On Wednesday, we took a walk out behind the school to collect leaves. We used magnifying glasses to examine the leaves closely to see: stems, veins, colors and various types of edges. We also sorted the leaves by different characteristics and counted and compared how many were in each group we made. We are finding that fall is a wonderful time to learn more about nature in Kindergarten!
CURRICULUM UPDATE
Math
Throughout the past two weeks, we have been learning about patterns; counting objects; comparing the number of objects using the words more and less; and exploring combinations that make 5 and 10. We have also been practicing our counting with a movement video focused on counting to 100 as well as our classroom number line.
Literacy
☆ Fundations - Over the past two weeks, we have been learning how to write the letters, b, t, f, m, n, u, i, c, o, a, g, s and d. We have also been making associations with words that we know that begin with those letters, and also making associations with keywords such as: bat, top, fun, man, nut, up, itch, cat, octopus, apple, game, snake and dog to help students remember the sounds for each letter.
☆ Reading - During our small group and individual reading groups, students have been reading short sight word books and learning various concepts about print. We are continuing to practice using our eyes to look for letters and words we know; using pictures to support our reading; and using our index finger to point under words as we read. Students also continue to participate in daily choral reading activities with our morning message. They are noticing letters and words EVERYWHERE! Sight words we've been practicing include: I, see, a, my, is, like, go and to.
☆ Reading - During our small group and individual reading groups, students have been reading short sight word books and learning various concepts about print. We are continuing to practice using our eyes to look for letters and words we know; using pictures to support our reading; and using our index finger to point under words as we read. Students also continue to participate in daily choral reading activities with our morning message. They are noticing letters and words EVERYWHERE! Sight words we've been practicing include: I, see, a, my, is, like, go and to.
☆ Writing - Students continue to write about things they know. They are growing in their ability to draw pictures to represent what they want to communicate. They are also learning how to say words slowly (with support) and use letters they know to represent sounds they hear in words. I am so impressed with how many letter sounds they know already!
Social Studies/Science
We have begun to incorporate our knowledge of the five senses to help us learn about the season of fall.
Choice Time/Outside Time
Once or twice a day, students spend time practicing social skills and building relationships with their classmates through play. Whether we are outside on the playground or in the classroom working at centers, students are using creativity and problem solving skills with their peers as they have fun together. Some of our favorite centers include: wooden blocks and cars, Legos, Play Dough, kitchen, sand, and art.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Extra Clothing: Given the recent changes in weather, I have sent home all extra clothing to be swapped out for a warmer change of clothing. It is not uncommon for children to get wet at recess, spill something on themselves, or have the occasional accident. Therefore, I am requesting that each child have an extra shirt, set of bottoms, pair of underwear and socks stored in their cubby at school to be used as needed. Should there be a time when your child uses their extra clothes, please be sure to send in a replacement for them the following day.
Recess: We go outside at least once a day if the wind chill is 1 degree or above. Please be sure that your child comes to school prepared to play outside. Kindergarten students should bring warm jackets, boots (especially on days when it has been raining), hats and mittens/gloves to school with them. Our playground is a very windy space. Even when the sun is shining, the air can feel quite cold. I have been encouraging the children to dress warmly and remove layers as they need to.
Parent - Teacher Conferences: Parent-Teacher conferences will begin next Monday afternoon. A confirmation of your appointment was sent home with your child this week. If you think you may need a reminder or find that you need to change your conference time, please feel free to send me an email. All conferences will be approximately 20 minutes in length and students are welcome to attend. I look forward to meeting with you soon!
Book Fair: The Scholastic Book Fair is beginning next week at MCS. Our class will be visiting the book fair on Tuesday during our library time. If you'd like to send in money for your child to purchase books, please be sure to put it in an envelope or ziplock bag with your child's name on it. Please see the flyer that went home this week for additional times when you can visit the book fair with your child.
Costume Parade and Halloween Snack: Our annual MCS costume parade will take place on Wednesday, October 31st at 2:30 PM in the main hallway of the school. Family members are invited to attend. Students are encouraged to bring a costume to school to change into prior to the parade. To keep the event positive, we ask that NO weapons (toy or real) or face paint be included as part of a costume. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to send me an email. Prior to the parade, we will have a special Halloween snack in the classroom and read a few Halloween stories. If you would like to contribute to this special snack, please sign up here before October 28th.
