Friday, October 28, 2011

Updates and Reminders...

We were all about Halloween this week!  Students completed several crafts and Halloween themed activities.  The class can't wait to dress in their costumes for the Share and Parade at 10:15 on Monday.  Don't forget your camera!

This week we learned that...

Good Readers don't read like a robot.  Instead, they think about how the character is feeling and use an exciting "storyteller" voice...like Patricia Polacco!  We also used sticky notes to mark the places in our books where we make a connection or have a strong feeling.  Everyone is doing a great job!

Good Writers have a special "writing buddy" that they meet with to share ideas and offer suggestions/compliments.  We are working hard to create stories that have a beginning, middle, and end. 

Sight Words - The class word this week was "in."  Personal lists were sent home yesterday.  New lists will not go home until after Halloween:)

Word Study - Students visit two centers each day.  They are working on sorting picure cards based on certain letter sounds, or they sorting words into word families. 

Math - We finished up our unit on Patterning and will begin looking at 3-D shapes!

Science/Social Studies - We had an assembly where we learned about the Holmes School Promise.  We are working on showing respect by being good listners!  We continued to study the 5 senses.

Have a great weekend! 

Friday, October 21, 2011

This Week in Kindergarten

Hello Families,

We have been busy in Kindergarten! 

Reader's Workshop - The class has learned to shop for books and keep them inside their book bag.  They also know that good readers identify the characters in their books and describe their actions.  Recently, we began to make connections within books using the phrase "This remind me of..."

Writer's Workshop - The class is learning to "zoom in" on a small moment and stretch out their story across several pages.  Students are also adding more words and labels to their story by stretching out letter sounds.

Math - Students are recognizing and creating patterns!  They have completed Halloween themed patterning activities, and have used manipulatives to generate their own patterns.  Students have also used magnetic patterning boards to develop their knowledge of patterns.

Science/Social Studies - The class read their new "Let's Find Out" magazine about nocturnal animals.  We are continuing to learn about our 5 senses through books, games, and activities. 

Word Study Centers - Volunteers began coming into the classroom this week!  Thank you for your help.  Students are working in their groups to sort words/picture cards and complete other literacy based activities.

Handwriting - Letter Tt.

REMINDERS:
**Please pack 2 snacks for your child each day.
**Halloween Share - Monday, the 31st at 10:15.
**Picture Retakes - November 16th.
**Each student should have a weather appropriate change of clothes in their cubby.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

REMINDERS:

  • Picture orders are due Friday 10/14!
  • Center Volunteers begin Tuesday 10/18.
  • Scholastic Orders are due on Wednesday 10/19.
  • Halloween Share is on 10/31 at 10:15!
  • Please send in Box Tops and supplies for our craft bin:)
Thank you!!!

Dear Kindergarten Parents,

The Kindergarten children will present their annual Halloween Music Program/Share on Monday, October 31st, at 10:15 a.m., in the Common Room: followed immediately by an outdoor costume parade on the playground, (weather permitting).  Please have your child bring their costume to school in a bag labeled with their name; and please be sure that all the pieces of their costume are labeled as well (your child's name, written [with a Sharpie] on a piece of masking tape, [placed on the inside of each piece], works well for this).  Pre-school siblings are welcome to attend.

Thank you so much for your help!

We are looking forward to a “spooktacular” musical treat!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Lettera & the Kindergarten Teachers

Thursday, October 6, 2011

It's October!

We had a busy week in Kindergarten!


Writing Workshop - Students "fixed-up" and published their favorite story from our Launching Writing Workshop unit.  We celebrated by sharing our stories and illustrations.  Students complimented each other and asked questions.


Reading Workshop - We talked about how to shop for books in our classroom library.  Everyone has 3 books in his/her newly decorated book bag, as well as their individualized sight word ring.


Math - We used some Halloween themed activities to practice counting and number formation.  We also learned several math games that can be played after independent work is completed. 


Word Study Centers - Students used sight word and phonics stamps to practice words and letter sounds.  Letter tiles were used to practice spelling one another's names, as well as sight words. Students continued to use their notebooks to practice cutting & pasting their sorts.


Science/Social Studies - we reviewed Let's Find Out magazine and started a unit on the 5 senses! 


REMINDERS:
Please send in picture orders!
Each student should have a weather appropriate change of clothes in his/her cubby.
Please send in magazines and/or items for our craft bin!
We are collecting Box Tops.


Have a great weekend!