Friday, May 8, 2009

Kinder News 2.33

WEEKLY HAPPENINGS
Literacy: We finished our Rosie's Walk book and practiced reading it using our puppets.
Writers Workshop: We looked back on the events from this year and students worked in partners to write "Kinder News" that will be displayed for Open House.
Rainbows: We talked about rain and sunshine together making rainbows and we created rainbows to hang around the classroom.
Science: We began talking about seeds. We made a book about the steps to planting a seed, then we actually planted sunflower seeds on Thursday.
Social Studies: We learned about Cinco de Mayo. We colored a flag of Mexico and practiced saying the colors and numbers in Spanish.
Art: We created paper sunflowers, and used real sunflower seeds to decorate them. We also spent some of our time this week working on our Mothers Day gift and cards :)
Math: Students continue to play games with Mrs. Chiappe to learn more about addition.
Music: We learned a new song about planting seeds. We practiced "Each of us is a Flower" and "This Land is Your Land".


NOTES AND REMINDERS
Parent Volunteers: Star testing has concluded, so we will be back to normal schedule for the conclusion of May.
Mulberry Leaves Needed: We will be introducing Silk Worms in our class next week, but are in need of mulberry leaves to feed them. If you have access and could send some in, it would be much appreciated.
Thank You: Huge thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness throughout Teacher Appreciation Week!


UPCOMING DATES
May 15: Multicultural Fest
May 19: Minimum Day
May 19: Open House 6:30-7:30
May 22: No School
May 25: No School (Memorial Day)
May 27: Blue Day

Friday, May 1, 2009

Kinder News 2.32

WEEKLY HAPPENINGS
Literacy: We spent a majority of our week working on pages to create our own Rosie's Walk book. Students became very familiar with the story and created beautiful renditions of the illustrations. We were also able to watch Scholastic's interpretation of Rosie's Walk on DVD.
Writers Workshop: Students are focusing on endurance during Writers Workshop. We are adding time and encouraging students to fill the front and back of their paper.
Math: Students are playing games such as "Shake Them Beans" and a dice-rolling game that they used for addition.
Science: We focused on the shape of leaves, drawing and naming them (spear, oval, paddle, line, heart, and triangle).
Cooking: After focusing on Rosie's Walk for much of the week, we created our own version of "Chicken Feed". We used ingredients: cheerios, candy covered sunflower seeds, sunflower seeds, m&ms, and almond slices.
Healthy Play: We learned to play the game "On the Way to School Today" which is a play off of the game chirades.
Music: Mrs. Stryker led music, we learned a few new songs. One of the favorites was "Pepperoni Pizza" (follows the same pattern as Apples and Bananas)
Lifeskill Assembly: Rashaun was recognized at our Lifeskill Assembly for this month's lifeskill of Teamwork.

NOTES AND REMINDERS
Parent Volunteers: There is another week of STAR testing in the Upper Grades and in an effort to create a more conducive testing atmosphere, parent volunteers are still not allowed on campus for the duration of testing. So take one more the week off ;) I do have a few prep projects that I could use a hand on, if anyone is able or interested, please email. THANKS!

UPCOMING DATES
May 15: Multicultural Fest
May 19: Minimum Day
May 19: Open House 6:30-7:30
May 22: No School
May 25: No School (Memorial Day)
May 27: Blue Day