Weekly Update…

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Posted by jstutz1 | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on January 9, 2021

1/4/21 – 1/8/21

We had a GREAT first week of 2021 in Kindergarten!  The Kindergarteners did FABULOUS!  They came back this week ready to learn and so excited to see their classmates, and I like to think their teacher too.  It was so good to be back together!  I am a VERY LUCKY Kindergarten teacher!  Can’t wait to tackle 2021 together with this awesome group of Kinders!

Popcorn Words:  at, that, was.  The Kinders did GREAT finding the word  “at” inside that.  They also learned that the “a” and “s” in was both do not make typical “a” or “s” sounds.  Noticing that letters sometimes make different sounds that we might not think of.  This is a popcorn word that cannot be easily sounded out using letter sounds.  Some words just need to be memorized, this is one of those words.  

Math:  This week we worked hard on putting shapes together to make new shapes, practiced teen numbers, discovering the hidden 10 behind teen numbers.  The Kinders LOVED sorting this week too.  They sorted pictures by shapes, colors, size, and different attributes.  

Writers Workshop:  This week we started a new writing genre: How-to writing!  This is a writing technique that the Kinders are being exposed to teaching them different types of writing.  They noticed how this kind of writing is not a story, it looks different.  It is a type of writing that teaches others “how-to” do something.  Learning that authors also write to teach or show others about something that they are “experts” at.  We LOVED thinking of things that we could teach others, what are we “experts” at?  The Kinders made a great list as a class.  We have experts at video games, taking care of pets, sledding, crafts and so much more!  The Kinders enjoyed looking at several “How-to” books during our writing time to see how they are written.  Noticing how the writers have steps in order, pictures that match the steps, and short sentences to match.  We worked together to do a couple How-to writing papers this week.  Putting the steps in order and writing a sentence to match.  The Kinders did a How-to on Making a Snowman, Making Hot Chocolate, and Getting Ready for School.  We REALLY enjoyed making the How-to Make a Rainbow in a Jar and Tornadoe in a Bottle!!

Readers Workshop:  This week the Kinders added a new tool for reading, a Reading Mat.  The Kinders made their own reading mats and then learned how to use them.  They learned that first, they put their books in a stack from hardest to read books to easiest to read books on the green side of their mat.  Then they read their books from front to back and top to bottom of their stack.  Moving each book to the red side of their mat.  Then they do it all over again and move the books back to the green side as they read their stack.  We practiced our reading stamina during readers workshop as we used our Reading Mats this week.  We also discovered that some books have patterns in them and these patterns can help us read books.  The Kinders worked together in finding patterns in books and also noticing that sometimes at the end of books with patterns there is a surprise ending, the pattern changes. They loved spreading out for a Readers Workshop “mask break.”

Literacy Centers:  This week we started Literacy Centers.  During this time I am lucky to get help for 30 min. daily with para-pro support.  The goal during this time is to be able to work with small groups on intensive Literacy Skills to build each Kinders Reading ability.  Your Kinder will get to work with either me or a para-pro (Mrs. DeGroote or Mrs. Bynum) 2-3 times a week during this Literacy Center time.  These centers may include Independent Activities  (reading to a stuffed animal, using a whisper phone to read, letter writing, word work, write the room activities, and several other literacy skill-building tasks).

New Years Resolutions:  This week we talked about New Years Resolutions.  Focusing on how we can make goals and work hard to reach those goals.  The Kinders each made their own New Years Resolution Writing craft.  We decided as a class that we all wanted to set a goal of Being Nice and then came up with individual goals we wanted to work towards. Some wanting to help others, be thankful, rollerblade better, run faster, and many more.  With the spirit of Resolutions, I also sent home a Literacy Progress Report for your Kinder.  This report is a look at your Kinders current ability.  We will continue to work hard on building these skills at school.  Our Take-Home Book Program (starts on Monday, Jan. 11) will also help reinforce your Kinders ability in this area.  Please reach out if you have ANY questions.

Birthday Celebrations of the week:

Happy 1/2 Birthday Jaxton!

Donations:

  • THANK YOU SO MUCH for the graham crackers and wipes!!  They are so appreciated!!!

Reminders:

  • Please be sure to pack 2 snacks daily.  We have an a.m. and p.m. snack time daily.
  • We NO LONGER need a towel, blanket, or cuddle buddy for quiet time.  As our curriculum grows our time of instruction increases as well.  
  • Water Bottles…Please be sure to pack a daily water bottle.  
  • Winter Gear…THANK YOU so much for sending in your Kinder’s Winter Gear!  It was  A LOT of fun playing in the snow this week!!

Upcoming Dates:

  • Monday, Jan. 11…LIBRARY, STEAM, Help your Kinder return their Library book.  Take-Home Books Come Home today.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 12…MUSIC
  • Wednesday, Jan. 13…GYM, Homework Packet Due
  • Thursday, Jan. 14…ART, Jet’s Pizza Night
  • Friday, Jan. 15…STEAM, Nora 1/2 Birthday, Early Release – 12:15 p.m. dismissal.

Photos from the week:

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