Reader's Workshop:
*We read Lillly's Purple Plastic Purse and learned the importance to "check for understanding". We do this by asking the "who and what" while reading a story. This was added to our CAFE menu so it could possibly be a future reading goal for some of the children.
*We started our unit about nonfiction text. This included:
-learning the difference between fiction and non-fiction
-why we read non-fiction
-we listed what type of non-fiction books we would like to read about
-we listed what type of questions we would like to answer while reading non-fiction text
-we learned about the table of contents and that you don't have to read a non-fiction text from the beginning (Way cool!)
*We reviewed the expectations for reading to self time and buddy reading time during reader's workshop and we learned that strong readers think about how they are doing while reading. This allowed the children to individually evaluate how they are doing while reading to self and while reading with their partner. They also thought about what they need to work on.
*We read many fiction and non-fiction texts about Thanksgiving including Turkey for Dinner (one of Mrs. Marshman's favorite)
*We also read the books Bear Feels Sick & Bear Feels Scared by Karma Wilson.
*We learned about the different sizes of lower case letters. This included sorting the letters that are tall, small or have tails. This activity came home so please practice saying the letters and letter sounds with your child.
*This week we will be finishing our letter experts. Every child will have had the opportunity to be a letter expert. Thank you for your help with this activity!
*We have started to have a morning message that helps us read and write a message every morning. Every child will have a chance to be a morning message star. This child helps us with the morning message and they get to take the morning message home. Please practice reading the morning message when your child brings it home. You will notice that we circle, underline and star many different things on the morning message. This helps us learn our super words, words with different syllables, ending marks and many other concepts about reading and writing.
Writers workshop:
*We have learned that writers write more than what they like or see.
*We learned that writers write more than one idea. I ask them to tell me more.
*We learned that writers go back and add more details.
*We finished our first unit so we brainstormed a list of what we have already learned in writers workshop. Their writing samples came home with a letter explaining what they have learned so far. They have really learned a lot already!
*We learned about periods and exclamation marks.
*We brainstormed a list a possible things we could write about.
Math:
*We graphed how many boys and girls are in their family. We tallied how many moms, dads, brothers, sisters and pets are in our family.
*We solved Thanksgiving and family math story problems to help us learn our addition and subtraction.
*We tallied and counted what our favorite holiday is.
*We learned why calendar time is important and reviewed all the math concepts we learn during calendar time.
*We started to count by 10's and 5's.
*we played the game buzz to 30.
*we practiced writing our numbers to 100.
*we reviewed our shapes and what we find in our world that is those different shapes.
Social Studies/Science:
*we finished our 5 senses book. The book was sent home last week. Please read it with your child.
*Mr. Fay (Will's dad) came in to talk to us about Veteran's day and showed us some very interesting things from WWI and WWII. Thank you so much for helping us understand this important day!
*We made turkeys and wrote 4 things that we are thankful for.
*We made pictures of our house and our family so that we could learn how families are alike and different. (This will be coming home soon.)
****A special thank you to all the parents and family members who have come in so far for their child's star of the week presentation!!!!! Your child really loves when you come in and I appreciate the time you take to come and share with your child!!!! *****
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Nov. 21 News & Updates
Dear Kindergarten Families,
Happy Soon to be Thanksgiving day!!! I am so thankful for your child and for you!!! I am thankful they are in my class and that you make education important to your child. Enjoy Thanksgiving with your family and friends!
*I want to give my apologize for the confusion on the supposed field trip to the museum. The kindergarten team had sent home a note early in the year regarding a field trip to the museum on Friday, November 19th. As you probably figured out it did not happen. Due to a curriculum change the kindergarten team decided to not go to museum but we will be scheduling a field trip to see a play at First Stage. We will keep you posted when that is scheduled.
*As a community project, all three kindergartens will be collecting winter hats, mittens, gloves and scarfs to give to children who need them this winter. If you are able to help with this community project, please send in your donations by Dec. 13th. Thank you for your generosity!
*A few weeks ago, the children made a project to help them learn the poem the Itsy Bitsy Spider and to help them learn their addresses. The project has come home so please practice having your child read the poem and say their address. An important part of being a kindergartener is knowing your address. Thank you for help with this.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Nov. 22 Buddy day in the afternoon
Nov. 24-28 No School- Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Nov. 30 End of 1st Trimester
Dec. 2 Early Release at 1:55
Dec. 10th Report Cards go home
Dec. 21 Holiday Party (more information will come soon)
Dec. 23-Jan. 2 Holiday break
Jan. 10th Field Trip to EB Shurts Environmental Education building (more information to come in Dec.) 9:00am-11:15am
Happy Soon to be Thanksgiving day!!! I am so thankful for your child and for you!!! I am thankful they are in my class and that you make education important to your child. Enjoy Thanksgiving with your family and friends!
*I want to give my apologize for the confusion on the supposed field trip to the museum. The kindergarten team had sent home a note early in the year regarding a field trip to the museum on Friday, November 19th. As you probably figured out it did not happen. Due to a curriculum change the kindergarten team decided to not go to museum but we will be scheduling a field trip to see a play at First Stage. We will keep you posted when that is scheduled.
*As a community project, all three kindergartens will be collecting winter hats, mittens, gloves and scarfs to give to children who need them this winter. If you are able to help with this community project, please send in your donations by Dec. 13th. Thank you for your generosity!
*A few weeks ago, the children made a project to help them learn the poem the Itsy Bitsy Spider and to help them learn their addresses. The project has come home so please practice having your child read the poem and say their address. An important part of being a kindergartener is knowing your address. Thank you for help with this.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Nov. 22 Buddy day in the afternoon
Nov. 24-28 No School- Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Nov. 30 End of 1st Trimester
Dec. 2 Early Release at 1:55
Dec. 10th Report Cards go home
Dec. 21 Holiday Party (more information will come soon)
Dec. 23-Jan. 2 Holiday break
Jan. 10th Field Trip to EB Shurts Environmental Education building (more information to come in Dec.) 9:00am-11:15am
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Nov. 12 Important Dates
* Nov. 11 Veteran's Day-Thanks to all who have served our country!
*Nov. 22 Buddy day in the afternoon
*Nov. 23 No library-Friday schedule
*Nov. 24-26 No School-Happy Thanksgiving!
*Nov. 22 Buddy day in the afternoon
*Nov. 23 No library-Friday schedule
*Nov. 24-26 No School-Happy Thanksgiving!
November 12th What we are learning
Reader's workshop:
*we reviewed what we do when we are buddy reading
*we learned that strong reader's make sure they understand what they read
*we learned how we find and read different "just right books" that we can put into our book baskets.
*we learned that strong readers check for understanding but asking who is in the story and what his happening while reading the story
Writer's Workshop:
*we learned to put spaces between our words so that our words don't crash
*we wrote about what we would be for Halloween
*we learned that writer's write about what they know and has happened to them or will be happening to them
*we learned we need to "Give it a go" when we try to write a new word
Math:
*we learned the game "Buzz" which helps us practice counting to 20 and counting by 5's
*we played the number race and no ones game which helps us with counting quickly
*we solved problems about leaves on trees
*we practiced creating and labeling different patterns
*we identified and sorted different shapes
Social Studies & Science:
*we learned about the season of fall by reading a fall mini book
*we started to make a fall five season book which helps us learn more about the season of fall and what the five senses are
*we are starting to learn our addresses by making a house that the Itsy Bitsy spider climbed up (we also read a story about the Itsy Bitsy spider)
*we reviewed what we do when we are buddy reading
*we learned that strong reader's make sure they understand what they read
*we learned how we find and read different "just right books" that we can put into our book baskets.
*we learned that strong readers check for understanding but asking who is in the story and what his happening while reading the story
Writer's Workshop:
*we learned to put spaces between our words so that our words don't crash
*we wrote about what we would be for Halloween
*we learned that writer's write about what they know and has happened to them or will be happening to them
*we learned we need to "Give it a go" when we try to write a new word
Math:
*we learned the game "Buzz" which helps us practice counting to 20 and counting by 5's
*we played the number race and no ones game which helps us with counting quickly
*we solved problems about leaves on trees
*we practiced creating and labeling different patterns
*we identified and sorted different shapes
Social Studies & Science:
*we learned about the season of fall by reading a fall mini book
*we started to make a fall five season book which helps us learn more about the season of fall and what the five senses are
*we are starting to learn our addresses by making a house that the Itsy Bitsy spider climbed up (we also read a story about the Itsy Bitsy spider)
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Important dates & information
*We will not have library this Tuesday because we will be "pretending" it is a Thursday and go through a Thursday schedule and on Wednesday we will "pretend" it is a Friday.
*Our Halloween party & parade will be on Oct. 27th. Parents are welcome to come at 2:10 to take pictures of your child in our classroom and the parade will start at 2:30. Please send your child to school with their costume. They will have help in the afternoon to put it on.
*We will not have school on Oct. 28 & 29 and Nov. 1 due to teacher's convention.
*We will not have school on Nov. 24-26 due to Thanksgiving.
*Thanks to all of you who came to conferences!!! I enjoyed talking to each of you about your child's learning. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
*Our Halloween party & parade will be on Oct. 27th. Parents are welcome to come at 2:10 to take pictures of your child in our classroom and the parade will start at 2:30. Please send your child to school with their costume. They will have help in the afternoon to put it on.
*We will not have school on Oct. 28 & 29 and Nov. 1 due to teacher's convention.
*We will not have school on Nov. 24-26 due to Thanksgiving.
*Thanks to all of you who came to conferences!!! I enjoyed talking to each of you about your child's learning. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Science & Social Studies
*We went for a fall walk around the Bethesda neighborhood and talked about the signs of fall. We then made a beautiful centerpiece out of some of the items we found. We sure hope you enjoy them.
*We made cows & sheep and read a book about "If I were a sheep" to get ready to our field trip to the farm.
*We learned about baby farm animals and matched the babies to their Moms.
*We made fall leaves that we colored with chalk.
*We made a Barn book to help us remember all the fun things we did at the farm. I hope your child read the book to you and talked about the farm with you.
*We went to Green Meadows pumpkin farm!!! We had a fantastic time and the weather couldn't have been better! Thanks to all of the parent chaperones!!! Your help made all the difference in the success of this trip!!!
*We made cows & sheep and read a book about "If I were a sheep" to get ready to our field trip to the farm.
*We learned about baby farm animals and matched the babies to their Moms.
*We made fall leaves that we colored with chalk.
*We made a Barn book to help us remember all the fun things we did at the farm. I hope your child read the book to you and talked about the farm with you.
*We went to Green Meadows pumpkin farm!!! We had a fantastic time and the weather couldn't have been better! Thanks to all of the parent chaperones!!! Your help made all the difference in the success of this trip!!!
What we are learning: Math Oct. 24
*We finished our shape books by learning about the shape of a rhombus and then we wrote in our book what things in our world are in the shape of a rhombus.
*We sorted and counted (and ate) multicolored fish crackers.
*We solved story problems about scarecrows and crows.
*We graphed our favorite farm animal and our favorite kind of chip. (Cheetos was an overwhelming favorite!)
* We solved Halloween story problems.
*We practiced writing our numbers.
*We continue to practice counting to 100.
*We sorted and counted (and ate) multicolored fish crackers.
*We solved story problems about scarecrows and crows.
*We graphed our favorite farm animal and our favorite kind of chip. (Cheetos was an overwhelming favorite!)
* We solved Halloween story problems.
*We practiced writing our numbers.
*We continue to practice counting to 100.
What we are learning: Writer's Workshop Oct. 24
*We learned that writers think before they write.
*We learned what speech bubbles are and we wrote our own for our scarecrows.
*We learned how to use our alphabet chart to help us find letters and letter sounds when we are writing.
*We learned to write the first sound of the new words we are trying to write.
*We learned to do our best our "kindergarten" writing by spelling the best we can and then moving on.
*We continue to practice to stretch out our new words like a rubber band to help us write those words.
*We learned what speech bubbles are and we wrote our own for our scarecrows.
*We learned how to use our alphabet chart to help us find letters and letter sounds when we are writing.
*We learned to write the first sound of the new words we are trying to write.
*We learned to do our best our "kindergarten" writing by spelling the best we can and then moving on.
*We continue to practice to stretch out our new words like a rubber band to help us write those words.
What we are learning: Reader's Workshop Oct. 24
*We learned that strong readers read every day at home and at school.
*We learned that strong readers take care of their books and protect their reading time. (We called this being reading police.)
*We were reminded of the all the expectations of Readers Workshop and we started to evaluate how we are doing in each of the five areas of Readers Workshop.
*We started to learn to look at the beginning sound which we call "getting our mouth ready."
*We all have "just right books" in our book basket and we know we have to read at least two of those just right books right when we start our reading to self time.
*We practiced sequencing different events in a story (first, middle, last).
*We learned the super words "me" and "my" and we continue to practice reading our former super words.
*We read many books about farm animals including Mrs. Wishy Washy and Hattie and the Fox.
* We added a new song to our poetry binders about farm animals. We practice reading this poem using our touch and read strategy.
*We played super word swat where we swatted the super words with a fly swatter.
*Continue to keep reading with your child every day for at least 15 minutes. The children are getting so excited to learn about reading so they would love to show what they can do at home. Some of your child's homemade books have started to come home and the rest will come home this coming week. Enjoy reading those books with your child.
*
*We learned that strong readers take care of their books and protect their reading time. (We called this being reading police.)
*We were reminded of the all the expectations of Readers Workshop and we started to evaluate how we are doing in each of the five areas of Readers Workshop.
*We started to learn to look at the beginning sound which we call "getting our mouth ready."
*We all have "just right books" in our book basket and we know we have to read at least two of those just right books right when we start our reading to self time.
*We practiced sequencing different events in a story (first, middle, last).
*We learned the super words "me" and "my" and we continue to practice reading our former super words.
*We read many books about farm animals including Mrs. Wishy Washy and Hattie and the Fox.
* We added a new song to our poetry binders about farm animals. We practice reading this poem using our touch and read strategy.
*We played super word swat where we swatted the super words with a fly swatter.
*Continue to keep reading with your child every day for at least 15 minutes. The children are getting so excited to learn about reading so they would love to show what they can do at home. Some of your child's homemade books have started to come home and the rest will come home this coming week. Enjoy reading those books with your child.
*
Friday, October 15, 2010
Fall Walk
On Thursday, Oct. 21 we are planning on going for our fall walk around the Bethesda neighborhood. This helps us observe what happens in the season of fall. Afterwards,we will make a centerpiece out of things we find. Let's hope the weather cooperates.
Fall Halloween Parade
All kindergarten parents are invited to come on Wednesday, Oct. 27th at 2:15 to Mrs. Marshman classroom to see and take pictures of your child in their Halloween costume. Following the picture taking you may watch the parade in the gym!!! Hope to see you there!
Field Trip
Thanks to all of you who volunteered to be a chaperone to our first field trip to the pumpkin farm. Unfortunately, I only need five parents to chaperone so if you were not contacted I will be sure you come to a different field trip. The parents who will be coming are: Aaron's Mom, Sam's mom or dad, Marisa's mom, Ariana's Mom & Laurens Mom. The field trip to the pumpkin farm is on Wednesday, Oct. 20. Please be sure your child is dressed for the weather and that he/she brings a bag lunch with a drink and a bag or pillow case for their pumpkin. The children are highly anticipating this exciting day!!!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
What we are learning: Math
*We practiced writing the numbers 0-9 on dry erase boards and in our number writing books. We also learned a number writing song to help us remember how to write our numbers.
*We started to learn about shapes and what shapes we see in the world. So far we learned about circles, ovals, squares, rectangles and triangles. We also read books about each of these shapes.
*We continue to practice counting to 100 every day and counting how many days we have been in school.
*We continue to graph the weather and we noticed that September was a very sunny month. YEAH!
*We started to learn about shapes and what shapes we see in the world. So far we learned about circles, ovals, squares, rectangles and triangles. We also read books about each of these shapes.
*We continue to practice counting to 100 every day and counting how many days we have been in school.
*We continue to graph the weather and we noticed that September was a very sunny month. YEAH!
What we are learning: Writer's Workshop
*We learned to stretch out words like a big rubber band to help us write new words.
*We read the book School Buses by Donald Crews to help us learn that we need pictures and words in our writing.
*We learned what conferencing looks like and sounds like when we are writing. This is another special time that Mrs. Marshman has with each student.
*We wrote about one activity that we did in kindergarten the month of September.
*We learned about looking at our writing folders and the word wall to remember how to write our letters and super words.
*We read the book School Buses by Donald Crews to help us learn that we need pictures and words in our writing.
*We learned what conferencing looks like and sounds like when we are writing. This is another special time that Mrs. Marshman has with each student.
*We wrote about one activity that we did in kindergarten the month of September.
*We learned about looking at our writing folders and the word wall to remember how to write our letters and super words.
What we are learning: Reader's Workshop
*We read The Napping House by Audrey Wood. We practiced retelling this fun story by making our own book about the Napping House. We also practiced telling what happened in the beginning, middle and end of the story. This also a great activity to practice at home.
*We read the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear What do you see?. With this book, we practiced reading our color words and we made our own books so that we practice "touching and reading" the story. Our books are in our book baskets at school.
*We read several books about firefighters to help us get ready for our visit from the Waukesha firefighters on Wednesday. We learned about fire safety and we even went inside the fire engine! Wow!!! The children loved it!
*We learned about different ways that partners read together and we practice every day reading with our partner.
* We learned that Mrs. Marshman has "conferences" with us when we are reading to our self and with our partner. We understand how important that special time is.
*We listed why reading is important and what are our the things we want to learn as readers this year. This helped us so that Mrs. Marshman can help us set up our reading goals that will be shared at conferences.
*We learned about just right books and we are beginning to pick out books that are just right for us.
*We shared our best reading memories when we read at home with our families.
*We learned the super words "See" and "the".
*We read the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear What do you see?. With this book, we practiced reading our color words and we made our own books so that we practice "touching and reading" the story. Our books are in our book baskets at school.
*We read several books about firefighters to help us get ready for our visit from the Waukesha firefighters on Wednesday. We learned about fire safety and we even went inside the fire engine! Wow!!! The children loved it!
*We learned about different ways that partners read together and we practice every day reading with our partner.
* We learned that Mrs. Marshman has "conferences" with us when we are reading to our self and with our partner. We understand how important that special time is.
*We listed why reading is important and what are our the things we want to learn as readers this year. This helped us so that Mrs. Marshman can help us set up our reading goals that will be shared at conferences.
*We learned about just right books and we are beginning to pick out books that are just right for us.
*We shared our best reading memories when we read at home with our families.
*We learned the super words "See" and "the".
Important Information
* Parent/teacher conferences are Oct. 14 & 19. Green slips were sent home on Oct. 6th. I look forward to seeing all of you!
*This Wednesday, Oct. 13 we have early release at 1:55pm. Thank you for being on time to pick up your child.
*Field trip permission slips and money for the pumpkin farm are due this Wednesday, Oct. 13.
*Our field trip to the pumpkin farm is Oct. 20th. We will leave at 9:00pm and return at 2:00pm.
*We have library on Tuesdays. Please be sure your child brings their book so that they can check out a new book.
*Our Halloween party & parade will be on Oct. 27th. More information will be coming soon.
*We will not have school on Oct. 28 & 29 and Nov. 1 due to teacher's convention.
*This Wednesday, Oct. 13 we have early release at 1:55pm. Thank you for being on time to pick up your child.
*Field trip permission slips and money for the pumpkin farm are due this Wednesday, Oct. 13.
*Our field trip to the pumpkin farm is Oct. 20th. We will leave at 9:00pm and return at 2:00pm.
*We have library on Tuesdays. Please be sure your child brings their book so that they can check out a new book.
*Our Halloween party & parade will be on Oct. 27th. More information will be coming soon.
*We will not have school on Oct. 28 & 29 and Nov. 1 due to teacher's convention.
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