When students come in each morning, there are different activities to be done while settling in. One of them is practicing tracing our letters so we become experts in letter formation.
This morning started off with our class meeting. We complimented each other, discussed any classroom problems with solutions, and read a social story. We talked about worrying just about ourselves and not pointing out what others are doing wrong, as well as keeping our eyes and hands to ourselves in the restroom. Also, we talked about how it is not ok to go under the stalls and lock the doors. Please carry on this conversation with your child at home.
Next we read the story below. We talked about how important it is to talk at right times and make sure we are giving everybody the opportunity to speak.
In reading this week, we continued to become storybook readers. This week we became experts on reading The Carrot Seed. Students were able to find, point and read some of the exact words. There was less text on each page. It was a joy to walk around and hear the students talking like the characters and reading many of the exact words to their partners.
Literacy Centers: This week we continued to work at our literacy centers. We are working at becoming independent at these centers, so I can soon work with individual small groups. At these centers, students are practicing various reading skills such as sight word writing and recognition, listening skills, work building, and reading independently. Some centers are differentiated. Students will be reading texts that are appropriate for them on the iPads starting next week. Students also are given work work activities that are appropriate for their skill level. A student who already knows their letters will be working on letter sounds. Students who still need work on letter recognition will be working on letter identification. Students' book boxes are filled with eight books on his or his reading level.
Math: This week we worked closely with numbers 7 and 8. We did a counting activity, matching dots with numbers. Students practiced writing these numbers in various activities. We continue to deepen our understanding of same and different as well.
Writing: In writing, we are continuing to talk about narrative writing. This week we talked about how in your story you should include who was there, where it took place, and what happened in order. I modeled this be writing a story under the document camera.
I introduced our sound chart for students to use to help with stretch out their words. Students are using inventive spelling and we are not focused on correct spelling of words. We have a word wall that we are starting to put high frequency words up on for them to refer to when writing. Students that are ready are labeling pictures or even attempting to put together sentences. I will send home some writing samples soon. Remember, some students are not ready to write words and therefore you may only see illustrations which is ok.
We have also reviewed the chart below. Often five and six year olds say "I'm done" and in writing we teach that you are never done because you can go back and add to the words, add to the pictures or start a new page or story.
Social Studies: This week we learned about maps. Students told me what they already knew about maps and we learned that they are usually an image from above that show certain things, but not everything. I showed them a sample of a map and then we created our own map of a town. Each child had the chance to add an important place in the town to the map. We talked about what our town needed for the citizens.
Choice Time: At the end of each day, we have enjoyed our play time. Students are loving to build and create. They are dressing up and pretending to be veterinarians tending to their animal patients.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mrs. McGee
From K Parents:
Hi OB Kindergarten Parents!
We would like to invite you to an OB Kindergarten parents’ night out! We know it can be difficult to juggle kids’ schedule and/ or get a sitter so even if one parent can make it that would be great :)
Thursday 9/26
6:30pm- 8:30pm
Chevy’s on Olive and 170
*This is NOT an OBPTO sponsored event so you are responsible for any food/ drink you would like to purchase.
We hope you can make it!
Lizzie Berman (Quinn, KW) and Courtney Swillinger (Reid, KW)
