2014 Has Begun!

     We have had so much fun learning and celebrating our successes this new year. It's been wonderful to see the growth that the kids are making, but also for the kids to see it themselves. Their graphs in their data notebooks are going up and up, their writing is richening with words and many sounds, and they're reading books! 
     Right now in kindergarten, we are really working on applying all that we know with letters and their sounds as we read books and  write complete sentences filled with words that include beginning, middle, and ending sounds. We are also applying our math number sense (reading and writing numbers, knowing which number is more/less, and sequencing numbers) as we challenge ourselves with math story problems and addition and subtraction number sentences. 
     If you notice that your child still does not know their letter names, letter sounds, and numbers 0-31, review them. It could be something as simple as flash cards. Those skills are the foundation for being able to read and write and being able to to do more challenging math story problems. You can even find resources on our kindergarten wiki (the link is right here on the home page of my blog).
    As you know, we are partners in making sure that your child grows and finds success in kindergarten. Please continue to read at home to your child, but also have your child read to you. With some students, I have been sending home small book bags with books at their guided reading level (these are the book bags that I introduced at conferences). These are books that they should be able to read independently with just a little bit of guidance from you. Those kids that are continuing to bring back their bags nearly every day have already been finding great success. Parents are loving the resources, and the kids are loving being the ones to read the books. If you have not returned the book bag that I gave to you at conferences, but would like for one to be sent home, please send me an email. 
     Also, every week the kindergarten teachers send home a weekly newsletter with ideas for you to work on with your child. Please utilize those as they relate directly to what we are teaching and the kids are learning in the classroom. There is usually an activity that practices a strategy we are learning on the back as well. 
    I am a little behind on updating you with pictures from our classroom. You will find pictures from our Polar Express Day (with some surprise visitors with magic beans), the winter party (which was fabulous thanks to our wonderful room parents!), and our penguin project that incorporated math, art, and writing. Enjoy!
      

    
     
      

'Tis the Season!

    What a busy, but fun couple of weeks we have had! First of all, I would like to thank all of the wonderful families that attended conferences. I really enjoyed getting to visit with you and getting to share your child's growth so far in kindergarten. It was evident how much you cared about your child in your presence at the conference, your questions, and your willingness to begin taking home book bags and other resources. It's comforting knowing that we are in this together. 

   The kindergartners are in the holiday spirit! You will see from the pictures and video below, that the kids are excited for the holidays coming up. It's been fun to be a part of it, as it is one of my favorite times of the year, too. They definitely know the way to my heart. 

     You'll find in the pictures that we have been working on addition number sentences and the meaning of the + and = symbols. The kids are really starting to get the hang of it! We are also practicing rolling two dice and adding them together as we practice writing the number that they equal. You will also find pictures from the winter concert (the ones with the funny faces!).

    I also wanted to give you some information for the upcoming week, as it is the last week before winter break. On Thursday, we will be having a Polar Express day, where we will watch the movie, do Polar Express themed math and reading activities, and drink hot chocolate! I cannot wait! We invite all of the kindergartners to wear their pajamas and bring a blanket and/or stuffed animal on that day. Please keep in mind that weather permitting, the kids will need appropriate recess gear and shoes. Also, in case of a school delay, we will do Polar Express day on Friday (the same day as our winter party). Have a great week!