Hi everyone,
The children are busy this week reading, writing and counting a variety of spooky things! Please watch for the booklet "Counting Pumpkins" and encourage your child to read it to you. We continue to work on oral counting and I've already had a number of students beat their previous records! Bravo!
Also watch for the 'Halloween Word Book'. Students brainstormed a list of Halloween words and then practised their letter formation by copying the words in the book.
Your child will also be bringing home some creepy crafts on Friday...!
SHOW AND SHARE
Thanks to all of you for participating in our monthly Show and Share. Please note that although there is a schedule, it is somewhat fluid! Just watch for the Show and Share case to come home and then you'll know it's your child's turn! Often, parents need an extra night, a child forgets the case, or someone is away, so the schedule needs to be adjusted. Thank you for your patience!
PICTURE ORDERS
Student photos were sent home today and orders are to be returned FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28. Please check your envelope for the re-take date (I will verify and post, shortly).
ZIAD'S PARTY!
Please check your child's Note Tote for an invitation to Ziad's Halloween party! Ziad's Mom has asked that a reminder invite be sent home on Friday, so watch for that and don't forget to RSVP (see invitation for details). Have fun!
CLASS HALLOWEEN PARTY
We will have a little Halloween party on Monday afternoon. Children are welcome to wear a costume, or dress in orange and black. Feel free to send in a nut-free treat for the children to share (but not too much--we always end up with tons!!). Thanks so much!
ELP PROGRAM
I am happy to share that our Board's Early Literacy Program is now up and running thanks to our volunteer, Emily and co-op student, Shanice. Essentially, the Board sends a bin of books each month with a 'reading behaviours' checklist for the volunteers to fill out after reading with each student. The one-on-one reading time is very popular with the students and it helps me monitor and assess their developing reading skills.
THINGS TO WORK ON AT HOME
As always, please continue talking and reading with your child each night. I will be sending home a letter identification sheet for you to complete with your child. Please point to the letters randomly and ask your child to tell you the name of the letter and the sound it makes. Ask your child to give you a word that begins with that letter.You do not need to send the sheet back. Lots of repetition, letter games, books and puzzles will help your child develop his/her literacy skills. There are also plenty of great websites, including www.starfall.com, or www.hubbardscupboard.org. Happy reading!
Thank you for checking in!
Warm regards,
Ms. Cox
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Week of October 17, 2011
What a great week we had! The students have really been enjoying learning about fire safety. I am also very pleased to see how much writing has been going on around our room! Several students used the fire safety vocabulary in the Dramatic Play area (currently 'Fire Station #12') to send notes and messages and to post on our bulletin board...bravo! Students are also enjoying using the large white board to copy their friends' names, print numbers and write 'daily messages'...wow!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO AHSAN (October 12th)!!
THIS WEEK
We will continue with our investigation of fire safety. Please ask your child to tell you about (and demonstrate) some of the important safety rules he/she has been learning. We have learned and practised the following:
1. stop, drop and roll
2. who to call in an emergency (9-1-1)
3. fall and crawl (when you see/smell smoke)
4. feel the door (hot door/cool door)
This week, we'll be reviewing possible fire hazards (matches, lighters, candles, etc.), the importance of having a 'family escape plan' and the 'get out and stay out' rule.
Please watch for the book "How do Fires Start?". Please read it with your child and encourage them to 'touch read' each word.
In Math this week, we will order 'fire hoses' from longest to shortest and shortest to longest. We'll continue counting to 30 (and beyond!) and we'll work on printing numbers 1-10. For those who need a little more fine motor practise, we'll be tracing the numbers in lentils (they love it!), using the white boards and then pencil and paper. Those who have mastered 1-10 will be challenged to go higher and to work on some addition problems.
I will also be assessing who can print their names accurately using mixed case.We've been working hard on this since September and I've seen lots of good progress! Please continue to practise at home. Those who are ready will move on to their last names.
WELCOME TO SHANICE!
Shanice is a Brookfield High School co-op student who will be joining our class each afternoon for the next several months. Shanice has joined us for one day so far (and was a huge hit!) and will be coming regularly beginning tomorrow. Shanice's responsibilities include assisting me with classroom preparations, assisting small groups, helping with transitions, reading one-on-one with students and generally, working with the children. Shanice, like all volunteers, is always under my direct supervision. She is warm and friendly and brings many talents to our classroom! Welcome, Shanice!
WELCOME TO EMILY!
Emily is a Carleton University student volunteer who will be helping in the SK class each Thursday. Thursday's are busy days as we travel to gym and the library, so having Emily will be a great help!
Emily will also be helping with preparations and other classroom activities. Welcome, Emily!
SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDERS
Thanks to those of you who have already sent in your orders. If you have not yet done so, please send in your order by Wednesday, October 19th.
SPARE CLOTHES
Just a reminder that I am still missing quite a few sets of 'back-up' clothes! Please send in a labelled bag with pants/shirt/socks/underwear for your child to keep at school in case of an accident. Thanks!
PA DAY
Please remember that Friday, October 21 is a board PA Day. Teachers will be involved in professional learning activities at the school. There are no classes.
Thank you for checking in and have a wonderful week!
Warmly,
Ms.Cox
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO AHSAN (October 12th)!!
THIS WEEK
We will continue with our investigation of fire safety. Please ask your child to tell you about (and demonstrate) some of the important safety rules he/she has been learning. We have learned and practised the following:
1. stop, drop and roll
2. who to call in an emergency (9-1-1)
3. fall and crawl (when you see/smell smoke)
4. feel the door (hot door/cool door)
This week, we'll be reviewing possible fire hazards (matches, lighters, candles, etc.), the importance of having a 'family escape plan' and the 'get out and stay out' rule.
Please watch for the book "How do Fires Start?". Please read it with your child and encourage them to 'touch read' each word.
In Math this week, we will order 'fire hoses' from longest to shortest and shortest to longest. We'll continue counting to 30 (and beyond!) and we'll work on printing numbers 1-10. For those who need a little more fine motor practise, we'll be tracing the numbers in lentils (they love it!), using the white boards and then pencil and paper. Those who have mastered 1-10 will be challenged to go higher and to work on some addition problems.
I will also be assessing who can print their names accurately using mixed case.We've been working hard on this since September and I've seen lots of good progress! Please continue to practise at home. Those who are ready will move on to their last names.
WELCOME TO SHANICE!
Shanice is a Brookfield High School co-op student who will be joining our class each afternoon for the next several months. Shanice has joined us for one day so far (and was a huge hit!) and will be coming regularly beginning tomorrow. Shanice's responsibilities include assisting me with classroom preparations, assisting small groups, helping with transitions, reading one-on-one with students and generally, working with the children. Shanice, like all volunteers, is always under my direct supervision. She is warm and friendly and brings many talents to our classroom! Welcome, Shanice!
WELCOME TO EMILY!
Emily is a Carleton University student volunteer who will be helping in the SK class each Thursday. Thursday's are busy days as we travel to gym and the library, so having Emily will be a great help!
Emily will also be helping with preparations and other classroom activities. Welcome, Emily!
SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDERS
Thanks to those of you who have already sent in your orders. If you have not yet done so, please send in your order by Wednesday, October 19th.
SPARE CLOTHES
Just a reminder that I am still missing quite a few sets of 'back-up' clothes! Please send in a labelled bag with pants/shirt/socks/underwear for your child to keep at school in case of an accident. Thanks!
PA DAY
Please remember that Friday, October 21 is a board PA Day. Teachers will be involved in professional learning activities at the school. There are no classes.
Thank you for checking in and have a wonderful week!
Warmly,
Ms.Cox
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Thursday, October 6th
Welcome to Kinder News! I will try to update the blog every week or two, so please try to check in regularly.
What we're working on...
The students have been doing an amazing job learning our new SK routines and procedures (everything from unpacking their backpacks, changing their shoes, putting their Note Totes into the right bin, finding their name cards and books, remembering their Circle Time Manners and on and on!). Bravo, SK!
We have been reading and singing and role-playing and 'writing' about how to make and keep friends. We have also been talking a lot about using friendly voices, making friendly faces, using our hands for helping, and solving conflicts. I am so proud of how quickly all the children have internalized the strategies we've been talking about (using our words, walking away, taking turns, seeking help). I've quickly gone from being the referee to the coach who offers occasional reminders!
This week, we've been learning about safety (at home and in our neighbourhood). In Math, children worked on saying and printing their telephone numbers (please continue to practise at home).
In Language we continue to work on 'touch reading'. Your child brought home the song "Twinkle, Twinkle Traffic Light" and a 'reading wand'. Encourage your child to use the wand to touch each word as they sing/read to you. This activity helps strengthen early readers' understanding of directionality, spacing and word segmentation. Play games with the wand...can you find the letter 'a'?, etc. Have fun!
In Writing, students worked on identifying and printing the words stop, go and slow. Please continue to point out words and signs and letters when you are walking about with your child. Praise all of their attempts at reading! At this stage, the focus is on building confidence and helping your learners see themselves as readers and writers!
The children have also been working on recognizing their friends' names. We are looking at beginning sounds and identifying letters. Please continue to encourage your child to print his/her name using mixed case letters (only the first letter is capitalized).
We will also be working on recognizing and printing numbers 1-10 (higher for those who are ready!). We have a few friends who are counting to 100 already! It is very common for children at this age to have trouble with numbers after 12. Let your child hear you counting and encourage them to help you. Repetition is key! The goal is to have everyone counting to at least 30. Thanks for your help.
Next week, we will be focusing on fire safety in conjuction with Fire Prevention Week. Please take some time to discuss fire safety at home and to review your family's fire escape plan.
NOTE TOTES
Thanks so much to everyone for remembering to check and return the Note Totes each day. Please remember to leave the book OPEN if you've put a note inside.
BACK-UP CLOTHES
A reminder that each child needs a labelled, ziploc bag of back-up clothes to be left at school (shirt, pants, socks and underwear). I am still missing quite a few! Thanks for your attention to this important matter.
SNACKS
Please be sure to send your child with an easy to manage WATER BOTTLE and 1-2 healthy snacks. Several children still do not have a water bottles and it is quite disruptive to have children leaving the room (always with a partner!) to go to the water fountain. Also, at this age, the water fountain is not a healthy option as many children continue to put their mouths right on the spout (despite many reminders). Thanks for your attention to this.
SHOW AND SHARE
The October Show and Share schedule will be sent home on Friday. Your child will come home with the Show and Share case with instructions inside. This month, we are working on letter sounds, beginning sounds of words and letter formation. Please help your child with his/her assigned letter. They will complete the sheet and bring in an item from home that begins with their letter (ex. a ball for 'B'). I will take each child's photo with their item and then we'll compile a class alphabet book to share with you!
LIBRARY
Please remember that we have Library every THURSDAY. Children are easily disappointed if they are not able to check-out a new book, so please remind them to pack their library books! Happy reading!
GYM
We have gym every Tuesday and Thursday. Children must have sturdy, velcro running shoes (we are very active...lots of running, hopping, throwing, catching and kicking!).
COMMUNICATION
My preferred methods of communication is in person, by phone, or the Note Tote. I do not always have a chance to check emails at work, and I don't want to miss something that you send that might be time-sensitive. Also, please do not report your child's absence to me via email. It must be called into the OFFICE. I always appreciate a note if you know your child will be away, but please contact the office, as well.
That's all for now. Thank you for checking in and please be sure to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Happy Thanksgiving!
Warmly,
Ms. Cox
What we're working on...
The students have been doing an amazing job learning our new SK routines and procedures (everything from unpacking their backpacks, changing their shoes, putting their Note Totes into the right bin, finding their name cards and books, remembering their Circle Time Manners and on and on!). Bravo, SK!
We have been reading and singing and role-playing and 'writing' about how to make and keep friends. We have also been talking a lot about using friendly voices, making friendly faces, using our hands for helping, and solving conflicts. I am so proud of how quickly all the children have internalized the strategies we've been talking about (using our words, walking away, taking turns, seeking help). I've quickly gone from being the referee to the coach who offers occasional reminders!
This week, we've been learning about safety (at home and in our neighbourhood). In Math, children worked on saying and printing their telephone numbers (please continue to practise at home).
In Language we continue to work on 'touch reading'. Your child brought home the song "Twinkle, Twinkle Traffic Light" and a 'reading wand'. Encourage your child to use the wand to touch each word as they sing/read to you. This activity helps strengthen early readers' understanding of directionality, spacing and word segmentation. Play games with the wand...can you find the letter 'a'?, etc. Have fun!
In Writing, students worked on identifying and printing the words stop, go and slow. Please continue to point out words and signs and letters when you are walking about with your child. Praise all of their attempts at reading! At this stage, the focus is on building confidence and helping your learners see themselves as readers and writers!
The children have also been working on recognizing their friends' names. We are looking at beginning sounds and identifying letters. Please continue to encourage your child to print his/her name using mixed case letters (only the first letter is capitalized).
We will also be working on recognizing and printing numbers 1-10 (higher for those who are ready!). We have a few friends who are counting to 100 already! It is very common for children at this age to have trouble with numbers after 12. Let your child hear you counting and encourage them to help you. Repetition is key! The goal is to have everyone counting to at least 30. Thanks for your help.
Next week, we will be focusing on fire safety in conjuction with Fire Prevention Week. Please take some time to discuss fire safety at home and to review your family's fire escape plan.
NOTE TOTES
Thanks so much to everyone for remembering to check and return the Note Totes each day. Please remember to leave the book OPEN if you've put a note inside.
BACK-UP CLOTHES
A reminder that each child needs a labelled, ziploc bag of back-up clothes to be left at school (shirt, pants, socks and underwear). I am still missing quite a few! Thanks for your attention to this important matter.
SNACKS
Please be sure to send your child with an easy to manage WATER BOTTLE and 1-2 healthy snacks. Several children still do not have a water bottles and it is quite disruptive to have children leaving the room (always with a partner!) to go to the water fountain. Also, at this age, the water fountain is not a healthy option as many children continue to put their mouths right on the spout (despite many reminders). Thanks for your attention to this.
SHOW AND SHARE
The October Show and Share schedule will be sent home on Friday. Your child will come home with the Show and Share case with instructions inside. This month, we are working on letter sounds, beginning sounds of words and letter formation. Please help your child with his/her assigned letter. They will complete the sheet and bring in an item from home that begins with their letter (ex. a ball for 'B'). I will take each child's photo with their item and then we'll compile a class alphabet book to share with you!
LIBRARY
Please remember that we have Library every THURSDAY. Children are easily disappointed if they are not able to check-out a new book, so please remind them to pack their library books! Happy reading!
GYM
We have gym every Tuesday and Thursday. Children must have sturdy, velcro running shoes (we are very active...lots of running, hopping, throwing, catching and kicking!).
COMMUNICATION
My preferred methods of communication is in person, by phone, or the Note Tote. I do not always have a chance to check emails at work, and I don't want to miss something that you send that might be time-sensitive. Also, please do not report your child's absence to me via email. It must be called into the OFFICE. I always appreciate a note if you know your child will be away, but please contact the office, as well.
That's all for now. Thank you for checking in and please be sure to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Happy Thanksgiving!
Warmly,
Ms. Cox
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