Hello!
It was wonderful seeing all of you last night.  Thank you so much for coming!

During Reading Workshop we learned that Good Readers...

• Talk to their reading buddy!
• Discuss their favorite part of the story with their reading buddy.
• Notice action in the story.
• Can disagree with their reading buddy.
• Always 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.  This week, our shared reading was a poem about an Apple Tree.  A copy was sent home today.  Please have your child practice reading it with you!

During Writing Workshop we learned that Good Writers...

• Add action to their story!
• Do their best to stretch out the sounds they hear in words.
• Make choices about the tools they use!

During Math we learned that Good Mathematicians...

• Play games!  We learned a new game called Pop. 
• Practice writing numbers to 10.
• Visit the computer lab to use Dreambox.

Word Study Centers:  Each group worked on sorting Capital letters, Lowercase letters and numbers.
Students finished their All About Books and completed an apple craft.  The game/puzzle center included activities that focused on Beginning Sounds and Rhyming.  We also practiced counting the syllables in everyone's name.  Try it out at home!

Social Studies/Science - We celebrated Johnny Appleseed's birthday!  We read about his adventures and completed some fun activities.  Our 2nd Steps lessons involved using our attent-a-scope to focus on listening to specific directions. Please review the Home Link with your child.  The activity is optional!

Hello!
We had a busy week in Kindergarten.  Please remember to return library books by Monday!  Also, please have your child wear sneakers to school for Gym on Wednesday and Friday.  We will continue to have 2 snacks.  Please pack your child's snack outside of his/her lunch box.  

During Reading Workshop we learned that Good Readers...

• Point to the pictures to help tell the story.
• Look at the details of the picture to help figure out the story.
• Notice action in the pictures!

Our Shared Readings this week were Jack and Jill and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.  The class did a wonderful job!  I was very impressed.

During Writing Workshop we learned that Good Writers...

• Think about people in their lives that they can write about - like parents, siblings, and friends.
• Think about places they have been that they can write about - like playgrounds, beaches and homes.  
• Do their best to add labels to their stories.

In Math we learned that Good Mathematicians...

• Use math racks to make combinations of 5 and 10.
• Use manipulatives to count and represent quantities.
• Use the Smartboard to play math games!

Word Study Centers:  Students have been working in small groups to practice sorting concept cards.  They have also practiced cutting and pasting their sort into their Word Study notebook.  We continue to practice our "Center" routine.  Students visit two literacy based centers each day.  Activities include -  games/puzzles, big books, phonics and writing. 

Social Studies: This week, we reviewed our expectations for listening - Eyes Watching, Ears Listening, Voice Quiet, and Body Still.  We played a game called Follow, follow.   When I say "follow, follow" the students listen for a direction and follow it.  Please review the "Home Link" with your child.  The activity is OPTIONAL.

Science: We enjoyed planting Mustard Greens in the school Garden.  Our 4th grade buddies joined us for the fun! 

Have a great weekend!  I look forward to seeing you at Open House on Thursday.