WEEKLY HAPPENINGS
Literacy: Children learned how to play Word Family Bingo with words from the _at and _an family.
Penmanship: We practiced writing letters that begin with a downward stroke (T, I, L) and also practiced writing capital letters of the entire alphabet. We are going to focus on letter formation and neatness.
Writers Workshop: We focused on the parts of stories (beginning, middle, end). Students used packets with three sheets of paper and used one for each part of the story. This helped them to make sure they were stretching their story and adding plenty of details.
Math: Mrs. Chiappe is working with students to identify 3D shapes.
Social Studies: We shifted our focus to California State Symbols, rather than National Symbols. We also continued to talk about dental health, creating a toothbrush and learning good behaviors for brushing.
Tooth Fairy: We had a visit from the tooth fairy. She talked to all Kindergarten classes about foods that are good choices, how to brush your teeth, and confronted some myths about the tooth fairy.
Cooking: Wrapping up the dental health unit, we created "smiles" today in cooking. This was done using sliced apples, peanut butter, and marshmallows. The marshmallows served as the "teeth", the peanut butter were the "gums" and the apple slices were the "lips". The children had fun creating them, and even more fun eating them.
NOTES AND REMINDERS
Wishlist: Thank you for your generous contribution of gluesticks.
Snacks: Our snack supply is finally dwindling down. We are set for next week, but if you are shopping during Spring Break, consider picking up a healthy snack for our class. (cereal, pretzels, granola bars, fruit, cheese, goldfish, snack mix, etc)
IMPORTANT DATES
April 13-17 NO SCHOOL Spring Break :)
Friday, April 3, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Kinder News 2.28
With no school on Friday, I had forgotten to send this. Apologies! Hope you enjoyed your long weekend!
-Miss Wagenaar
WEEKLY HAPPENINGS
Shared Reading: Together as a class, we read the big book "Dan the Flying Man" several times.
Literacy: In response to the literature, students created their own page of a scene that they would fly over if they got the ability to fly. Also relating to the book, we worked on the _an word family.
Writers Workshop: We talked about counting words before writing a sentence. In the process we talked about the difference between letters, words, and sentences. Students are still practicing using their Alphabet Charts and Space Sticks.
Math: Students are wrapping up their unit on Telling Time. They will bring home their Rabbit Clocks for more practice next week.
Science: We are continuing to talk about animals that live on the farm, and their attributes.
Art: The young artists of room 4 completed their March self portraits. We focused this month on filling in the entire background of their picture.
Social Studies: We are wrapping up our study of National Symbols and will be moving onto State Symbols next week. We also talked about Dental health month and introduced foods that would be good choices for our dental health, and those that would be bad choices.
Lifeskill Assembly: This month Colin was honored with our award for Caring at our Blue Day assembly.
Field Trip: Tuesday was our field trip to San Francisco's Herbst Theater to see "People Like Me", an interpretation of the legend of how the sun got it's light. Students enjoyed a wonderful lunch on the lawn, great performance and fun bus rides to and from. Special thanks to our parent volunteers who chaperoned and EXTRA special thanks to Mrs. Fritschen who taught all of the Kindergarten classes about the myth and cultures that were respresented before we saw the performance.
NOTES AND REMINDERS
Wishlist: We are in desperate need of glue sticks in Room 4. If you are able to donate one, or a pack it would be much appreciated!
IMPORTANT DATES
April 13-17 NO SCHOOL Spring Break :)
-Miss Wagenaar
WEEKLY HAPPENINGS
Shared Reading: Together as a class, we read the big book "Dan the Flying Man" several times.
Literacy: In response to the literature, students created their own page of a scene that they would fly over if they got the ability to fly. Also relating to the book, we worked on the _an word family.
Writers Workshop: We talked about counting words before writing a sentence. In the process we talked about the difference between letters, words, and sentences. Students are still practicing using their Alphabet Charts and Space Sticks.
Math: Students are wrapping up their unit on Telling Time. They will bring home their Rabbit Clocks for more practice next week.
Science: We are continuing to talk about animals that live on the farm, and their attributes.
Art: The young artists of room 4 completed their March self portraits. We focused this month on filling in the entire background of their picture.
Social Studies: We are wrapping up our study of National Symbols and will be moving onto State Symbols next week. We also talked about Dental health month and introduced foods that would be good choices for our dental health, and those that would be bad choices.
Lifeskill Assembly: This month Colin was honored with our award for Caring at our Blue Day assembly.
Field Trip: Tuesday was our field trip to San Francisco's Herbst Theater to see "People Like Me", an interpretation of the legend of how the sun got it's light. Students enjoyed a wonderful lunch on the lawn, great performance and fun bus rides to and from. Special thanks to our parent volunteers who chaperoned and EXTRA special thanks to Mrs. Fritschen who taught all of the Kindergarten classes about the myth and cultures that were respresented before we saw the performance.
NOTES AND REMINDERS
Wishlist: We are in desperate need of glue sticks in Room 4. If you are able to donate one, or a pack it would be much appreciated!
IMPORTANT DATES
April 13-17 NO SCHOOL Spring Break :)
Friday, March 20, 2009
Kinder News 2.27
WEEKLY HAPPENINGS
Literacy Centers:
- "Where Am I?": children colored and practiced reading a small book about things you see on a farm
- Magna Doodles: students wrote the room using our new set of magna doodles
- Penmanship: Students started in their new penmanship books, practicing pencil strokes that're the foundation of letter formation.
- Dr. Seuss Book Box
Guided Reading: Students have gotten another opportunity to read a book at their Guided Reading level this week. They have continued to practice with each other, finding students who have the same book as them.
Writers Workshop: Students wrote using a new tool - a space stick (this is a tongue depressor that has been decorated) to create a space during their writing. We also made a list of "Great Beginnings" to use in Writers Workshop. Ask your child to share some of these with you.
Word Families: As we are continuing to play with letters and their sounds, we are beginning our study of word families. This week we worked with the _at familiy.
Math: Students have begun studying time (to the hour) with Mrs. Chiappe.
St. Patricks Day: We incorporated math with a Lucky Charm cereal activity. Students estimated, sorted, counted, and graphed the number of marshmallows in a serving of cereal.
Healthy Play: This week we learned how to play North Wind, South Wind. It is a tag game in which students are tagged by the "North Wind" and can be unfrozen by the "South Wind".
Social Studies: We are continuing our study of the National Symbols (American Flag, Bald Eagle, Liberty Bell, Mount Rushmore, and the Statue of Liberty)
Assembly: We had a Celtic Harpist and storyteller visit and share some entertaining tales and beautiful music.
Science: We are continuing our study of farms, focusing this week on reading both fiction and non-fiction books. We did an interactive writing activity about animals on the farm and the sounds that they make.
Cooking: We used English Green Peas from our Harvest of the Month box to make a pasta salad. Although students were hesitant to try some of the ingredients (red peppers and pepperjack cheese) most enjoyed the pasta salad to some degree.
NOTES AND REMINDERS
Field Trip: Thank you to all families who contributed money to our scholarship. All students are able to attend our field trip. We have a group of chaperones to ensure that this day goes smoothly. Please remember that we will be eating lunch in the city, so make sure your child BRINGS a lunch on Tuesday. On the day of the field trip, we will be returning back to campus no later than 2:30. Please pick your child up from Room 4.
Pennies for Patients: Our student council's community service project is attempting to collect change to put toward helping children with medical issues. If you choose to donate, please send change in a zip-lock bag with your child.
Return Dates for Take-Home Books:
Library Books - go home Friday, come back Monday (if forgotten, ensure it is back by Tuesday - our library day)
Guided Reading - go home Friday, come back Monday
Red Mystery Bags - go home Friday, come back Wednesday
IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday March 24th: Field Trip
Wednesday March 25th: Blue Day
Friday March 27th: No School
Literacy Centers:
- "Where Am I?": children colored and practiced reading a small book about things you see on a farm
- Magna Doodles: students wrote the room using our new set of magna doodles
- Penmanship: Students started in their new penmanship books, practicing pencil strokes that're the foundation of letter formation.
- Dr. Seuss Book Box
Guided Reading: Students have gotten another opportunity to read a book at their Guided Reading level this week. They have continued to practice with each other, finding students who have the same book as them.
Writers Workshop: Students wrote using a new tool - a space stick (this is a tongue depressor that has been decorated) to create a space during their writing. We also made a list of "Great Beginnings" to use in Writers Workshop. Ask your child to share some of these with you.
Word Families: As we are continuing to play with letters and their sounds, we are beginning our study of word families. This week we worked with the _at familiy.
Math: Students have begun studying time (to the hour) with Mrs. Chiappe.
St. Patricks Day: We incorporated math with a Lucky Charm cereal activity. Students estimated, sorted, counted, and graphed the number of marshmallows in a serving of cereal.
Healthy Play: This week we learned how to play North Wind, South Wind. It is a tag game in which students are tagged by the "North Wind" and can be unfrozen by the "South Wind".
Social Studies: We are continuing our study of the National Symbols (American Flag, Bald Eagle, Liberty Bell, Mount Rushmore, and the Statue of Liberty)
Assembly: We had a Celtic Harpist and storyteller visit and share some entertaining tales and beautiful music.
Science: We are continuing our study of farms, focusing this week on reading both fiction and non-fiction books. We did an interactive writing activity about animals on the farm and the sounds that they make.
Cooking: We used English Green Peas from our Harvest of the Month box to make a pasta salad. Although students were hesitant to try some of the ingredients (red peppers and pepperjack cheese) most enjoyed the pasta salad to some degree.
NOTES AND REMINDERS
Field Trip: Thank you to all families who contributed money to our scholarship. All students are able to attend our field trip. We have a group of chaperones to ensure that this day goes smoothly. Please remember that we will be eating lunch in the city, so make sure your child BRINGS a lunch on Tuesday. On the day of the field trip, we will be returning back to campus no later than 2:30. Please pick your child up from Room 4.
Pennies for Patients: Our student council's community service project is attempting to collect change to put toward helping children with medical issues. If you choose to donate, please send change in a zip-lock bag with your child.
Return Dates for Take-Home Books:
Library Books - go home Friday, come back Monday (if forgotten, ensure it is back by Tuesday - our library day)
Guided Reading - go home Friday, come back Monday
Red Mystery Bags - go home Friday, come back Wednesday
IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday March 24th: Field Trip
Wednesday March 25th: Blue Day
Friday March 27th: No School
Friday, March 6, 2009
Kinder News 2.25
WEEKLY HAPPENINGS
Literacy: We colored and practiced reading our own version of One Fish, Two Fish.
Guided Reading: Students have gotten another opportunity to read a book at their Guided Reading level this week. They have begun to practice with each other, finding students who have the same book as them.
Writers Workshop: Students wrote about their favorite Dr. Seuss book, including the title and their favorite part.
Dr. Seuss Day: We gathered with Miss Casellini's class to prepare Green Eggs and Ham and enjoy some cartoon versions of some Dr. Seuss favorites. (Thank you to Mrs. Regan and Mrs. Soares for helping). We also got to enjoy some wonderful stories, read by the following parents: Mrs. Lew, Mr. Aglubat, Mrs. Otsuka, Mrs. Beadell, Mrs. Soares, and Mrs. Tu. We also visited www.seussville.com during Computer Lab.
Math: Students completed a variety of math assessments this week, including counting, comparing and ordering. They also grabbed pattern blocks, recorded them, and then ordered them from shortest to longest. In our classroom, we graphed our favorite Dr. Seuss book as well as whether or not we liked Green Eggs.
Healthy Play: This week we learned how to play Cooperative Musical Chairs inside the classroom. This is another Healthy Play game which no students are ever out, when they are unable to find a chair, they choose a lap to sit on.
Social Studies: We learned about Hina Matsuri (Japanese Girls Day) and created an origami woman in celebration.
Art: We completed and displayed our March quilt. We also built giant Leprechauns to decorate our classroom. Please come in and take a peek!
NOTES AND REMINDERS
Conferences: The week of March 9th contains two Minmum Days, set aside for conferences. This round of conferences is for students who are below grade level or who I have other concerns about. I will not be meeting with most families during these days.
Field Trip: Please remember that money to cover the cost of tickets is $6 per person. (This also means that parents who are coming must purchase a ticket). If you are able to contribute toward a scholarship, it is appreciated. I have filled all chaperone positions, thank you for your eager replies. On the day of the field trip, we will be returning back to campus no later than 2:30. Please pick your child up from Room 4.
Pennies for Patients: Our student council's community service project is attempting to collect change to put toward helping children with medical issues. If you choose to donate, please send change in a zip-lock bag with your child.
Book Fair: The book fair is open after school on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Students had a chance to preview books this week and there is a "Wish Box" that I've placed books in available.
IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday March 10th: Minimum Day (Conferences)
Wednesday March 11th: Minimum Day (Conferences)
Friday March 13th: Report Cards Go Home
Tuesday March 24th: Field Trip
Wednesday March 25th: Blue Day
Friday March 27th: No School
Literacy: We colored and practiced reading our own version of One Fish, Two Fish.
Guided Reading: Students have gotten another opportunity to read a book at their Guided Reading level this week. They have begun to practice with each other, finding students who have the same book as them.
Writers Workshop: Students wrote about their favorite Dr. Seuss book, including the title and their favorite part.
Dr. Seuss Day: We gathered with Miss Casellini's class to prepare Green Eggs and Ham and enjoy some cartoon versions of some Dr. Seuss favorites. (Thank you to Mrs. Regan and Mrs. Soares for helping). We also got to enjoy some wonderful stories, read by the following parents: Mrs. Lew, Mr. Aglubat, Mrs. Otsuka, Mrs. Beadell, Mrs. Soares, and Mrs. Tu. We also visited www.seussville.com during Computer Lab.
Math: Students completed a variety of math assessments this week, including counting, comparing and ordering. They also grabbed pattern blocks, recorded them, and then ordered them from shortest to longest. In our classroom, we graphed our favorite Dr. Seuss book as well as whether or not we liked Green Eggs.
Healthy Play: This week we learned how to play Cooperative Musical Chairs inside the classroom. This is another Healthy Play game which no students are ever out, when they are unable to find a chair, they choose a lap to sit on.
Social Studies: We learned about Hina Matsuri (Japanese Girls Day) and created an origami woman in celebration.
Art: We completed and displayed our March quilt. We also built giant Leprechauns to decorate our classroom. Please come in and take a peek!
NOTES AND REMINDERS
Conferences: The week of March 9th contains two Minmum Days, set aside for conferences. This round of conferences is for students who are below grade level or who I have other concerns about. I will not be meeting with most families during these days.
Field Trip: Please remember that money to cover the cost of tickets is $6 per person. (This also means that parents who are coming must purchase a ticket). If you are able to contribute toward a scholarship, it is appreciated. I have filled all chaperone positions, thank you for your eager replies. On the day of the field trip, we will be returning back to campus no later than 2:30. Please pick your child up from Room 4.
Pennies for Patients: Our student council's community service project is attempting to collect change to put toward helping children with medical issues. If you choose to donate, please send change in a zip-lock bag with your child.
Book Fair: The book fair is open after school on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Students had a chance to preview books this week and there is a "Wish Box" that I've placed books in available.
IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday March 10th: Minimum Day (Conferences)
Wednesday March 11th: Minimum Day (Conferences)
Friday March 13th: Report Cards Go Home
Tuesday March 24th: Field Trip
Wednesday March 25th: Blue Day
Friday March 27th: No School
Friday, February 27, 2009
Kinder News 2.24
WEEKLY HAPPENINGS
Literacy Centers:
- Students did creative writing, imagining themselves as the president "If I was President I would..."
- The lyrics of "Magic Penny" were in the form of a little book that students could color and read
- Magnetic Letters: building words
- 100s Day coloring activity which involved reading color words and coloring picture appropriately
Guided Reading: After completing assessments, we were finally able to dive into Guided Reading this week. I had a chance to meet 1-on-1 with every student to talk to them about the structure of guided reading. (That they will be pulled, either by themselves or with a group, to learn something about reading and then practice it with me. I explained that they may feel frustrated during Guided Reading sometimes, but that it's my job to make sure that they are reading books that are just right for them. Students will keep books at school in their Book Boxes to practice and periodically take them home for additional support there. This week I focused with most students on pointing to words as they read them. This ensures that they are matching spoken words to written.) This is a very exciting time for Kindergarteners as they are beginning to build confidence in their reading skills and strategies and look forward to the journey that lies ahead.
Writers Workshop: Students used photos with their flat dolls (or drew their own illustrations) and wrote about their Winter Break. Students are beginning to really excel with phonetic spelling and are taking more risks, a huge step to becoming independent and successful writers!
Math: Mrs. Chiappe taught students a game called Racing Bears. In our classroom, we examined pennies (President Lincoln) and recorded results of a penny toss activity.
Science: We have said goodbye to our Animals Two by Two unit. We explored fish, snails, and worms! Our classroom will continue to house the fish and snails for students to make observations and care for.
Art: Students created both squares for our February quilt (one was simple cutting and gluing and the other was watercolored). We also colored our February self portraits. This month we focused on filling the entire space, most students did this by coloring their picture's background blue as the sky.
Social Studies: This week we focused on Presidents day. We talked especially about Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. I read several Read Alouds, they read leveled reader about Washington, we talked about Holidays and even watched a DVD segment (complete with a song about holidays).
Buddies: Our buddies helped us to create George Washington hats this week. Then we were able to read them our new guided reading books.
Lifeskill Assembly: This month Andrew was honored with our award for Perseverance: "I will finish what I start".
NOTES AND REMINDERS
Conferences: The week of March 9th contains two Minmum Days, set aside for conferences. This round of conferences is for students who are below grade level or who I have other concerns about. I will not be meeting with most families during these days. I will be sending letters home early next week, to schedule with those of you who I'd like to conference with. If you have concerns and feel that a conference is necessarily, please email me with your inquiry.
Field Trip: Please remember that money to cover the cost of tickets is $6 per person. (This also means that parents who are coming must purchase a ticket). If you are able to contribute toward a scholarship, it is appreciated. I am also looking for volunteers to chaperone our field trip to San Francisco on March 24. We are able to take 4 parents, and I will give priority to those who have not yet attended. I will open the opportunity up to those parents on Monday if I have not recieved enough.
Dr. Seuss Day: Monday, March 2nd we will celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday. We will spend the day reading Dr. Seuss stories, making Green Eggs and Ham, and creating Cat in the Hat hats. I am looking for parents who might be interested in being "Guest Readers" that day to read a Dr. Seuss story. (I will forward the Jooners sign up - Please sign up no later than Sunday night so I can plan accordingly)
Photos: They are uploaded on Picasa. Please enjoy, and once again sorry for the huge gap in time. I will do my best to keep them more up to date in the future.
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday March 2nd: Dr. Seuss Birthday
Tuesday March 3rd: Hina Matsuri (Japanese Doll Festival)
Friday March 6th: Minimum Day
Tuesday March 10th: Minimum Day (Conferences)
Wednesday March 11th: Minimum Day (Conferences)
Friday March 13th: Report Cards Go Home
Tuesday March 24th: Field Trip
Wednesday March 25th: Blue Day
Friday March 27th: No School
Literacy Centers:
- Students did creative writing, imagining themselves as the president "If I was President I would..."
- The lyrics of "Magic Penny" were in the form of a little book that students could color and read
- Magnetic Letters: building words
- 100s Day coloring activity which involved reading color words and coloring picture appropriately
Guided Reading: After completing assessments, we were finally able to dive into Guided Reading this week. I had a chance to meet 1-on-1 with every student to talk to them about the structure of guided reading. (That they will be pulled, either by themselves or with a group, to learn something about reading and then practice it with me. I explained that they may feel frustrated during Guided Reading sometimes, but that it's my job to make sure that they are reading books that are just right for them. Students will keep books at school in their Book Boxes to practice and periodically take them home for additional support there. This week I focused with most students on pointing to words as they read them. This ensures that they are matching spoken words to written.) This is a very exciting time for Kindergarteners as they are beginning to build confidence in their reading skills and strategies and look forward to the journey that lies ahead.
Writers Workshop: Students used photos with their flat dolls (or drew their own illustrations) and wrote about their Winter Break. Students are beginning to really excel with phonetic spelling and are taking more risks, a huge step to becoming independent and successful writers!
Math: Mrs. Chiappe taught students a game called Racing Bears. In our classroom, we examined pennies (President Lincoln) and recorded results of a penny toss activity.
Science: We have said goodbye to our Animals Two by Two unit. We explored fish, snails, and worms! Our classroom will continue to house the fish and snails for students to make observations and care for.
Art: Students created both squares for our February quilt (one was simple cutting and gluing and the other was watercolored). We also colored our February self portraits. This month we focused on filling the entire space, most students did this by coloring their picture's background blue as the sky.
Social Studies: This week we focused on Presidents day. We talked especially about Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. I read several Read Alouds, they read leveled reader about Washington, we talked about Holidays and even watched a DVD segment (complete with a song about holidays).
Buddies: Our buddies helped us to create George Washington hats this week. Then we were able to read them our new guided reading books.
Lifeskill Assembly: This month Andrew was honored with our award for Perseverance: "I will finish what I start".
NOTES AND REMINDERS
Conferences: The week of March 9th contains two Minmum Days, set aside for conferences. This round of conferences is for students who are below grade level or who I have other concerns about. I will not be meeting with most families during these days. I will be sending letters home early next week, to schedule with those of you who I'd like to conference with. If you have concerns and feel that a conference is necessarily, please email me with your inquiry.
Field Trip: Please remember that money to cover the cost of tickets is $6 per person. (This also means that parents who are coming must purchase a ticket). If you are able to contribute toward a scholarship, it is appreciated. I am also looking for volunteers to chaperone our field trip to San Francisco on March 24. We are able to take 4 parents, and I will give priority to those who have not yet attended. I will open the opportunity up to those parents on Monday if I have not recieved enough.
Dr. Seuss Day: Monday, March 2nd we will celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday. We will spend the day reading Dr. Seuss stories, making Green Eggs and Ham, and creating Cat in the Hat hats. I am looking for parents who might be interested in being "Guest Readers" that day to read a Dr. Seuss story. (I will forward the Jooners sign up - Please sign up no later than Sunday night so I can plan accordingly)
Photos: They are uploaded on Picasa. Please enjoy, and once again sorry for the huge gap in time. I will do my best to keep them more up to date in the future.
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday March 2nd: Dr. Seuss Birthday
Tuesday March 3rd: Hina Matsuri (Japanese Doll Festival)
Friday March 6th: Minimum Day
Tuesday March 10th: Minimum Day (Conferences)
Wednesday March 11th: Minimum Day (Conferences)
Friday March 13th: Report Cards Go Home
Tuesday March 24th: Field Trip
Wednesday March 25th: Blue Day
Friday March 27th: No School
Friday, February 13, 2009
Kinder News 2.23
WEEKLY HAPPENINGS
Literacy: We colored and read a book called "I Like Me". Students were very successful with this patterned text.
Writers Workshop: This week we talked about functional writing. Our focus was on writing a letter. We talked about the parts of a letter (date, Dear _____, message and the closing). Students wrote a valentines letter for someone in their family.
Field Trip to the Mailbox: After completing the letters, putting an address label on the envelope, and stamps, we walked to the mailbox on Dunford. Students had a chance to place their letters in the mailbox (so keep your eyes on the mail, hopefully they will arrive on Saturday).
Math: We worked on a simple addition concept book, students chose two quantities to draw, then created an addition problem to accompany them.
Science: We observed our newest and final animal friend, worms. Students asked questions to guess what animal we'd be meeting, then used those clues to guess. We examined Red Worms and Night Crawlers. We talked about how their bodies feel and what they look like when they move.
Cooking: Our Harvest of the Month crate contained Cabbage. We looked at three types: Red, Napa, and Green. Miss Wagenaar cut the Green Cabbage and created a Chinese Chicken Salad (minus the chicken) for the children to try.
Native Pride Dancers: We had an assembly on Monday which involved Native Americans presenting information and a glimpse of their culture.
Kinder Concert: We hope you enjoyed our presentation of the Kindergarten Concert on Tuesday evening. We have worked very hard to learn the songs, and many wonderful reviews would say that the time and effort paid off.
Valentine's Day: Today was a fun-filled day. We started the day with a math exercise - sorting, graphing, and addition using candy hearts. Our buddies helped us to complete a Valentine Mouse craft project. After lunch we enjoyed our party. We had snacks including mini pizzas, kettle corn, oranges, strawberries, apple juice, and a cookie. Finally students were able to open and enjoy their Valentine cards with one another. The day ended with Esther Lew handing out beautiful construction paper roses for the students to bring home to parents. These roses were created using their handprints! (Absolutely Amazing!)
NOTES AND REMINDERS
There is no school this coming week! Enjoy your holiday, hope it finds you happy and healthy.
Flat People: If you were not able to submit pictures (or did and would like to take more) of your child with their flat counterpart, I've pushed the writing project back to allow families who missed out on the Winter Break to participate. So, remember the idea is to take photos of your child and their doll doing noteworthy activities during the break. We WILL be writing our Class Book about their adventures when we return. Thank you for your involvement!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU: To all parents who helped with our Valentines Celebration, whether by attending or providing supplies or snacks! What a group of willing individuals we have this year. Your children and I are so lucky to have you!
Also, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU: To Maura Fennelly (Megan's mom) who was able to get her work to donate a laptop to replace my previously stolen one. The kids and I are very excited (they're all already making requests for songs that they'd like me to have on it when we get back from break). My vow, now that I've been given such a generous gift, is to stay on top of the blog, especially the picture uploading. I leave for Chicago in a few hours, but when I return I will be taking some time to upload backlogged pictures that haven't made their way online. Thank you for your patience with me while I get things back in order.
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday February 16 - Friday February 20: No School
Literacy: We colored and read a book called "I Like Me". Students were very successful with this patterned text.
Writers Workshop: This week we talked about functional writing. Our focus was on writing a letter. We talked about the parts of a letter (date, Dear _____, message and the closing). Students wrote a valentines letter for someone in their family.
Field Trip to the Mailbox: After completing the letters, putting an address label on the envelope, and stamps, we walked to the mailbox on Dunford. Students had a chance to place their letters in the mailbox (so keep your eyes on the mail, hopefully they will arrive on Saturday).
Math: We worked on a simple addition concept book, students chose two quantities to draw, then created an addition problem to accompany them.
Science: We observed our newest and final animal friend, worms. Students asked questions to guess what animal we'd be meeting, then used those clues to guess. We examined Red Worms and Night Crawlers. We talked about how their bodies feel and what they look like when they move.
Cooking: Our Harvest of the Month crate contained Cabbage. We looked at three types: Red, Napa, and Green. Miss Wagenaar cut the Green Cabbage and created a Chinese Chicken Salad (minus the chicken) for the children to try.
Native Pride Dancers: We had an assembly on Monday which involved Native Americans presenting information and a glimpse of their culture.
Kinder Concert: We hope you enjoyed our presentation of the Kindergarten Concert on Tuesday evening. We have worked very hard to learn the songs, and many wonderful reviews would say that the time and effort paid off.
Valentine's Day: Today was a fun-filled day. We started the day with a math exercise - sorting, graphing, and addition using candy hearts. Our buddies helped us to complete a Valentine Mouse craft project. After lunch we enjoyed our party. We had snacks including mini pizzas, kettle corn, oranges, strawberries, apple juice, and a cookie. Finally students were able to open and enjoy their Valentine cards with one another. The day ended with Esther Lew handing out beautiful construction paper roses for the students to bring home to parents. These roses were created using their handprints! (Absolutely Amazing!)
NOTES AND REMINDERS
There is no school this coming week! Enjoy your holiday, hope it finds you happy and healthy.
Flat People: If you were not able to submit pictures (or did and would like to take more) of your child with their flat counterpart, I've pushed the writing project back to allow families who missed out on the Winter Break to participate. So, remember the idea is to take photos of your child and their doll doing noteworthy activities during the break. We WILL be writing our Class Book about their adventures when we return. Thank you for your involvement!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU: To all parents who helped with our Valentines Celebration, whether by attending or providing supplies or snacks! What a group of willing individuals we have this year. Your children and I are so lucky to have you!
Also, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU: To Maura Fennelly (Megan's mom) who was able to get her work to donate a laptop to replace my previously stolen one. The kids and I are very excited (they're all already making requests for songs that they'd like me to have on it when we get back from break). My vow, now that I've been given such a generous gift, is to stay on top of the blog, especially the picture uploading. I leave for Chicago in a few hours, but when I return I will be taking some time to upload backlogged pictures that haven't made their way online. Thank you for your patience with me while I get things back in order.
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday February 16 - Friday February 20: No School
Friday, February 6, 2009
Kinder News 2.22
WEEKLY HAPPENINGS
Literacy Centers:
- Mr. Snowman song
- Beginning Sounds worksheet
- I would eat 100___/I would not eat 100____ class book page
-Clifford Alphabet Bingo game
Writers Workshop: Students practiced writing before drawing during Writer's Workshop and used phonetic spelling to tell a story about something that had happened to them. (Students practiced using the alphabet chart to help identify letter sounds) We especially focused on adding a reflective ending. For example "It was fun." or "I had a good time."
Science: We continued our examination of snails. We drew them scientifically, and added labels of their parts (shell, foot, tentacles, and eyes).
Cooking: This week Yuka's mom organized and led our cooking project. We made Chinese dumpling in a sweet broth. The children had fun creating the dough balls and trying a food that most of them had never experienced.
Groundhog Day: We celebrated Groundhog day by creating a Groundhog puppet. Since Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, we will be experiencing six more weeks of Winter.
100th Day: We celebrated the 100th day of school with a variety of activities and projects. We found 100 objects around the classroom, sorted, and counted them. We did a "museum walk" to see the 100 item collections brought it in all Kinder classes. We made 100 glasses/headbands. We compared the weight of our 100 item collections. We used marshmallows to count to 100, focusing on grouping and place value. We finished the sentence "If I had $100 I would buy ________." We also made a necklace using 100 fruit loops.
Music: A lot of our week was devoted to preparing ourselves for our upcoming concert. We have moved our practice onto the stage, preparing ourselves for the concert by singing on the risers. We look forward to sharing our hard work during next week's concert.
NOTES AND REMINDERS
Kinder Concert: Just a reminder that our Kindergarten Concert will be happening on Tuesday. Please remember to send in your child's pink or red shirt (marked with their name) as soon as possible.
Valentines: Reminder that if Valentines are going to be distributed, they need to be written by your child and they must be included for every student. We will be distributing them throughout the morning of Friday February 13.
Valentines Celebration: Our celebration will be following lunch on Friday February 13th. We will enjoy some healthy snacks (sign-up sheet to follow) and students will have an opportunity to open their Valentine Cards.
IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday February 10th: Kinder Concert (6:30pm)
Friday February 13th: Valentine's Celebration
Monday February 16 - Friday February 20: No School
Literacy Centers:
- Mr. Snowman song
- Beginning Sounds worksheet
- I would eat 100___/I would not eat 100____ class book page
-Clifford Alphabet Bingo game
Writers Workshop: Students practiced writing before drawing during Writer's Workshop and used phonetic spelling to tell a story about something that had happened to them. (Students practiced using the alphabet chart to help identify letter sounds) We especially focused on adding a reflective ending. For example "It was fun." or "I had a good time."
Science: We continued our examination of snails. We drew them scientifically, and added labels of their parts (shell, foot, tentacles, and eyes).
Cooking: This week Yuka's mom organized and led our cooking project. We made Chinese dumpling in a sweet broth. The children had fun creating the dough balls and trying a food that most of them had never experienced.
Groundhog Day: We celebrated Groundhog day by creating a Groundhog puppet. Since Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, we will be experiencing six more weeks of Winter.
100th Day: We celebrated the 100th day of school with a variety of activities and projects. We found 100 objects around the classroom, sorted, and counted them. We did a "museum walk" to see the 100 item collections brought it in all Kinder classes. We made 100 glasses/headbands. We compared the weight of our 100 item collections. We used marshmallows to count to 100, focusing on grouping and place value. We finished the sentence "If I had $100 I would buy ________." We also made a necklace using 100 fruit loops.
Music: A lot of our week was devoted to preparing ourselves for our upcoming concert. We have moved our practice onto the stage, preparing ourselves for the concert by singing on the risers. We look forward to sharing our hard work during next week's concert.
NOTES AND REMINDERS
Kinder Concert: Just a reminder that our Kindergarten Concert will be happening on Tuesday. Please remember to send in your child's pink or red shirt (marked with their name) as soon as possible.
Valentines: Reminder that if Valentines are going to be distributed, they need to be written by your child and they must be included for every student. We will be distributing them throughout the morning of Friday February 13.
Valentines Celebration: Our celebration will be following lunch on Friday February 13th. We will enjoy some healthy snacks (sign-up sheet to follow) and students will have an opportunity to open their Valentine Cards.
IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday February 10th: Kinder Concert (6:30pm)
Friday February 13th: Valentine's Celebration
Monday February 16 - Friday February 20: No School
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