Everyone survived their first full week of full day kindergarten!  Some highlights from the week include:

• Our first Whole School meeting where we learned about the World Language program. 
• Attending Music, Gym, Art, and Library!  Please don't forget to return library books to school.
• Fire drill practice - we learned to exit the building quickly and quietly.  We talked about how it's okay to cover your ears, since the alarm is so loud.

During Reading Workshop we learned that Good Readers...

• Read from books in bin, and take care of the classroom books.
• Turn and talk with their reading buddy about what is happening in the story.
• Look at the cover, and think..."What will the book be about?"

Shared reading is 10 to 15 minutes in our day when the whole class reads together. Quite often the reading is familiar Nursery Rhymes or poems, or memorable texts. We read the same piece each day, and by the end of the week the students are “reading” it on their own. Our shared reading this week was Jack be Nimble.  A copy of the nursery rhyme should be in your child's folder.  Please practice it at home!

In Writing Workshop we learned that Good Writers...

• Independently retrieve and use their writing tools.
• Brainstorm an idea and then write.
• Add to the picture, add to the words, start a new story!

During Math we learned that good Mathematicians...

• Study the numbers one to ten.
• Practice rote counting, as well as look at combinations of numbers up to 5.

Word Study Centers:  Students have been working in small groups with me to practice sorting concept cards.  They have also practiced cutting and pasting their sort into their Word Study notebook.  We are still practicing our "Center" routine.  Students visit two literacy based centers each day.

Social Studies: We began using the district's 2nd Steps program to teach strong listening skills.  We learned that in order to be a good listener you have to have  - Eyes Watching, Ears Listening, Voice Quiet, and Body Still. 

Homework:  Please read with your child for 15 minutes each night!

REMINDERS:

• There is no school on Monday!
• Please send in an Art Smock if you haven't already.
• Please send two snacks packed outside of your child's lunch box...even if they are buying lunch!
• Book orders are due on September 19th. 
• Open House is September 27th.