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WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
In Math, we have started number writing. We are beginning to practice tracing the numbers 1-5 and are learning some rhymes to help us remember how to form the numbers. For instance: 3: “Around a tree, around a tree, that is how you make a 3!” In the photo above you can see the children working in a whole group lesson as we say the rhyme, repeat the rhyme and form the number. This is just an introduction to these numbers. Much more practice throughout the year will follow. We will also begin working on number concepts relating to these numbers: counting, grouping, and sorting.
The children are being exposed to many wonderful treasures that I hope they will hold close to their hearts throughout their kindergarten year as well as their life. One being the beauty of patience. For example on last week we opened up the box that held two plastic jars with 8 caterpillars inside. Over the course of the week we watched them slowly weave themselves into chrysalises. They are now in the pupa stage and we must wait for the day when they emerge from their cocoons. Today the children have drawn pictures and have dictated their observations to me to write on their journal pages. We are looking forward to their next metamorphic stage!
Tylor frames his sentence. |
In Language Arts we are working on the components of a sentence and how to identify a sentence. Where it starts and where it ends. One strategy I’ve introduced is framing sentences with both index fingers. One by one they each framed their name sentence. Read their sentence and then spelled their name. We also did this activity with another sentence, “I like (color).” They framed the sentence, read the sentence, framed the color and spelled the word. This activity will help them dissect sentences, which will also help them create sentences. As an extension to this activity I typed their sentences, cut them up so they could put them together. They drew pictures and we now have two class books based on these two sentences. Your child may come home with one of these books in the next couple of weeks. Please sit down with your child and read them with him or her.
I will be updating our Specials Chart to include Spanish. We started receiving Spanish classes a couple of weeks ago. Our teacher “Maestra” visits our class twice a week for 20 minutes. The children are learning new vocabulary, greetings and songs. Having taught Spanish before I try to incorporate the vocabulary they are learning throughout the week. The children are really enjoying this fun and engaging class!
Lucia and Tanner "horse" around - Giddy up! |
I have introduced some new Centers for Explorations. The children are now enjoying Block Building (geometry, construction and engineering); Science (Magnifying glass and drawing observations); Dollhouse (family and community building), in addition to the earlier favorites with clay, pattern blocks, puzzles, and the farm and animals.
Our Rainbow Behavior Chart is working well. Your child may have already come home with a small square certificate announcing that they made it to Outstanding! If not, we are working on having them work toward the goal of making smart choices throughout the day. Attached to the newsletter and soon to be posted online on my website will be an explanation of how the Rainbow Chart works. The children have responded well to it and continue to strive to work their way up the rainbow from “Ready to Learn.” Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Although the weather continues to get a bit chillier we are making the most of the beautiful weather getting the children outside 3 times a day. The first two times is brief for just 10 minutes of “run around” time, which helps them come back to the classroom ready to learn and energized. The 3rd recess lasts about 30 minutes and takes place on the large playground in the back of the school.
Conner examines a shell under a magnifying glass. |
HOUSEKEEPING ITEMS:
- Group Snack: Thank you to Tate’s family for contributing this week’s healthy snack! We enjoyed a variety of great choices throughout the week: apples, carrots, peanut butter and crackers, honey wheat pretzels, and Graham crackers. Next week’s snack will be provided by: Paige’s Family. Many thanks to everyone for signing up and making our group snack possible!
- Apple Picking Field trip is scheduled for Thursday, October 11th at 11:30 am. We will be going to Spring Brook Farm in Reading, VT. This will allow us to eat lunch at school, pick apples, make cider and return by 2:00 pm. If you would like to be a chaperone, please let me know. The Farm to School program is providing the bus and any additional expenses for the trip.
- Lebanon Opera House: We have two Field trips to Lebanon Opera House scheduled this year. The first is on October 25 and the other is later in the year in March. Admission is $5 per child per show. Please send in $5 for the upcoming show as soon as possible. Feel free to send in $10 for both shows as we will keep a record of payment. Thank you!
- Reminder: Please send in a water bottle with your child’s name on it. It will help cut down on time spent in line at the water fountain.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Bodnar