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”