Kinder News 2.20

WEEKLY HAPPENINGS
Writers Workshop: We wrote on our "Helping Hands" project something that we could do to help the world (inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.)
Math: Children are working on inventories with Mrs Chiappe.
Science: We have introduced our newest animal that we will be studying, snails. Students had the opportunity to touch, hold, and experiment with snails. We found out what happens when we touch their antenna (the go down into their heads), and what happens when we put something in their path (they climb over it). We will have snail races next week and continue to learn about the unique anatomy of a snail.
Social Studies: This week we really focused on two great individuals who we were able to compare in some ways.
-Martin Luther King Jr.: We read several books about his life and accomplishments, and created a portrait of this fine man.
-Barack Obama: We read a Let's Find Out about his life before presidency and watched a portion of the inaguration, including his speech. Children shared what they thought it would mean for our country that we have a new president.
Cooking: We created "snow people sundaes" using ice cream and various food items to decorate (pretzels, licorice, candies, etc.)
Music: This week we continued with all Kinder classes in the cafeteria to begin learning songs for our February concert.
Literacy: We used the sentence frame "When it is cold I wear my _________." on snow day after talking about appropriate clothing for cold and hot weather. Some students challenged themselves and on the back replicated the sentence, changing it to "When it is hot I wear my _________."
Art: We decorated our painted snow people using the "good stuff" that was sent in from families in Room 4. They are GREAT!
Author Study: We are continuing to read books by Jan Brett, and will rap up the Author Study next week by writing Jan Brett a letter about our favorite characters and stories.
Snow Day: Today was excellent! We completed our Snow Olympics (a series of ski races using our mini skiers) and Amanda was our Champion! We also made the snowpeople sundaes. We also enjoyed our Snowball Toss outside with Miss Casellini and Mrs. Chiappe :)

NOTES AND REMINDERS
Kinder Concert: Just a reminder that our Kindergarten Concert will be happening on February 10th. Students will be asked to wear a red or pink shirt with blue jeans.
100th Day Homework: The 100th day of school is a big celebration in Kindergarten. Your child will be given "homework" next week to be completed by the 100th Day (February 3rd). The homework will be to collect and bring in 100 of something. It could be 100 toothpicks, noodles, stickers, or anything you can think of. Be creative! Just wanted to give you a heads up so you can start brainstorming with your child.

IMPORTANT DATES
Wednesday January 28th: Blue Day
Tuesday February 3rd: 100th Day of School
Tuesday February 10th: Kinder Concert
Monday February 16 - Friday February 20: No School