Reading Workshop...Identifying Character Traits!

• Pay attention to what characters say and do.
• Identify a word to describe the character - silly, helpful, annoying.
• Identify character traits in our own Just Right books.

Writing Workshop...Fix and Fancy Up our Persuasive Writing!

• Add to the picture and words.
• Add punctuation.
• Make sure Word Wall words are spelled correctly.

Science - Ladybugs!  We observed our Ladybugs change from larva to pupa.  

Math Workshop - we learned several new games that focus on addition, subtraction, and counting on.

Have a Wonderful Mother's Day!

We hope you enjoy the special card and gift.  Have a great weekend!

During Reading Workshop we learned that Readers Solve Tricky Words!

• Look at the picture, say the first sounds, start over.
• Think - Does that make sense?
• Skip the word, read on and then go back.  
• Look for chunks and think "where have I seen that word before?"

During Writing Workshop we continued our unit on persuasive writing.  On Nurse's Day, we wrote letters to Mrs. Rogers convincing her that she is the best nurse.  Each student had to give several reasons why Mrs. Rogers is the best.  We made a special book of our letters and presented it to Mrs. Rogers.

During Math Workshop, we continued exploring place value.  We began a new unit and learned several games involving addition and subtraction.  

Social Studies - Cinco de Mayo!

Science - PLANTS and LADYBUGS!  We spent some time in the garden with Mrs. Curran.  The ladybug larvae arrived.  We set up Ladybug Land and will be writing our observations in our science journals.  

Personal lifecycle projects are due May 29th!

Welcome Back!

Happy Spring!  It's so nice to finally have outdoor recess on a regular basis!  I hope you all had a relaxing break.  We had a busy week at school...

During Reading Workshop we learned that Reader's are Resourceful!

• We reviewed strategies for reading tricky words.
• We increased our reading stamina!
• We practiced reading aloud with fluency and expression.

During Writing Workshop we began a new unit - Persuasive Writing!

• We read several books where the characters were very persuasive and convincing such as; Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems.
• We discussed positive phrases/words that authors use to be convincing.  
• We made a list of positive changes we would like to see happen at Holmes School.  
• We voted on one and we are writing a class letter to Mrs. Bleakley and Mr. Harvey in hopes of persuading them to make the change!

During Math Workshop we began a new Cathy Fosnot unit called Collecting and Organizing.  The class worked in groups to take inventory of classroom items.  They counted the items and labeled them.  We noticed that bundling items in groups of 10 helped us to be more organized and efficient.

Social Studies/Science - Earth Day!

Have a nice, long weekend!

There is no school Friday, April 3rd and Monday, April 6th.  Have a wonderful weekend!

During Reader's Workshop we learned that...

• Readers think about the whole book and what makes sense when they are reading.
• Readers think about the topic of the books and make predictions.
• When a reader gets to a word he/she doesn't know, he/she asks what makes sense? Check the pictures and the letter sounds.

During Writer's Workshop we learned that...

• Writers write All About a topic that they are VERY familiar with.
• Writers list all that they know about the topic.
• Writers create chapters for their book.
• Writers label their pictures to give more information.

Math:  We finished up our unit on 2-D and 3-D shapes and practiced combining numbers up to 10.  

REMINDERS:

There is no school tomorrow - Friday, April 3rd. and Monday, April 6th.  Enjoy the long weekend!  

During Reading Workshop...

• We continued our exploration of non-fiction.  
• Asked questions before reading and looked for answers to our questions.
• Compared and contrasted non-fiction and fiction books - noticing that we can learn from both.
• Think about the words they might read inside the book.

During Writing Workshop we "fixed and fancied up" our All About Me books.

• Writers write everything they know about themselves across the pages. Then they go back and add more!
• Writers use lower case letters and add periods at the end of their sentences.
• Writers work with a buddy to edit and revise.
• Writers make a list of new topics that they know All About.

Math Workshop - We started a unit on shapes. We learned about 2-D shapes: squares, circles, triangles, rectangles, ovals, and rhombuses. We explored what they look like, how many sides they have, and where you can find them in the real world.  We made different shapes using Playdoh.  We also began exploring and describing 3-D shapes. What makes a circle and a sphere different? Where can we find these shapes in the real world?  How many corners, edges, and faces do each shape have?

Social Studies/Science - Maps!  We used Google Earth to visit the desert, mountains, islands, and ocean.  We discussed land forms and their similarities/differences.   

We had a busy week in Kindergarten!  The following programs visited our school this week.

• Ted Scheu the Poetry Guy
• Animal Embassy
• Music for Youth

During Reading Workshop...

• Readers ask questions before they read - who, what, when, where, why?
• Readers look for answers to their questions.
• Study non-fiction text features - Table of Contents, diagrams, index, glossary, etc.

During Writing Workshop...

• Write All About something they know very well - like themselves!
• Create chapter titles.
• Write the words first and then add pictures.

Math Workshop...

Apple Boxes - Combinations of 10.  Students work independently and with a buddy to solve the following problem - How many combinations of red and green apples could a grocer make in a box of 5 apples?  In a box of 10 apples?

Holiday Math - St. Patrick's Day patterns.

Social Studies/Science:  Map Skills

During Writer's Workshop...writer's Fix and Fancy Up!

• Use an editing checklist!
• Check for upper-case and lower-case letters.
• Use punctuation - period, exclamation mark, question mark.
• Do their best work!

During Reading Workshop....Readers read for information!

• We began a new unit on non-fiction and reading for information.
• Non-Fiction vs. Fiction.
• Think about what they might learn from the book.

During Math Workshop...

• Measured in inches using a ruler.
• Found classroom items that were shorter or about the same size as the ruler.
• Used the math rack to make combinations within 10.

Social Studies/Science: President's Day and Weather!

Have a great break!

During Reading Workshop...

• Read with a buddy - we all have new reading buddies!
• Talk with a buddy - you can retell the story, share your favorite part, or solve tricky words.
• Look for quotation marks to show where the character is speaking.
• Read fluently with expression!

During Writing Workshop....

• Began writing a class book - How to Line Up for a Fire Drill.
• Adding speech bubbles to illustrations.
• Acting out steps to see if they make sense.

During Math Workshop we began a unit on Measuring and Counting.  We formed small groups and traced each other's shoes.  We measured the length using cubes and compared measurements with the other students in the group.  We continued to count forwards and backwards, and combine numbers to find the total.

Social Studies/Science - Valentine's Day and Winter!

Hoping to make it to the 100th Day on Monday...

During Reading Workshop we practiced a 5-Finger Retell!

• THUMB = the setting
• POINTER = the characters
• MIDDLE = the problem
• RING = the events in order - Beginning, Middle, and end
• PINKY = the solution

We read several stories and practiced retelling them with our reading buddies!  You can try this at home:)

During Writing Workshop we continued to work on our How To books.  

• Adding details to each step to teach the reader.
• Adding details and labels to the picture to help the reader.
• Adding tips to keep the reader safe like; "be careful!" or "ask an adult for help!"

During Math we practicing counting to 100 by 1s, 2s, 5s, 10s.  We played several counting games to add onto to numbers.  We practiced counting by 1s and writing missing numbers to 100.

S.S. and Science - Ground Hog's Day, 100th day, winter and hibernation.

REMINDERS/UPDATES:

• The 100th day of school is Monday...unless we have a snow day:(
• We will exchange Valentine's Day cards at school!  Please make sure your child has a Valentine for each student in class.  There are 19 students total:)

I hope everyone has a HEALTHY weekend...

During Reading Workshop we continued our unit on Becoming a Class of Reading Teachers!

• Buddies take turns reading to one another.
• Buddies help each other.
• Reader use all their Super Powers to solve tricky words...***Look for chunks, check the picture, re-read and make sure it sounds right!

During Writing Workshop we continued our unit on How to Books!

• We learned how to write an "About the Expert" page.
• Writers write words that they know correctly - sight words, word family words.
• Read How To books by real authors.

During Math Workshop we continued our Bunk Beds unit.  We learned a new game where we used dice to make combinations through 12.  We used the math rack to demonstrate our combinations.

Social Studies/Science - Martin Luther King Day and Seasons/Weather and GERMS!

REMINDERS:

100th Day is scheduled for January 30th!

Happy New Year!  I hope everyone stayed warm this week.

During Reading Workshop we are a class of reading teachers!

• Readers use all of their superpowers!
• Look for chunks (smaller words that they know inside larger words).
• Check the picture to word solve.
• Work with a buddy to solve tricky words.

During Writing Workshop we began How To Books!

• Writer's write teaching books.
• Make a list of things they know how to do REALLY well.
• Plan and act out their steps!
• Write together - we made a class book How to Make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich.

During Math Workshop we began a new Unit - Bunk Beds.  We read a story about a sleepover and students used the math rack to make different combinations of numbers within 8.


Science/Social Studies - We began talking about the different seasons and winter holidays.

Reading Workshop:  We read several different versions of the Gingerbread Man, and then completed an activity to go with it

• Make connections...text-to-self and text-to-text.  "This story reminds me of.
• Compare and contrast the stories - characters, setting, actions and illustrations.

Monday:  The Gingerbread Man –  Make puppets to act out the story.
Tuesday:  The Gingerbread Boy – Write an ending to the book
Wednesday:  The Gingerbread Baby  – Write & Illustrate who you would run away from
Friday:  Reader's Theatre with Mrs. Pellicci's class!  Retell and act out the story using our puppets.


Writing Workshop: 

• Re-read our writing and ask "does it make sense?"
• Add details and elaboration to our words and illustration.
• Stretch out each sound you hear in the words.
• Write about reading - make their own ending to the Gingerbread Man!

Math Workshop:  Identify and match number words 1-10.  Compare objects that are shorter and longer.  Measure using non-standard units of measurement; like cubes.


Social Studies: Winter Holidays, 2nd Steps (Noticing feelings in others), Connect with Kindness Day.  Needs vs. Wants.
Science: Shelters - what should all shelters have in order to keep us safe.

Safe Talks came to talk to the class about being the boss of their own body. The presenter discussed telling a grown-up if anything makes you feel uncomfortable. We read a story and then made a list of adults that we could trust and talk to if necessary.


REMINDERS:
This Wednesday is an early release day. Dismissal will be at 1:25.


During Readers’ Workshop we continued to use our Super Powers.  This week we combined powers with our reading"

• look for sight words
• look for patterns
• ask each other - “does this make sense?”
• ask each other - ” does this sound right?"

During Writing Workshop we...

• Used a vowel chart to help stretch out words.
• Added feeling and action to our stories.
• Added speech bubbles!

During Math Workshop we learned a game called Compare.  It's played like the card game War.  We also took inventory of items in our classroom through an activity called Inventory Bags.  We continued to practice counting and writing numbers up to 10.


During Social Studies we learned about the first Thanksgiving. 

Happy Veteran's Day!

Happy Veteran’s Day to all that have served!  Thank you for your dedication to our country.


During Reading we learned that...

• Readers use their SUPERPOWERS to solve tricky words!
• Use the picture and think about what the word will be...
• Say the first letter sound...
• Stretch out the other sounds...
• Re-read...does it make sense?

During Writing we learned that...

• Writers write TRUE STORIES - called narratives.
• Think of a story, sketch their story, add words and labels to match.
• Labels give the reader information about the picture.

During Math we learned a new way to play Grab and Count, Roll and Record, and Pop.  We practiced counting the days of school by ones, fives, and tens.  We used the math rack to make different numbers.


Social Studies/Science:  We learned about Veteran's Day!  We tested our Sink or Float predictions!


REMINDERS:
Conferences begin the week after Thanksgiving.  Tuesday-Friday will be early dismissal days (1:25).  Please plan accordingly!

During Reading Workshop....

• We learned all the different things we can do when we read with a buddy!
• Point to the pictures to tell a story.
• Find sight words.
• Solve tricky words.
• Talk about our favorite part.
• Act out the story and read using a storyteller voice.

During Writing Workshop...

• We added to our pieces to make them more complete.
• We made a thoughtful choice about our favorite piece.
• We shared our favorite piece with our buddy.
• We began to "fix and fancy-up" our favorite piece - adding labels, details, and color.

During Math Workshop...

• We practiced counting by 1s and 10s during POP.
• We practiced counting with 1:1 correspondence.
• We learned a new way to play Roll and Record.
• We practiced writing numbers 1-10.

Social Studies/Science:  We discussed Election Day and voting!  We began a new unit on Sink or Float.  We had two special guests visit us to talk about Diwali.  We made garlands to take home.

SafeTalk (1st, 3rd, & 5th grades)
Comprehensive, child-friendly workshop designed to help keep children safe.

Uses the curriculum of the Child Assault Prevention Project.

Focuses on empowerment & encourages children to be “safe, strong, & free”.

Combines guided discussion with role-plays that focus on situations children frequently encounter, like bullies, strangers & known adults who may behave inappropriately.  Teaches children how to recognize & respond to a potentially harmful situation & how to express their concerns to a trusted adult.

Feeling Safe (Kindergarten)

The program promotes personal safety, teaching children how to be assertive & the importance of not keeping secrets that are scary, harmful &/or painful.
The program is developmentally appropriate & conducted by Certified Sexual Assault Crisis Counselors.
“Feeling Safe” is safety education, not sex education.
Parents & teachers are partners in the process & we welcome your involvement. To find out more about these programs, you are invited to attend a district-wide evening parent orientation meeting on Thursday, November 6th from 7:00-9:00PM (Darien Board of Education Conference Hall, 35 Leroy Ave).


In an effort to promote the safety of all our children, we look forward to your participation in this very important event.

Parents that cannot join us in person can watch this short promotional video about the Feeling Safe program: http://goo.gl/JOFNI9.

Additionally, parents can contact The Center and sign up for a webinar at: 203.487.0663 or j.buchanan@thecenter-ct.org

Sincerely,

Lavi Ben-Zvi

Coordinator for Student & Family Social Services

Darien Public Schools LBEN-ZVI@darienps.org

THANK YOU for all of the great books from the book fair.  I appreciate it!


REMINDERS:
Halloween Share - Friday, October 31st at 2:15.  Parade to follow! 
Please no masks or toy weapons. 
Label ALL parts of your child's costume.


During Reading Workshop readers...

• Practice telling what happened in the beginning, middle and end of the story.
• Stop and think about the characters actions and feelings.
• Practice a Rockstar Retell:

- 1 guitar - give the characters in the story.
- 2 guitars - give the characters and their actions.
- 3 guitars - give the characters, their actions, and their feelings.


During Writing Workshop writers...

• Write informational texts across pages - we began writing in 3 page booklets.
• Use patterns in their writing; just like real authors.
• Work with others to get new ideas for their writing.
  

During Math Workshop we continued counting and combining numbers to 10.  We completed Halloween counting activities.  We learned a new math workshop game called Roll and Record.  We practiced Grab and Count, as well as our other center activities.


Social Studies/Science:   Our 2nd Steps lesson practiced following directions using self-talk.  A strategy that encourages children to repeat directions quietly as they complete tasks.  We started talking about Halloween and all of the excitement that comes along with it:)

Everyone enjoyed our first Marble Jar Celebration!!  We loved being comfy and cozy in our PJs for the day. 


We learned that Readers...

• Share their thoughts as they read.
• Think about how and why a character is feeling a certain way.
• Act out the character's actions and give the character a voice.
• Make connections between characters in different books.

We learned that Writers...

• Go back and add more information to their writing.
• Add fancy labels to their illustration.
• Say the word, stretch it, hear it, and write it.

We learned that mathematicians COUNT!...

• Count objects with one-to-one correspondence.
• Double check their count.
• Draw a representation of the quantity.
• Count backwards and identify numbers.

Social Studies/Science:  We continued our study of the 5 senses.  We learned more about the Kimochis in our classroom (emotion pillows) and started identifying different feelings. 


2nd Steps - We practiced focusing and using self-talk to remember instructions (quietly repeating 3-step directions).


HALLOWEEN SHARE - October 31st at 2:15 in the common room!

No School Monday, October 13th!

Readers can see more with their buddy!  One of the books we read was Harry the Dirty Dog...

• Look closely at the picture and tell the story.
• Figure out the problem and solution.
• Talk about the character and how she/he is feeling.
• Notice sight words in all of their reading.

During Writing Workshop we learned that writers...

Are like scientists - they notice details in the world around them.

Take nature walks and collect items to look closely at and write about.

Look closely at items and draw all the details - shape, color, even the tiny hole in a leaf.

Label like a scientist using words like; pointy, bumpy, flat, thick.

During Math we began Unit 2 in Investigations. We looked at and discussed counting books. We talked about what we count in class, when we count and why. We count...to take attendance, how many people are buying lunch, how many sunny, rainy, or cloudy days on our weather graph, how many days we have been in school. We created our own counting books too!  Students matched numerals, number words, and quantities.




Social Studies - Our 2nd Steps Lesson worked on focusing.  We discussed Christopher Columbus and why we celebrate Columbus Day.  We continued exploring with our 5-senses.




The Halloween Share is Friday, October 31st at 2:15pm!

Picture Retakes

Picture retake day is Wednesday, Oct. 29.

 

Retake Procedure:  Students having a retake need to bring back their portrait package, minus the class picture, and give it to the photographer on retake day.  It is important that the student brings his/her package to the photographer because there is a barcode on the envelope that needs to be scanned.