Volume 2 - Issue 13
Friday November 21, 2008
Weekly Happenings
•Literacy Centers:
•Starfall Dictionary: Students used the food cards (from The Potluck) to copy into their own personal dictionary. They drew a picture next to words that they copied in hopes that they will be able to practice reading them.
•Book Boxes: Students were able to complete and practice reading books that they’ve created thus far this year
•Aa Rainbow Tracing
•Bubblegum Stretching: Students slowly sound out words (as though they were stretching a piece of bubblegum from their mouth) and write down all the sounds that they hear.
•Math: In Mrs. Chiappe’s class students are continuing to work on Number Sense, focusing on the numbers 1-5. In our classroom, students played several “math games” as assessments to use for upcoming Report Cards. These games targets sorting, patterning, ordering, and recording.
•Writer’s Workshop: We worked on labeling individual pictures within our sourcebooks. Students also had a free work period, in which they could go back and improve any of their previous writing.
•Science: We introduced parts of a tree, used a large diagram to label, and labeled our own individual tree pictures.
•Social Studies: This week we talked about Holidays – focusing on Thanksgiving (the reasons we celebrate, and the origins of the holiday). In talking about this, we also discussed how things were different in the past than they are now.
•Self Portraits: We completed our November self-portraits. Students used People Color crayons and have been gradually improving their artwork over the months.
•Cooking: We made turkey-shaped turkey sandwiches and tasted spaghetti squash (from our Harvest of the Month box).
•Library: Students checked out new books and will bring them home Friday (to be returned Monday). We’ve had a couple students not able to check out due to forgetting Library books, so please ensure that your child has access to maximum literature by returning books in a timely manner.
•Computer Lab: Using Jumpstart Kindergarten, students explored a puzzle game which can be accomplished in a variety of categories (color, pairs, letters, sounds, numbers, etc)
•Blue Day: Congratulations to Elijah who received an award at our Blue Day assembly for this month’s lifeskill of Effort (“I will try my best.”).
Notes and Reminders
Thankful Turkey Feathers: Homework sent home in Thursday folders does not have a specific due date. I ask that you return them as you complete them. We will begin displaying these feathers this week, but will continue to add as they are brought in.
Class Potluck: We have set the date and time to Monday, December 1st from 6:00-7:00. Please RSVP so that we can find a location to accommodate. Students and families are welcome and we ask that you bring a dish to share. This will be a great opportunity to meet and mingle with families in our class.
(If you would like to email your RSVP with how many are attending and what you are bringing, do so to misswagenaar@gmail.com)
Class Books: Class Books are continuing to be sent home, please read, sign the last page and return.
Reading Logs: Next Tuesday, November 25th will be the due-date for November reading logs. Students who turn them in on time will receive a small reward. Thank you for reading with your children!
Field Trip: Our first grade level field trip is on Monday, Dec. 8th to see “Madeline’s Christmas”. Remember that children will return at 12:30 for lunch so if at all possible, please pack your child a lunch as this does not match up with our regularly scheduled lunch.
Upcoming Events
Wed. Nov. 26th – Fri. Nov. 28th No School (Thanksgiving Holiday)
Monday December 1st Class Potluck 6:00-7:00
Monday December 8th Field Trip to “Madeline’s Christmas”
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Kinder News 2.12
Volume 2 - Issue 12
Friday November 14, 2008
Weekly Happenings
Literacy: This week we did several activities as a whole class. We colored and read a Halloween-themed reader called “I’m Not Scared”. We also talked about sounding out words, we used “bubblegum stretching” to try to hear all the sounds in a word.
•Math: In Mrs. Chiappe’s class students are continuing to work on Number Sense, focusing on the numbers 1-5.
•Reader’s Workshop: Students practiced partner reading, using a variety of strategies. Students read the pictures, pointed out characters, and picked out their favorite pages. We introduced Star Books into our Look Book containers.
•Writer’s Workshop: We worked together on some interactive writing, using the skill of bubblegum stretching that we’ve been practicing.
•Science: With Fall in full effect, we’ve began to take a look at trees. As an introduction, we went on a Leaf Hunt around the playground. We collected things that come from trees: leaves, sticks, seeds, bark, etc. We used those items that we gathered to display in an art project by gluing them to a paper plates.
•Music: We continue to practice our turkey songs and also learned a song about leaves.
•November Quilt: One quilt square was created using a pinwheel pattern with construction paper. The other quilt square was created by painting and pressing handprints as turkeys, then adding final touches such as a beak, feet, and gobble.
•Library: Due to the Veteran’s Day holiday we were not able to go to the Library this week.
•Computer Lab: Using Jumpstart Kindergarten, students explored the painting game.
•The Potluck: After reading the story “The Potluck”, we discussed what a potluck is. In the story, each page describes a person whose name starts with a letter bringing something to the potluck that begins with the same letter. For example, “Brian brings bagels.” Then we each completed our own page for a Room 4 version of the book. This text was glued onto a paper plates after they decorated borders with a pattern.
•Citizenship Gathering: Congratulations to Zachary who earned this month’s citizenship award.
Notes and Reminders
Thankful Turkey Feathers: Homework sent home in Thursday folders does not have a specific due date. I ask that you return them as you complete them. We will begin displaying these feathers this week, but will continue to add as they are brought in.
Class Potluck: As a way to get to know the families in our class, it has been suggested that we coordinate a Potluck. Please complete the survey (about which time would work best) and return it so that we can confirm the time.
Class Books: Class Books are being sent home, please read, sign the last page and return. Thank You!
Reading Logs: Tuesday, November 25th will be the due-date for November reading logs. Students who turn them in on time will receive a small reward. Thank you for reading with your children daily!
Wish List: I am wondering if anyone may have a tape player lying around that they’re looking to get rid of. (This would be used to create a listening center in our classroom) I’ve been looking at garage sales, but thought it’s possible that someone may have one wasting space in their garage ;)
Field Trip: Our first grade level field trip is on Monday, Dec. 8th to see “Madeline’s Christmas”. More information to follow regarding details and chaperones.
Upcoming Events
Wednesday November 19th Blue Day
Wed. Nov. 26th – Fri. Nov. 28th No School (Thanksgiving Holiday)
Monday December 1st Class Potluck
Monday December 8th Field Trip to “Madeline’s Christmas”
Friday November 14, 2008
Weekly Happenings
Literacy: This week we did several activities as a whole class. We colored and read a Halloween-themed reader called “I’m Not Scared”. We also talked about sounding out words, we used “bubblegum stretching” to try to hear all the sounds in a word.
•Math: In Mrs. Chiappe’s class students are continuing to work on Number Sense, focusing on the numbers 1-5.
•Reader’s Workshop: Students practiced partner reading, using a variety of strategies. Students read the pictures, pointed out characters, and picked out their favorite pages. We introduced Star Books into our Look Book containers.
•Writer’s Workshop: We worked together on some interactive writing, using the skill of bubblegum stretching that we’ve been practicing.
•Science: With Fall in full effect, we’ve began to take a look at trees. As an introduction, we went on a Leaf Hunt around the playground. We collected things that come from trees: leaves, sticks, seeds, bark, etc. We used those items that we gathered to display in an art project by gluing them to a paper plates.
•Music: We continue to practice our turkey songs and also learned a song about leaves.
•November Quilt: One quilt square was created using a pinwheel pattern with construction paper. The other quilt square was created by painting and pressing handprints as turkeys, then adding final touches such as a beak, feet, and gobble.
•Library: Due to the Veteran’s Day holiday we were not able to go to the Library this week.
•Computer Lab: Using Jumpstart Kindergarten, students explored the painting game.
•The Potluck: After reading the story “The Potluck”, we discussed what a potluck is. In the story, each page describes a person whose name starts with a letter bringing something to the potluck that begins with the same letter. For example, “Brian brings bagels.” Then we each completed our own page for a Room 4 version of the book. This text was glued onto a paper plates after they decorated borders with a pattern.
•Citizenship Gathering: Congratulations to Zachary who earned this month’s citizenship award.
Notes and Reminders
Thankful Turkey Feathers: Homework sent home in Thursday folders does not have a specific due date. I ask that you return them as you complete them. We will begin displaying these feathers this week, but will continue to add as they are brought in.
Class Potluck: As a way to get to know the families in our class, it has been suggested that we coordinate a Potluck. Please complete the survey (about which time would work best) and return it so that we can confirm the time.
Class Books: Class Books are being sent home, please read, sign the last page and return. Thank You!
Reading Logs: Tuesday, November 25th will be the due-date for November reading logs. Students who turn them in on time will receive a small reward. Thank you for reading with your children daily!
Wish List: I am wondering if anyone may have a tape player lying around that they’re looking to get rid of. (This would be used to create a listening center in our classroom) I’ve been looking at garage sales, but thought it’s possible that someone may have one wasting space in their garage ;)
Field Trip: Our first grade level field trip is on Monday, Dec. 8th to see “Madeline’s Christmas”. More information to follow regarding details and chaperones.
Upcoming Events
Wednesday November 19th Blue Day
Wed. Nov. 26th – Fri. Nov. 28th No School (Thanksgiving Holiday)
Monday December 1st Class Potluck
Monday December 8th Field Trip to “Madeline’s Christmas”
Friday, November 7, 2008
Kinder News 2.11
Volume 2 - Issue 11
Friday November 7, 2008
Weekly Happenings
•Literacy Centers
o“Happy Halloween” writing on templates created in Computer Lab
oLetter/Word/Picture sorting
oPumpkins – Students read and completed our Pumpkin “Let’s Find Out” and completing an end-of-unit pumpkin worksheet
o“Label the Room” – students worked with me to sound out and label items around the classroom.
o“Write the Room” – students walk around the classroom with a board and paper and copy down any words that they can find.
•Math: In Mrs. Chiappe’s class students are beginning work on Number Sense, focusing on the numbers 1-5. Together we created a Halloween themed pattern that is being bound together as an interactive class book. The students used ghosts, goblins, and pumpkins to create patterns on a spooky fence.
•Ambulance Visit: Miss Casellini’s brother Tony, a paramedic, brought his ambulance and talked to children about his job and gave them a chance to walk through the ambulance. He also explained that since people can get hurt at any time, he sleeps during the day and works at night (like a nocturnal animal).
•Writer’s Workshop: We wrote an interactive letter to Tony thanking him for bringing the ambulance and inviting him back to visit again. We pointed out parts of the letter (date, greeting, closing) and students signed their name at the bottom.
•Science: This week we introduced nocturnal animals (animals that sleep during the day and are awake at night). We read a non-fiction book introducing several different animals, made a list, and completed a sorting assessment. We also watched an informational video about bats and learned a poem about them. We also made our spider hats that were postponed from last week!
•Library: All students returned Library books and checked out new books this week. Remember that Library bags go home on Friday and should be returned on Monday.
•Computer Lab: We used starfall.com to create themselves (including choosing their pajama color) on Pajama Day. Students were able to print out their designs.
•Cooking: This week we created edible spiders. We used crackers, Nutella, pretzels, and raisins to construct our edible spiders. The children enjoyed the eating best
•Social Studies: This Tuesday, we focused on Election Day. We read a “Let’s Find Out” that taught us about polling places. We then had an election (with a secret ballot) and graphed the results. Our class voted 14-6 for Barack Obama. Students even received an “I Voted!” sticker upon completion of the day.
•Pajama Day: On Monday we wore pajamas to school! We created a list of things we do during the day and things we do at night, watched a Magic School Bus video about bats with Miss Casellini’s class and even got to eat popcorn during.
Notes and Reminders
Book Fair: Thank you to all families who attended and contributed to our classroom library with books from the Book Fair! We have had so much fun enjoying our new books together.
No School Tuesday: Tuesday we have the day off of school to celebrate Veteran’s Day.
Class Books: Class Books are being sent home, please read, sign the last page and return. Thank You!
Reading Logs: Please remember to fill out and return Reading Logs. I only received 5 for October, so let’s try for a great turnout in November. I will be offering a small reward to any child who completes and turns in their Log for November. Thank you for helping your child grow as a reader!
Upcoming Events
Tuesday November 11th No School (Veteran’s Day Holiday)
Wednesday November 19th Blue Day
Wed. Nov. 26th – Fri. Nov. 28th No School (Thanksgiving Holiday)
Information to Pass Along:
Nurturing and Loving Boys: Appreciating Boys as they grow! (SCAE)
November 10, 7-8:30 Instructor: Anna Welsh, MSW, Parent Education Coordinator, SCUSD
Nurturing and Loving Girls: Appreciating Girlss as they grow! (SCAE)
November 17, 7-8:30 Instructor: Anna Welsh, MSW, Parent Education Coordinator, SCUSD
Friday November 7, 2008
Weekly Happenings
•Literacy Centers
o“Happy Halloween” writing on templates created in Computer Lab
oLetter/Word/Picture sorting
oPumpkins – Students read and completed our Pumpkin “Let’s Find Out” and completing an end-of-unit pumpkin worksheet
o“Label the Room” – students worked with me to sound out and label items around the classroom.
o“Write the Room” – students walk around the classroom with a board and paper and copy down any words that they can find.
•Math: In Mrs. Chiappe’s class students are beginning work on Number Sense, focusing on the numbers 1-5. Together we created a Halloween themed pattern that is being bound together as an interactive class book. The students used ghosts, goblins, and pumpkins to create patterns on a spooky fence.
•Ambulance Visit: Miss Casellini’s brother Tony, a paramedic, brought his ambulance and talked to children about his job and gave them a chance to walk through the ambulance. He also explained that since people can get hurt at any time, he sleeps during the day and works at night (like a nocturnal animal).
•Writer’s Workshop: We wrote an interactive letter to Tony thanking him for bringing the ambulance and inviting him back to visit again. We pointed out parts of the letter (date, greeting, closing) and students signed their name at the bottom.
•Science: This week we introduced nocturnal animals (animals that sleep during the day and are awake at night). We read a non-fiction book introducing several different animals, made a list, and completed a sorting assessment. We also watched an informational video about bats and learned a poem about them. We also made our spider hats that were postponed from last week!
•Library: All students returned Library books and checked out new books this week. Remember that Library bags go home on Friday and should be returned on Monday.
•Computer Lab: We used starfall.com to create themselves (including choosing their pajama color) on Pajama Day. Students were able to print out their designs.
•Cooking: This week we created edible spiders. We used crackers, Nutella, pretzels, and raisins to construct our edible spiders. The children enjoyed the eating best
•Social Studies: This Tuesday, we focused on Election Day. We read a “Let’s Find Out” that taught us about polling places. We then had an election (with a secret ballot) and graphed the results. Our class voted 14-6 for Barack Obama. Students even received an “I Voted!” sticker upon completion of the day.
•Pajama Day: On Monday we wore pajamas to school! We created a list of things we do during the day and things we do at night, watched a Magic School Bus video about bats with Miss Casellini’s class and even got to eat popcorn during.
Notes and Reminders
Book Fair: Thank you to all families who attended and contributed to our classroom library with books from the Book Fair! We have had so much fun enjoying our new books together.
No School Tuesday: Tuesday we have the day off of school to celebrate Veteran’s Day.
Class Books: Class Books are being sent home, please read, sign the last page and return. Thank You!
Reading Logs: Please remember to fill out and return Reading Logs. I only received 5 for October, so let’s try for a great turnout in November. I will be offering a small reward to any child who completes and turns in their Log for November. Thank you for helping your child grow as a reader!
Upcoming Events
Tuesday November 11th No School (Veteran’s Day Holiday)
Wednesday November 19th Blue Day
Wed. Nov. 26th – Fri. Nov. 28th No School (Thanksgiving Holiday)
Information to Pass Along:
Nurturing and Loving Boys: Appreciating Boys as they grow! (SCAE)
November 10, 7-8:30 Instructor: Anna Welsh, MSW, Parent Education Coordinator, SCUSD
Nurturing and Loving Girls: Appreciating Girlss as they grow! (SCAE)
November 17, 7-8:30 Instructor: Anna Welsh, MSW, Parent Education Coordinator, SCUSD
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Kinder News 2.10
Volume 2 - Issue 10
Friday October 31, 2008
Weekly Happenings
•Literacy Centers
oName Bingo
oPipe Cleaner Letter Formation
oSpider Book – students colored and practiced reading
oClassroom Library
o“Write the Room” – students walk around the classroom with a board and paper and copy down any words that they can find. This will be an ongoing literacy center that will progress into “Reading the Room” later in the year.
•Math: Students were introduced to hopscotch patterns in Miss Chiappe’s room. We are continuing to practice sorting with our sorting containers.
•Lifeskill Assembly: This month’s award winner, Natalie, has exhibited Motivation (“I want to do this.”) Congratulations Natalie!! Brooke participated in the relay to represent our class.
•P.E.: This week P.E. was cancelled due to pumpkins overtaking the field for Pumpkin Fest
•Reader’s Workshop: We are continuing to read our Star Books, focusing on The Three Bears. We used this book in a mini-lesson talking about using different voices to tell the story. I modeled using a deep voice for papa bear, a high pitch voice for mama bear and quiet voice for baby bear.
•Writer’s Workshop: We attached the covers that were created last week onto their Sourcebooks. Students also placed their alphabet charts into their Sourcebook to use as a resource for writing.
•Science: We introduced a short unit on spiders this week, focusing on fiction and non-fiction. We made a chart of things we knew about spiders (students knew a surprising amount). We sorted fiction and non-fiction spider pictures, we recreated the book The Roly Poly Spider after reading it, and eventually drew a spider pictorial and labeled the parts.
•Library: All students returned Library books and checked out new books this week. Due to the Halloween celebrations, we did not bring home books this week. We will resume next week.
•Computer Lab: We used starfall.com to choose pumpkins and create Jack-O-Lantern designs. Students were able to print out their designs.
•Art: We completed our October self-portraits on Friday. Students drew themselves in their Halloween costumes.
•Halloween: We started the day with a great Halloween Parade to exhibit our costumes. After lunch we had our celebration. We started with Halloween Rotations: pattern necklaces, Halloween Bingo, and Candy Corn sorting and graphing. We then enjoyed some healthy treats including kettle corn, fruit, juice, crackers, and blueberry muffins.
Notes and Reminders
Book Fair: Next week is our Fall Book Fair (Monday-Wednesday). Please stop by after school to check out the great selection of books available for your child.
Science Training: This week I was out for FOSS science training. We are wrapping up our “Wood and Paper” science unit and will soon be starting our “Animals by Two”. I can’t explain my excitement for this unit as it will involve having live creatures in our room.
Class Books: Class Books are being sent home, please read, sign the last page and return.
Pajama Day: Don’t forget Monday is pajama day. If your child does not want to wear pajamas, remember that sweats are a welcome alternative.
GIANT THANK YOU: I would like to extend a gigantic thank you to all the parents who stepped up this week to help in any way, shape, or form. Thank you to parents who volunteered at the Pumpkin Fest! Thank you to parents who stuck around and watched the Parade! Thank you to parents who donated to our Halloween Celebration! Thank you to those who attended the Halloween Celebration! Everything that you do to be involved in your child’s school experience not only is a major benefit for the Laurelwood Community, but will leave a lasting impression on your child
Upcoming Events
Monday November 3rd- Wednesday November 5th Fall Book Fair
Tuesday November 4th Math Night (6:30-7:45pm)
Tuesday November 4th Election Day (Don’t forget to let your voice be heard)
Tuesday November 11th No School (Veteran’s Day Holiday)
Information to Pass Along:
Nurturing and Loving Boys: Appreciating Boys as they grow! (SCAE)
November 10, 7-8:30 Instructor: Anna Welsh, MSW, Parent Education Coordinator, SCUSD
Nurturing and Loving Girls: Appreciating Girlss as they grow! (SCAE)
November 17, 7-8:30 Instructor: Anna Welsh, MSW, Parent Education Coordinator, SCUSD
Check www.misswagenaar.blogspot.com for more updates
Photos available at http://picasaweb.google.com/MissWagenaar/
Friday October 31, 2008
Weekly Happenings
•Literacy Centers
oName Bingo
oPipe Cleaner Letter Formation
oSpider Book – students colored and practiced reading
oClassroom Library
o“Write the Room” – students walk around the classroom with a board and paper and copy down any words that they can find. This will be an ongoing literacy center that will progress into “Reading the Room” later in the year.
•Math: Students were introduced to hopscotch patterns in Miss Chiappe’s room. We are continuing to practice sorting with our sorting containers.
•Lifeskill Assembly: This month’s award winner, Natalie, has exhibited Motivation (“I want to do this.”) Congratulations Natalie!! Brooke participated in the relay to represent our class.
•P.E.: This week P.E. was cancelled due to pumpkins overtaking the field for Pumpkin Fest
•Reader’s Workshop: We are continuing to read our Star Books, focusing on The Three Bears. We used this book in a mini-lesson talking about using different voices to tell the story. I modeled using a deep voice for papa bear, a high pitch voice for mama bear and quiet voice for baby bear.
•Writer’s Workshop: We attached the covers that were created last week onto their Sourcebooks. Students also placed their alphabet charts into their Sourcebook to use as a resource for writing.
•Science: We introduced a short unit on spiders this week, focusing on fiction and non-fiction. We made a chart of things we knew about spiders (students knew a surprising amount). We sorted fiction and non-fiction spider pictures, we recreated the book The Roly Poly Spider after reading it, and eventually drew a spider pictorial and labeled the parts.
•Library: All students returned Library books and checked out new books this week. Due to the Halloween celebrations, we did not bring home books this week. We will resume next week.
•Computer Lab: We used starfall.com to choose pumpkins and create Jack-O-Lantern designs. Students were able to print out their designs.
•Art: We completed our October self-portraits on Friday. Students drew themselves in their Halloween costumes.
•Halloween: We started the day with a great Halloween Parade to exhibit our costumes. After lunch we had our celebration. We started with Halloween Rotations: pattern necklaces, Halloween Bingo, and Candy Corn sorting and graphing. We then enjoyed some healthy treats including kettle corn, fruit, juice, crackers, and blueberry muffins.
Notes and Reminders
Book Fair: Next week is our Fall Book Fair (Monday-Wednesday). Please stop by after school to check out the great selection of books available for your child.
Science Training: This week I was out for FOSS science training. We are wrapping up our “Wood and Paper” science unit and will soon be starting our “Animals by Two”. I can’t explain my excitement for this unit as it will involve having live creatures in our room.
Class Books: Class Books are being sent home, please read, sign the last page and return.
Pajama Day: Don’t forget Monday is pajama day. If your child does not want to wear pajamas, remember that sweats are a welcome alternative.
GIANT THANK YOU: I would like to extend a gigantic thank you to all the parents who stepped up this week to help in any way, shape, or form. Thank you to parents who volunteered at the Pumpkin Fest! Thank you to parents who stuck around and watched the Parade! Thank you to parents who donated to our Halloween Celebration! Thank you to those who attended the Halloween Celebration! Everything that you do to be involved in your child’s school experience not only is a major benefit for the Laurelwood Community, but will leave a lasting impression on your child
Upcoming Events
Monday November 3rd- Wednesday November 5th Fall Book Fair
Tuesday November 4th Math Night (6:30-7:45pm)
Tuesday November 4th Election Day (Don’t forget to let your voice be heard)
Tuesday November 11th No School (Veteran’s Day Holiday)
Information to Pass Along:
Nurturing and Loving Boys: Appreciating Boys as they grow! (SCAE)
November 10, 7-8:30 Instructor: Anna Welsh, MSW, Parent Education Coordinator, SCUSD
Nurturing and Loving Girls: Appreciating Girlss as they grow! (SCAE)
November 17, 7-8:30 Instructor: Anna Welsh, MSW, Parent Education Coordinator, SCUSD
Check www.misswagenaar.blogspot.com for more updates
Photos available at http://picasaweb.google.com/MissWagenaar/
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