12.9.11

Hunter shares what he wishes for the holidays.

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS

Our Memory Boxes are now being completed and the final touches being placed. Thank you for helping them complete the Memory Box survey questions. Your discussions have given them the opportunity to consider their options, while at the same time helping them choose items that would help symbolize their choice.  The children have chosen to reflect on people, places as well as a moment of time that they remember fondly. It is my hope that these boxes are treasured by them as much as the Song and Dance Man treasured his in the story we read by Karen Ackerman.  They enjoyed the story and I believe it helped them understand why we are creating a Memory Box. I have really enjoyed talking to your children about their choices. I plan on keeping them at school for another few days. They are looking forward to sharing them with you.

It appears everyone in our class celebrates Christmas and a couple families also celebrate Hannakkah. We created a predictable chart “What I wish for the Holiday’s” using the sentence “I wish for ______.”  The children dictated their sentence while I wrote it out on the chart. The following day they touch read it and then using text that was printed and then cut into separate words, re-created their sentence in order and drew a picture. The following day they read their sentence to the class. They all did a great job sharing their wishes to the class.  Their work is displayed on the bulletin board in the class. When you come in next week on the 14^th to drop them off for the concert feel free to wander the room to see their wonderful work. 

Watching a short Jolly Phonics episode on Rhyming and Capital Letters

Jolly Phonics: We started the fifth grouping of sounds: this week: /z/, /w/, and /ng/. At the conclusion of each set of sounds we watch a Jolly Phonics video that uses puppets to bring to life the stories that they have been learning in class. Snake, Inky Mouse and Bee are the three primary characters.  Last week we watched the 4^th episode when we completed that grouping of sounds, but on Thursday they were treated to another episode that focused on Rhyming Words and Capital Letters. In the picture above, Mrs. White’s Can Do Kids joined us this time as we watched this short and lively episode at the end of the day.  We have been working on rhyming, as the ability to hear rhymes and create rhymes is an important literacy skill.

Explorations:

The children love to build. Whether it is with blocks, or Legos. They are working hard during Explorations learning to get along together, to compromise as well as be creative designing wonderful and elaborate creations. Well done!

Share: The Share sound theme this past week was /g/. We enjoyed shares with Legos, some flecks of Gold, a guitar, and even a jacket from the GAP! A lot of good detective work is being done at home, coming up with shares to work with the theme of the week.

Next week’s share theme is the sound /l/.

We love Legos!

Building elaborate structures with blocks.

Social Emotional Skills:

We continue to work on developing our listening skills throughout the day in different classes and activities. We are making some progress, but I welcome any at home practice you can provide. Also, being mindful of our bodies in space, keeping our hands to ourselves, and being responsible.

Sitting in chairs during working periods or even at snack can be a challenge as some children have the habit of tipping back in their chairs or just have a tendency to fall out of them. Help them learn at home during meal times or sitting in a chair during other times to keep both feet on the floor (if they can reach!). Thank you!

Listening respectfully can be challenging as well as some may have a tendency to interrupt and call out. Having them practice at home without interrupting will give them practice in this very important skill.

I have noticed lately the children are using “please” and “thank you” more often and are making a concerted effort to cooperate and make compromises with each other during the day.  J

CALENDAR

• Snacks: Thank you for returning sign up sheets for snacks. I sent home some confirmations yesterday. Thank you to Ava Cook’s Family for contributing this past week’s snack. Hunter Haley’s family will be providing next week’s snack. Many thanks to everyone! 

• Winter Concert is scheduled for December 14^th at 6:30 pm. Please arrive after 6:15 and bring your child to the classroom before the concert. Children will return to the classroom after the concert for you to pick them back up. 

HOUSEKEEPING ITEMS:

• Wish List: For general classroom supplies:  white board markers (black or variety pack), and  glue sticks. Thank you for Memory Box donations made last week!

Sincerely, 

Mrs. Bodnar

12.2.11

Judy and Tom help the children to discover the different types of Pine behind school.

We had our third ELF lesson this past Wednesday, which was fortunately a beautiful day. We learned all about pine cones and pine trees.  After seeing a fun and educational puppet show we enjoyed going outside and looking for a variety of local pine trees and pine cones. Thank you again to Judy and Tom our ELF Volunteers.

Cashton considers his photos for placement on his family tree.

Family Tree projects are completed and hung up in the hallway outside our classroom. If you have time, stop by and take a look! They all did a beautiful job! Please return the Family History sheet sent home last week if you haven’t already done so. An additional copy is included in this week’s Friday Folder. This activity will bridge the variety of holiday celebrations enjoyed during this season.

The Memory Box project is connected to our Social Studies “Me” and “Family” units. This project is a response to the book, Song and Dance Man by Karen Ackerman. I am in need of one more shoebox or small box, however, so if you have an extra one at home, please send it in. Attached is an information sheet to be completed with your child so they can choose a personal memory for their Memory Box. It can be one memory or reflect on a time in their life that they remember fondly: for instance, a family trip or a celebration. It could also reflect a person in their life that is/was near and dear to them. They should think of small things like photographs, trinkets, cards, etc. that they could put in the “trunk” that would reflect their memory or memories. Thank you for your participation with this project.

Although Mrs. Fotion has unexpectedly been out of the classroom this week we were assisted by Mrs. Simmons, who knows the children well and is knowledgeable with the daily routines.

Jolly Phonics: We completed the fourth grouping of sounds: /ai/; /j/, /oa/, /ie/, /ee/ and /or/.  The vowel pairs have been introduced as well as the rule: “When two vowels go walking the first one does the talking. It says its name.”  We have talked about how some words are “rule breakers” and we look for those words when writing on the board or when looking at print.  I cannot stress enough the importance of reviewing the letter sounds on a nightly basis. It may feel a little tedious at times, but as we continue to introduce new sounds, reviewing the old ones is important to building fluency. They are doing a great job so far!  We will begin to incorporate more writing, and familiarity with these sounds will help significantly.

Symmetry: Cutting and Painting Prints.

Explorations:

The children cherish their Exploration time. I continue to use the last period of the day for Explorations as I find at this time of day they are somewhat tired and need the freedom to “explore.” We continue to explore with blocks, the sandbox, clay, puzzles, and Legos.  In addition, the photo above is a seasonal artistic activity at a math center illustrating symmetry.

Share: The Share sound theme this past week was /j/. Next week’s share theme is the sound /g/, (note it is the hard sound /g/ not like the g in “giraffe” which is /j/.)

Social Emotional Skills:

We continue to work towards improving their listening skills and following directions. We are also practicing not using ‘whiney’ and ‘bossy’ voices. By having the children choose words that reflect courtesy and kindness, such as “please” and “May I…” I hope to foster a more supportive and nurturing community.

CALENDAR

• Snacks: We have come full circle and I need families to sign up for snack again. Ava’s family will be doing snack this coming week.  Attached is a sign up sheet for snack in the coming 12 weeks of school. Please choose a first and second choice for snack. I will confirm snack dates with you next week. Thank you!

• Winter Concert is scheduled for December 14^th at 6:30 pm. Please arrive after 6:15 and bring your child to the classroom before the concert. Children will return to the classroom after the concert for you to pick them back up. 

•   Holiday Break:  December 22 – January 2. First day back: January 3.

HOUSEKEEPING ITEMS:

• Wish List: For upcoming projects and general classroom supplies:  white board markers (black or variety pack), glue sticks, fabric scraps or pieces, plastic buttons, plastic jewels, doilies, lace, and ribbons. Thank you!

• Recess: Please pack snowboots, mittens, hats when the snow flies. Also, sneakers for Gym on Wednesday and Friday. Thank you!

• Scholastic Order forms are included in the today’s Friday Folder. Go to www.scholastic.com if you would like to place your order online.  The classroom code is: H9K3R. or if you are ordering on the paper forms, please return them by Friday, December 9^th. I will submit the orders online by December 12^th so any holiday gifts will arrive before the holiday.

Sincerely, 

Mrs. Bodnar

12.2.11