10.21.11

Builders explain their exhibit to the class.

WEEKLY HIGHTLIGHTS:The days are quickly becoming shorter and cooler. Although the weather has provided us with much rain, (unbelievably it’s raining as I type these words) we have fortunately been able to get outside for most recesses. Although it was a shorter week with only four days we were able to explore some new centers: painting, Legos, and Playdoh.  Blocks continue to be very popular.  The children have really begun to create some interesting and complex designs with the blocks. We have also used our Exploration time to share with each other our creations. I call it “Museum Exhibits.” They really enjoy presenting as a group or individually their creations. I find it also provides a way for each of them to learn from each other. They are learning to take turns, to use their words, and to work out their differences. Cooperation and collaboration is a key component to this activity.

Jolly Phonics:
This week we learned the sound /h/ and I plan on introducing /r/ on Friday. The children are quickly learning to blend the individual sounds together to make words.  They are also doing a great job learning the sounds and the actions. Thank you again for all your work at home with them as we build on these sounds. Small books (published and printed on the copier will soon be coming home over the next few weeks. Take time to have your child read them to you.  If your child gets  “stuck” feel free to help them use what they know to discover the words composed by the letters. The concept of print is new to most of them and they are just beginning to take those first steps. At times they may be scared or timid, but given a supportive and safe environment they will begin to test their wings and fly. 

Fireman Zach demonstrates how to search for children.

Fire Safety Week:

The Hartland Fire Department visited our school on Thursday. Beforehand we read a couple books about fire safety. We talked with the volunteers about safety procedures at school and at home.  We learned that it is always a good idea to plan ahead and have an escape plan at home as well as to choose a meeting place once everyone as exited the house. Don’t forget to change your batteries in your smoke detectors twice a year, (fall and spring).

 

Stirring the cooked apples in the sieve to make applesauce

Social Studies and Science:

From lifecycles we are moving into cycles and change. The cycle of seasons and learning about change is discussed through the lens of our senses. How do we detect change?  What senses do we use? We discussed some of the signs of fall and the senses we use to identify these signs.   Last Friday we made applesauce and enjoyed the fruits of our labor using our sense of smell and taste.  We cut up apples into quarters and simmered them on a hotplate. Then we worked it through a sieve by taking turns with the roller. By only adding a touch of cinnamon we created and enjoyed a tasty treat on a Friday afternoon,

Share: The Share theme this past week was /n/.  The shares ranged from beginning sounds as in necklace and nickel to medial sounds as in donut and front loader.  Very Nice!  Next week sound theme is /c/, /k/. Good luck!  As always thanks for your support!

HOUSEKEEPING ITEMS:

• Thank you to Ava’s family for contributing this week’s healthy snacks! Next week’s snack will be provided by Brady’s family. 

• Scholastic Book Club orders due Mon. 10/28.

• Fall Celebration: We have a school-wide performance assembly, (we will be singing) on Friday, 10/28 starting at 1:50pm. Please come and listen if you are able. We have ELF on Monday, 10/31 from 10-11:00.  As a result, I’m planning on having a fall festival celebration on Friday, from 9:45-11:00am. If you are available to help, please let me know. I’d like to have some pumpkin/harvest-focused centers (snack too). Ideas are welcome! Thanks!

•  Scholastic Book Fair: Next week. If your child is interested in buying something during the book fair we will plan on browsing the books sometime next week. Prices generally range from $2 (pencils and erasers) to  $5 or $10 for books. 

• Homework: Jolly Phonics workbooks and reading small predictable books (look for them in your child’s green folder). Also, if you can work with your child to learn how to zip coats and jackets, and tie their shoes this will help as we move into colder weather.  J

• Reminder: Gym on Wednesdays and Fridays. Please make sure your child has sneakers.
  
• Reminder: Please send in a water bottle with your child’s name on it. We will try to send it home on Fridays to get washed. Please return it on Monday.  Thank you.

Sincerely, 

Mrs. Bodnar