I'm no longer able to access Blogger from school, which makes it tricky to update our classroom blog! Here's a re-cap of what's happened over the past two days...
Kaylee C. celebrated her birthday on Wednesday, bringing in delicious donuts! Thank you for the wonderful treat!
Erin's mom came in to read a funny story with the class!
We played in the inflatables, which were set up in the gym due to rain.
The students had their final guidance class and art class of the school year.
Roger's mom came in and helped the students make potions! The potions will be coming home Friday!
We've had a wonderful last week of kindergarten!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Tuesday May 24, 2011
Sorry for the late post...I could not connect to blogger from school.
The kids had a great last Tuesday of the school year! They played one of their favorite games in PE. They had a chance to interact with the friends during some fun stations. We read a rhyming story about playing at the beach! We drew pictures with chalk on the sidewalks out in front of the school!
Erin, one of our Stars of the Week, brought her mom along to school so they could teach the students how to make cute birds! The kids all loved doing that activity!
Roger, our other Star of the Week, brought his Hogwarts wand to share with the class!
The students worked in their handwriting books today, reviewing all the letters we have learned this year.
The students also got a chance to draw and write about anything they wanted to, as a last writing sample for their portfolios! It has been fun to see the progress made throughout the year!
Tomorrow we get the chance to play in the inflatables! Please have your child wear socks to school so they can participate!
Let's wear our green frog shirts on the last day of school!!!
The kids had a great last Tuesday of the school year! They played one of their favorite games in PE. They had a chance to interact with the friends during some fun stations. We read a rhyming story about playing at the beach! We drew pictures with chalk on the sidewalks out in front of the school!
Erin, one of our Stars of the Week, brought her mom along to school so they could teach the students how to make cute birds! The kids all loved doing that activity!
Roger, our other Star of the Week, brought his Hogwarts wand to share with the class!
The students worked in their handwriting books today, reviewing all the letters we have learned this year.
The students also got a chance to draw and write about anything they wanted to, as a last writing sample for their portfolios! It has been fun to see the progress made throughout the year!
Tomorrow we get the chance to play in the inflatables! Please have your child wear socks to school so they can participate!
Let's wear our green frog shirts on the last day of school!!!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Monday May 23, 2011
We had a fun last Monday of school. Erin, one of our Stars of the Week, brought a snack to share. Since the weather is so nice, we took our snack outside to eat it, and then played on the playground! Mrs. Abbey also read two books while the students cooled down in the shade: Graduation Day is Here! and Here's To You!
We began work in our "I Am Special" books, drawing a self-portrait. We will add pages all week and by Friday will be finishing the book!
In handwriting, the students reviewed letters "X, x, K, k, Z, z." Next, we will practice punctuation and numbers.
Today was the last day of music class. Tomorrow is the final day of PE for the year. Please help your child remember to wear their PE shoes!
We had a time for "fun" stations: kitchen, puzzles, memory game, lincoln logs, car, and a color game. The students had a great time having fun with their classmates!
We began work in our "I Am Special" books, drawing a self-portrait. We will add pages all week and by Friday will be finishing the book!
In handwriting, the students reviewed letters "X, x, K, k, Z, z." Next, we will practice punctuation and numbers.
Today was the last day of music class. Tomorrow is the final day of PE for the year. Please help your child remember to wear their PE shoes!
We had a time for "fun" stations: kitchen, puzzles, memory game, lincoln logs, car, and a color game. The students had a great time having fun with their classmates!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Friday May 20, 2011
The students had an exciting Friday!
Jasmine brought a special treat to celebrate her Star Week. The cupcakes were delicious!
Mr. Morgan, the band teacher, had our class come see, hear, and touch the instruments! The tuba and big bass drum were two of the favorites!
In class, Mrs. Abbey read Jack and the Beanstalk. Ask your child how it was different from other Jack and the Beanstalk stories they have heard. We talked about what kind of characters we like to read about: scary, funny, tiny, or giant. The students voted, and "scary" won!
The students wrote about all the fun they had at field day, and those writings will be a part of your child's portfolio which comes home next week!
If you ordered a yearbook, those went home with the students today!
Upcoming:
•Wed. May 25--remind your child to bring socks so they can jump in the inflatables!
•Fri. May 27--last day of school
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Thursday May 19
The students are bringing home their fragile pottery from art class today. Look for it in the shiny silver envelope!
We talked about ways to stay healthy and strong today. Mrs. Abbey read Be Happy and Healthy, a non-fiction magazine article about eating good foods.
In handwriting, the students practiced the uppercase and lowercase "Z, z." We have now learned all of the letters! Keep practicing your writing this summer!
Thank you to Jasmine's mom for coming to read a few funny books to the class!
Also, thank you to Ella's mom for coming to help take pictures of the students in the big chair, and for playing a sight word soup game with the students!
Tomorrow Mr. Morgan, the 5th grade band teacher, has invited us to see some of his instruments and listen to a story! Should be fun!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Wednesday May 18, 2011
Thank you to Jasmine's dad for coming in to talk about his shipping business during Jasmine's Star Week! The students loved the bubble wrap!
Mrs. Abbey read a folk tale called Mouse Deer Crosses the River. We talked about characters, setting, and plot (what happened first, next, and last).
In computer lab, the students had free choice to work on any program we have learned this year!
We took some pictures outside, but the sun was a little bright for some of the students. We may have to try again tomorrow in the shade!
The students worked on a number writing assessment. By this time in the school year, all students should be able to write from 1-30.
If your child has not returned their bag of books, there is a note in their folder. Please return it tomorrow. Thank you!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Tuesday May 17, 2011
Jasmine's Grammy came to visit today! She read a book about elephants which helped reinforce the skill of being nice to others and not making fun of people. The students also sang If You're Happy and You Know It with Jasmine's Grammy!
During handwriting, the students practiced the uppercase letter "K."
Mrs. Abbey worked with students on individual assessments while the students rotated between reading, writing, and literacy stations. Testing is almost done, and then we can have some fun before summer! The students are looking forward to some "play" stations and going outside to the playground during the last week of school!
Thank you to Erin's mom for coming and working with the kids on a writing activity!
Mrs. Abbey read Turtle Splash, a book about counting backwards. The students have this skill mastered (counting backwards from 10-1).
Monday, May 16, 2011
Monday May 16, 2011
Mrs. Abbey read, The Knee-High Man, a folk tale from Africa about a small man who wanted to be bigger. The students learned that they are special just the way they are.
We worked on substituting sounds in words. For example, changing the /j/ sound in jump to the /b/ sound to make the word bump. Try a few words at home!
Mrs. Abbey is continuing to work with the children on individual end-of-the-year assessments. We are trying real hard to finish the assessments this week, so that next week (our final week of school) can be a fun week! We are hoping the weather is nice so that we can get outside a few days too!!!
Thank you to Jasmine, our Star of the Week, for bringing in some of her favorite princess dolls from her collection!
I'm sending out another call for reading bags. Please return them as soon as you can.
Also, Mrs. Adair is still missing a few library books.
If you ordered a year book, it should be arriving by early next week!
Upcoming: On Wednesday May 25, the students have the opportunity to jump in some inflatables. Please make sure your child wears socks that day so they can participate!
We worked on substituting sounds in words. For example, changing the /j/ sound in jump to the /b/ sound to make the word bump. Try a few words at home!
Mrs. Abbey is continuing to work with the children on individual end-of-the-year assessments. We are trying real hard to finish the assessments this week, so that next week (our final week of school) can be a fun week! We are hoping the weather is nice so that we can get outside a few days too!!!
Thank you to Jasmine, our Star of the Week, for bringing in some of her favorite princess dolls from her collection!
I'm sending out another call for reading bags. Please return them as soon as you can.
Also, Mrs. Adair is still missing a few library books.
If you ordered a year book, it should be arriving by early next week!
Upcoming: On Wednesday May 25, the students have the opportunity to jump in some inflatables. Please make sure your child wears socks that day so they can participate!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Friday May 13, 2011
Wow! What a fun day Field Day was! Here are some pictures taken that day! The rest of the photos will be available on our Shutterfly share site next week! You will have access to the Shutterfly share site until the end of July, in case you would like to download or order pictures.
The students were busy creating today! On the announcements, they heard that it was Mrs. Adair's birthday, so of course they wanted to make cards and bookmarks for her! We delivered them during our library time, and Mrs. Adair loved them!
Thank you to Blake's sister, Allie, for coming to read to the class during his Star Week!
We finished up our unit on worms, making a worm book today. If your child finished, they are bringing their book home today.
The students wrote a list of the things they wanted to do this summer. It was challenging for some of the students to think of 6 things they wanted to do, but listening to the ideas of their peers helped.
As we wind down the school year, here are a few bits of information for you:
•Please have your child return their library book on Monday if they still have one checked out.
•Please return your child's book bag. There will not be another another bag of books going home this year, as we need to inventory them and take them to the library.
•The final report card and your child's portfolio will go home on the last day of school. There are no conferences at the end of the year. If you have questions, feel free to email or call me during the first week of June.
•If anyone has any moving boxes they are willing to part with, the half-day class is being moved to Timber Ridge Elementary and I could really use the boxes to pack up our stuff! Thank you!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Wednesday May 11, 2011
Thank you to Blake's brother for coming in and reading a book to the class in celebration of Blake's Star Week!
The students worked hard at literacy stations while Mrs. Abbey worked individually assessing students. I am very pleased with all of the progress the students have been showing!
Today, the students completed two class assessments: a math problem and lowercase letter writing. They worked very hard!
Mrs. Abbey read The Blind Men and the Elephant, a folk tale from India.
The kids are looking forward to Field Day tomorrow!
Please remember to:
(1) apply sunscreen to your child before they come to school
(2) send water in a water bottle (marked with their name)
(3) send a lunch (unless they ordered a school lunch)
(4) have your child wear their green frog kindergarten t-shirt
(5) have your child wear tennis shoes so they can easily run during games!
In the case of bad weather, a decision will be made by 7:30am tomorrow morning if field day must be postponed. If we will not be going to Field Day tomorrow, an alert-now call will go out to all families Thursday morning letting you know of the change.
The students worked hard at literacy stations while Mrs. Abbey worked individually assessing students. I am very pleased with all of the progress the students have been showing!
Today, the students completed two class assessments: a math problem and lowercase letter writing. They worked very hard!
Mrs. Abbey read The Blind Men and the Elephant, a folk tale from India.
The kids are looking forward to Field Day tomorrow!
Please remember to:
(1) apply sunscreen to your child before they come to school
(2) send water in a water bottle (marked with their name)
(3) send a lunch (unless they ordered a school lunch)
(4) have your child wear their green frog kindergarten t-shirt
(5) have your child wear tennis shoes so they can easily run during games!
In the case of bad weather, a decision will be made by 7:30am tomorrow morning if field day must be postponed. If we will not be going to Field Day tomorrow, an alert-now call will go out to all families Thursday morning letting you know of the change.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Today there was a substitute teacher while I pulled the students to do reading testing with them. The students worked real hard for the substitute and had a good morning!
Mrs. Vaughan read a fictional story called, What Do You Know?, and they talked about things that they are learning to do.
In handwriting, the students practiced the uppercase and lowercase "X, x."
The end-of-the-year assessment today had students complete a subtraction story problem, which was very challenging for most of the kids.
Tomorrow is PE...please have your child wear their tennis shoes!
Mrs. Vaughan read a fictional story called, What Do You Know?, and they talked about things that they are learning to do.
In handwriting, the students practiced the uppercase and lowercase "X, x."
The end-of-the-year assessment today had students complete a subtraction story problem, which was very challenging for most of the kids.
Tomorrow is PE...please have your child wear their tennis shoes!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Friday May 6, 2011
Today was the last day that students will be checking out library books for the school year. Please have all library books returned by next Friday, May 13. Thanks!
Mrs. Abbey read, Ma Lien and the Magic Brush, a folk tale from China. Ask your child what happened when the boy painted with the magic paint brush.
Thank you to Elijah's mom for helping out with an alphabet writing assessment today!
The students were busy working at literacy stations while Mrs. Abbey worked 1:1 with students completing some year-end assessments.
Every day the students check on their seedlings. We're still waiting for 3 to poke out of the soil, which they probably will do this weekend!
In handwriting, the students reviewed the correct way to write V, v, Y, y, W, w.
Upcoming:
•Mon. May 9--there will be a sub while Mrs. Abbey works on reading assessments with students.
•Tues. May 10--there will be a sub for the last 45 minutes of the day so Mrs. Abbey can go to her daughters music concert.
•Thursday. May 12--Field Day!--Please have your child wear their green frog kindergarten t-shirt, sunscreen, and bring a sack lunch (unless you have ordered a school lunch). Also, all students need to bring a refillable water bottle, as they get very hot and thirsty playing games all morning. Please put your child's name on their water bottle so they don't get mixed up with the other ones. Thanks!
Mrs. Abbey read, Ma Lien and the Magic Brush, a folk tale from China. Ask your child what happened when the boy painted with the magic paint brush.
Thank you to Elijah's mom for helping out with an alphabet writing assessment today!
The students were busy working at literacy stations while Mrs. Abbey worked 1:1 with students completing some year-end assessments.
Every day the students check on their seedlings. We're still waiting for 3 to poke out of the soil, which they probably will do this weekend!
In handwriting, the students reviewed the correct way to write V, v, Y, y, W, w.
Upcoming:
•Mon. May 9--there will be a sub while Mrs. Abbey works on reading assessments with students.
•Tues. May 10--there will be a sub for the last 45 minutes of the day so Mrs. Abbey can go to her daughters music concert.
•Thursday. May 12--Field Day!--Please have your child wear their green frog kindergarten t-shirt, sunscreen, and bring a sack lunch (unless you have ordered a school lunch). Also, all students need to bring a refillable water bottle, as they get very hot and thirsty playing games all morning. Please put your child's name on their water bottle so they don't get mixed up with the other ones. Thanks!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Thursday May 5, 2011
Kaylee I., our Star of the Week, brought in her cute dog, Rudy! The students loved her!
We spent time investigating our worms today! The students are getting more daring--some picking up handfuls of worms! Other students would rather watch their friends interact with the worms--they are happy to just observe.
We talked about how the students get ideas for what they draw or paint. Mrs. Abbey then read a non-fiction article called Children in Paintings. We practiced substituting phonemes.
ex. Teacher: "Say job."The students finished preparing for the art show tonight! We hope you will all be able to stop by Horizon sometime between 5:30-7:00pm to check out all the wonderful artwork! Your child knows where their pottery and pictures are...Mr. Spellman showed them during art class today.
Students: "job"
Teacher: "Change the /j/ to /s/."
Students: "sob"
Thank you to Ella's mom for coming to school to help out with one of our assessments!
The kids were really hard workers today! I am so proud of them! They are so excited for summer to come, but we are working very strong these last couple weeks of school.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Wednesday May 4, 2011
We investigated worms today--touching, holding, looking at, and watching them wiggle! The students were split into two groups-one with the small red worms and one with the big earth worms. Many students are not afraid of holding worms at all! Tomorrow we will switch and the students will investigate the worms that they didn't see today.
Thank you to Kaylee I., our Star of the Week, for bringing in a fun noise maker to show the class.
Mrs. Abbey read an interesting story called Fun Places. In this nonfiction book, the students learned of different types of buildings and where they are located. (a tea-cup gas station, a shoe-shaped house, the Corn Palace, and an elephant-shaped house)
In computer lab, the students had free choice to explore any program which we have learned this year. Mrs. Abbey pulled students to work on individual assessments during computer lab time. Back in class, the students did another assessment--about patterns.
Mrs. Canada came to talk to the class about keeping safe--when you are at home, outside, crossing the street, at the park, etc. They talked about different dangers and how to stay safe.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Tuesday May 3, 2011
Today we reviewed the book, Warthogs Paint. The students did a wonderful job remembering about primary and secondary colors, and many of them understand what colors you mix together to make green, orange, and purple. Way to go!
Thank you to Kaylee I., our Star of the Week, for bringing in "Lamby" to share with the class!
In PE, the students played 3-ball soccer.
In handwriting, we practiced writing the uppercase and lowercase "W/w." We are almost finished learning the correct way to form our letters. I will send a few review sheets home with the students over the summer so that they can practice before next fall!
More of our plants are sprouting! The cucumbers are being especially slow at coming up, but they should be growing soon.
The students did another math assessment, this time a story problem featuring addition up to 10. They are all doing very well with addition!
Thank you to Erin's mom for coming to help the class with a word writing activity!
The May reading log went home today. Sorry it is a few days late! Have your child bring this back by the last day of school for a prize! If you still have the April reading log at home, please send that back this week, so your child can turn it in for a prize.
Reading book bags are due tomorrow. Please return them for new books if your child has practiced reading them.
Thank you to Kaylee I., our Star of the Week, for bringing in "Lamby" to share with the class!
In PE, the students played 3-ball soccer.
In handwriting, we practiced writing the uppercase and lowercase "W/w." We are almost finished learning the correct way to form our letters. I will send a few review sheets home with the students over the summer so that they can practice before next fall!
More of our plants are sprouting! The cucumbers are being especially slow at coming up, but they should be growing soon.
The students did another math assessment, this time a story problem featuring addition up to 10. They are all doing very well with addition!
Thank you to Erin's mom for coming to help the class with a word writing activity!
The May reading log went home today. Sorry it is a few days late! Have your child bring this back by the last day of school for a prize! If you still have the April reading log at home, please send that back this week, so your child can turn it in for a prize.
Reading book bags are due tomorrow. Please return them for new books if your child has practiced reading them.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Monday May 3, 2011
This week we are talking and reading books about art. Mrs. Abbey read, Warthogs Paint, a book about primary (red, yellow, blue) and secondary (green, purple, orange) colors. Thank you to Blake's mom for giving them some time to paint pictures! We typically don't have much time for creative projects during our morning, so the students were extra excited about this!
The students did an end-of-the year math assessment--basic addition story problem.
We reviewed our sight words, all 31 kindergarten words have been introduced!
Some of our plants have started to sprout! We can't wait for all of the cups to have some green leaves and stem poking through!
New literacy stations were introduced today. These stations focus on spelling/writing sight words, creating new words by changing letters in the word, and differentiating between real and made-up words. The students are enjoying this last set of stations!
If you have completed your April reading log (with raindrops to color in), please send it to school so your child can claim their prize!
The students did an end-of-the year math assessment--basic addition story problem.
We reviewed our sight words, all 31 kindergarten words have been introduced!
Some of our plants have started to sprout! We can't wait for all of the cups to have some green leaves and stem poking through!
New literacy stations were introduced today. These stations focus on spelling/writing sight words, creating new words by changing letters in the word, and differentiating between real and made-up words. The students are enjoying this last set of stations!
If you have completed your April reading log (with raindrops to color in), please send it to school so your child can claim their prize!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Friday April 29, 2011
What a beautiful day! I hope you are able to get outside and enjoy it!
The students worked hard on our literacy stations...next week they get changed to new stations for the final time in our kindergarten year. The students are excited for the change!
We will also begin writing in our new May journals. I will send their April journals home on Monday.
We have started the end-of-the-year testing. The students decided that they would like to spend the next 3 weeks working really hard, so that they can celebrate and have some extra choice time during the final week of school! Sounds like a great plan! Today the students did a writing assessment about dinosaurs.
The students saw the new worms today. Next week, they will get a chance to investigate the worms, check out the similarities and differences between the red worm and earth worm, and touch and hold them if they would like. We will also continue our seeds/plants unit. Today we saw the root growing out of Roger's bean seed, which had popped out of the surface of the soil. We're hoping the plants start growing soon!
Many students have overdue library books. Your child will have a note in their folder/backpack if their book is overdue. Please search your house for these books and return them on Monday. Thank you!
Mrs. Abbey read Tyler Goes to the Library, a book about a boy who wanted to learn about dinosaurs. We talked about how great libraries are, and also discussed getting a library card. Many of the students already have a library card, but if your child doesn't, they may want to get one after today! You need to be 5 years old to get your own card.
Have a great weekend!
The students worked hard on our literacy stations...next week they get changed to new stations for the final time in our kindergarten year. The students are excited for the change!
We will also begin writing in our new May journals. I will send their April journals home on Monday.
We have started the end-of-the-year testing. The students decided that they would like to spend the next 3 weeks working really hard, so that they can celebrate and have some extra choice time during the final week of school! Sounds like a great plan! Today the students did a writing assessment about dinosaurs.
The students saw the new worms today. Next week, they will get a chance to investigate the worms, check out the similarities and differences between the red worm and earth worm, and touch and hold them if they would like. We will also continue our seeds/plants unit. Today we saw the root growing out of Roger's bean seed, which had popped out of the surface of the soil. We're hoping the plants start growing soon!
Many students have overdue library books. Your child will have a note in their folder/backpack if their book is overdue. Please search your house for these books and return them on Monday. Thank you!
Mrs. Abbey read Tyler Goes to the Library, a book about a boy who wanted to learn about dinosaurs. We talked about how great libraries are, and also discussed getting a library card. Many of the students already have a library card, but if your child doesn't, they may want to get one after today! You need to be 5 years old to get your own card.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Thursday April 28, 2011
You child's backpack is probably full of the stuff that they have created at the writing table. This has been accumulating in their folder over the past month, and we have decided to clean out our folders and start fresh. The students seemed to have forgotten that the writing table is a place where they practice their writing. Many students did not have any letters or words on any of their papers. We talked today about using their time at the writing station to write lists, make little books, write stories, label drawings, write facts, practice writing the alphabet, etc.
In handwriting, the students practiced the lowercase "y."
We saw the chicks for the last time--they are going home to their farm tomorrow. It was difficult for the students to say good-bye but they are in for a treat, as new creatures have entered our room which they will meet tomorrow...worms (both earth worms and red worms)! The students are going to love investigating the worms and learning all about them over the next 1-2 weeks!
We are still waiting for our seeds to sprout! It may not be for a few more weeks, but the students keep checking each day. Mrs. Abbey read Carrots Grow Underground, which helped explain the life cycle of a seed, and taught us about root vegetables and which foods grow underground.
The final book order of the kindergarten year went home with your child today. If you would like to order books, please submit your order by Tuesday May 10. Thank you!
Also, a reminder that the March reading logs can be turned in tomorrow.
If your child has not returned their Wednesday reading bag in a while, please return them (even if you have not read the books) so I can get the books back to the library. Other teachers are waiting for some of the books that we currently have out. Thank you!
In handwriting, the students practiced the lowercase "y."
We saw the chicks for the last time--they are going home to their farm tomorrow. It was difficult for the students to say good-bye but they are in for a treat, as new creatures have entered our room which they will meet tomorrow...worms (both earth worms and red worms)! The students are going to love investigating the worms and learning all about them over the next 1-2 weeks!
We are still waiting for our seeds to sprout! It may not be for a few more weeks, but the students keep checking each day. Mrs. Abbey read Carrots Grow Underground, which helped explain the life cycle of a seed, and taught us about root vegetables and which foods grow underground.
The final book order of the kindergarten year went home with your child today. If you would like to order books, please submit your order by Tuesday May 10. Thank you!
Also, a reminder that the March reading logs can be turned in tomorrow.
If your child has not returned their Wednesday reading bag in a while, please return them (even if you have not read the books) so I can get the books back to the library. Other teachers are waiting for some of the books that we currently have out. Thank you!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Wednesday April 27, 2011
Today was another busy day!
The students are working hard to finish up their chick journals and seed notebooks. The students will be bringing those home as soon as they are done!
In computer lab the students used kidpix to draw a picture of the parts of a plant. They also labeled the parts of their plant.
Mrs. Canada talked about how to give and receive compliments during guidance class.
Today was secretary appreciation day. The students created pictures and cutouts using construction paper and had fun delivering them to our two secretaries in the office!
Mrs. Abbey read Animals in the Garden, where we learned that there are some animals that are good for the garden and some that are pests.
In handwriting, the students practiced writing the uppercase "Y."
In their journals, the students wrote about holding the baby chicks. It was fun reading what they had written! Having a daily journal this month has really helped the students understand the importance of writing, using spaces, punctuation, and writing so that others can read it. I think you will definitely see a progression in their skills and abilities throughout the month of writing! Those journals will be coming home at the end of the week! Look for them and have your child share some of their favorite entries with you!
Upcoming:
•May is a very busy month with end-of-the-year assessments. (Your child will probably start talking about "hallway work" and "privacy folders.")
•Thursday May 5 is the night of the art show. All students will have art hanging throughout the school. Come visit anytime between 5-7:30 that night!
•Monday May 9 Mrs. Abbey will have a sub. During that morning, I will be at school pulling students individually to test reading levels. Please help your child get enough rest the night before and a good breakfast that morning, so that they are able to focus and do their best work!
•Thursday May 12 is field day. Remember to apply sunscreen before sending your child to school and also send a water bottle with your child for them to drink from throughout the day. A sack lunch is also needed if you did not order a school lunch. The students stay all day long that day, so there is no 11:35 bus running. Please schedule alternative transportation for your child.
•Report cards will be sent home with your child on the last day of school, May 27. Half-day kindergarten runs on a normal schedule that day, dismissing at 11:35.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Tuesday April 2, 2011
Today was a science-filled day!
We turned the grow light on for our seeds and watered each cup of dirt. In our science journals, the students drew a picture of what they cup of dirt looks like now, and wrote about what kind of seed they had planted. The students are very anxious for the seeds to sprout!
We talked about all the materials that are needed in order to plant a garden (shovel, dirt, seeds, watering can or hose, rake, gardening gloves, etc.). Mrs. Abbey read Tools for the Garden.
The students worked at literacy stations while Mrs. Abbey worked with the students in guided reading groups. We introduced "silent e" today, which is a hard concept at the kindergarten level where we usually use the short vowel sound to sound out unknown words. It's challenging to make that switch from the short vowel to a long vowel sound in your head!
After PE, the baby chicks came to our room for a visit today! Each student had an opportunity to hold one of the chicks! While waiting their turn, the students rotated between various science stations: investigating the worm, labeling chick body parts, writing in their seed notebooks, learning about the life cycle of a plant, and working at a plant discovery center. There were lots of giggles and screams coming from the worm station!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Monday April 25, 2011
What a fun day! The Old Creamery Theatre group came to Horizon to show the students some shorts skits and songs about the 6 Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship. The students really enjoyed watching the actors!
Patrick is the Star of the Week! Thank you for bringing your favorite stuffed squirrel to share with the class today.
This week we are focusing on plants, seeds, and gardens. Mrs. Abbey read the book, Growing a Garden. Thank you to Blake's mom for coming in and helping the class plant seeds. The students had a choice of which seeds they would like to plant: cucumbers, squash, beans, marigolds, or zinnias. We put the cups under our grow light and are anxiously awaiting the day that we can see the stems sprout up through the dirt!
Tomorrow is PE. Please remind your child to wear their tennis shoes tomorrow.
Last week, your child brought home a Field Day permission slip. Please return this as soon as you can so that we can make plans for this special trip. The students stay all day with the rest of Horizon, eating lunch and playing games at Cottonwood! It's a very fun day!
Also, a reminder to complete your April reading logs and return them at the end of the month.
Patrick is the Star of the Week! Thank you for bringing your favorite stuffed squirrel to share with the class today.
This week we are focusing on plants, seeds, and gardens. Mrs. Abbey read the book, Growing a Garden. Thank you to Blake's mom for coming in and helping the class plant seeds. The students had a choice of which seeds they would like to plant: cucumbers, squash, beans, marigolds, or zinnias. We put the cups under our grow light and are anxiously awaiting the day that we can see the stems sprout up through the dirt!
Tomorrow is PE. Please remind your child to wear their tennis shoes tomorrow.
Last week, your child brought home a Field Day permission slip. Please return this as soon as you can so that we can make plans for this special trip. The students stay all day with the rest of Horizon, eating lunch and playing games at Cottonwood! It's a very fun day!
Also, a reminder to complete your April reading logs and return them at the end of the month.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Friday April 22, 2011
Thank you to Kaylee C's dad for coming to talk to the class about his job as a graphic designer! The kids loved seeing the photos and video clips he brought to show them on his computer!
We went to check on the baby chicks again today. Now there are 5 baby chicks! The students are excited because they get a chance to hold the chicks next week before they head back to the farm.
In library, the students got to read inside a tent! How did a tent get in the library?...it's a mystery!
Mrs. Abbey read Welcome to the Rainforest, a nonfiction article that talked about the 4 layers of the rainforest and the animals that live there.
Many of the students got a chance to read in the big chair again today! They are working hard on learning all of the kindergarten sight words and applying them in their reading.
We talked about Earth Day and made a list of things we can do at home to help the Earth:
(1) recycle
(2) clean up trash
(3) conserve water
(4) use less electricity
(5) plant trees
Have a wonderful Easter weekend!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Thursday April 21, 2011
Three eggs have hatched! The chicks are adorable, and the kids would all like to bring one home in their backpacks! We journaled about the chicks in our long-forgotten science journals, and read a book called Chick Life Cycle.
Kaylee C., our Star of the Week, brought her grandma to school today! She read a Fancy Nancy book, talked to the students about some superb vocabulary words, and colored butterfly pictures together.
We decided to jump ahead and introduce our final four kindergarten sight words today! Many of the students already know the words, and this gives us more time to practice them before heading off for summer. The new words are: "me," "my," "with," and "where."
Tomorrow we finish our week of talking and reading books about dinosaurs. Next week we are going to focus on plants: reading books about plants and gardens, planting seeds, and playing games to help us understand the life cycle of a seed. If your family has any books about gardens, seeds, or plants that you would let our class borrow next week, please send them to school! Thanks!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Wednesday April 20, 2011
Thank you to Kaylee C.'s mom for coming in to read one of their family's favorite stories to the class: The Big Tidy Up. She also played a game with the students focusing on rhyming and word opposite skills!
In handwriting, we practiced the uppercase and lowercase "V, v".
Mrs. Abbey read a non-fiction story called Powerful Plant-Eating Dinosaurs. The students learned some new bits of dinosaur information, including the fact that the brontosaurus has rocks in his stomach to help him digest his food! Amazing! Thank you to Jasmine for bringing some small dinosaurs to share with the class.
All students have now had a chance to sit in the big chair and read! (This chair is in the 2nd grade community and is over 6 feet tall!)
If the students can contain their silliness tomorrow, we are going to walk down to the kindergarten community to check on the chick eggs. If everything is ok, they should be hatching any day now. It is rather concerning that nothing seems to be happening. We'll keep hoping that they'll start the hatching process soon!
Just a reminder that registration packets for the 2010-2011 school year are due this Friday. Please turn them in at the office of the school your child will be attending next fall. Thanks!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Tuesday April 19, 2011
We continued to talk about dinosaurs today. Mrs. Abbey re-read the story, If the Dinosaurs Came Back, and the students discussed what they thought the dinosaurs would look like if they were here with us. The students had many imaginative ideas!
The chicks should be hatching any day now! The students are working on their Chick journals during extra time they have (when they are done early with their other work).
We worked on odd and even numbers today. This is a very hard concept for many of the students, but I wanted them to be exposed to it before moving on to first grade. It is not a skill that we assess at the kindergarten level, so don't worry if your child does not seem to understand it. We talked about "even" numbers being numbers that can be paired up. An "odd" number is a number that has one extra when pairs are made. We practiced counting and making pairs with animal manipulatives, shared numbers aloud that we thought were odd and even, and worked on deciding if a number was odd or even with a worksheet.
Thank you to Erin's mom and grandma for coming in to play word blending and sight word games with small groups of students today!
In our journals, the students wrote using the prompt, "If you could make the best umbrella, what would it look like?" The students are doing a good job using spaces between words, which makes it easier for them to read back to the teacher and share with the class.
Thank you Kaylee C., our Star of the Week, for sharing some of her favorite stuffed animal blankies today!
Please send back your child's book bag, if they have practiced reading the books. If you feel the books are at a level that is too easy or too challenging, please let me know in the comments section of the recording sheet. Thanks!
The chicks should be hatching any day now! The students are working on their Chick journals during extra time they have (when they are done early with their other work).
We worked on odd and even numbers today. This is a very hard concept for many of the students, but I wanted them to be exposed to it before moving on to first grade. It is not a skill that we assess at the kindergarten level, so don't worry if your child does not seem to understand it. We talked about "even" numbers being numbers that can be paired up. An "odd" number is a number that has one extra when pairs are made. We practiced counting and making pairs with animal manipulatives, shared numbers aloud that we thought were odd and even, and worked on deciding if a number was odd or even with a worksheet.
Thank you to Erin's mom and grandma for coming in to play word blending and sight word games with small groups of students today!
In our journals, the students wrote using the prompt, "If you could make the best umbrella, what would it look like?" The students are doing a good job using spaces between words, which makes it easier for them to read back to the teacher and share with the class.
Thank you Kaylee C., our Star of the Week, for sharing some of her favorite stuffed animal blankies today!
Please send back your child's book bag, if they have practiced reading the books. If you feel the books are at a level that is too easy or too challenging, please let me know in the comments section of the recording sheet. Thanks!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Monday April 18, 2011
What a fun field trip day! The students survived the "long" bus ride. I think I was asked "Are we there yet?" about every 30 seconds!
The play was wonderful--it was a musical based on the story Click Clack Moo. Very entertaining and fun! The students also enjoyed eating lunch in the hallways of the auditorium. Thank you for sending lunches in paper lunch sacks--that was very helpful!
While in class we talked about dinosaurs. Kaylee C., who is the Star of the Week, brought a cute dinosaur stuffed animal to show the class. Mrs. Abbey read, If the Dinosaurs Came Back. The students all had an idea of which dinosaur they wanted to come back.
Tomorrow is PE day. Please make sure your child wears their tennis shoes.
The play was wonderful--it was a musical based on the story Click Clack Moo. Very entertaining and fun! The students also enjoyed eating lunch in the hallways of the auditorium. Thank you for sending lunches in paper lunch sacks--that was very helpful!
While in class we talked about dinosaurs. Kaylee C., who is the Star of the Week, brought a cute dinosaur stuffed animal to show the class. Mrs. Abbey read, If the Dinosaurs Came Back. The students all had an idea of which dinosaur they wanted to come back.
Tomorrow is PE day. Please make sure your child wears their tennis shoes.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Friday April 15, 2011
Good job to all the kindergarteners for a wonderful concert last night!
We finished up our week talking and reading books about ocean animals. Today, Mrs. Abbey read two poems about the sea, Sea Animals and I Don't Suppose. The students helped located the rhyming words in the poems. We also read a fairy tale from Germany called The Fisherman and His Wife. In this story, a magic fish makes a fisherman and his wife's wishes come true, until they get too greedy. Ask your child what happened at the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
We walked down to the kindergarten community to check on the chick eggs. They should start hatching early next week! We talked about the brooder, where the chicks are kept after they hatch. The students will work on chick journals next week.
In math, we practiced writing numbers 1-30. At this time, some of the students are still using clues from our classroom (the calendar, the 100's chart, and our number cards) to complete this activity. By the end of the year, the students should be able to write the numbers 0-30 without any help. If your child is having trouble with this skill, please help them practice at home.
We talked about our field trip, which is on Monday! The students know that they are supposed to wear their green frog t-shirts and bring a lunch in a disposable bag/container. We do not want the students to be responsible for carrying lunch boxes around!
Have a great weekend! Sounds like the students have many fun plans!
We finished up our week talking and reading books about ocean animals. Today, Mrs. Abbey read two poems about the sea, Sea Animals and I Don't Suppose. The students helped located the rhyming words in the poems. We also read a fairy tale from Germany called The Fisherman and His Wife. In this story, a magic fish makes a fisherman and his wife's wishes come true, until they get too greedy. Ask your child what happened at the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
We walked down to the kindergarten community to check on the chick eggs. They should start hatching early next week! We talked about the brooder, where the chicks are kept after they hatch. The students will work on chick journals next week.
In math, we practiced writing numbers 1-30. At this time, some of the students are still using clues from our classroom (the calendar, the 100's chart, and our number cards) to complete this activity. By the end of the year, the students should be able to write the numbers 0-30 without any help. If your child is having trouble with this skill, please help them practice at home.
We talked about our field trip, which is on Monday! The students know that they are supposed to wear their green frog t-shirts and bring a lunch in a disposable bag/container. We do not want the students to be responsible for carrying lunch boxes around!
Have a great weekend! Sounds like the students have many fun plans!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Thursday April 14, 2011
The students practiced their songs for the concert on stage this morning! Some were excited and some were nervous but the practice today really helped calm some nerves and got them all ready for the concert. Just to warn you...it is adorable! As a reminder, please make sure your child uses the restroom before lining up in the kindergarten community. We would like all students lined up at 6:15. After the concert, please pick your child up at the entrance to the 2nd grade community (the all-day kdgn classes will be going back to the kdgn community). This will help with some of the crowding when all the parents are trying to get to their children at the same time!
We continued talking about the ocean today. We reviewed what we had learned from the book, Fish Faces before reading an African tale called When Water Came to Visit. Ask your child how this author decided to explain how the moon and sun got to be in the sky! Thank you, Kaylee, for bringing in a variety of stuffed crabs and a great book!
Reminder...Monday is our field trip to Click, Clack, Moo. If you are sending a sack lunch with your child, it would be very helpful if you would pack it in a disposable bag so that the students don't have to be responsible for a lunchbox after lunch. Thank you! Also, please have your child wear their green frog shirts on field trip day! It's going to be a great trip!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Wednesday April 13, 2011
What an exciting day!
•We found 2 baby snails in our snail's aquarium! They are so tiny!
•Ryan, the Star of the Week, brought his puppy to show the class! They loved her!
•Our new books arrived from Heartland AEA, so we have new things to read!
•The students got to watch a video about hurting other's feelings during guidance!
•We had an extra music practice today to prepare for our concert!
We are learning the words: "look" and "has" this week. We are also focusing on the sounds: /x/ and /w/. Thank you to Jasmine who brought in a stuffed whale and book about ocean animals!
I forgot to remind the students, but tomorrow is scheduled as a Team Kdgn. t-shirt day.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Tuesday April 12, 2011
The students were very busy today, finishing their paper investigation and journals. Today we used eye droppers to drop water onto different paper samples. The students sorted the papers into two piles--if the water soaked into the paper or if the paper resisted the water. The students recorded their results in their journal. On the last page of the journal, the students stapled their homemade paper sample, and two paper folding activities that they did (a cup and an envelope). They are excited to bring this journal home to share their investigations with you!
In PE, the students played a zoo game. Ask your child to tell you about it!
We worked on phoneme deletion this morning...where we say a word, then say it again without one of it's sounds.
If you have not sent back the brown paper with the picture of a cow on it (it talks about transportation choices for our field trip day), please send that back by Thursday April 14. Thank you!
In PE, the students played a zoo game. Ask your child to tell you about it!
We worked on phoneme deletion this morning...where we say a word, then say it again without one of it's sounds.
Ex. cat--(without /c/)--atWe were a little slow pokey today, so we didn't get to our story, the calendar, weather, fishbowl, etc. The students were pretty concerned! It's a busy time of year and there is a lot going on right now that isn't usually in our regular schedule (paper investigation, chicks, plants, snails, extra music practice, etc.) It's hard to fit everything in!
Ex. pine--(without /n/)--pie
If you have not sent back the brown paper with the picture of a cow on it (it talks about transportation choices for our field trip day), please send that back by Thursday April 14. Thank you!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Monday April 11, 2011
The students did a very good job of listening and talking when it was their turn to talk!
This week we are talking and reading books about animals that live in the ocean. If your child has any ocean books, stuffed animals, plastic animals, etc. that they would like to bring in to share with the class, we would love to see them! Mrs. Abbey read Fish Faces, a nonfiction book about different types of fish. The students talked in pairs about animals that live in the ocean and how some fish are different than others.
In music class, the students worked on preparing for their music concert. They are excited (and a little nervous) to perform for you!
In science, we continued our work in our paper unit. Today, the students investigated which papers were easy to fold and which papers were difficult to fold. They recorded their results in their paper journal.
This week we are talking and reading books about animals that live in the ocean. If your child has any ocean books, stuffed animals, plastic animals, etc. that they would like to bring in to share with the class, we would love to see them! Mrs. Abbey read Fish Faces, a nonfiction book about different types of fish. The students talked in pairs about animals that live in the ocean and how some fish are different than others.
In music class, the students worked on preparing for their music concert. They are excited (and a little nervous) to perform for you!
In science, we continued our work in our paper unit. Today, the students investigated which papers were easy to fold and which papers were difficult to fold. They recorded their results in their paper journal.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Friday April 8, 2011
Thank you to Elijah's dad for coming in to read a funny rhyming book to the class! He also got to work with small groups on a dice adding activity.
Today we had a practice tornado drill. The students did great with the alarm and knew just where to go to stay safe. We will be working real hard on listening when a teacher is talking and talking at appropriate times next week, as this week has been a very talkative week for the class.
In handwriting, we reviewed how to correctly form the letters: R, r, N, n, and H, h.
Mrs. Abbey read a folk tale from Thailand called The Rabbit and the Elephant. Ask your child how the elephants helped the bees, and how they ended up with long trunks.
New books are coming home in your child's book bag today. Happy reading!
Monday April 11 is our snow make-up day. We will be having school!
Upcoming:
•Thursday April 14...wear your orange "Team Kdgn" t-shrit to school!
•Thursday April 14...music concert at 6:30. Students need to arrive (dressed as something they want to be when they grow up) in the kindergarten community at 6:15 in order to line up for the concert. Please make sure your child uses the bathroom prior to lining up. After the concert, please pick your children up outside Mrs. Abbey's classroom door in the 2nd grade community.
•Monday April 18...wear your green frog kindergarten t-shirts for the field trip!
•Monday April 18...students stay all day at school for field trip to see Click, Clack, Moo. Remember to send a sack lunch and drink with your child if they did not order a school lunch.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Thursday April 7, 2011
Thank you to Elijah for bringing yummy birthday star cookies!
Upon arrival, the students wrote an entry in their journals. They wrote about their favorite animal.
We talked about tornado drills and practiced how to stay safe in our classroom. We will have a school-wide practice tornado drill soon!
Mrs. Abbey read The Ant and the Grasshopper, a story about a grasshopper who decided to play instead of do his work (gathering food for winter). The students then talked about times when they have to do work/chores first before they can play. They made some very good connections between the text and their own lives.
We made a list of possible names for our snails. They have been very active snails, which surprised me! They move a lot and are fun to watch!
In art, the students choses two colors and glazed their pots!
To tie in with our paper theme, Mrs. Abbey read Let's Reduce Garbage. This book taught us the importance of recycling as well as using products with less packaging. We also worked on making a creation out of paper: envelopes! The students cut out the shape, following the marked lines. As a group, we practiced listening, watching, and following directions to make an envelope. It was pretty challenging, but everyone finished it!
I did not have time to refill your child's bag of books. I will send new ones home tomorrow.
Tomorrow is library day. If you think your child has already returned their book, I do have a small stack of books in the classroom that students have returned this week that we haven't had time to return.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Wednesday April 6, 2011
Wow! What a busy day we had today!
Ryan Sloth, a local author and football player, came to talk to the students and to read them his book, Sammy Sloth. An order form is in your child's backpack in case you would like to order his book. He will personalize it and send it to school next week, if your order is returned to school by Friday April 8.
In computer lab, the students created an insect using Kidpix. The students used the knowledge they had about insects to make these pictures--insects have 6 legs and 3 body parts. The pictures are in your child's folder. Ask them about it!
Mrs. Canada talked to the students about using "I Care language," which included "I Messages." The students practiced some "I Messages" in class.
Thank you to Elijah, our Star of the Week, for bringing his special soccer trophy and medal to share with the class!
The students had an extra music practice today to prepare for the concert. Being half-day kindergarten students, they get half as much music class as the all-day kindergarten students, so these extra couple of practices over the next week will help!
The Scholastic book order for April is due tomorrow. I had trouble logging in to place an order online. If you have the same trouble, please let me know. Thanks!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
April 5, 2011
Today was a science-filled day!
The students finished recording the results of their writing on paper investigation. They each chose 3 papers that they thought were easy to write on and 3 papers which they thought were difficult to write on.
In literacy, Mrs. Abbey read a non-fiction article called Insect Hide and Seek. This article was about 4 different kinds of insects that are good at hiding in leaves, plants, and trees. We learned about thornbugs, walking sticks, the praying mantis, and katydids.
We walked down to the kindergarten community to check on the chicken eggs that are in an incubator. They should start hatching in about 2 more weeks!
Three water snails arrived in our classroom today. We will be naming them later this week. Tomorrow the students start writing in their new journals. They will be drawing a picture of the snails and listing some possible names for them.
The students tried folding paper today. We worked as a large group, going slowly step-by-step to fold a paper cup. The students even got to try drinking out of it! After they dry, we will be sending them home in the students' paper discovery journals.
Tomorrow is a very busy day...Ryan Sloth, a local author is coming to speak to the students about his book. We also have computer lab, guidance, and an extra music practice to prepare for our concert. We may come home pretty tired!
Just a reminder...if you would like to order books from the Scholastic book order, please place your order online or send payment to me on or before Thursday April 7. Thank you!
The students finished recording the results of their writing on paper investigation. They each chose 3 papers that they thought were easy to write on and 3 papers which they thought were difficult to write on.
In literacy, Mrs. Abbey read a non-fiction article called Insect Hide and Seek. This article was about 4 different kinds of insects that are good at hiding in leaves, plants, and trees. We learned about thornbugs, walking sticks, the praying mantis, and katydids.
We walked down to the kindergarten community to check on the chicken eggs that are in an incubator. They should start hatching in about 2 more weeks!
Three water snails arrived in our classroom today. We will be naming them later this week. Tomorrow the students start writing in their new journals. They will be drawing a picture of the snails and listing some possible names for them.
The students tried folding paper today. We worked as a large group, going slowly step-by-step to fold a paper cup. The students even got to try drinking out of it! After they dry, we will be sending them home in the students' paper discovery journals.
Tomorrow is a very busy day...Ryan Sloth, a local author is coming to speak to the students about his book. We also have computer lab, guidance, and an extra music practice to prepare for our concert. We may come home pretty tired!
Just a reminder...if you would like to order books from the Scholastic book order, please place your order online or send payment to me on or before Thursday April 7. Thank you!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Monday April 4, 2011
This week we have started a new literacy unit. Over the next three weeks, we are going to be talking and reading books about amazing creatures. This week we are talking about insects!
The students learned that insects have 3 body parts and 6 legs. We found out today that spiders are not insects, because they have 8 legs!
Mrs. Abbey read a non-fiction book, Beetles, which taught the students many facts about beetles...what they eat, what colors they are, if they can fly, where they live, etc.
In science, we investigated what type of paper is easy to write on (with crayons, markers, and pencils) and what kind of paper is difficult to write on. We will finish recording our results tomorrow.
Elijah is the Star of the Week this week! He brought in his baby book to share with the class today. The students really enjoyed seeing pictures of Elijah from when he was a little baby!
In music class, two of the kindergarten classes practiced together in preparation for their concert next Thursday (April 14). We will have an extra music practice this Wednesday too!
Tomorrow is PE! Please wear appropriate shoes.
The students learned that insects have 3 body parts and 6 legs. We found out today that spiders are not insects, because they have 8 legs!
Mrs. Abbey read a non-fiction book, Beetles, which taught the students many facts about beetles...what they eat, what colors they are, if they can fly, where they live, etc.
In science, we investigated what type of paper is easy to write on (with crayons, markers, and pencils) and what kind of paper is difficult to write on. We will finish recording our results tomorrow.
Elijah is the Star of the Week this week! He brought in his baby book to share with the class today. The students really enjoyed seeing pictures of Elijah from when he was a little baby!
In music class, two of the kindergarten classes practiced together in preparation for their concert next Thursday (April 14). We will have an extra music practice this Wednesday too!
Tomorrow is PE! Please wear appropriate shoes.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Friday April 1, 2011
Happy April Fools Day! The students were full of funny jokes, especially ones that included spiders! Enjoy being fooled tonight!
Today, the students made paper. After ripping toilet paper up into tiny pieces, we added water to the jars of paper bits and the students shook the containers for what felt like a very long time...it was probably 3 minutes! They took turns dumping their pulp and squishing the water out of it with wire screens and a sponge. A big thank you to Erin's mom for helping the students with that step!
We read a book about dollars. Our unit on money identification is nearly complete! Keep practicing the names of the coins and the amounts they are worth at home.
Mrs. Abbey read The Rabbit and the Elephant, a folk tale from Ghana in which a rabbit and an elephant each want their neighbors to help them make a garden. Elephant, who is very bossy, learns how to be nice to his neighbors so that they will help him just like they helped Rabbit.
Alex, our Star of the Week, brought a dinosaur to share with the class that made some very realistic growls!
The students practiced deleting sounds in words today. Try a few words a home!
(1) Registration materials for next year!
(2) A book order...orders due Thurs. March 7.
(3) April's reading log.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Today, the students made paper. After ripping toilet paper up into tiny pieces, we added water to the jars of paper bits and the students shook the containers for what felt like a very long time...it was probably 3 minutes! They took turns dumping their pulp and squishing the water out of it with wire screens and a sponge. A big thank you to Erin's mom for helping the students with that step!
We read a book about dollars. Our unit on money identification is nearly complete! Keep practicing the names of the coins and the amounts they are worth at home.
Mrs. Abbey read The Rabbit and the Elephant, a folk tale from Ghana in which a rabbit and an elephant each want their neighbors to help them make a garden. Elephant, who is very bossy, learns how to be nice to his neighbors so that they will help him just like they helped Rabbit.
Alex, our Star of the Week, brought a dinosaur to share with the class that made some very realistic growls!
The students practiced deleting sounds in words today. Try a few words a home!
ex. Teacher: "Say bus."A few things went home in your child's folder today...
Student: "bus."
Teacher: "Now say it again but don't say /b/."
Student: "us."
(1) Registration materials for next year!
(2) A book order...orders due Thurs. March 7.
(3) April's reading log.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Thursday March 31, 2011
The students had a great day today!
Mrs. Abbey met with guided reading groups where we reviewed the sight words we have learned so far and worked on reading the book, I Like This Flower. While Mrs. Abbey met with groups of students, the class rotated between literacy stations, the writing station, and exploring books.
In handwriting, the students practiced writing the capital and lowercase "H/h".
Alex brought in his baby picture book to share with the class for his Star of the Week sharing!
During large group literacy time, we talked about the tools needed in a garden. Mrs. Abbey read a nonfiction article called How Does a Garden Grow, where we learned about growing tomatoes in a garden. We also practiced reading price signs while looking at a picture of a market, and compared the prices of the different vegetables.
Mrs. Abbey read Anansi and the Melon, a folk tale about a spider who gets stuck inside a watermelon. Ask your child to tell you how the spider was able to get out of the melon.
Tomorrow we make paper! The students are very excited to try this out!
If your child has a speaking/microphone part in the kindergarten music concert, their part went home in their folders today (Jasmine, Blake, and Alex). Please help them memorize their part for the concert!
Magnets and Spring Pictures (or payment for them) are due tomorrow.
Tomorrow is also library day--please have your child bring back their library book if they would like to check out a new one.
I will accept the March reading logs through next Friday (April 8). April's reading log will go home tomorrow.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Wednesday March 30, 2011
The students worked on making a collage out of paper samples. We found many different paper samples from school and student's homes to add to our collage!
Alex is the Star of the Week this week! He brought in one of his favorite toys, Batman, to share with the class.
Mrs. Abbey read Sunflower House. This book is a fictional story about a boy who plants flowers in a circle-shaped garden. Once grown, he and his friends play inside their "sunflower house."
We went to the computer lab today and worked with the word processing program, Word. The students were challenged to make a list of more words than they had done last time. They worked real hard and did very well.
In guidance, the students are continuing to learn about I Care Cat's rules. Today they learned about feelings and emotions.
Thank you to the many parents who have sent back their spring pictures and/or money, magnet or money, and field trip permission forms. Please make sure all is sent back by the end of the week. Thank you!
Also, if you have finished your green March reading record sheet where your child colored in a kite for each 5-10 minute block of reading that you did together, please send it back for a prize!
Alex is the Star of the Week this week! He brought in one of his favorite toys, Batman, to share with the class.
Mrs. Abbey read Sunflower House. This book is a fictional story about a boy who plants flowers in a circle-shaped garden. Once grown, he and his friends play inside their "sunflower house."
We went to the computer lab today and worked with the word processing program, Word. The students were challenged to make a list of more words than they had done last time. They worked real hard and did very well.
In guidance, the students are continuing to learn about I Care Cat's rules. Today they learned about feelings and emotions.
Thank you to the many parents who have sent back their spring pictures and/or money, magnet or money, and field trip permission forms. Please make sure all is sent back by the end of the week. Thank you!
Also, if you have finished your green March reading record sheet where your child colored in a kite for each 5-10 minute block of reading that you did together, please send it back for a prize!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Tuesday March 29, 2011
The students are doing a great job with our paper unit! Today, they drew the paper making steps in their Paper Discovery Journals. We read another book, called Paper, which taught us some more facts that we didn't know, such as a roll of paper can be as tall as an adult and weigh as much as a car! We talked about different kinds of paper: construction, cardboard, waxed, paper towel, tissue, tagboard, newsprint, etc. Tomorrow we will glue a collection of paper samples in our Paper Discovery Journals. Thank you to Blake and Kaylee C. for bringing in paper samples from home to share with the class!
We put our old literacy stations away and learned a new group of stations today. The students are enjoying these new stations, which focus on word building and word reading.
Please check at home to make sure you have returned the following items to school:
•your child's spring picture packet (or money to purchase pictures)
•the permission slip for our field trip in April
•the magnet from art class (or money to purchase it)
Monday, March 28, 2011
Monday March 28, 2011
Mrs. Abbey read a Liberian folk tale called The Talking Vegetables. This story was about a spider who does not want to help his neighbors plant a vegetable garden. We also talked about what we would plant if we had a garden here at school.
In math, we learned about the quarter. Some of the students mentioned that they collect coins. If your child has a coin collection (or money from a different country) that they would like to share with the class, they can bring it any day this week.
We are starting a paper unit in science. Today we read the book, Wood and Paper. The students helped me make a chart which shows the process to make paper. (1) cut down a tree, (2) chop the tree into sawdust, (3) soak the sawdust in water until it forms pulp, and (4) flatten out the pulp and let it dry into paper. The kids were amazed to learn new things about paper. One new thing learned is that cardboard boxes are made out of paper! Another new bit of information is that paper can be made out of recycled paper! Tomorrow we will begin recording information in our Paper Discovery Journals. If you have any paper samples at home that you would like to send in for our investigations, please do so by Wednesday. Thank you!
The students worked hard in music class, preparing for their concert! The concert is April 14 from 6:30-7:00. Last week, you received an informational sheet about the concert in your child's folder. Please let me know if you need another one.
In math, we learned about the quarter. Some of the students mentioned that they collect coins. If your child has a coin collection (or money from a different country) that they would like to share with the class, they can bring it any day this week.
We are starting a paper unit in science. Today we read the book, Wood and Paper. The students helped me make a chart which shows the process to make paper. (1) cut down a tree, (2) chop the tree into sawdust, (3) soak the sawdust in water until it forms pulp, and (4) flatten out the pulp and let it dry into paper. The kids were amazed to learn new things about paper. One new thing learned is that cardboard boxes are made out of paper! Another new bit of information is that paper can be made out of recycled paper! Tomorrow we will begin recording information in our Paper Discovery Journals. If you have any paper samples at home that you would like to send in for our investigations, please do so by Wednesday. Thank you!
The students worked hard in music class, preparing for their concert! The concert is April 14 from 6:30-7:00. Last week, you received an informational sheet about the concert in your child's folder. Please let me know if you need another one.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Friday March 25, 2011
We had an exciting day today! This morning, the kindergarten community invited our class down to listen to an African Storyteller. She was amazing! The students loved her puppets, drums, and all the interactive opportunities she gave the students to participate in telling her stories.
I think today was a record for the number of library books returned in a single day! Way to go!
Thank you to Elijah's mom for helping the students finish recording their reading!
Next week is a very exciting week! The students will be getting new table spots, new floor spots, and will be learning a new set of stations! We are also going to learn about paper--the various types (newspaper, wrapping paper, waxed paper, writing paper, tracing paper, cardboard, etc.) where it comes from, and how it is made. Help your child look through the house and find as many kinds of paper as they can. If you would like to send samples in, we would love using them in our paper collages and experiments next week!
Have a nice weekend!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Thursday March 24, 2011
We are continuing our study of plants. The students put their first entry into their Seed Books, drawing a picture of what the seeds look like, and writing the name of the plant. The students are excited to work on their books and bring them home to show you when they are completed!
Mrs. Abbey read a folk tale called The Wind and the Sun. In this tale, the wind and sun have a contest to see who is stronger. Ask your child who won the contest and how they won!
We worked on identifying nickels in a group of coins (they easily get mixed up with dimes and quarters in black and white pictures). The students had to look at the details of each coin very carefully in order to find all of the nickels. Tomorrow we are going to learn about the quarter!
In handwriting, we practiced writing the lowercase "m".
Thank you to Ella's mom for helping out today! The students are using an iPod to record their reading with parent volunteers this week!
The students all did a great job in art class today, and it sounds like they did a lot of things including painting! They each earned a pipe cleaner which they are bringing home in their backpacks.
Tomorrow is library day. Please send back your child's library book (unless they just checked out a new one today and you don't have a chance to read it tonight). Thanks!
Mrs. Abbey read a folk tale called The Wind and the Sun. In this tale, the wind and sun have a contest to see who is stronger. Ask your child who won the contest and how they won!
We worked on identifying nickels in a group of coins (they easily get mixed up with dimes and quarters in black and white pictures). The students had to look at the details of each coin very carefully in order to find all of the nickels. Tomorrow we are going to learn about the quarter!
In handwriting, we practiced writing the lowercase "m".
Thank you to Ella's mom for helping out today! The students are using an iPod to record their reading with parent volunteers this week!
The students all did a great job in art class today, and it sounds like they did a lot of things including painting! They each earned a pipe cleaner which they are bringing home in their backpacks.
Tomorrow is library day. Please send back your child's library book (unless they just checked out a new one today and you don't have a chance to read it tonight). Thanks!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Wednesday March 23, 2011
Mrs. Abbey read Let's Go To a National Park, a nonfiction story about 4 national parks in the United States. We learned about the giant sequoia trees at Sequoia National Park in California, the giant saguaro cactus at Saguaro National Park in Arizona, the wetlands at Everglades National Park in Florida, and the rock formations at Badlands National Park in South Dakota.
In computer lab we started working with a word processing program. The students practiced typing our kindergarten sight words, using the return key after each word. We also learned where the delete key was! Some students practiced changing the size and style of font. They enjoyed working on these new skills!
Spring pictures went home in your child's backpack today. An order/payment form is included in the picture envelope if you would like to buy any of the picture sheets. Please send back any sheets you do not wish to purchase. Thank you!
The students practiced writing the uppercase "M" today in handwriting.
In guidance they practiced using manners and talked about the importance of treating others how they would like to be treated.
Please put Thursday April 14 on your calendar! On this day, your child will perform in a music concert with the rest of the kindergarten students from 6:30-7:00. Please arrive in the kindergarten community (not the 2nd grade community) at 6:15. A note went home in your child's folder today that gives you all the information about your child's upcoming concert! Please let me know if you have any questions.
In computer lab we started working with a word processing program. The students practiced typing our kindergarten sight words, using the return key after each word. We also learned where the delete key was! Some students practiced changing the size and style of font. They enjoyed working on these new skills!
Spring pictures went home in your child's backpack today. An order/payment form is included in the picture envelope if you would like to buy any of the picture sheets. Please send back any sheets you do not wish to purchase. Thank you!
The students practiced writing the uppercase "M" today in handwriting.
In guidance they practiced using manners and talked about the importance of treating others how they would like to be treated.
Please put Thursday April 14 on your calendar! On this day, your child will perform in a music concert with the rest of the kindergarten students from 6:30-7:00. Please arrive in the kindergarten community (not the 2nd grade community) at 6:15. A note went home in your child's folder today that gives you all the information about your child's upcoming concert! Please let me know if you have any questions.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Tuesday March 22, 2011
The students played baseball in PE, practicing hitting, throwing, catching, and running! Work on these skills outside this spring!
Mrs. Abbey read Dimes and the students practiced identifying the three coins we have learned so far: penny, nickel, and dime. The coloring sheet was a little tricky for some of the students to see the differences between the three coins.
We learned two new sight words today: "here" and "was"
We are focusing on the /u/ sound this week.
Today we reviewed the story, Seed Secrets and the different ways seeds get from one place to another.
In handwriting, the students practiced writing the lowercase "n".
We are finishing up our final copy of our food poems and should have those posted outside our classroom door by the end of the week!
Spring pictures came in today, right after the students left. I will send them home in your child's folder tomorrow. If you like the pictures and would like to purchase one or more of the picture sheets, information is included in the picture envelope. Please send payment and any unbought pictures back to school at your earliest convenience. If you do not wish to purchase any of the pictures, please send back the entire picture packet. Thank you!
Mrs. Abbey read Dimes and the students practiced identifying the three coins we have learned so far: penny, nickel, and dime. The coloring sheet was a little tricky for some of the students to see the differences between the three coins.
We learned two new sight words today: "here" and "was"
We are focusing on the /u/ sound this week.
Today we reviewed the story, Seed Secrets and the different ways seeds get from one place to another.
In handwriting, the students practiced writing the lowercase "n".
We are finishing up our final copy of our food poems and should have those posted outside our classroom door by the end of the week!
Spring pictures came in today, right after the students left. I will send them home in your child's folder tomorrow. If you like the pictures and would like to purchase one or more of the picture sheets, information is included in the picture envelope. Please send payment and any unbought pictures back to school at your earliest convenience. If you do not wish to purchase any of the pictures, please send back the entire picture packet. Thank you!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Monday March 21, 2011
Welcome back! It sounds like everyone had an enjoyable spring break! The students shared something that they did during the break, and then they wrote about it. We are practicing writing in sentences, using capital and lowercase letters, spaces between words, and punctuation. In April the students will make a daily journal entry upon arrival to school each morning! This will give them some great writing practice for first grade, which is quickly approaching!
This week, we are talking and reading books about seeds and plants. Today, Mrs. Abbey read a non-fiction book called Seed Secrets. In the book, the students learned about seeds and how they get from one place to another (by air, water, animals, etc.) We talked about things that have seeds, such as flowers, trees, plants, fruits, and vegetables. We got to investigate a variety of seeds, making note of the different colors, shapes, sizes, and weights of the seeds. Over the next several weeks, the students will be making a seed book where they will draw pictures of the different seeds we have in our classroom, and label the type of seed it is. At the end of our seed unit we will be planting seeds of our own. Please let me know if anyone has a grow light we can borrow for the month of April...as we have no windows to let the sunlight into our room. Thank you!
Anita is Star of the Week this week! A big thank you to Anita's mom for coming to read one of Anita's favorite Olivia books to the class!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Friday March 11, 2011
The kids are coming home with packed backpacks. We did a little spring cleaning here at school and took home all of the half-done work which had gotten accumulated in our lockers and writing folders. Now, we can start fresh after spring break!
A big thank you to Ella's Dad for coming in to talk about his place of work: State Farm Insurance. The kids had a lot they wanted to talk to him about regarding house fires and car crashes! They also enjoyed the trinkets he brought with him, especially the little balls!
The students went to library today...some of the students are coming home with 2 library books, which was an option, since they will be gone from school for a week!
During our large group literacy lesson, Mrs. Abbey read a Japanese folk tale called The Sticky, Sticky Pine. This tale was about a kind woodcutter who helps out a pine tree that has been hurt.
We will continue our math unit on money and our literacy unit on plants throughout the month of March.
A blue packet went home in your child's folder today. Those blue sheets give ideas on ways to work on the 100's chart with your child. It gives many fun game ideas to play which will help improve their math skills! Take some time during break to play one or two of the games...the kids love the 100's chart!
Enjoy Spring Break! We'll see everyone back on Monday March 21!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Thursday March 10, 2011
The students enjoyed having Ella's mom come read one of their family's favorite stories. It was a cute story about a family of peas. The little pea did not like to eat his supper--which was candy, but he loved his dessert, which was spinach! At the end of the story, Ella passed out a small bag of candies for each of the students to take home.
We learned about the nickel today. Ask your child how many pennies equal one nickel. We talked about how much each was worth today.
Mrs. Abbey read The Conceited Apple Branch, a story about a branch of flowers that thought she was the most special and that everyone else wasn't as good as her.
We talked about the sound that -ck makes, and read some words: pick, sick, lick, ick, tack, rack, sack. If you come across a word that ends in -ck while reading with your child, see if they can sound it out for you!
The students had a substitute teacher in art class today. He said they did very well...they even earned a pipe cleaner!
Tomorrow is library day. Please send your child's library books back, especially if you received an overdue note last week. Thank you!
Three new books went home in your child's reading bag today! Please send them back to school on Wednesday March 23, after your child has gotten a chance to practice reading them aloud.
Please return your child's portfolio tomorrow if you still have yours at home. Thanks!
Upcoming:
•There is no school March 14-18 due to Spring Break!
•Monday April 11, which was previously scheduled as a No School Day has been changed to a school day. We are using that day to make up for the snow day we had earlier this winter.
•Thursday April 14 is the kindergarten vocal concert at 6:30pm. (The concert lasts 1/2 hour.) We hope everyone will be able to make it, as the students have been preparing for this day all year!
•Monday April 18, the kindergarten classes will be taking a field trip to Ames to see a play called Click, Clack, Moo! Our bus will need to leave at 8:45am that morning, so please bring your child to school promptly at 8:40 when the doors open. We will be staying in Ames to eat a sack lunch before returning to Horizon, so please make plans to pick your child up from school that day, as we will be returning after the half-day bus leaves. More information will be sent home after spring break! Thank you to Horizon's PTO for making this field trip possible! I'm sorry, but no parent volunteers will be able to come along on this field trip. (We will definitely need your help on May 12 for Field Day!)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Wednesday March 9, 2011
Happy Birthday, Blake! Thank you for bringing the yummy cracker sticks and cheese treat!
In celebration of Ella's Star Week and her Irish heritage, Ella brought a fun art activity for the students to do. Ask you child how they made their shamrock!
In computer lab, the students used KidPix to paint a picture of their favorite tree. A copy of their work is going home in their folder today.
Mrs. Canada came to our classroom for guidance. During this time, she talked about the importance of using I-Care language. The students learned how important it is to treat others with respect and to use your manners.
We have finished writing about our penny experiment, and our work samples are now hanging outside our classroom. Stop by and check them out if you have time!
Tomorrow, the students can wear their Team Kindergarten t-shirts!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Tuesday March 8, 2011
This picture shows some of the class showing me the Irish jig they learned in PE class!We checked our pennies, which had sat overnight in Coca Cola, to see if they were clean. Yes, they were! We drew pictures and wrote about our experiment this morning. We will hang the writing samples outside our door later this week!
We practiced our sight words (we now know 21 kindergarten words!), including our two new words: "little" and "said."
Ella, our Star of the Week, shared one of her favorite toys--a pink My Little Pony!
In PE, the students played a Leprechaun game and danced an Irish jig!
Please send your child's reading bags to school tomorrow. I will be sending home 3 books over the break for your child to practice reading to you!
Also, if you are finished looking through your child's portfolio from conferences, please send that back. I would like to have all of them returned before Spring Break. Thank you!
This Thursday is the day we wear our Team Kindergarten t-shirts!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Monday March 7, 2011
What a great day! The students loved making our new student feel welcome! They were great helpers.
Ella is the Star of the Week this week! She brought her favorite stuffed animal, Daisy, to share with the class.
We are starting a new literacy unit: plants. This week, we will be talking and reading books about how trees grow. We started out our new theme by having the students share things that they already know about trees. They are very smart and had lots to share! Mrs. Abbey read Oak Trees today. This non-fiction book taught us all about the life cycle of an oak tree.
Our new sight words this week will be: "little" and "said."
We are focusing on the /k/ sound this week.
In science, Mrs. Abbey read a book about pennies. We then did a science experiment where we picked out a really dirty penny, put it in a small cup, and poured some Coca Cola on top of it. The kids loved watching the penny bubble! We will check the pennies tomorrow to see if they are shiny clean!
Ella is the Star of the Week this week! She brought her favorite stuffed animal, Daisy, to share with the class.
We are starting a new literacy unit: plants. This week, we will be talking and reading books about how trees grow. We started out our new theme by having the students share things that they already know about trees. They are very smart and had lots to share! Mrs. Abbey read Oak Trees today. This non-fiction book taught us all about the life cycle of an oak tree.
Our new sight words this week will be: "little" and "said."
We are focusing on the /k/ sound this week.
In science, Mrs. Abbey read a book about pennies. We then did a science experiment where we picked out a really dirty penny, put it in a small cup, and poured some Coca Cola on top of it. The kids loved watching the penny bubble! We will check the pennies tomorrow to see if they are shiny clean!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Friday March 4, 2011
Today was our last day focusing on weather for our literacy unit. Next week, we begin a unit on plants!
Mrs. Abbey read The Mitten, a Ukrainian folk tale. The students enjoyed listening to the story of how a bunch of animals crowded into a young boy's mitten. Everyone seemed to understand that this book was a make believe story and that animals that big could not really fit into a mitten, no matter how hard they tried!
In handwriting, the students practiced writing the uppercase "R".
We are working hard on counting by 5's to 100. This will help us when we start learning about the nickel next week and begin counting money including nickels.
The students went to the library today, and Mrs. Adair read them a story about dogs. Many of the students had already brought back their library books earlier in the week, so they had their books when it was time for library time. A few students have books checked out that are overdue--if so, you will find a small slip in your child's folder. Please send those books back next week. Thank you!
The students are excited about having a new student join our class next week!
Thank you to our parent volunteers who worked with the students on sound blending this week: Ella's mom and Elijah's mom. We appreciate all the help you give!
Have a nice weekend!
Mrs. Abbey read The Mitten, a Ukrainian folk tale. The students enjoyed listening to the story of how a bunch of animals crowded into a young boy's mitten. Everyone seemed to understand that this book was a make believe story and that animals that big could not really fit into a mitten, no matter how hard they tried!
In handwriting, the students practiced writing the uppercase "R".
We are working hard on counting by 5's to 100. This will help us when we start learning about the nickel next week and begin counting money including nickels.
The students went to the library today, and Mrs. Adair read them a story about dogs. Many of the students had already brought back their library books earlier in the week, so they had their books when it was time for library time. A few students have books checked out that are overdue--if so, you will find a small slip in your child's folder. Please send those books back next week. Thank you!
The students are excited about having a new student join our class next week!
Thank you to our parent volunteers who worked with the students on sound blending this week: Ella's mom and Elijah's mom. We appreciate all the help you give!
Have a nice weekend!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Thursday March 3, 2011
Today was picture day! The students did a great job of following the directions of the photographers. When you receive your portrait package from Lifetouch, you will have the option to purchase the entire package, part of the package, or nothing at all.
The students worked hard in guided reading groups. We practiced making words with letter cards, exchanging sounds in words, blending sounds together to form words, and creating our own words. The students also began reading a new book, In the Snow, which focuses on the words "this" and "what", as well as blending sounds to read simple names such as Deb, Ted, Lin.
In art, the students made clay pots! Mr. Spellman also gave each of them a colored pipe cleaner to play with and bring home.
We talked more about the penny today. Students looked at price tags and colored pennies to match the correct price. Everyone did very well with this activity!
The students used the 100's chart to practice identifying and writing numbers. Those half-sheets went home today--your child should have written at least 10 numbers on their paper. If your child did not have 10+ numbers written on their paper, I talked with them about the importance of focusing on their work and doing what they are supposed to be doing during worktime.
Tomorrow is library day! I have many of the students' books here in my room, as we have not made the time to visit the library this week.
The students worked hard in guided reading groups. We practiced making words with letter cards, exchanging sounds in words, blending sounds together to form words, and creating our own words. The students also began reading a new book, In the Snow, which focuses on the words "this" and "what", as well as blending sounds to read simple names such as Deb, Ted, Lin.
In art, the students made clay pots! Mr. Spellman also gave each of them a colored pipe cleaner to play with and bring home.
We talked more about the penny today. Students looked at price tags and colored pennies to match the correct price. Everyone did very well with this activity!
The students used the 100's chart to practice identifying and writing numbers. Those half-sheets went home today--your child should have written at least 10 numbers on their paper. If your child did not have 10+ numbers written on their paper, I talked with them about the importance of focusing on their work and doing what they are supposed to be doing during worktime.
Tomorrow is library day! I have many of the students' books here in my room, as we have not made the time to visit the library this week.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Wednesday March 2, 2011
Kassidy's dad, who works at Community Choice Credit Union, came to talk to the class about the importance of saving money! He also brought Bill along with him--many of the students recognized him from television commercials. Bill passed out fun goody bags which the children are bringing home today!
We switched our day around a little bit today, starting with guided reading groups and literacy stations. It worked out very well--the students were focused and seemed to work a little more quietly together. I think we may make that a permanent change!
In computer lab, the students explored the Click and Learn website, found on Horizon's homepage. Many of the students chose BookFlix to read books during computer time.
In guidance, Mrs. Canada brought "I Care Cat" and talked about I Care Cat's rules.
In math, we focused on the penny. Mrs. Abbey passed around a penny and all the students got a a chance to look at the Lincoln Memorial on the back of the penny, where they saw a tiny Abraham Lincoln sitting inside! They thought that was pretty neat! We learned how to write cents (¢) using a small "c" and a line drawn through it. The students also practiced counting pennies and matching the correct number to the amount counted.
Tomorrow is picture day! It is also art day, so don't dress in anything too fancy!
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