No letter homework this week...Review week.

This week is KD...

In math this week we have been working on understanding shapes and introducing the subtraction sign by using number stories and counters. During our shape activity students used their bodies to form shapes and also string. 

Out of this World

This week KD has been studying the difference between day and night, stars, the moon, and the solar system.  We took a field trip to the Planetarium on Wednesday.  We had a great time!  Today we will finish up our studies by making constellations.  Ask your child to tell you facts about space they have learned this week. 

Pajama Day!

Student Council announced on Friday that Tuesday, November 22nd is all school pajama day.  Please no stuffed animals, slippers, thin strap tops, or robes.  Thank you!

KD's Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day

 I had a stomache today.                                          I had a fight with my sister.

This week we have been exploring the author Judith Viorst.  One story we read was called Alexander's Terrible, Horrible, no Good, Very Bad Day.  The students worked on a response page afterwards where they were asked to write about a bad day, here are a few samples.



I didn't like my breakfast.





I had fish and I didn't feel good.



Time Flies When You Are Having Fun...

It's the little things in Kindergarten that makes my job so worthwhile.  The excitement seen on all 23 faces when they walk into the room and new crayons are on their tables.  Or, a friend is struggling with tying their shoes and someone goes over to help. However, they also do not know how to tie, but just want to lend a  hand.  When we are writing and everything starts to come together and they begin to recognize sounds and different combinations of sounds.  During rest and read two students raise their hand to tell me they are searching for popcorn words.  Or someone trips and falls and instead of laughing another students asks if they are alright and helps them get up.  I can't believe first quarter has already passed, the days are just zooming by. I am looking forward to the upcoming week and having the opportunity to sit and talk to you about your child's progress!  Conference reminders went home yesterday, please let me know if you are unable to attend. 

Happy Owloween!

On Friday kindergarten had pumpkin stations.  Each classroom had two different stations and the kids rotated to each room.  KD was all about measuring and patterns.  We made pattern necklaces using different colored pasta.  We also practiced our measuring skills using cubes and different size pumpkins and gourds.  Thank you to the parents who came in to help!

 

KD's trip to the Fire Station

KD had fun during their trip to the fire station.  We were able to go behind the scenes at the fire house and see where they cook, sleep, exercise, and hang out.  We also got to see a fire engine up close.  It was a great way to end our study on fire safety!  Thank you to all the parents who came with!

 

Pajama Day!

To celebrate "P week" Kindergarten will be having Pajama Day on Wednesday, October 26th.  Please no slippers and no tank tops!

Field Trip to the Fire Station

KD will not be going to the fire station tomorrow, due to a scheduling conflict with the fire station.  I have rescheduled our walking field trip to fire station #8 for Monday, October 24th.  Thank you!

Water, Water, Everywhere!

This week KD became scientists and we observed and experimented with water.  During our water unit we explored water by using our five senses.  We also conducted an experiment where we tested objects to see if they would sink or float.  During our water unit we will also talk about the three forms of water and the water cycle.

Kindergarteners writing, Do not Disturb

One of my favorite times of the day is writing. As students become more familiar with letters and sounds they begin to take risks and have confidence to stretch words and attempt to write what they are thinking. I love the enthusiasm they have for writing. They look forward to writing workshop everyday. In September I introduced their writing journal and they spent the last few weeks have the choice of either practicing their writing on a slate with a dry erase marker or in their journal. This month we will concentrate on writing lists.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear

To celebrate the color brown, KD read the story Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle.  Then we made a brown bear and colored the different animals to the story.  Students then practiced retelling the story to a friend.  Ask your child to tell you the story!  They had a blast. 

Here are some pictures of KD during our retelling activity

This free digital slideshow generated with Smilebox

Correction to the Newsletter

I noticed that in this week's newsletter I put that tomorrow we are celebrating the color brown.  That is incorrect.  Please follow the half sheet note I sent home.  Tomorrow we will be celebrating the color black.  Thanks!

Another Week Flies By...

Measuring.

It is Friday afternoon and I can not believe another week has gone by.  As each day passes the students are becoming more familiar with routines and procedures and having fun learning and making friends.  I am having fun getting to know your child.  Below are pictures that I have taken as students are working together during math and writing. 

Practicing writing names

Using cubes to sort or make patterns

Making patterns

Kindergarten is learning about Colors!

Colors! Colors! Colors

Kindergarten is spending the next two weeks focusing on one color a day.  Help us by letting your child wear clothes that match the Color of the Day!
Monday September 12: Red
Tuesday: September 13: Orange
Wednesday September 14: Yellow
Thursday September 15: Green
Friday September 16: Purple
Monday September 19: Blue
Tuesday September 20: Black
Wednesday September 21: Brown
Thursday September 22: Pink
Friday September 23: Favorite Color/White

Picture Day!

Don't forget tomorrow is Picture Day!

First Day Kickoff!

Well it's official, the year has begun and KD is off to a great start!  We completed the first full day with absolutely no tears and lots of smiles!  I am proud of your kindergartner and how well they followed directions and listened.  The first day of Kindergarten is always a mixture of excitement and nervousness (for all parties involved).  The anticipation of a new class is thrilling, yet scary. Year after year, I find myself unable to sleep the night before.  I go over my lessons and attempt to organize my thoughts so that I can include everything I want to say.   Then, the day arrives and it's a continuous pattern of explain, model, practice, explain, model, practice.  I must say they did a nice job listening to all the directions and were willing participants when I asked them to practice each routine.  Although, the first day is a lot of listening to the teacher explain, explain, explain, we did have lots of fun and I hope they came home and told you all about it!  We played a few name games, practiced our letters, toured the school, wrote our name, explored centers, and we even managed to sing a few songs.  I always love to sit back and watch as new friendships form and laughter fills the room.  I have come to admire this grade level and I love to watch the magic and excitement each child has for learning and exploring.  I look forward to working with your child throughout their time in kindergarten and I cannot wait to see how the year unfolds!

Odds and Ends

It was great to see you today at kindergarten orientation.  I always enjoy this day because I feel as though it gives the students a chance to see the classroom again, but also have the comfort of being with you.  I'm excited for our first full day tomorrow and I can't wait for your kindergartener to come home to you and tell you all about it!

Here are a few highlights from today's orientation:

ARRIVAL: 8:50-9:05 (M, T, TH, F)  9:00-9:15 (W)
Dismissal (3:35)
*** Please remember if there is ever a change in dismissal to write a note or email me!***

Recess/Lunch 10:45-11:20
Snack 1:40ish

Please remember to have your child wear PE shoes

ENCORE Schedule:
Monday: Art
Tuesday: LMC/P.E.
Wednesday: P.E./Music
Thursday: Computer Lab/music
Friday: P.E.

Meet and Greet and Beyond...

I enjoyed meeting many of my new friends during Meet and Greet on Wednesday.  Seeing all the new kindergarteners makes me even more excited to start the school year!  I look forward to Monday when we meet again during Kindergarten Orientation.  During this time we will complete all the neccessary odds and ends to get the school year started.  I spent Friday during work day adding the final touches to the room and getting ready for the first week of school.  I look forward to seeing you again soon! 

Busy, Busy, Busy

This is what the room looked like when I first walked in Thursday

Now it's starting to look like a classrom! :)

I've been in the classroom since last Thursday setting up the room and getting ready for the new school year.  I am excited!