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