we’ve practiced writing the numbers 1, 2, and 3.
•International Talk Like a Pirate Day: Today we celebrated this silly holiday by starting our day with our “Ahoy Book”, we practiced our colors in a book called “I am a Pirate”, and we even made pirate hats.
•Literacy: We have been learning about the different Concepts About Print. These are aspects of books and reading that help students become better readers. We have talked about the front cover, back cover, spine of the book, title page, and what the author and illustrator do. Please ask your child to show you these things when reading stories with them.
•P.E.: We got together with Miss Casellini’s class to talk about PE. On Wednesdays, we will be doing PE together. Please make sure your child wears appropriate shoes on Wednesdays. Their shoes need to be able to stay on their feet when running, kicking a ball, stretching, etc.
Notes and Reminders
Conferences: In your child’s Thursday envelope, I have enclosed a slip that gives you the date and time for your Parent-Teacher Conference. Please return the bottom half of this form as soon as possible, so that I may make switches as necessary. If you are unable to make your scheduled time, please indicate that on the form and I will get in touch with you.
Apples: Please send an apple of any shape, size, or color to school with your child by Wednesday, September 24th. We will be studying apples next week, and will use those apples to do some graphing and tasting.
Walk-A-Thon: Next Friday is the Walk-A-Thon! This event is a huge yearly success, and something that Laurelwood students have been participating in for many years. If you plan on attending this, please make sure your child has a signed permission slip turned in to me. There will be many fun activities, including a silent auction for the parents!
Scholastic Book Orders: Thank you to Esther for taking on this responsibility and getting the ball rolling so quickly. If you plan on ordering books from the scholastic book order, please turn in your orders to me no later than September 24th. This is truly the cheapest way to buy books for your child!
Wanted Items: I am looking to start some sorting boxes in my classroom. If you have any of the following items lying around your house that you wouldn’t mind sending in with your child, I would greatly appreciate it: bread tags, beads, shells, old keys, shaped erasers, container lids, metal washers from screws, tile pieces, foam shapes, birthday candles, uncooked pasta, colored paper clips, etc.
Upcoming Events
Wednesday September 24, 2008 Sweet Tomatoes fundraiser (5:00-8:00)
Wednesday September 24, 2008 Blue Day
Friday September 26, 2008 Walk-A-Thon, Dinner, and Silent Auction (2:10-6:00)
Check www.misswagenaar.blogspot.com for more updates
Photos available at http://picasaweb.google.com/MissWagenaar/
(new this week: ITLAPD; updated: Color Week)
Volume 2 - Issue 4
Friday September 19, 2008
Weekly Happenings
•Color Week: We spent the week working on activities that helped reinforce our knowledge of and comfort with Brown, Purple, Pink, White and Black.
•Brown Bear: We read Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See? by Bill Martin. The students helped to read the story aloud, we used our memory of the story to color, cut, and order the ten characters (numbered 1-10).
•Science: We began our unit on Wood and Paper this week. We started with a hands on lesson where students got to observe different types of wood – redwood, plywood, particle board, pinewood and basswood. Students learned that wood comes from trees. In the coming weeks we will be going more in depth with our study.
•Math: We continued working on our number formation. So far we’ve practiced writing the numbers 1, 2, and 3.
•International Talk Like a Pirate Day: Today we celebrated this silly holiday by starting our day with our “Ahoy Book”, we practiced our colors in a book called “I am a Pirate”, and we even made pirate hats.
•Literacy: We have been learning about the different Concepts About Print. These are aspects of books and reading that help students become better readers. We have talked about the front cover, back cover, spine of the book, title page, and what the author and illustrator do. Please ask your child to show you these things when reading stories with them.
•P.E.: We got together with Miss Casellini’s class to talk about PE. On Wednesdays, we will be doing PE together. Please make sure your child wears appropriate shoes on Wednesdays. Their shoes need to be able to stay on their feet when running, kicking a ball, stretching, etc.
Notes and Reminders
Conferences: In your child’s Thursday envelope, I have enclosed a slip that gives you the date and time for your Parent-Teacher Conference. Please return the bottom half of this form as soon as possible, so that I may make switches as necessary. If you are unable to make your scheduled time, please indicate that on the form and I will get in touch with you.
Apples: Please send an apple of any shape, size, or color to school with your child by Wednesday, September 24th. We will be studying apples next week, and will use those apples to do some graphing and tasting.
Walk-A-Thon: Next Friday is the Walk-A-Thon! This event is a huge yearly success, and something that Laurelwood students have been participating in for many years. If you plan on attending this, please make sure your child has a signed permission slip turned in to me. There will be many fun activities, including a silent auction for the parents!
Scholastic Book Orders: Thank you to Esther for taking on this responsibility and getting the ball rolling so quickly. If you plan on ordering books from the scholastic book order, please turn in your orders to me no later than September 24th. This is truly the cheapest way to buy books for your child!
Wanted Items: I am looking to start some sorting boxes in my classroom. If you have any of the following items lying around your house that you wouldn’t mind sending in with your child, I would greatly appreciate it: bread tags, beads, shells, old keys, shaped erasers, container lids, metal washers from screws, tile pieces, foam shapes, birthday candles, uncooked pasta, colored paper clips, etc.
Upcoming Events
Wednesday September 24, 2008 Sweet Tomatoes fundraiser (5:00-8:00)
Wednesday September 24, 2008 Blue Day
Friday September 26, 2008 Walk-A-Thon, Dinner, and Silent Auction (2:10-6:00)
Check www.misswagenaar.blogspot.com for more updates
Photos available at http://picasaweb.google.com/MissWagenaar/
(new this week: ITLAPD; updated: Color Week)
Friday, September 12, 2008
Kinder News 2.3
Kinder News
Volume 2 Issue 3
Friday September 12, 2008
Weekly Happenings
•Color Week: We spent the week working on activities that helped reinforce our knowledge of and comfort with Yellow, Orange, Red, Green, and Blue.
•Rainbow Fish: We read several of Marcus Pfister’s Rainbow Fish stories. We talked about kindness that was shown by the story’s main character. We also did a directed draw and next week will use watercolors to paint our very own rainbow fish.
•Writing PBA: This week was school wide administration of the initial writing assessment. Students were asked to tell a story of something that had happened to them (most used illustration).
•Math: We learned about squares. We had a square hunt, described squares, and even made our very own square character, Boxman Square.
•Art: We explored the use of color, and how to color with our crayons. We talked about crayons whispering and YELLING.
•Hello Book: We’ve been reading our “Hello Book” in a variety of languages. We’ve read in Chinese, Japanese, Hawaiian, French, Italian, Spanish and English. If you can say hello in any other languages, please teach your child so that they can teach us.
Notes and Reminders
Drop Off: Starting Monday, parents will be asked to drop their children at the front gate, which will open at 8:00. Parents should say their goodbyes at the gate.
Lunch Procedures: Please make sure that your child knows what they are having for lunch. Starting this week I will be dismissing children for lunch at the cafeteria doors. Those buying lunch should be able to find their cards and help themselves to lunch. If they need additional assistance, there are lunch helpers to aid them.
Color Week: Next week will be another week of color. I would like to remind you that we ask students to wear that color on its designated day.
Parent Volunteers: Many thanks to those of you who filled out the Parent Volunteer Survey. I’d like to make up a tentative schedule and send it out for approval with next week’s Thursday folder. That way we can start having parents coming into the room as October rolls around. I apologize for the delay, but we’re still working on classroom routines and procedures. Thank you to all who have stepped up for the task, and I look forward to working with you in the near future!
Thursday Folders: Just a reminder that folders are sent home every Thursday and should be returned on Fridays. If you forget to send your folder back, please just send it back at your earliest convenience (before the following Thursday)
Spirit Wear Order Forms: It appears that I can sneak in any last minute orders by lunch on Monday, so if you forgot to order your Laurelwood spirit wear, please fill out the order form and send it with your child Monday morning.
Upcoming Events
Monday September 15, 2008 Brown Day
Tuesday September 16, 2008 Orange Day
Wednesday September 17, 2008 Red Day
Wednesday September 17, 2008 Sweet Tomatoes fundraiser (5:00-8:00)
Thursday September 18, 2008 White Day
Friday September 19, 2008 Black Day
Friday September 19, 2008 International Talk Like A Pirate Day
For pictures from the week please visit:
http://picasaweb.google.com/MissWagenaar/
Volume 2 Issue 3
Friday September 12, 2008
Weekly Happenings
•Color Week: We spent the week working on activities that helped reinforce our knowledge of and comfort with Yellow, Orange, Red, Green, and Blue.
•Rainbow Fish: We read several of Marcus Pfister’s Rainbow Fish stories. We talked about kindness that was shown by the story’s main character. We also did a directed draw and next week will use watercolors to paint our very own rainbow fish.
•Writing PBA: This week was school wide administration of the initial writing assessment. Students were asked to tell a story of something that had happened to them (most used illustration).
•Math: We learned about squares. We had a square hunt, described squares, and even made our very own square character, Boxman Square.
•Art: We explored the use of color, and how to color with our crayons. We talked about crayons whispering and YELLING.
•Hello Book: We’ve been reading our “Hello Book” in a variety of languages. We’ve read in Chinese, Japanese, Hawaiian, French, Italian, Spanish and English. If you can say hello in any other languages, please teach your child so that they can teach us.
Notes and Reminders
Drop Off: Starting Monday, parents will be asked to drop their children at the front gate, which will open at 8:00. Parents should say their goodbyes at the gate.
Lunch Procedures: Please make sure that your child knows what they are having for lunch. Starting this week I will be dismissing children for lunch at the cafeteria doors. Those buying lunch should be able to find their cards and help themselves to lunch. If they need additional assistance, there are lunch helpers to aid them.
Color Week: Next week will be another week of color. I would like to remind you that we ask students to wear that color on its designated day.
Parent Volunteers: Many thanks to those of you who filled out the Parent Volunteer Survey. I’d like to make up a tentative schedule and send it out for approval with next week’s Thursday folder. That way we can start having parents coming into the room as October rolls around. I apologize for the delay, but we’re still working on classroom routines and procedures. Thank you to all who have stepped up for the task, and I look forward to working with you in the near future!
Thursday Folders: Just a reminder that folders are sent home every Thursday and should be returned on Fridays. If you forget to send your folder back, please just send it back at your earliest convenience (before the following Thursday)
Spirit Wear Order Forms: It appears that I can sneak in any last minute orders by lunch on Monday, so if you forgot to order your Laurelwood spirit wear, please fill out the order form and send it with your child Monday morning.
Upcoming Events
Monday September 15, 2008 Brown Day
Tuesday September 16, 2008 Orange Day
Wednesday September 17, 2008 Red Day
Wednesday September 17, 2008 Sweet Tomatoes fundraiser (5:00-8:00)
Thursday September 18, 2008 White Day
Friday September 19, 2008 Black Day
Friday September 19, 2008 International Talk Like A Pirate Day
For pictures from the week please visit:
http://picasaweb.google.com/MissWagenaar/
Monday, September 8, 2008
Kinder News 2.2
Kinder News
Volume 2 Issue 2
Friday September 5, 2008
Weekly Happenings
We learned how to use the trikes at recess – No Bumping, 3 Lap Limit, Wait in Line.
We focused on the Gingerbread Man, reading a few different versions and incorporating the theme across various subject matter.
•We read The Gingerbread Boy, The Gingerbread Man, and The Gingerbread Girl
•For math we ordered gingerbread men from smallest to largest, we did patterning with different colors of gingerbread boys, and we sequenced events in the story in order.
•To improve our Oral Language We retold the story, focusing on what happened first, next, and last.
•For cooking we mixed, rolled, cut, baked, decorated, and ate gingerbread man cookies. While they were in the over cooking, they “escaped” and led us on a long chase throughout the school – stopping at places like the office, computer lab, library, staff room, and playground (giving children a chance to meet various school workers).
For math, we learned about circles. We had a circle hunt in our classroom, described circles, and even made our very own circle character, Curvella.
We reread Bono the Monkey Goes to School and focused on the word “No”. We did a rainbow tracing of the word, practiced the chant “N, O, that spells, no” and finally went through our books and highlighted the word “no”.
Art: We created name art using a mosaic method with construction paper squares.
We made our 1st trip to the Library. Mrs. Williams read us a story about library behavior.
We read Owen, watched a short animated film, and students got their own piece of fuzzy blanket.
Notes and Reminders
Drop Off: Due to the changes happening within the Kindergarten community (students moving amongst classes due to the K-1 combo) we will allow parents one more week to help their children find their way to the Kinder Yard.
The New Look of Our Class: With the shifts due to the creation of the combo, there have been some changes to class dynamics. Luckily, our class is not losing any friends. In fact, we are lucky enough to have the addition of two students who will join our class on Monday. We had a chance to meet them this afternoon, and are very excited to have them become a part of our class community.
Paperwork: Notices went home in Thursday folders with missing items highlighted. Thank you to those of you who are returning those items in a timely manner. One more reminder will come home next Thursday with copies of missing paperwork attached.
Color Week: A handout went home in the Thursday folders giving more information about color weeks. I just want to remind you that we ask students to wear that color on its designated day. We will be learning a bit about that color each day, in addition to regular curriculum.
Thursday Folders: Just a reminder that folders are sent home every Thursday and should be returned on Fridays. If you forget to send your folder back, please just send it back at your earliest convenience (before the following Thursday)
Upcoming Events
Monday September 8, 2008 Yellow Day
Tuesday September 9, 2008 Orange Day
Wednesday September 10, 2008 Red Day
Thursday September 11, 2008 Green Day
Friday September 12, 2008 Blue Day
Check www.misswagenaar.blogspot.com for more updates
Our friend this week: Swirly
Volume 2 Issue 2
Friday September 5, 2008
Weekly Happenings
We learned how to use the trikes at recess – No Bumping, 3 Lap Limit, Wait in Line.
We focused on the Gingerbread Man, reading a few different versions and incorporating the theme across various subject matter.
•We read The Gingerbread Boy, The Gingerbread Man, and The Gingerbread Girl
•For math we ordered gingerbread men from smallest to largest, we did patterning with different colors of gingerbread boys, and we sequenced events in the story in order.
•To improve our Oral Language We retold the story, focusing on what happened first, next, and last.
•For cooking we mixed, rolled, cut, baked, decorated, and ate gingerbread man cookies. While they were in the over cooking, they “escaped” and led us on a long chase throughout the school – stopping at places like the office, computer lab, library, staff room, and playground (giving children a chance to meet various school workers).
For math, we learned about circles. We had a circle hunt in our classroom, described circles, and even made our very own circle character, Curvella.
We reread Bono the Monkey Goes to School and focused on the word “No”. We did a rainbow tracing of the word, practiced the chant “N, O, that spells, no” and finally went through our books and highlighted the word “no”.
Art: We created name art using a mosaic method with construction paper squares.
We made our 1st trip to the Library. Mrs. Williams read us a story about library behavior.
We read Owen, watched a short animated film, and students got their own piece of fuzzy blanket.
Notes and Reminders
Drop Off: Due to the changes happening within the Kindergarten community (students moving amongst classes due to the K-1 combo) we will allow parents one more week to help their children find their way to the Kinder Yard.
The New Look of Our Class: With the shifts due to the creation of the combo, there have been some changes to class dynamics. Luckily, our class is not losing any friends. In fact, we are lucky enough to have the addition of two students who will join our class on Monday. We had a chance to meet them this afternoon, and are very excited to have them become a part of our class community.
Paperwork: Notices went home in Thursday folders with missing items highlighted. Thank you to those of you who are returning those items in a timely manner. One more reminder will come home next Thursday with copies of missing paperwork attached.
Color Week: A handout went home in the Thursday folders giving more information about color weeks. I just want to remind you that we ask students to wear that color on its designated day. We will be learning a bit about that color each day, in addition to regular curriculum.
Thursday Folders: Just a reminder that folders are sent home every Thursday and should be returned on Fridays. If you forget to send your folder back, please just send it back at your earliest convenience (before the following Thursday)
Upcoming Events
Monday September 8, 2008 Yellow Day
Tuesday September 9, 2008 Orange Day
Wednesday September 10, 2008 Red Day
Thursday September 11, 2008 Green Day
Friday September 12, 2008 Blue Day
Check www.misswagenaar.blogspot.com for more updates
Our friend this week: Swirly
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