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Classroom Newsletter November 8, 2013

Language Arts

The sight word, “are”, was introduced.  We are using a combination of the Fry Word list of sight words and the Fundations list of trick words for Kindergarten.  Technically a word that cannot be sounded out is referred to as a trick word.  At this time not all of our sight words are “trick” words.  However, it is important for children to develop automaticity in recognizing frequently used words in their reading and writing.  We have used the terminology “sight words” as well as “trick words” with the children.  All of these words are posted on the word wall in our classroom and children are provided with lists of these words at their tables during writing activities.  Our goal is for the children to be able to both recognize these words automatically in their reading as well as spell these words correctly when used in their daily writing.  We encourage children to go back and check their list if they have spelled the word incorrectly.  We would like to instill this habit early and put them on track for being accountable for the correct spelling of these words.  More words are added to this list each year and regular practice of recognizing and spelling these words is important in developing solid skills in reading and writing.  

Math

We finished Chapter 3, our unit on measurement.  The children compared items by size, length, and weight.  They practiced using the terminology, bigger than/smaller than, longer than/shorter than, heavier than/lighter than.

When we do end of chapter or unit assessments, we use the results from these assessments to direct our instruction.  For example, after our chapter 2 assessment, it became clear that some children needed a review of numbers that come “before” and “after”.  We reinforced this concept during calendar time activities and made sure the children understood that numbers that come before are less and numbers that come after are more.  We then did an activity where children rolled dice and recorded the number rolled and wrote the number that came after.  We will do the same activity for numbers that come before.

Science

We did a Mystery Box activity and had to use our sense of touch to guess which item we had in our hand.  We used descriptive words telling about the item we were touching.

Social Studies

We read a book about Veteran’s Day and talked about the importance of veterans and what they have done for us and our country.  The children have enjoyed sharing the names of important people in their lives who are veterans.  We attended a veteran’s day assembly on Thursday.

Health/Olweus

We continue to talk about how to be a good friend.  We talked about how it feels when a friend says “I won’t be your friend unless. . .” or “I’ll be your friend if . . .”  We role-played what we would say if someone said that to us.  We could say “I want to be your friend but I don’t want to do that.” “Good friends don’t say things like that.” “Maybe we can’t be friends right now.”

Important Dates

**Early Release** Wednesday, Nov. 27th @ 12:00
No Lunch will be served
**No School** Thursday, Nov. 28th and Friday, Nov. 29th

Parent Teacher Conferences are coming in December.  The following are the early release dates:
Thursday, Dec. 12th – Early Release @ 12:00
Friday, Dec. 13th – Early Release @ 12:00
No Lunch will be served on these early release days.
 Progress reports will be sent home on Dec. 9th.
Conference reminder slips will be sent home by the end of November.

Classroom Newsletter November 1, 2013

Language Arts

Writers’ Workshop – The word “at” was introduced.  We now know I, a, the, is, it, in, to, and at.  The children always have ideas about what they would like to write about in their journals.  Thank you for talking about possible writing topics with them at home.  Children at this age are at very different stages in their writing development.  Some children are more comfortable labeling their detailed pictures, while others are at ease with writing complete sentences.  Our goal is for the children to become independent writers.  I have already seen growth in their ability to hear sounds in words and look forward to seeing them gain confidence in their ability to write independently.

Guided Reading – We reviewed the sight words listed above.  We read a book focusing on the word “at”.  The children reviewed books in their Browsing Bags.  Thank you for sending word rings back on Mondays.

Daily 5 -   The children are able to sustain “Read to Self” time for 10 – 15 minutes.   They have also been introduced to “Read to Someone” time and are building stamina during this type of reading as well.  Many of the expectations for “Read to Someone” time are the same as those for “Read to Self” time.   The children work quietly.  They get started right away.  They stay in one spot and read the whole time.  The children sit side by side and both of them have their eyes on the book.  They may choose to take turns reading the same book or they may choose to each read a different book to their partner.  This allows me to meet with small groups and individuals to read books at students’ individual reading levels or to provide additional support as needed.

Literacy Centers - We read Pumpkin, Pumpkin by Jeanne Titherington and did activities based on this book.  Several of the activities involved being able to sequence events in the correct order.  This is an important skill in both reading and writing.

Math

We have been ordering and comparing objects by size and length.  Children put objects in order from smallest to biggest and shortest to longest.  Next week we will work on comparing objects by weight and putting things in order from lightest to heaviest.  These introductory measurement activities also help children understand sequence and patterns.

Science

We talked about our sense of hearing.  We went on a listening walk and focused on sounds we heard in our classroom and around our school.

Technology

The children were introduced to the school iPads with Mrs. Klipfel, our technology curriculum specialist.  We look forward to using the iPads in our classroom throughout the year.  Please check Mrs. Klipfel’s blog on the school web page for age appropriate apps to be used at home.  Go to Specialists, then Digital Learning, and then Mrs. Klipfel's blog.  Then go to Student Resources and check the apps in the K portal.  The Kindergarten team will be posting additional apps on our classroom blogs in the near future.

Halloween Party

Many thanks to Mrs. Anvari, Mrs. Nelson, and Mrs. Rudnyai for organizing our Halloween party.  The children enjoyed doing the crafts and eating the delicious Halloween treats.  Thank you to all of you who contributed to making our party so much fun.  We are glad you could watch our parade and join us in our classroom.