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.

December 15, 2017

Dear Families,

Thank you for bundling up your little people! We will go outside as long as the temperature is above 10 degrees including wind chill.

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 22-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 23-January 2- Vacation-Enjoy family and friends! (My middle son will be home from Germany to visit! I will also be able to spend time with my other children and my three grandchildren.)  Blessings all!

November 13, 2017

Dear Families,

Wow! I am struggling with getting back on track after all of these disruptions to school this month! I REALLY like structure and I need to get back to it as soon as possible! Today is my aunt's 105th birthday and she is still keeping herself and her life organized, so here is my feeble attempt!

PLEASE: Sign up for conferences if you have not yet. I want to see you all and share about your child's progress thus far in Kindergarten. 

PLEASE: Send in your turkey family project as soon as it is finished. Those that have arrived so far are spectacular!

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! 

A final reminder: 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. 

Thank you! Sarah~