December 14, 2018

Dear Families,

Thank you for bundling up your little people! We will go outside as long as the temperature is above 10 degrees (including windchill) so it is very important!

Books Read: Countdown To Christmas, Merry Christmas, Big Hungry Bear!, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, The Night Before Christmas, Arthur's Christmas

During writing time they are; using patterns like-"I like" and "I see" to make books to share with their friends. The pattern of language and staying on one topic while exploring this kind of writing are the key concepts.

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. The characters we learned this week were; Nellie Newt and Lou Lou Moose

In math we are working with teen numbers, formation of numbers, making pictures to match the number written, addition and subtraction practice and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week. 

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

Upcoming Events:

Friday December 21-We will be having some fun with the story, The Polar Express. The students are allowed to bring their pajamas to change into here at school. They also may bring a special stuffed animal as long as it can fit inside their backpack. Also a VERY low-key “Party”-NO GIFTS- We also will have some healthy snacks, so if you are interested in sending in a healthy snack or juice or cups or plates, let me know at ssample@rsu1.org

December 24-January 1- Vacation-Enjoy family and friends! Blessings all!

November 30, 2018

Happy last day of November!

Parent /Teacher conferences WILL NOT be made up as a school-during a school day but if you missed your parent teacher conference because of the snow day and you still want to meet with me please contact me to set up an appointment. Report cards are coming home on Friday and may look very different from what you are used to. Don't hesitate to contact me with questions or confusions!

PLEASE remember that we are very busy at school and the sharing of toys, jewelry, hair accessories, and cash should not be something we are doing at school. It is confusing and distracting. Thank you.

We have been having so much fun learning about the solar system this week! We know what makes day and night and that the sun is our closest star. How exciting! We are still working in Panama and attempting to get our 3-D printer up and running. (It's a bit more difficult than I thought!)

Books Read: Out In Space, Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System, Stars! Stars! stars!, Eight Spinning Planets, Good Night Moon, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, There's No Place Like Space, Sun: Our Nearest Star, What Makes Day and Night?

During writing time we are working on a new unit~ writing pattern books. Books like; I like..., I see..., I can....    These are helping to build stamina in both reading and writing as beginning readers are often first successful reading books with a consistent, repetitive pattern throughout. Although this is a short unit, it is going to be a powerful one!

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. The characters we learned this week are Crazy Camel and  Lizzy Lamb

In math we are working with teen numbers, Monster Squeeze, playing games with partners, formation of numbers, making pictures to match the number written, addition and subtraction practice and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week. 

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

Upcoming Events: 

December 7- Report cards home

December 24-January 1-  Christmas Vacation

November 9, 2018

My middle son, Patrick

Dear Families,

 What lovely weather we have had these past few days! It is so nice to be able to continue our treks outside on these beautiful fall days. We have been taking the role of scientist as we spend time observing the season using all of our senses. 

A bit of help that I need... please assist your child by making sure there are no toys or other distractions in their backpacks or pockets. We have had many instances of students "giving, trading, sharing, lending" items and we honestly don't have the time for those distractions in our day. I really need your help with this and I thank you in advance. 

A turkey project has come home with your child this week. Have fun creating together and please send it back in when finished~

If you have not signed up for conferences yet, please do. I can't wait to talk about your student's first trimester of kindergarten. 

We are continuing to tell stories across pages in our writing blocks. Sharing work with partners and adding details  has added to our good work!

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. The character we learned about this week was; Baby Barnaby

In math we are working with teen numbers, recognizing teen numbers through movement, formation of numbers, addition and subtraction practice and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week. 

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

Upcoming Events: 

November 12- Veterans Day Observed- No School

November 19 & 20- 1/2 Day Students- Parent Teacher Conferences (Please sign up)

November 21, 22, 23 No School for Thanksgiving Break

November 2, 2018

Dear Families,

              Wow~we made it through Halloween week and got so much done! The month of November is going to be VERY busy with a lot of disruption in our schedule. Pleas look below for no school days. There are many! 

               We have started a new science adventure called : Go2 Science. The students seem to be enjoying our time in Panama and learning about many features of the rain forest and more importantly the blue morpho butterfly and are getting a heaping helping of science based vocabulary  and process.

              The picture book tally sheet that is attached to this newsletter is for you to fill out at home for each picture book  you  read with your child in the month of November. Please go back in time if you would like and continue to the end of the month. Then send the forms back in so we can add to our classroom total and to our whole school total. It will be fun to see how many picture books we can read in November! 

              2 reminders: as the weather is cooling down and the snow has arrived, remember we go outside on days above 10 degrees and as long as it isn't rain or ice. Fresh air is so important and I ask you to help me by sending your child with warm clothing and to make sure they have an extra set of clothing in case of emergency.  PLEASE have your child keep their toys at home...

Upcoming Events

November 6- NO SCHOOL

November 12- NO SCHOOL

November 19 & 20 Parent/teacher conferences- 1/2 days- Dismissal after lunch

November 21,22,23- NO SCHOOL

October 26, 2018

Dear Families,

Happy Friday! PLEASE no costumes to school on Wednesday! Thank you!

Toys are becoming difficult in the classroom and I would like to ask you to help me by keeping all toys at home...Thank you! 

It is getting cold outside and we go out 3 times a day as long as the temperature doesn't go below 10 degrees. Please make sure you are bundling your little peanuts up for a more comfortable experience outside. Thank you!

In science we are learning about the changes we see in fall and the life cycle of a pumpkin. We also are delving into bats and owls!

Books Read: The Biggest Pumpkin Ever, When The Leaf Blew In, Autumn's First Leaf, Pumpkin Patch Puppy, The Silly Scarecrow, The scarecrow's Hat, Click, Clack, Boo!

During writing time they are starting to; add details to enhance their illustrations, add words (letters) to their pictures, rehearse what they want to say about what they wrote, take turns sharing their ideas and writing with partners and showing movement in their drawings for a fun effect. We talked a lot this week about being BRAVE writers and adding more and more letters to our words and words to our sentences.

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. The characters this week were: Arnie Aardvark and Jenny Jaguar

In math we are getting to know numbers 0-31, sorting, using math manipulatives, identifying shapes around us, sorting, describing, and comparing objects,  putting together is addition and taking apart is subtraction, 10 frame practice and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week. 

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

Upcoming Events: 
November 6- Professional Development- NO SCHOOL
November 11- Veteran's Day (Thank you to all who have served)

November 12- No School Veteran's Day Observed

November 19&20 1/2 Days of school- Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 21-23- NO SCHOOL- Thanksgiving Break

October 19, 2018

Dear Families,

We have been learning about fire safety this week and we were joined by the Woolwich Fire Department on Monday as they shared their knowledge with us about safety. We learned about the fire truck and how to keep safe. Some students were unsure if their family has an outside meeting place if they have to evacuate their house. Do you have one? Have you practiced your escape route with your family? Have you changed the batteries in your smoke detectors lately? I care a lot about you all and want you to stay safe!!!

Books Read: Firehouse, Curious George at the Fire Station, Clifford the Firehouse Dog, My Fire Engine

During writing time they are starting to; visualize places and people to write about, add words (letters) to their pictures, rehearse what they want to say about what they wrote, take turns sharing their ideas and writing with partners and show movement in their drawings for a fun effect. We talked a lot this week about being BRAVE writers and adding more and more letters to our words and words to our sentences.

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. The characters we learned this week were Rosie Raccoon and.Hippy Hippo.

In math we are getting to know numbers 0-30, sorting, using math manipulatives, identifying and describing triangles, reviewing spatial vocabulary and concepts (top, below, between, next to, around, over, under, left, right), dot cards, five frames, addition is "putting together"and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week. 

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

Upcoming Events: 

November 4- Clocks Back!
November 6- NO SCHOOL- Professional Development
November 12- No School-Veteran's Day Observed-Thank you to all families who have served our great country!

October 5, 2018

Dear Families,

A huge THANK YOU for those who traveled to Rocky Ridge apple orchard with us this week. It was wet and cool but awesome! I think it is important for children play outside in all types of weather. We have small pumpkins we will be painting in art and will come home later in the month. 

We made applesauce on Thursday with the apples we got at Rocky Ridge and after lots of turning and squishing, we ate the delicious treat! I hope you found the apple core I sent home with the attached instructions for planting your own apple tree. 

In science we are learning about the life cycle of the butterfly and have begun our apple unit. We currently have 12 caterpillars in chrysalis, 2 caterpillars still munching. Hoping the weather stays mild until they can travel to Mexico!  We have learned so much about the caterpillar life cycle!

Books Read: Big, Red Apple, Mr. Brown's Magnificent Apple Tree, Wiggle's Apple Book

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. The characters we learned this week were; Daisy Dragon and Timmy Tiger.

In math we are getting to know numbers 0-10, sorting, discussing a graph, using math manipulatives, 10 frames,  finger counting, working with shapes and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week. 

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

Upcoming Events: 

October 8- NO SCHOOL- Columbus Day
October  11- Harvest Hustle here at WCS
October 12- Professional Development Day- NO SCHOOL

September 28, 2018

Dear Families,

PLEASE remember to dress your student in play clothes, layers,  and boots/sneakers on Monday for our trip to Rocky Ridge Orchard. If you signed up to chaperone I am counting on you coming with us. You can ride the bus or meet us there. We are leaving right at 9:00.

 Thank you for those earbuds/headphones that came in this week. We will hopefully be starting next week with some guided technology practice.

Thank you to those who have helped to jump start the Harvest Hustle! I appreciate it~ 

In science we continue to learn about the life cycle of the butterfly. We currently have 10 caterpillars still munching and we have 4 in chrysalis as of this morning.  Hopefully they will become butterflies soon so we can release them for their flight to Mexico before the cold weather sets in! We have learned so much about the caterpillar life cycle!

Books Read: The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Very Busy Spider, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, and many other Eric Carle favorites!

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. The characters we have learned this week were; Actress Annie and Daisy Dragon.

In math we are getting to know numbers 0-10, sorting, discussing a graph, using math manipulatives, using 5 frames, practicing with quick looks at collections of dots, finger counting, working with shapes and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week. 

We are still learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

Upcoming Events:

October 1- Field trip Rocky Ridge~If you signed up to chaperone I am counting on you to be there~ 

October 8- NO SCHOOL-Columbus Day 

October 12- NO SCHOOL- Professional Development Day

September 14, 2018

Dear Families,

Books Read: The Very Hungry Caterpillar, A Caterpillar's Wish, Butterfly Suits, I'm a Caterpillar, Butterfly Life Cycle and a variety of Eric Carle books. We ate a snack of red and green grapes that represented the caterpillar! Yum!!!

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. The characters we have learned about so far are; Polly Panda and Uncle Upton.

In math we are getting to know numbers, introducing attributes and sorting, multisensory counting, patterns and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week. 

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard).

ITEM NEEDED: We will begin using our Chromebooks next week and each student is asked to provide either earphones or earbuds for use with or Chromebook time. If you haven't sent them in yet, please do.  I will place them  in an individual bag with your student's name on it. They will be kept at school for daily/bi-daily work.

We are headed to Rocky Ridge Orchard! Please sign and send the permission slipback with the $5 for the cost of doughnut, apple, and mini pumpkin. If you plan to chaperone you need to fill out the volunteer form from the office.

Upcoming Events:

October 1- Rocky Ridge Field Trip 

October 8- NO SCHOOL- Columbus Day

October 12- NO SCHOOL- Teacher Inservice

September 7, 2018

Dear Families,

It has been a very busy week. We are continuing our procedures and community building. We have enjoyed going to the different specials classes and meeting many new faces and doing fun activities. Today we traveled to library and we were able to sign a book out to take home. Please make sure it comes back by next Friday (or before) and that when it is not being read there is a safe place to keep it. One other detail I forgot to mention in my opening letter is that folders come home on Fridays with student's work from the week, this newsletter and other pieces of information.

Books Read: The Little Engine That Could, Have You Filled a Bucket Today?, I Like Myself, A variety of Pete the Cat stories

In math we are getting to know numbers, introducing attributes of shapes, sorting, graphing birthdays, and our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observation, tracking the number of days we have been in school and the days  of the week.

 Many reading and writing assessments have taken place these first few days of school. We will begin a more structured approach to reading and writing beginning next week. 

Next week we will begin to be scientists and use our observation skills to watch our caterpillars grow-and grow-and grow! We have ordered some monarch caterpillars in the mail and they should arrive any day now.

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

Upcoming Events!

September 13~ Picture Day and Open House at 5:30
October 8- Columbus Day-No School
October 12-Professional Day- No School

August 31, 2018

Hello!

WOW! What a fantastic first three days of Kindergarten! I am so impressed by the way we are blending together as a community. We are learning our schedule, classroom expectations and how to be a good friend. 

All of the students will be assessed this week and next in the areas of reading, writing, and math. These assessments are fun for them and act more as a game then stressful work. I know they have been tired and hot this week when they came home, but know that they have spent 3 days adjusting to a new schedule and a whole new life. Exciting!

You have noticed a flurry of paperwork coming home. Please take time to fill it all out and send it back to me. Having updated addresses, telephone numbers and other important information is the key to keeping your child as safe as I possibly can. Thank you!

The best way to get in touch with me is through email at ssample@rsu1.org. I check my email a few times a day and I will do my level best to get back to you as soon as I check it. I feel like too much information is better than too little.

Our specials are: Monday-Art

                           Tuesday- PE (if you haven't sent in sneakers to keep at school, please                                                   do)

                           Wednesday- Guidance

                           Thursday- Music

                           Friday-Library (Please help your child keep his/her library book in a safe place and enjoy spending time reading with them.) Books are due back the following Friday.

I will try to add to this blog each week as well as when there is any special event going on. When I receive your paperwork about publishing pictures, I will know who I can and cannot publish on this blog. Paper copies will come home as well. Folders come home on Fridays. 

REMEMBER: NOTES for bus and pick up changes. The more information the better!

                  LUNCH is difficult. Help your child know what they are doing for lunch! From home? School ?

Have a wonderful long weekend!

Sarah~

July 12, 2018

I hope you are all having a wonderful summer up to this point with lots more fun and adventure to come! I thought you might like to have an overview of what our school day is going to look like and what supplies you will need as you enter Kindergarten.

School begins at 8:40 am every day except Wednesdays. All schools in RSU1 have a late start on Wednesdays and we begin that school day at 9:40 am. The end of our day is 2:50pm.

The bus schedule is usually in the newspaper in August. If you have any questions about busing, please contact our front office.

We have a snack in the morning and again at the end of the day. Please send in healthy snacks and drinks in a lunchbox labeled with your child's name. Breakfast and lunch are available every day.

PLEASE make sure I know where to send your child at the end of the day. If there is a change of plans for after school please send a note, send me an email or call Betsy at the front desk. My main goal is the safety of your child. Please help me do that!

Supplies:

***Back pack (labeled with name)
*** lunch box (labeled with name)
*** pencil box or pouch
***(thick)markers and 2 glue sticks
***a 2-pocket folder for home/school communication (labeled with name)
*** head phones (for use with Chromebooks. We find the head phones stay better than ear buds- but that is up to your family to decide) (labeled with name)
***a pair of sneakers that will stay at school and only be used for P.E.
In the past, some parents have sent a change of clothes in for those unforeseen mishaps. If you do this, a large ziplock bag labeled with your child's name works very well.

As the year goes on, we will need other supplies (Lysol wipes, tissues, paper products) but I will address those needs as we progress through the year!

We will be having a bus run on Thursday August 23rd @ 10:00am. We will all meet at school and the children will ride the bus, go to their classroom and visit the cafeteria for a snack. They can bring their supplies on that day if it would make the backpack a little lighter! I hope you all can make it!

If you need to contact me:
ssample@rsu1.org
or
(207) 443-9739
or
mrssampleskindergarten.blogspot.com

April 27, 2018

Dear Families,

Books Read: A wide variety of weather and spring books

If any of you are out and about this weekend and come across any frog eggs we would love to have some in our classroom! Thank you~

During writing time they are; writing in their how-to books as well as a short narrative time to share what we did over April vacation, visualizing places and people to write about, adding words (letters) to their pictures, rehearsing what they want to say about what they wrote, taking turns sharing their ideas and writing with partners, adding spaces between words and punctuation at the end of a sentence, going back into their writing pieces and revising what they have written by changing or adding to what they wrote and continuing to build up their confidence as writers.  

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. We have been writing words and sentences using our characters and this week we met The White Whale and Zachary and Zena Zebra. We only have 2 characters left in this program!

In math we are working with two digit numbers, measurement, addition and subtraction practice, counting and number recognition, solving number stories, and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week.

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

Upcoming Events: 

May 16 & 17 NO SCHOOL FOR KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS ONLY (kindergarten screening for next year~wow~)

May 28 Memorial Day- No School

June 18 Last Student Day- 1/2 day

March 23, 2018

Happy Spring Everyone!

This past week has been a whirlwind trying to finish last minute assignments and assessments. Your children have been amazing with our changes in schedule and activity. I am proud of them all and am encouraging all of you to please sign up for a conference with me next week! If you are unsure how to use the online system, please call the front office. They will add you in!

There is a pair of snow pants missing...size 7- Roebuck & Co bib snow pants. If they inadvertently ended up at your house, please send them back in~ Also, any spare clothes children have worn home that belong to the school please return them as well. This is a great time of year to put out a reminder about spare clothing. Spring is very messy and if I have no spare clothes left students have to sit in wet and uncomfortable clothing. I am sending home all clothing before April vacation.

TOYS have worn out their welcome at school. It has been a trying last few weeks as toys are coming in more and more frequently. Bigger and louder and really distracting. We need to please keep all toys at home for the remainder of the year. We may have a "toy day" that the children may earn but I will tell you that the week before it happens. Please help me...keep ALL toys at home.

Supplies: Thank you for sending in markers for your student. If you haven't, please do or if it is a hardship, please let me know. Also...if anyone would like to donate a package of plastic Easter eggs I would REALLY appreciate it. I need a few packs so any would be welcomed! They will not be returned so if they are special Easter bunny eggs please keep them! Thank you so much!

Upcoming Events:
March 23- Report cards home
March 29 & 30- Parent/ Teacher conferences. 1/2 Day of school
April 16-20- April Vacation
May 16 & 17- NO SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN ONLY (Screening for next year's class-oh my!)

March 16, 2018

Dear Families,

It sure has been a wild weather week. The storms have helped deepen the student's understanding about lion and lamb differences in the weather.

This week has been spent finishing up (most) assessments for report cards. The children are working hard and doing quality work to show all they know and have learned. I am VERY proud of them all. I can't believe that Monday will begin our final trimester of the kindergarten year. Seems like we just started!

We have come to the end of our marker supply and unfortunately I need to ask for your help. Please send in a box of magic markers with your student on Monday. If they would like to keep them in a pencil case in their mailboxes that would be great. We have obviously been doing a lot of writing and activities requiring our year supply! If this is a hardship, please let me know. Thank you!

Upcoming Events:
Friday March 16- Grades Close
Friday March 23- Report cards go home
Thursday & Friday March 29 & 30- Parent/Teacher conferences- Look for the sign up coming soon!
April 16-20 April Vacation

March 2, 2018

Happy March, Everyone!

We have had a very busy Dr. Seuss week here in Kindergarten! All the stripes and crazy socks and hair, and reading all of these shirts makes celebrating Dr. Seuss that much more fun! Our 7th grade reading buddies came down and we spent time with a S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, math) activity where we tried to build structures using plastic cups and index cards. We recorded our findings and had so much fun! We also visited the 6th grade and were treated to good food and books at their Dr. Seuss Cafe!

In writing we have been working on finishing our narrative unit and introducing a new unit of writing. We will be creating books that teach people how to do something (examples: How to Build a Snowman, How to Make a Sandwich, How to Brush My Teeth). It is harder than you think to organize the steps in doing something. Writing together is a great way to learn reading and writing skills.

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. The characters learned this week were; Irving Turtle and Vinnie Vulture.

 In math we have been using dice to play a probability game, working with shapes, using teen numbers, finding combinations of 10 and continuing our calendar activities. 

It is a good time of the year for reminders about having an extra set of dry clothes for your child. They can leave them in their backpack or in their cubby. There is nothing worse than getting wet or muddy and sitting in them for the rest of the day. 

Upcoming Events:

March 16- 2nd Trimester Ends

March 23- Report Cards Home

March 29 & 30 Parent/Teacher Conferences

April 16-20 Vacation

February 9, 2018

Dear Families,

What an interesting weather week we have had! I hope you are all safe and sound after this last storm!

Kindergarten is going to attempt to collect 100 non perishable food items to celebrate our 100th day of school. If you would like to and are able would you send in a couple of boxes of pasta or soup or any other items like that? Thanks so much!



Reminders:
I have sent home a list of all the student’s names for a second week if you choose to make Valentine’s cards for our celebration. If you would like to send in a special snack to be enjoyed by the children for that day, please email me and let me know! 

Upcoming Events:

February 19-23 February Vacation~Enjoy!

Thank you~Sarah

February 2, 2018

        Happy February! He made his decision, so let's enjoy 6 more weeks of winter!!!

Dear Families,

BRAVO for the musical performance last night! They were magnificent!

Books Read: Snow Friends, Warm in Winter, I'm A Little Snowman, The Snowy Day, The Snow Child, Snowballs

During writing time they are; visualizing places and people to write about, adding words (letters) to their pictures, rehearsing what they want to say about what they wrote, take turns sharing their ideas and writing with partners, going back into their writing pieces and revising what they have written by changing or adding to what they wrote and continuing to build up their confidence as writers. 

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. The character learned this week was; Ike and his  Bike.

In math we are working with two digit numbers, formation of numbers, addition and subtraction practice, describing patterns, measurement activities, counting and number recognition, solving number stories, exploring capacity and weight balance, and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, temperature data collection, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week. 

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

I have attached a list of names of the students in our classroom for Valentine Card writing. We will be having a small party on the 14th and if you are interested in sending in a treat, please let me know. Our 100 Day celebration doesn't require you to do anything-it will be an in school activity-based day. If you have not sent in Gingerbread projects, please do! 

Upcoming Events: 

February 14- Valentine's Day Party

February 15- 100 Day of School Celebration (if no more snow days occur)

February 19- 23 February Break

January 26, 2018

We have finished an author study of Jan Brett and jumped into many different versions of The Gingerbread Man. I have sent home some “homework” that should be a lot of fun! I attached a note explaining what I would like you to do with your giant gingerbread person. The sky is the limit! Please send the finished Gingerbread Baby, Boy, Man, Woman, Girl in as soon as they are finished so we can enjoy them!

Books Read: The Gingerbread Baby, Gingerbread Friends,The Gingerbread Girl and many, many versions of the traditional Gingerbread Boy/Man.

During writing time they are; visualizing places and people to write about, adding words (letters) to their pictures, rehearsing what they want to say about what they wrote, take turns sharing their ideas and writing with partners, going back into their writing pieces and revising what they have written by changing or adding to what they wrote and continuing to build up their confidence as writers. Our learning target is: "I can write my story so my partner can read it." We also wrote a personal letter to Jan Brett and we are excited to get a letter back from her soon!

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. The characters we learned this week were; Leaping Eve and Winkie Walrus

In math we are working with teen numbers, formation of numbers, building hexagons, calculator practice, addition and subtraction practice, describing patterns, counting and number recognition  and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week. 

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

Upcoming Events: 

Thursday February 1st- Kindergarten Concert 6:00 @ WCS Cafetorium

January 12, 2018

Dear Families,

The happiest of New Years to you! It will be a wonderful year. 

We have been engulfed with an author study of Jan Brett. Her stories and illustrations are perfect for this time of the year! 

Books Read: The Mitten, The Hat, The Umbrella, The Turnip, Cinders and also another version of The Mitten which was written by AlvinTresselt. We spent time comparing and contrasting the two versions of the story as well as predicting, sequencing, and retelling the events. 

During writing time they are finishing up the unit on pattern books. The children have been very excited to create these books as the structure of the writing matches where many of the students are reading at this time of the year. Each book spotlights at least one sight word we are working on. It all ties together very nicely.  

Animated Alphabet is our approach to phonemic awareness and spelling. The letters are taught through a multi sensory approach of music, dance, characters and signs which help the students hold onto that information. The characters we learned this week were; Chauncy Chipmunk and Old Joe Crow.

In math we are working with teen numbers, formation of numbers, making pictures to match the number written, addition and subtraction practice, graphing our favorite colors, shapes by feel, counting and number recognition through graphing , introduction to calculators and continuing our calendar routines. Our routines at calendar time include; counting to the calendar number of the day, weather observations, tracking the number of days we have been in school and days of the week. 

We are learning about the Woolwich Way! The Woolwich Way is made up of 6 qualities that will help us to be the best we can be! (Courtesy- I can use good manners, Compassion-I can help others, Respect- I can treat others kindly, Honesty-I can tell the truth, Responsibility- I can take care of myself and my stuff, Quality- I can do my best even when things are hard)

Upcoming Events: 

Monday January 15- Martin Luther King Jr. Day- No School

Friday January 26- YES SCHOOL. The professional day has been canceled in an attempt to increase our days in school.