The children continue to explore the world of transportation and travel. The kids enjoyed making (and eating) 'wheels and axles' on Friday. We used cucumbers, bananas and pretzels...what clever engineers!
THIS WEEK
This week, we are focusing on trains. We have been reading "The Little Engine That Could" and trying to decide on the main idea. As mentioned last week, this is a difficult concept. It is not unusual for children at this stage to simply 'retell' the story. So, to help them with the concept, we are discussing how the main idea is often 'hidden' in the book...we don't read it, or always see it. We are trying to think 'deeply'! It's hard, but will come with lots of practise. Today, with lots of teacher steering, we decided the main idea in "The Little Engine That Could" was..."don't give up". Well done! Please continue to reinforce at home and praise all of their efforts.
We are also busy learning a new game called "Speed Math". The kids love it! Partners each get a die and a pile of chips/counters are placed in the middle. The timer is flipped and the children roll the die, count and take the number of chips as indicated by the die. When the time is up, they count their chips and the player with the most chips wins. It's a great game to encourage quick number recognition and counting. Try it at home using pennies, buttons, pasta, etc. Have fun!
We are continuing our investigations of capacity, as well as things that are shiny and dull. Zeinab, our Brookfield co-op student has been working with the students at the science centre, as well as helping with their crafts/fine motor activities. She is also finding time to read one-on-one with each student. We are so lucky to have you, Zeinab!
The children have enjoyed learning/singing "Down By the Station" so far this week. Tomorrow we will start learning "Little Red Caboose". Ask your child to sing these songs for you!
In gym, we continue to work on all sorts of gross motor skills (running, hopping, walking backwards). The kids love playing follow-the-leader (me) and I get a great work-out! This week, we will try having a 'new' leader decide on the movements. We are also developing our soccer skills (passing and trapping) and trying a little bit of yoga (there are lots of fun poses for kids..."windshield wipers", "the boat", etc.).
SHOW AND SHARE
Today, you received the April Show and Share calendar and outline. Please note that all of the needed materials/instructions will be IN THE CASE that your child will bring home on his/her assigned day. There will be a story to share, a world map to explore together and a little passport for your child to fill in. As mentioned, please feel free to send in any other materials you think the children might enjoy seeing from your travels! Thanks again for participating. Show and Share is a very valuable learning opportunity and one that the children look very forward to.
SCHOLASTIC
April book orders are due on Monday, April 11.
LIBRARY
Please remember to send in your child's library book EVERY THURSDAY. Students are disappointed when they are unable to sign out a new one..
Thank you!
GUEST TEACHER
I will be at more Kindergarten PD April 7, 14 and 21st. Mrs. Hannah will be in most of those days. She and the children are settling into a nice routine.
Thank you so much for staying in touch and I always look forward to chatting with you when you stop in after school, or when I happen to see you at Child Care! As always, the door is open wide, so do stop in.
Have a wonderful week.
Warmly,
Ms. Cox
THIS WEEK
This week, we are focusing on trains. We have been reading "The Little Engine That Could" and trying to decide on the main idea. As mentioned last week, this is a difficult concept. It is not unusual for children at this stage to simply 'retell' the story. So, to help them with the concept, we are discussing how the main idea is often 'hidden' in the book...we don't read it, or always see it. We are trying to think 'deeply'! It's hard, but will come with lots of practise. Today, with lots of teacher steering, we decided the main idea in "The Little Engine That Could" was..."don't give up". Well done! Please continue to reinforce at home and praise all of their efforts.
We are also busy learning a new game called "Speed Math". The kids love it! Partners each get a die and a pile of chips/counters are placed in the middle. The timer is flipped and the children roll the die, count and take the number of chips as indicated by the die. When the time is up, they count their chips and the player with the most chips wins. It's a great game to encourage quick number recognition and counting. Try it at home using pennies, buttons, pasta, etc. Have fun!
We are continuing our investigations of capacity, as well as things that are shiny and dull. Zeinab, our Brookfield co-op student has been working with the students at the science centre, as well as helping with their crafts/fine motor activities. She is also finding time to read one-on-one with each student. We are so lucky to have you, Zeinab!
The children have enjoyed learning/singing "Down By the Station" so far this week. Tomorrow we will start learning "Little Red Caboose". Ask your child to sing these songs for you!
In gym, we continue to work on all sorts of gross motor skills (running, hopping, walking backwards). The kids love playing follow-the-leader (me) and I get a great work-out! This week, we will try having a 'new' leader decide on the movements. We are also developing our soccer skills (passing and trapping) and trying a little bit of yoga (there are lots of fun poses for kids..."windshield wipers", "the boat", etc.).
SHOW AND SHARE
Today, you received the April Show and Share calendar and outline. Please note that all of the needed materials/instructions will be IN THE CASE that your child will bring home on his/her assigned day. There will be a story to share, a world map to explore together and a little passport for your child to fill in. As mentioned, please feel free to send in any other materials you think the children might enjoy seeing from your travels! Thanks again for participating. Show and Share is a very valuable learning opportunity and one that the children look very forward to.
SCHOLASTIC
April book orders are due on Monday, April 11.
LIBRARY
Please remember to send in your child's library book EVERY THURSDAY. Students are disappointed when they are unable to sign out a new one..
Thank you!
GUEST TEACHER
I will be at more Kindergarten PD April 7, 14 and 21st. Mrs. Hannah will be in most of those days. She and the children are settling into a nice routine.
Thank you so much for staying in touch and I always look forward to chatting with you when you stop in after school, or when I happen to see you at Child Care! As always, the door is open wide, so do stop in.
Have a wonderful week.
Warmly,
Ms. Cox
Dear Mr.Cox,
ReplyDeleteIt is good to hear from Sabari about the concept of the train story (i.e don't give up)....he has mentioned that..so far...he never get passed to fifth level of super mario...and he said...he is going to try for it...
Regards,
Mathi (Sabari's father)
Hi Mathi,
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful to hear that Sabari is discussing the books we read in class! I've overheard a few of the kids saying, "I think I can, I think I can..." as they engage in play around the room. Great to see them making those connections!
Thanks for sharing!