Happy Spring Break! It was such a pleasure meeting with all of you and and sharing how much progress your child has made.
Please read the OB Newsletter.
Take a look at the information that came home about the American Heart Association. Students will be jumping rope and raising money for this foundation to save lives.
This week we looked at this picture. One boy took the ball from the other child. We talked about what to do if someone takes something from you. We talked about solutions possible for this situation. The boy was frustrated but stopped and thought about what to do, and he asked the boy if they wanted to play together.
One book we read this week is These Hands. It was about a grandpa that taught his grandson how to do so many things with his hands like play piano, tie shoes and hit a line drive. Then, he explained that he wasn't allowed to knead bread dough when he was younger because of his skin color. He explained to the boy how they marched and wrote petitions and were able to change the rules at the factory to allow everyone to do all the various jobs. The students really enjoyed the story and we had a great discussion afterwards.
For morning work this week, we worked on our math facts up to 5 as well as what numbers together make 10.
In reading this week, we talked more about avid reading, but using non-fiction stories. We learned that when you read non-fiction books, readers say wow when they learn new things, readers form questions they wonder, and students see fancy words that are possible new vocabulary words. We talked about the glossary at the back of the book as well.
This week during literacy centers, students read individually to me so I could measure their reading level and make sure they are book shopping for appropriate books and that I am providing the right instruction for my small groups.
In phonics (word work), we moved on to a new unit. We looked at pictures and had to decide what sounds we might hear and use our letter sound knowledge to create sound effects in speech bubbles. We looked at some poems as well and even performed them in small groups!
In art class, they are making fans! Mrs. Roth sent me this fun picture. This year students are working on art from Asia. If you've been up to Old Bonhomme, you have seen the amazing Asian artwork the students have produced. We are so lucky to have Mrs. Roth as our art teacher. Follow Mrs. Roth on Instagram @obartstudio.
In math, we worked on learning various strategies to add numbers to together. We drew pictures, used number lines, used mental math, and counted up. Students used dice to add numbers together.
In writing this week, we worked on writing letters. The letters had to be about a problem that they have at school or home. Students amazed me with their letters this week. I shared them with you conferences! These students are writing complete sentences that make sense and using lowercase letters and excellent spacing. Way to go KG writers!
As we all know, COVID 19 is all over the news, and the facts and recommendations are changing every day. We all need to be cautious of what we say and the news we expose to our children.
Also, there are all sorts of rumors swirling around about school cancellations. I am planning on seeing everyone on Monday, March 23rd! However, just in case our vacation is extended, OB is sending home with all students the home access information for Clever, etc. so that you have it to access resources.
Please keep it in a safe place and have a relaxing spring break.
Caroline McGee
