March 31, 2020

Well~we made it to the end of March! It came in like a lamb and is going out like a lamb, but I am feeling like there was a lot of lion in between!

I cancelled my trip to Arizona and that makes me sad. I know that is a pretty silly thing to be upset about and that staying put is important...but I'm still sad about it!

Our amaryllis from the classroom flowered today~I'm so thankful I brought it home when I left.

Do you have anything blooming, sprouting, or growing at your house? I planted a bunch of seeds inside and they are starting to pop through! I am looking forward to getting into my garden and digging.

I hope to have this be a calm and quiet kind of week. I have another math link I will add to the class Padlet in a week or two. I am hoping all of you have found a routine and a rhythm that is working for your individual families. Don't try to do this like somebody else. I want you to do what you are comfortable with and that is all.

https://padlet.com/ssample4/ktidk3xnlxjr

See you in April! Sarah

March 27, 2020

Happy Friday, Folks!

The Padlet for our class is up and running. If you have any questions please send them my way! Enjoy your weekend~ Sarah

https://padlet.com/ssample4/ktidk3xnlxjr

March 26, 2020

Hello Everyone~

Today's Zoom play date was so fun~ My internet wasn't working quite right but I think overall the students were happy to see each other! I am going to attempt to have one Zoom play date each week and vary the day and times as we go along. Many of our Moms and Dads are still working and it makes it hard for their children to participate. Again, it was wonderful to see so many smiling faces!

I am in the process of creating a "Daily Schedule" for you all in an attempt to clarify all that I am trying to share with you and give this time we are currently in, some structure. I believe Principal Libby outlined that in his letter yesterday.

Again, I am here if you have any questions!

Take Care~Sarah

March 25, 2020

Happy Wednesday, My Friends~~~

I went for a wonderful walk with my mom today! The sunshine on my face was just right! What did you do today? Do you have snow left on your lawn? The greenhouse Mr. Sample and I put up on Sunday didn't handle the snow very well at all...back to the drawing board!

I hope you have had some time to play around with some of the online resources I have shared with you. I would like to do a practice Zoom Classroom tomorrow morning. I will send a link for you to join in and see what you think! Fingers Crossed~


This is a great tutorial for getting started with Flipgrid! A few of you have posted and I am enjoying watching your videos! I hope to start asking some questions for you to respond to next week!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tfoCgQuqcw



Sid and his friends are being scientists and discover why we need to wash our hands all the time! You can do their investigation and make your own observations!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjWhDynv-SQ

I miss each and every one of you~~~~~~XO
Mrs. Sample (Sarah)

March 24, 2020

HELLO, EVERYONE!!!

Happy Tuesday!!!

I took Slothy out and measured him this morning!  Pictures and results are below~

I woke up this morning to a winter wonderland. Did you? Mr. Libby said he didn't have power or internet and Mrs. Plummer said she had about 10 inches of snow at her house! Wow! How much snow did you get? Give me a thumbs down if you lost power and internet like Mr. Libby did. We only got (maybe) two inches and didn't lose either. I am thankful for that because I was able to set up two new online learning opportunities for you! You will find the direct link to each on our Google Classroom~ https://classroom.google.com/u/0/c/NzU4NTc0ODU2OFpa

The first is the home extension for our Everyday Math program: https://connected.mcgraw-hill.com/connected/pictorialLoginSchool.do?code=m1k3and the second is a keyboarding program that is connected to our Handwriting Without Tears books: it is Keyboarding Without Tears: https://www.plusliveinsights.com/index.html#/setup-kwt I will be sending an email to you each with a picture of both your code for math as well as keyboarding. I will keep my fingers crossed these both are going to work!  Please be on the lookout for your special code and give them a try. I think you will like them both!

SLOTHY!

I am 5 1/2 inches tall now!!!

My CIRCUMFERENCE is 9 inches!

What do you thing the word "circumference" means? Hmmm...I wonder! Slothy is getting VERY big. I am just able to get him out of the jar! Looking for something a little bigger so he can keep growing! How big do you think he will get?

I will set up our first "face-to-face" online class soon and you will get an invitation via email for this. I'm going to attempt a Zoom Class Meeting on Thursday at 10:00 am. We will see how that goes!

I will talk with you soon and remember if you have any questions or concerns, please let me know!

~Sarah

March 23, 2020

Hello and Happy Monday, My Friends!!!!

Did you have a wonderful weekend like I did? My Mom and I have gone on 3 outdoor adventures and I found some awesome stuff! These ice sticks (that's what I call them) were all over the ground on today's journey and I just had to pick some up and touch them. They were so interesting!

Have you been doing any adventuring outside? Have you found any treasures? I would love to see them~

Mrs. Luchies wants to read to you!!! A book that ALWAYS makes my hungry~ Grab a snack and have a listen!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7lr25Cqzr0&feature=youtu.be

Below is a 40 second clip of a beautiful running stream I came across in the woods. One of my favorite sounds is running water!

I will be measuring Slothy in the morning! He is growing like you can't believe!!!

Have a great night~

March 20, 2020

I just got the news that schools are closed now through at least April 26th. I don't have any further directive but will keep you up on any latest news...


THANK YOU, Mya for letting me know that there is a new video up at the Cincinnati Zoo website...SLOTHS!!!!! Oh my goodness, what a lovely gift for us on this dreary day! Go and check this video out when you get a chance~I have watched it twice so far!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hE1RW1xwCh4#action=share

Some of you have had questions about the online resources and how much your student is actually expected to do. Well...none of the work is expected but instead it is offered for enrichment and fun. I have become frustrated with the technology but I am still going to try and make this a relevant and connective place for us all.

I posted a new video on Flipgrid- The Flip code is 73caed1e.

https://flipgrid.com/73caed1e

I was missing our friend, Miss Jamie and went over to do some yoga with her...I chose a warm, tropical, sunny journey today!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y3gCrL_XIM

I'm going to take a mental break this weekend but reach out if you need to. My email and phone will be checked throughout the weekend so I will get back to you as soon as I can. Be safe-I am thinking of you all.

March 19, 2020

HAPPY 1st DAY OF SPRING!

Mr. Libby posted a video today and it really cracked me up! If you haven't seen it please take a moment to watch! 

https://www.facebook.com/312000508028/videos/648345205940697/

I have attempted to connect Flip Grid to this platform. It is my great hope to post a new "assignment" there every day. Join in with me if you would like. It will be a great way for us to stay connected as we head into our 2nd week apart. Please excuse me as I stumble along and try to figure it all out! 

Here is the link to our current assignment~ 

Please let me know if things are not working (or if they are)! 

https://flipgrid.com/fa57282e

Also, I know my plan was that I would call you all every couple of days but I know some of you might not need/want that from me. I had given my personal cell number in the original blog post and know that you can call me if you need my help in any way. I do think I will pose the question to you all as to when or if you want me to touch base by phone. Please email me your phone number and the best time for me to call. I am happy to speak with you or your child but only if you find that helpful. Let me know~ 

Also, Slothy is not wanting to come out of that stump! I think tomorrow I am going to "help" him a little bit so we can finally get a good look at his face! But these pictures are from today-he is still growing! Harper thought Mister or Miss Unicorn would be a great name...what do you think?

The first day of spring was wonderful for me! My friend Jack has got a dance party going on...let's dance!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udrIY0nts-E

A lovely read aloud for spring as well...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLkK98zuw0c

Talk to you soon!!! XOXO 

March 18, 2020

Slothy is trying to break out!

Hello Everyone! 

What a beautiful day and that sun~~~Wow! I did a lot of yard work and also helped my mom for a while this morning. I hope you are helping Mom and Dad around the house and that you had time to get some fresh air and enjoy this glorious day! 

This was my view as I enjoyed my tea outside ~

Happy last day of winter! I think that means that the Penguin Dance has to be put away for the season...maybe? Maybe we should dance!!! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf0uKmKwnKs

(That was great!!!)

Also a wonderful book by Kevin Henkes to enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_kNU3XpMew

Talk to you tomorrow

March 17, 2020

HAPPY ST. PATRICK's DAY!!!

Did you catch a leprechaun last night? Did you know that you can set the trap again before you go to bed again tonight? I even put some Lucky Charms outside to try and lure the little guy in...I will let you know tomorrow!!!

Speaking of "little guy" our sloth has outgrown the vase that we started him out in one week and one day ago. I had to find a bigger jug and have now put him in my kombucha jar. I guess I won't be making kombucha again until he grows out of the jar. So as I moved him from his smaller jar to his bigger jar I realized we never did have time to give him a name. Do you have any ideas for a name for him or should we wait until he is all the way out of his stump? Here is a picture Mr. Sample took when I moved him to his bigger home.

I was sad that I couldn't send any of our music from Animated Alphabet home but in searching for Animated Alphabet materials I did find three silly teachers doing the motions. They don't do all of the characters the way we do but you can do the actions that we use or try out their moves! So fun!!! (P.S. they do all of the characters- even the ones we haven't learned yet so you can stop the video at Sheriff Shad if you don't want to find out the rest of our friends left to come). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rtNh_1rNWU

I also found the 2 books online that I was planning to read to you today~

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGEE4JDwrAQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUiAnNXxvHc

That's it for today.... I hope the rain moves out and I can get a little more time outside tomorrow!
Until then~I miss you lots!!! Mrs. Sample

Distance Learning Days

 Hello!

As we prepare for our Distance Learning Days I would first like to say how I will miss every single one of my students. We are in a good flow and we will continue to learn and grow even when apart. I also would like to acknowledge that I have no expectation that all of what I present or send home will be completed. Please don't feel that I am looking for that. Many of the materials I have sent home or posted online are options that the children already enjoy in our classroom.

I have made a separate blog post with the links to many sites and activities we currently do as well as some for them to explore and enjoy. The post is titled: Online Resource Collection. Of course much of our school day isn't looking at screens or filling out worksheets but these activities may augment their learning. I plan to have a read aloud every day as well as a challenge for them and other fun activities.

This blog will consist of updates and other information I think you may appreciate regarding school.  I am feeling my way through this process and will attempt to make our Distance Learning Days as exciting and fun as I can.

Moving forward I will try and be in contact with you every day. This could include emails and phone calls just to check in and see if there is anything I need to be aware of or answer any questions you might have. Of course this blog and the RSU 1 and Woolwich Central School websites will have up to the minute decisions and information so please check in often with us as well! If you would like to be in contact with me first, PLEASE don't hesitate to email or call. ssample@rsu1.org and my personal phone number is 207 350 6869. I let my calls go to voice mail so PLEASE leave me a message and best # to reach you and I will get back to you as quickly as I am able. I care about each and every one of you and I want you to feel comfortable reaching out about anything at all!!!!! O.K.?

 I will also snap pictures every morning of our sloth that we have been growing since March 9th. They have been so excited that he is just starting to bust through the stump! These are from today! Please share them with your child. It has been a very fun activity...

Best to you all!!!
Sarah~

Online Resource Collection

As I mentioned before~Here is a list of online resources you can check out while we experience our Distance Learning Days~ Keep and eye out as I will continue to add more as they become known to me!


***RSU1 Website
https://www.rsu1.org/

***Woolwich Central School Website
http://www.woolwich.rsu1.org/


***Scholastic Link:
https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome/grades-prek-k.html


***Mystery Science:
https://mysteryscience.com/school-closure-planning

***Woolwich Central School: Go to home page---click Menu---Choose Library---Look for blue rectangle "Click here for Tumblebooks"
http://www.woolwich.rsu1.org/


***Yoga/ Mindfulness:
https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga

*** Singing, Learning, Movement:
https://www.youtube.com/user/JackHartmann
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Hdb26_xnPQsntwLazMqYw
https://www.youtube.com/user/alexgmay

March 13, 2020

Hello Families!

Have you heard about the sloth we are "hatching?" If not, please ask your child!

As we are 111 days into the school year our supplies are getting tired! Please send in a new package of washable markers with your child... Also, we could use tissues! Thank you!!!!

This week we have continued our weather observations at a deeper level and trying to decide if the weather outside is a lion or a lamb as the old saying goes. Some days have been both and that realization has led to many scientific conversations between the students. They are acute observers!

Reading/Writing: We have continued to enjoy more Dr. Seuss books this week as well as some stories related to weather. The difference between fiction and non-fiction has been discussed. We have also been working in our interactive writing block where each student helps in the writing and illustrating of a class book. We are all authors and illustrators! In writing we are also continuing the How-To unit where it is their responsibility to teach someone else how to do something step-by-step. Some of the books written have been quite humorous, especially when the students realize steps have been left out of the process! They are enjoying this unit very much.

Math: Combinations of 10, graphing data, identifying, comparing and creating various shapes, working with teen numbers, analyzing solutions to problems presented in word problems, and continuing our calendar routines. We are all surprised that today is the 111 day of school!

Assessment: Assessments in every area are being conducted at this point and students are working harder than ever in order to get them done. I dislike the amount of "testing" I need to do, but in the end it does show me (and you) the incredible growth in your children. I am so proud of them!

Upcoming Events:
March 20- FULL DAY OF SCHOOL!
March 26- Parent/ Teacher Conferences- PLEASE sign up if you have not done so~
March 27- 1/2 Day of school
April 20-24 April Vacation

March 6, 2020

Happy March, Everyone! In like a lamb! This winter certainly has been kind to us!

We have had a very busy week here in Kindergarten! Book character dress up day, Community reader, cup stacking with our reading buddies, being visited by 5th graders who read to us and gave us a yummy treat, and reading all of these silly Dr. Seuss books has made this week that much more fun! 

In writing we have been introduced to a new unit in 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 of how to complete a task!

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 Grouchy Owl and Brown Mouse and Abe. 

 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 (the ones from the fall might not fit us anymore). 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 20- The Professional Development Day HAS BEEN CANCELLED! There is a REGULAR                        day of school!

March 26- Parent/ Teacher Conferences- Please sign up if you haven't already! 

March 26 & 27-1/2 days-11:50 both days

April 20-24- Vacation