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