 |
| We do not have a beach, but the sand is king! Castle building in the morning. |
WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
Morning explorations has been productive. It’s such a pleasure to see the children creating, shaping, painting, imagining and building together. As problems arise, we are working on how to solve them. Sometimes the problems are based on the activity and sometimes it is social. We are learning how to communicate thoughtfully. This can be challenging, but we are exploring the various ways it can take shape. Listening to others is an important skill. Compromise is equally important. We are encouraging your child to articulate their problems in an appropriate manner.
 |
| Bridge building. Learning how to balance, to build, to get along. |
Our table teams have been very successful. I have noticed the children working together, pitching in when needed and reminding each other to help out. They are beginning to remember to push in their chairs, clean up after snack and pick up after themselves. Great job!
Jolly Phonics: We completed the next set of sounds: /ch/, /sh/ and /th/. We learned that /th/ makes two distinct sounds. One soft as in think, and one hard as in that. We will begin our final set of sounds next week.
Centers: This week’s whole group math lesson focused on what makes ten. They tossed flat, two-color beans (red and white) and explored the various ways to make 10. This activity was challenging in that we worked in teams and had to follow step-by-step directions. More practice may still be warranted, but they are well on their way!
 |
| Leah Gartner reading The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. |
LANGUAGE ARTS
We are finishing our books about Strega Nona. They are learning how to tap out sounds as they write words and are learning about how to do a retell. We also read more stories about winter: Bear Snores On, by Karma Wilson, The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats, and a non-fiction book called Cold Weather. Maple’s mom, Leah Gartner, continues to volunteer her time on Tuesday mornings coming in to read to the class. This is a great time for the kids to listen to another adult and for me to observe the children.
SOCIAL STUDIES
This week we have been learning about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We drafted our own Hopes for a better world on Wednesday. Friday we will write them on Peace Doves and make another classroom book.
 |
| Kayla painting a colorful picture. |
Share: Great /ai/ shares! This coming week, please brainstorm shares that have the long /ie/ sound as in pie or like.
CALENDAR
- Snacks: Thank you to Maple’s family for providing this week’s healthy snack. Next week’s snack will be donated by Kayla’s family.
- No school Monday, January 16th, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
- Field Trip scheduled for Tuesday, January 24th at 10:00 am. If you would like to be a chaperone, please let me know. We are planning on getting ready at 9:00 am and the bus will be leaving at 9:15 am. Thank you!
HOUSEKEEPING ITEMS:
- Classroom Wish List: For general classroom supplies: glue sticks.
- Reminder: Sneakers on Wednesday and Friday. We have gym. If you have an extra pair, feel free to have your child leave them in their cubby.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Bodnar
