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| 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 14th to drop them off for the concert feel free to wander the room to see their wonderful work.
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| 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 4th 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/.
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| We love Legos! |
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| 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 14th 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
