What a wonderful day! The students worked really hard and we accomplished all that we set out to do!
This week we are learning two new sight words: "for" and "you"
We are focusing on the /d/ sound.
Mrs. Abbey read Bus Stops, a realistic fiction story about a bus and all the places where it stops. Before the story, the students talked with their partners about where they predicted the bus would stop. After the story, we shared as a group where the bus really did stop. Some of the student's predictions were accurate!
In handwriting, the students practiced making the lowercase "q". They also reviewed making uppercase and lowercase G, J, and Q.
During literacy stations and guided reading groups, Mrs. Abbey finished up individual reading assessments with each of the students. Results from those assessments will be shared with you at conferences. Overall, the students are doing a great job with their reading!
A few of the students were concerned that it is going to snow a bunch tonight and that we might not have school tomorrow. I have not been following the weather, but I just wanted to remind you that if school is 2 hours late, half day kindergarten does not have class. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather!
Thank you to all parent-pickup parents for being prompt in picking up your child today! It really helps me accomplish all that I need to do before going home for the day!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Friday January 28, 2011
Happy 100th Day of School!!!
What a fun day today was. There was a 100 year old substitute teacher who taught the class today. Her name was Mrs. Martin. The students were very good helpers and helped Mrs. Martin (aka Mrs. Abbey dressed up as a 100 year old woman) with everything she needed. Some students knew Mrs. Martin was Mrs. Abbey, but some students insisted that it was her grandmother. It was fun to listen to them debate the issue!
Mrs. Martin read The Black Cat, which is an American picture drawing folk tale. The story was about a boy and a girl who go looking for a lost cat. By the end of the story, the picture drawn on the board looks like a black cat! This was a new type of story for the students.
We made our 100th day snack, mixing together a concoction of treats, cereals, and crackers. While we ate it, we did a cutting activity. Mrs. Martin created envelopes out of paper and staples (which amazed some of the students!). We used those envelopes to hold the shapes, which we will use for an activity on Monday.
We shared our 100s day containers with mystery objects. Some of the objects were really tricky to guess!! Thank you for helping your child think of such good clues! They had a fun time sharing and guessing.
Thank you to Blake's mom for coming early to get a class picture taken with Mrs. Martin!
Your child can send in their January reading log next week! (It is light blue with mittens to color.)
Upcoming Events:
•Wed. Feb. 2...American Heart Association wear red day.
•Fri. Feb. 4...Superbowl Spirit Day--you may wear a jersey if you'd like!
•Wed. Feb. 9..."Early" Out...we eat lunch at school and dismiss at 12:35.
•Mon. Feb. 14...Valentine's Party...more info to come next week!
•Mon. Feb. 21 & Thurs. Feb.24...School Conferences.
•Thurs. Feb. 24...another "Early" Out...12:35 dismissal.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Thursday January 27, 2011
Another fun day in kindergarten!
The students wrote about something they are interested in. They were excited to write about anything that they wanted! They were encouraged to write more than one sentence, but not all students are ready for that. They are each working on individual writing goals: writing initial sounds of words, using lowercase letters, using punctuation, putting spaces between words, etc. One thing they all need to work on is remembering to put their name on their work. This gets forgotten quite frequently!
A few special visitors came to our room to help today: Grandma Jean and Hannah. The students took turns working on counting activities with Grandma Jean, and Hannah worked on stations with the students.
Being gone yesterday, I did not have time to refill your child's reading bags today. I will send new books home tomorrow.
Tomorrow is library day. If your child would like to check out another good book, please remind them to return their book!
Tomorrow is our 100th day of school celebration! Please send your 100's day snack and 100 objects with written clues tomorrow. It's going to be a fun morning of celebration!
The students wrote about something they are interested in. They were excited to write about anything that they wanted! They were encouraged to write more than one sentence, but not all students are ready for that. They are each working on individual writing goals: writing initial sounds of words, using lowercase letters, using punctuation, putting spaces between words, etc. One thing they all need to work on is remembering to put their name on their work. This gets forgotten quite frequently!
A few special visitors came to our room to help today: Grandma Jean and Hannah. The students took turns working on counting activities with Grandma Jean, and Hannah worked on stations with the students.
Being gone yesterday, I did not have time to refill your child's reading bags today. I will send new books home tomorrow.
Tomorrow is library day. If your child would like to check out another good book, please remind them to return their book!
Tomorrow is our 100th day of school celebration! Please send your 100's day snack and 100 objects with written clues tomorrow. It's going to be a fun morning of celebration!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Tuesday January 25, 2011
This morning we practiced counting and writing numbers to 30. Counting to 100 by 10's and 1's will be assessed over the next couple of weeks, as well as writing numbers 0-30. I had the students complete an assignment which showed me which numbers they could write in sequence. We don't have much time to work on writing numbers in class, and it shows! If you have spare time in the afternoon or evenings, please take a few minutes to practice writing numbers, especially the teen numbers!
Mrs. Abbey read Freight Train today. We then made a list of things that we are interested in, such as elephants, dinosaurs, semis, jets, and princesses. We will use this list to give us ideas of things to write about. Tomorrow, we will have time for the students to write about something that interests them.
We are working on increasing or endurance (the amount of time that we can productively work at a station). We are also working on using quiet voices when Mrs. Abbey is working with students at the reading table.
Please remind your children to keep their toys at home--we've found quite a few in the backpacks this week. During 3rd quarter, we will be having "Star/Student of the Week" where your child can bring in pictures, books, relatives, toys, etc. to share with the class.
Book bags can be send back tomorrow if your child has read the books.
Reminder: Friday is the 100th day of school! Make sure your child is working on their 100th day projects!
Mrs. Abbey read Freight Train today. We then made a list of things that we are interested in, such as elephants, dinosaurs, semis, jets, and princesses. We will use this list to give us ideas of things to write about. Tomorrow, we will have time for the students to write about something that interests them.
We are working on increasing or endurance (the amount of time that we can productively work at a station). We are also working on using quiet voices when Mrs. Abbey is working with students at the reading table.
Please remind your children to keep their toys at home--we've found quite a few in the backpacks this week. During 3rd quarter, we will be having "Star/Student of the Week" where your child can bring in pictures, books, relatives, toys, etc. to share with the class.
Book bags can be send back tomorrow if your child has read the books.
Reminder: Friday is the 100th day of school! Make sure your child is working on their 100th day projects!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Monday January 24, 2011
Happy Birthday to Ella! Thank you for bringing yummy birthday treats to share!
Today we started a new literacy theme: our neighborhood. We talked about what is a neighbor and who are our neighbors. Mrs. Abbey read a story about something that is found in our neighborhood: the fire station. The book was called, Russ and the Firehouse. We learned that in addition to putting out fires, the firefighters also need to work hard to keep their equipment clean. After listening to the story, the students wrote about something they learned.
Focus sound this week: /h/
New sight word this week: "are"
We completed a few math assessments today, in preparation for report cards and conferences.
We talked about the 100th day of school celebration which is coming up on Friday! Review the paper that went home last week which talks about our guessing game and snack that we will be sharing that day! Please let me know if you have any questions.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Friday January 21, 2011
I have not been doing a good job with taking pictures in our classroom, and I apologize. I will do my best to remember to take some new pictures of our classroom activities next week!
We finished up our unit on animal habitats. Mrs. Abbey read a Mexican folk tale called The Coyote and the Turtle. In this story, a turtle wanders far away from home and meets a hungry coyote. Ask your child to tell you how the turtle tricks the coyote into bringing him back to his home without eating him!
We also worked on blending sounds to make words, and practiced the sight words we have learned so far.
In math, we played the flipping numbers game. The students also practiced making numbers using our place value pockets. We focused on 2-digit numbers, although there were quite a few children who wanted to be challenged by 3-digit numbers!
The students went to library today. Remember, your child can return their book any day of the week, not just on library day!
Mrs. Abbey is currently assessing your child's reading level. These assessments help determine which skills each child needs to work on and helps create literacy groups based on skill-need.
The students have been introduced to all 9 new literacy stations. These stations focus on reading and writing the kindergarten sight words.
Just a reminder that next Friday (Jan. 28) is the 100th day of school. Please remember to send a collection of 100 items (along with clues for the class to guess what it is) to school by next Friday. We will also have a special 100th day snack mix, so please send in 100 of something snacky (dry cereal, m & m's, licorice bits, chocolate chips, etc.) for us to add to the snack mix. We do have peanut allergies in the classroom, so please make sure not to send items that contain peanuts. Thank you!
We finished up our unit on animal habitats. Mrs. Abbey read a Mexican folk tale called The Coyote and the Turtle. In this story, a turtle wanders far away from home and meets a hungry coyote. Ask your child to tell you how the turtle tricks the coyote into bringing him back to his home without eating him!
We also worked on blending sounds to make words, and practiced the sight words we have learned so far.
In math, we played the flipping numbers game. The students also practiced making numbers using our place value pockets. We focused on 2-digit numbers, although there were quite a few children who wanted to be challenged by 3-digit numbers!
The students went to library today. Remember, your child can return their book any day of the week, not just on library day!
Mrs. Abbey is currently assessing your child's reading level. These assessments help determine which skills each child needs to work on and helps create literacy groups based on skill-need.
The students have been introduced to all 9 new literacy stations. These stations focus on reading and writing the kindergarten sight words.
Just a reminder that next Friday (Jan. 28) is the 100th day of school. Please remember to send a collection of 100 items (along with clues for the class to guess what it is) to school by next Friday. We will also have a special 100th day snack mix, so please send in 100 of something snacky (dry cereal, m & m's, licorice bits, chocolate chips, etc.) for us to add to the snack mix. We do have peanut allergies in the classroom, so please make sure not to send items that contain peanuts. Thank you!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Thursday January 20, 2011
We continued our discussion about habitats today, focusing on animals that live near, or in a pond. We read a non-fiction magazine article called The Pond is our Home. Before reading, the students brainstormed a list of animals that they thought lived near a pond, and we checked our answers when reading. We discovered that the students have great background knowledge of what animals are found at the pond!
We discussed the word family: -at. The students helped think of words that would fit in the -at family (bat, cat, mat, sat, etc.).
The students finished decorating the fish for our new Go Fish Sight Word game. Now, the fish are off to get laminated!
We talked about place value during math today: ones and tens. We also played the flipping numbers game! Next week we will be using place value pockets to make numbers bigger than 9. If your child does not recognize numbers 0-9, please continue to practice number identification with them so that they feel more confident during our math games!
In art class, the students continued painting, learning how to use white to make colors lighter.
Tomorrow we will finish learning how to use our new stations.
Tomorrow is also library day. If your child would like to check out a new library book, please help them remember to return theirs tomorrow.
A note went home in your child's folder regarding the 100th day of school, which is Friday Jan. 28. Please let me know if you have any questions about the activities of that day. It should be an exciting day!
We discussed the word family: -at. The students helped think of words that would fit in the -at family (bat, cat, mat, sat, etc.).
The students finished decorating the fish for our new Go Fish Sight Word game. Now, the fish are off to get laminated!
We talked about place value during math today: ones and tens. We also played the flipping numbers game! Next week we will be using place value pockets to make numbers bigger than 9. If your child does not recognize numbers 0-9, please continue to practice number identification with them so that they feel more confident during our math games!
In art class, the students continued painting, learning how to use white to make colors lighter.
Tomorrow we will finish learning how to use our new stations.
Tomorrow is also library day. If your child would like to check out a new library book, please help them remember to return theirs tomorrow.
A note went home in your child's folder regarding the 100th day of school, which is Friday Jan. 28. Please let me know if you have any questions about the activities of that day. It should be an exciting day!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Wednesday January 19, 2011
We are having a great week in school! The students are excited about learning and seem to be more focused.
Mrs. Hetherton, the ELP teacher in our school, came to our class to work with the kids on a dots lesson. It was a fun lesson, which caused them to think and create.
Today, we discussed if it is a good idea to take an animal home to play with. We also continued talking about habitats, focusing on hidden habits (specifically the ones underground). Mrs. Abbey read Hidden Homes, a non-fiction story about 4 different types of animals that live underground.
We are working hard on segmenting phonemes (saying the sounds we hear in words). Practice this activity at home with your child when you have a few extra minutes.
During computer time, Mrs. Abbey pulled students for individual skill assessments.
Mrs. Canada talked with the students about one of I-Care Cat's Rules: "Hands are for helping, not hurting." They discussed ways that their hands can be helping hands, and also learned a song.
In guided reading, the students practiced reading the book, Animals and Their Babies. A copy of this book went home with your child today for them to practice at home. There were some challenging words in the book: foals and fawns, but it gave us the opportunity to talk about how animal baby names are different from the adult animals.
We have not had time to run to the library to exchange books during the past 2 days, so there is a small stack of library books in our classroom. I will try to create some time tomorrow for students to exchange their books.
Book orders are due today. I will submit the order this evening.
If your child forgot to return their reading bag today, please send it tomorrow for new books.
Mrs. Hetherton, the ELP teacher in our school, came to our class to work with the kids on a dots lesson. It was a fun lesson, which caused them to think and create.
Today, we discussed if it is a good idea to take an animal home to play with. We also continued talking about habitats, focusing on hidden habits (specifically the ones underground). Mrs. Abbey read Hidden Homes, a non-fiction story about 4 different types of animals that live underground.
We are working hard on segmenting phonemes (saying the sounds we hear in words). Practice this activity at home with your child when you have a few extra minutes.
Tell your child a simple CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) word like "cat" or "man". Your child should repeat the word, thinking about the sounds they hear. Next, they should isolate each sound individually. ex. "c", "a", "t". Remind your child to say the letter sounds they hear, and not the names of the letters.The students continued working with the program Sammy's Science House in computer lab.
During computer time, Mrs. Abbey pulled students for individual skill assessments.
Mrs. Canada talked with the students about one of I-Care Cat's Rules: "Hands are for helping, not hurting." They discussed ways that their hands can be helping hands, and also learned a song.
In guided reading, the students practiced reading the book, Animals and Their Babies. A copy of this book went home with your child today for them to practice at home. There were some challenging words in the book: foals and fawns, but it gave us the opportunity to talk about how animal baby names are different from the adult animals.
We have not had time to run to the library to exchange books during the past 2 days, so there is a small stack of library books in our classroom. I will try to create some time tomorrow for students to exchange their books.
Book orders are due today. I will submit the order this evening.
If your child forgot to return their reading bag today, please send it tomorrow for new books.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Tuesday January 18, 2011
This week we are reading books and talking about animal habitats. The students learned that a habitat is the place where an animal lives. We talked about the habitats of birds today, and Mrs. Abbey read the book Mole and the Baby Bird. This book was about a mole that found a baby bird that had fallen out of his next. He kept the baby bird as a pet, and eventually made a cage for it so that it wouldn't fly away. His family helped him realize that the bird would be happier if Mole set it free so that it could fly.
The students worked on their fine motor skills by cutting out a set of numbers 0-9. We used those cards to put the numbers in order, and to play a game called "flipping numbers". This game will help the students learn number order, identification of numbers, more than/less than, and following directions.
In PE, the students played a Pac Man game!
This week we are going to be learning how to work at some new stations which will strengthen our phonemic awareness and literacy skills. Today, the students helped make the last of our new games--a sight word go fish game. They are excited to start "playing" the new games and learning activities!
The January book order is due tomorrow (Jan. 19). Please submit your order online or send to school. Thanks!
Next Friday (Jan. 28) is the 100th day of school! We will celebrate by working at some 100's stations and sharing sets of 100. Help your child gather 100 of something, count it out together, and bring it to school to share on the 100th day of school. (Ideas include: erasers, candies, pencils, legos, buttons, etc.) Be creative and have fun together!
I am working on transferring all of our class pictures to a Shutterfly share site and should have that up and running by next week. When it is ready, I will send information home which will attempt to answer questions about how to locate the site and sign in!
The students worked on their fine motor skills by cutting out a set of numbers 0-9. We used those cards to put the numbers in order, and to play a game called "flipping numbers". This game will help the students learn number order, identification of numbers, more than/less than, and following directions.
In PE, the students played a Pac Man game!
This week we are going to be learning how to work at some new stations which will strengthen our phonemic awareness and literacy skills. Today, the students helped make the last of our new games--a sight word go fish game. They are excited to start "playing" the new games and learning activities!
The January book order is due tomorrow (Jan. 19). Please submit your order online or send to school. Thanks!
Next Friday (Jan. 28) is the 100th day of school! We will celebrate by working at some 100's stations and sharing sets of 100. Help your child gather 100 of something, count it out together, and bring it to school to share on the 100th day of school. (Ideas include: erasers, candies, pencils, legos, buttons, etc.) Be creative and have fun together!
I am working on transferring all of our class pictures to a Shutterfly share site and should have that up and running by next week. When it is ready, I will send information home which will attempt to answer questions about how to locate the site and sign in!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Thursday January 13, 2011
New books went home in your child's book bag today! Thank you for helping your child learn to read!
Mrs. Abbey read The Three Bears today. We talked about size words: small, medium, & large. We talked about sets of three that were in the book. The students also thought of other things Goldilocks could have done instead of going into the bears' house.
In handwriting, the students practiced writing the uppercase "Q".
During math time, the students used privacy folders to complete a counting/matching numbers to sets activity without help from their friends and tablemates. It focused on numbers 11-20, so it was pretty challenging for those students who do not yet know their numbers 0-30. If your child is unable to identify #0-30, keep practicing at home!
We read a story about Martin Luther King Jr. and talked about his important speech.
Have a nice weekend! We'll see the kids on Tuesday!
Just a reminder...the January book order is due next Wednesday (Jan. 19).
Mrs. Abbey read The Three Bears today. We talked about size words: small, medium, & large. We talked about sets of three that were in the book. The students also thought of other things Goldilocks could have done instead of going into the bears' house.
In handwriting, the students practiced writing the uppercase "Q".
During math time, the students used privacy folders to complete a counting/matching numbers to sets activity without help from their friends and tablemates. It focused on numbers 11-20, so it was pretty challenging for those students who do not yet know their numbers 0-30. If your child is unable to identify #0-30, keep practicing at home!
We read a story about Martin Luther King Jr. and talked about his important speech.
Have a nice weekend! We'll see the kids on Tuesday!
Just a reminder...the January book order is due next Wednesday (Jan. 19).
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Wednesday January 12, 2011
We had a busy morning today! After some tablework (identifying pictures that start with the /f/ sound), the students worked at literacy stations while I worked individually with students practicing ending sounds of words.
During large group time, Mrs. Abbey read two poems: Tadpole, Tadpole and If... The students listened for the rhyming words in the poems. We worked on blending sounds to make words and identifying sight words. We talked about how (and where) baby animals play. Next, we discussed what we used to do when we were babies and what the students can do now that they are growing up and are 5 & 6 years old. The students drew pictures and wrote about this. This writing sample will be in your child's portfolio that you will see at conferences in February!
In computer lab, the students investigated more of the program, Sammy's Science House. They are really enjoying exploring and learning with this program!
In guidance, Mrs. Canada reviewed with the students how to be a good listener. They made a poster together, drawing pictures and writing words on how to show that you are a good listener. Some of the suggestions were: (1) Be quiet. (2) Look at the speaker. (3) Use body basics and sit still. (4) Raise your hand to talk.
Since returning from Winter Break, the students have been having a difficult time being good listeners--both to their teachers and to their peers. We are working daily on becoming better listeners. We are also working hard on using a quiet, indoor voice when talking.
Thank you for returning the reading bags. New books will go home tomorrow! If your child forgot to return their reading bag, please return it as soon as they have had a chance to read the books. Also, if the books appear to be too easy or too hard, please jot a note on the recording sheet to let me know. I will check it out and adjust as needed. Thank you for helping your child become a great reader!
During large group time, Mrs. Abbey read two poems: Tadpole, Tadpole and If... The students listened for the rhyming words in the poems. We worked on blending sounds to make words and identifying sight words. We talked about how (and where) baby animals play. Next, we discussed what we used to do when we were babies and what the students can do now that they are growing up and are 5 & 6 years old. The students drew pictures and wrote about this. This writing sample will be in your child's portfolio that you will see at conferences in February!
In computer lab, the students investigated more of the program, Sammy's Science House. They are really enjoying exploring and learning with this program!
In guidance, Mrs. Canada reviewed with the students how to be a good listener. They made a poster together, drawing pictures and writing words on how to show that you are a good listener. Some of the suggestions were: (1) Be quiet. (2) Look at the speaker. (3) Use body basics and sit still. (4) Raise your hand to talk.
Since returning from Winter Break, the students have been having a difficult time being good listeners--both to their teachers and to their peers. We are working daily on becoming better listeners. We are also working hard on using a quiet, indoor voice when talking.
Thank you for returning the reading bags. New books will go home tomorrow! If your child forgot to return their reading bag, please return it as soon as they have had a chance to read the books. Also, if the books appear to be too easy or too hard, please jot a note on the recording sheet to let me know. I will check it out and adjust as needed. Thank you for helping your child become a great reader!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Tuesday January 11, 2011
We continued our learning about animals and their babies. Today, Mrs. Abbey read The Ugly Duckling. We focused on the /f/ sound in our tablework and learned a new word: "play."
In handwriting, we practiced writing lowercase "f".
The students worked with partners practicing addition facts and creating subtraction problems for each other to do. Mrs. Abbey will be printing off some subtraction practice cards for them to use at math buckets next week!
The students were a little bummed that there is no PE this week. Hopefully they can get outside to play in the the snow!
Today, the students went to library. If your child did not bring home a new library book today, it is because they still have a book at home. Please let me know if you need the title of the book they are missing.
Students can wear their "Team Kindergarten" t-shirts tomorrow! The second-graders are all wearing theirs!
Thank you to Ryan's mom for helping the students play an ending sounds game!
Please have your child bring their reading bags to school tomorrow. I will add new books and send them home on Thursday.
In handwriting, we practiced writing lowercase "f".
The students worked with partners practicing addition facts and creating subtraction problems for each other to do. Mrs. Abbey will be printing off some subtraction practice cards for them to use at math buckets next week!
The students were a little bummed that there is no PE this week. Hopefully they can get outside to play in the the snow!
Today, the students went to library. If your child did not bring home a new library book today, it is because they still have a book at home. Please let me know if you need the title of the book they are missing.
Students can wear their "Team Kindergarten" t-shirts tomorrow! The second-graders are all wearing theirs!
Thank you to Ryan's mom for helping the students play an ending sounds game!
Please have your child bring their reading bags to school tomorrow. I will add new books and send them home on Thursday.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Monday January 10, 2011
The students were very excited about the snow this morning!
This week is a related arts switch week, which means our specials schedule gets a little mixed up. Tomorrow (Tuesday) will be library day instead of PE. (We will not have PE this week.) Wednesday and Thursday remain the same as usual. Friday, there is no school.
This week in literacy, we are talking and reading books about how animals grow and change. The students discussed ways in which a baby animal grows. Mrs. Abbey read an alphabet book called, Animal Babies ABC. In addition to reinforcing initial sounds of words, this book taught us many interesting facts about animals and their babies!
In handwriting, we practiced uppercase "J".
We worked with partners during math time to solve simple subtraction problems.
The students worked at stations: reading, writing, and literacy stations while Mrs. Abbey worked with individuals and small groups on reading skills. As the students master more skills and learn more sight words, you will notice the books in their reading bags start to get more challenging. Please let me know if the books are too frustrating for your child. They should be able to read the books with minimal help from you.
Book order forms went home in your child's folder. Please return orders (or submit orders online) by Wednesday January 19. Thanks!
This week is a related arts switch week, which means our specials schedule gets a little mixed up. Tomorrow (Tuesday) will be library day instead of PE. (We will not have PE this week.) Wednesday and Thursday remain the same as usual. Friday, there is no school.
This week in literacy, we are talking and reading books about how animals grow and change. The students discussed ways in which a baby animal grows. Mrs. Abbey read an alphabet book called, Animal Babies ABC. In addition to reinforcing initial sounds of words, this book taught us many interesting facts about animals and their babies!
In handwriting, we practiced uppercase "J".
We worked with partners during math time to solve simple subtraction problems.
The students worked at stations: reading, writing, and literacy stations while Mrs. Abbey worked with individuals and small groups on reading skills. As the students master more skills and learn more sight words, you will notice the books in their reading bags start to get more challenging. Please let me know if the books are too frustrating for your child. They should be able to read the books with minimal help from you.
Book order forms went home in your child's folder. Please return orders (or submit orders online) by Wednesday January 19. Thanks!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Friday January 7, 2011
Our green kindergarten t-shirts have arrived! The students are very excited to bring them home. Monday, we can all wear them to school!
We talked about pets today, discussing which students have pets, what pets we like, and what our pets names are. If your family has a pet, you may send a picture of your child's pet to school next week for them to share with the class.
Mrs. Abbey read The Three Little Kittens. We focused on new vocabulary (naughty & soiled), and also on rhyming words.
In handwriting, the students practiced writing lowercase "g". It's a challenging letter for many of the writers in our class!
We read a time magazine article called Cool New Inventions.
In math, we practiced basic subtraction story problems.
The students proved to Mrs. Adair that they did not forgot how to use their sliders over winter break. They all did a great job browsing the books on the shelves and choosing one to check out.
Just a reminder that the next two weeks are 4-day weeks. We do not have school on Friday Jan. 14 or Monday Jan. 17.
Tuesday Jan. 11 is kindergarten registration (for those students entering kindergarten in Aug. 2011). If you know of any families who will be having a kindergarten student this fall (half-day or all-day), please encourage them to attend this short meeting & registration. It will be held in the Horizon cafeteria at 6:30pm. Thanks!
We talked about pets today, discussing which students have pets, what pets we like, and what our pets names are. If your family has a pet, you may send a picture of your child's pet to school next week for them to share with the class.
Mrs. Abbey read The Three Little Kittens. We focused on new vocabulary (naughty & soiled), and also on rhyming words.
In handwriting, the students practiced writing lowercase "g". It's a challenging letter for many of the writers in our class!
We read a time magazine article called Cool New Inventions.
In math, we practiced basic subtraction story problems.
The students proved to Mrs. Adair that they did not forgot how to use their sliders over winter break. They all did a great job browsing the books on the shelves and choosing one to check out.
Just a reminder that the next two weeks are 4-day weeks. We do not have school on Friday Jan. 14 or Monday Jan. 17.
Tuesday Jan. 11 is kindergarten registration (for those students entering kindergarten in Aug. 2011). If you know of any families who will be having a kindergarten student this fall (half-day or all-day), please encourage them to attend this short meeting & registration. It will be held in the Horizon cafeteria at 6:30pm. Thanks!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Thursday January 6, 2011
The students really enjoyed sharing their animals and working with them throughout the morning. We think the animals enjoyed listening to the stories, watching the students do their work, and taking rest time during art class!
With our animals, we sorted them into different categories: fur/no fur, legs/no legs, clothes/no clothes, and pets/not pets.
Mrs. Abbey read Let's Go To The Vet, a non-fiction article about what vets do. We learned about diagrams and read the labels (parts of the dog). This article then lead into a discussion about jobs and what we want to be when we grow up.
In handwriting, the students practiced writing the uppercase "G".
Thank you to Ella's mom for working with the students on number identification! The students are getting better at identifying the numbers 0-30!
We are continuing to practice hearing sounds in words: the first sound, the middle sound, and the end sound. This will lead to better reading and writing skills!
New books went home in your child's book bag today! Happy reading!
Tomorrow is the final day to turn in your December reading log. Handwriting packets will continue to be collected throughout the month of January.
Please send your child's library book back for library class tomorrow!
With our animals, we sorted them into different categories: fur/no fur, legs/no legs, clothes/no clothes, and pets/not pets.
Mrs. Abbey read Let's Go To The Vet, a non-fiction article about what vets do. We learned about diagrams and read the labels (parts of the dog). This article then lead into a discussion about jobs and what we want to be when we grow up.
In handwriting, the students practiced writing the uppercase "G".
Thank you to Ella's mom for working with the students on number identification! The students are getting better at identifying the numbers 0-30!
We are continuing to practice hearing sounds in words: the first sound, the middle sound, and the end sound. This will lead to better reading and writing skills!
New books went home in your child's book bag today! Happy reading!
Tomorrow is the final day to turn in your December reading log. Handwriting packets will continue to be collected throughout the month of January.
Please send your child's library book back for library class tomorrow!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Wednesday January 5, 2011
Today in literacy, we continued our theme about animals. The students helped make a list of ways to keep pets healthy (such as feeding it, taking it for walks, playing with it, washing it, etc.).
Mrs. Abbey read Mama Mouse and El Gato. Ask your child what the spanish word "el gato" means in English. It was fun to talk about other languages as we read this story. The students enjoyed sharing some words they know from other languages!
In computer lab, the students were introduced to a new program called Sammy's Science House. In it they did comparisons, sorting, weather activities, sequencing, and learned about habitats. We will continue exploring this program over the next several weeks.
In guidance, Mrs. Canada reviewed how to be a good listener with the students. They learned that it is very important to look at the person talking, and to also look at the person you are talking to. They read a story about being a good listener, and also did some role playing.
We are focusing on ending sounds of words. Just like beginning sounds, it is important that students can identify what sound comes at the end of a word that they hear. Practice saying words at home and help your child focus their attention to the end of the word (the last sound of the word). With practice, this will quickly become an easy skill for the students!
Remember...tomorrow the students can bring a stuffed animal to school for our sorting activity! They were talking about it at the end of the day today, and are all very excited to surprise their friends with the animal they've chosen.
Mrs. Abbey read Mama Mouse and El Gato. Ask your child what the spanish word "el gato" means in English. It was fun to talk about other languages as we read this story. The students enjoyed sharing some words they know from other languages!
In computer lab, the students were introduced to a new program called Sammy's Science House. In it they did comparisons, sorting, weather activities, sequencing, and learned about habitats. We will continue exploring this program over the next several weeks.
In guidance, Mrs. Canada reviewed how to be a good listener with the students. They learned that it is very important to look at the person talking, and to also look at the person you are talking to. They read a story about being a good listener, and also did some role playing.
We are focusing on ending sounds of words. Just like beginning sounds, it is important that students can identify what sound comes at the end of a word that they hear. Practice saying words at home and help your child focus their attention to the end of the word (the last sound of the word). With practice, this will quickly become an easy skill for the students!
Remember...tomorrow the students can bring a stuffed animal to school for our sorting activity! They were talking about it at the end of the day today, and are all very excited to surprise their friends with the animal they've chosen.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Tuesday January 4, 2011
The students exchanged their exercise logs for a prize in PE today! And all students wore tennis shoes! Way to go!
During our literacy time, we focused on a "Being a Writer" lesson. Mrs. Abbey read I Love My Hair. We talked about why Keyana loves her hair, and also talked about what we like about our own hair. Next, the students talked with their partners about something that they love about themselves (the color of their eyes, how shiny their hair is, what a big smile they have, etc.). Back at their tablespots, the students drew a picture of themselves, labeled the part they love about themselves, and wrote about what it is they love. The students were very good about adding details to their pictures--the color of their clothes, eyebrows, shoes, etc.
This morning, the students shared their writing from yesterday--about what kittens like to do.
We played the hokey pokey--focusing on the skill of left and right.
We also played a beginning sound game, where we all tried to think of different words that started with a chosen letter. Good brain exercise!
If your child does not have a dental exam on file at the school, a visiting dentist took a peek in your child's mouth this morning. They received a new toothbrush and stickers!
Please send back your child's reading bag tomorrow, and I will exchange for new books.
A note went home today in your child's folder about bringing a stuffed animal on Thursday. Please help your child remember to bring ONE stuffed animal that day for our sorting activities!
It's not too late to return: (1) PE activity logs, (2) December reading minute sheets, or (3) handwriting practice booklets. The students are excited to earn the prizes associated with each assignment!
During our literacy time, we focused on a "Being a Writer" lesson. Mrs. Abbey read I Love My Hair. We talked about why Keyana loves her hair, and also talked about what we like about our own hair. Next, the students talked with their partners about something that they love about themselves (the color of their eyes, how shiny their hair is, what a big smile they have, etc.). Back at their tablespots, the students drew a picture of themselves, labeled the part they love about themselves, and wrote about what it is they love. The students were very good about adding details to their pictures--the color of their clothes, eyebrows, shoes, etc.
This morning, the students shared their writing from yesterday--about what kittens like to do.
We played the hokey pokey--focusing on the skill of left and right.
We also played a beginning sound game, where we all tried to think of different words that started with a chosen letter. Good brain exercise!
If your child does not have a dental exam on file at the school, a visiting dentist took a peek in your child's mouth this morning. They received a new toothbrush and stickers!
Please send back your child's reading bag tomorrow, and I will exchange for new books.
A note went home today in your child's folder about bringing a stuffed animal on Thursday. Please help your child remember to bring ONE stuffed animal that day for our sorting activities!
It's not too late to return: (1) PE activity logs, (2) December reading minute sheets, or (3) handwriting practice booklets. The students are excited to earn the prizes associated with each assignment!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Monday January 3, 2011
The students had a wonderful first day back from Winter Break! I was very impressed by their listening and working skills, despite all the excitement to share what they had done over break!
We started a new theme today about animals. We shared with a partner what our favorite animal is. Today, our focus was on cats and kittens. Mrs. Abbey read Mama Cat Has Three Kittens. This story followed a pattern, which helped the students know what to expect next. Ask your child what the pattern in the story was and what Boris the kitten kept doing.
We learned a new sight word: "is". Most students already knew it...good job learning the words at home and in their reading!
We practiced some subtraction story problems as a group, and then the students worked with a buddy to create a story problem for each other to solve!
The students worked on a writing assignment today. They drew a picture and wrote about something that kittens like to do. The students are going to share them with the class tomorrow!
Today was music class. It looked like they were playing a fun, musical game when I arrived to pick them up!
Tomorrow is PE--please remember tennis shoes (especially if your child wears boots to school).
Upcoming News & Important Information:
•There is no school on Friday Jan. 14 and Monday Jan. 17.
•December reading logs (coloring in the gingerbread men) are due this week. Please send your child's log back to school for a prize!
•If your child worked on their handwriting packet over Winter break, they may return it for a prize from the prize bucket! Please return it any day this week.
•PE winter break activity logs are due tomorrow. Please send them back in time for PE class, if your child wanted to participate.
•We are in need of more prizes/trinkets for the prize box. If you have any little toys, bracelets, erasers, McDonald's trinkets, etc. that you would like to donate, please send it to school. Thank you!
•Reading bags are due back Wednesday. New books will go home on Thursday.
•We have 2 early dismissals coming up in February: Wed. Feb. 9 and Thurs. Feb. 24. The students will stay and eat lunch those days and we will dismiss with the rest of the school at 12:35. Please arrange transportation.
•Parent-teacher conferences will be held on Feb. 21.
We started a new theme today about animals. We shared with a partner what our favorite animal is. Today, our focus was on cats and kittens. Mrs. Abbey read Mama Cat Has Three Kittens. This story followed a pattern, which helped the students know what to expect next. Ask your child what the pattern in the story was and what Boris the kitten kept doing.
We learned a new sight word: "is". Most students already knew it...good job learning the words at home and in their reading!
We practiced some subtraction story problems as a group, and then the students worked with a buddy to create a story problem for each other to solve!
The students worked on a writing assignment today. They drew a picture and wrote about something that kittens like to do. The students are going to share them with the class tomorrow!
Today was music class. It looked like they were playing a fun, musical game when I arrived to pick them up!
Tomorrow is PE--please remember tennis shoes (especially if your child wears boots to school).
Upcoming News & Important Information:
•There is no school on Friday Jan. 14 and Monday Jan. 17.
•December reading logs (coloring in the gingerbread men) are due this week. Please send your child's log back to school for a prize!
•If your child worked on their handwriting packet over Winter break, they may return it for a prize from the prize bucket! Please return it any day this week.
•PE winter break activity logs are due tomorrow. Please send them back in time for PE class, if your child wanted to participate.
•We are in need of more prizes/trinkets for the prize box. If you have any little toys, bracelets, erasers, McDonald's trinkets, etc. that you would like to donate, please send it to school. Thank you!
•Reading bags are due back Wednesday. New books will go home on Thursday.
•We have 2 early dismissals coming up in February: Wed. Feb. 9 and Thurs. Feb. 24. The students will stay and eat lunch those days and we will dismiss with the rest of the school at 12:35. Please arrange transportation.
•Parent-teacher conferences will be held on Feb. 21.
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