Pumpkins and More

On Wednesday, October 3rd, the Kindergarten classes traveled to the Parker Family Farm in Williston to learn about pumpkins.  Mrs. Parker gave a slideshow presentation of how to grow pumpkins and then gave the students an opportunity to observe pumpkins up close.  She also made some delicious pumpkin recipes for us to try and concluded our visit with a movement activity in which students acted out the life cycle of a pumpkin.  Everyone left with a pie pumpkin and a smile on their face.  It was a wonderful educational experience for all!

CURRICULUM UPDATE

Math

This week, we will begin our second math unit Numbers to Ten. In this unit, students will:

* Quickly recognize how many objects are in a collection (up to 5) without counting

* Compare sets using the words more and less

* Develop number sense with combinations that make 5, and then 10

* Count objects and match the quantity to the written numeral

* Build with two-dimensional shapes

For the past two weeks, we have been counting and comparing numbers, and recognizing and building sets of five using fingers, five-frames, and objects.

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 and g.  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 and game to help students remember the sounds for each letter.  

☆ Reading - We have begun our small group and individualized instruction in reading. Students have been reading short sight word books and learning various concepts about print. We are currently practicing 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. Sight words we've been practicing include: I, see, a, my 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.

Social Studies/Science

In addition to learning about the life cycle of a pumpkin, we are continuing our unit on the Five Senses.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Walk Around the Pond: This Friday, October 12th, is our annual MCS Walk Around the Pond event.  Most of the Kindergarten students will be walking around Morse Park while some may choose to continue on for the remainder of the walk ( a portion of Pond Road and Rotax Road).  Students should dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes.  If you are interested in joining us on the walk, please be sure that you have filled out the necessary volunteer paperwork.   

Four Winds Volunteers Needed: We are looking for a few volunteers to teach Four Winds to the Kindergarten students this year.  The Four Winds program brings natural science to the classroom and gets the kids outside to explore and learn!  Each month brings a new topic on an overarching theme.  The program requires one two hour training session once a month as well as the time spent at home preparing and in the school presenting (approximately 1 hour, once a month).  You do not need to have a science background, just the desire to learn and teach the kids.  It takes at least two volunteers for a successful classroom presentation.  If you are interested or know of someone who might be, please let me know as soon as possible and I will put you in touch with our school's Four Winds coordinator.  Please note: All volunteers for Four Winds must complete the volunteer paperwork and background check before working in the classrooms. 

Parent - Teacher Conferences: Parent-Student-Teacher conferences are quickly approaching.  I look forward to meeting with you in the upcoming weeks to discuss your child’s progress.  In an effort to schedule a conference at a time that is most convenient for you, please take a few minutes to fill out your top three choices on this sign up sheet by Friday, October 12th.  I will do my best to accommodate your preferred dates and times.  All conferences will be 20-minutes in length and students are welcome to attend.  If you prefer a paper sign up sheet, one will be sent home on Friday to those families who have not signed up electronically. I look forward to seeing you soon!