Kinder News 2.15

Volume 2 - Issue 15
Friday, December 5, 2008

Weekly Happenings
•Literacy:
•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.
•Nn Rainbow Tracing
•Magnetic Letters
•“The” Book: Students made books by writing “the” and then drawing a picture of their choice. Some were able to bubblegum stretch and write the word to accompany their picture.
•Math: Students continue to work on number sense activities.
•Readers Workshop: We practiced marking books that we are reading with Post Its, to make it easier to share during Partner Reading.
•Writers Workshop: We wrote about Thanksgiving. Students also had a day to edit previous writing and choose their favorite piece. Some students share in the “Authors Chair”.
•Social Studies: We discussed the differences between things we need and want. We sorted things into those categories.
• Science: We completed a leaf-shape matching activity.
• Library: Students checked out new books and will bring them home Friday (to be returned Monday).
•Computer Lab: Students had free choice on the Jumpstart Kindergarten program. They were able to explore any game they’ve learned as well as finding several games that they had not yet learned.
•Art: We colored the cover for our Holidays Around the World Book with colored pencils.
•Music: We learned a few holiday songs and even did the Reindeer Pokey.
•Cooking: This week we worked together to make fruit smoothies. We used mixed berries, peaches, pineapple, strawberries, and orange juice. Each child chose an ingredient to add to our mixture. Students also got to taste a Taro Chip, most were hesitant to try, but almost everyone had another.

Notes and Reminders
Class Potluck: Thank you to those of you who attended our potluck on Monday. I thought it was a wonderful evening of food, family, and fun.
Reading Logs: New reading logs went home today. The due date is stamped at the top: Friday December 19th.
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 Dismissal Procedure: I would like to thank all parents for following newly implemented dismissal procedures. I think that these changes will help to ensure that all children (students and siblings) are safe after school. Please remember that even though it seems more convenient, the gate nearest to our classroom is not to be used by parents for entering or exiting the playground. Thank you!
Upcoming Holiday: If you know that your child will be absent before/after break, due to an extended vacation, please give me a heads up.
Report Cards: Report Cards went home with your child on Friday. If you have any questions or concerns about anything, please feel free to ask.

Upcoming Events
Monday December 8th Field Trip to “Madeline’s Christmas”
Tuesday December 9th Holiday Workshop
Thursday December 18th Holiday Celebration
Friday December 19th Minimum Day

Check www.misswagenaar.blogspot.com for more updates
Photos available at http://picasaweb.google.com/MissWagenaar/