Dear Families,
Happy Fall! I look forward to meeting with each of you next week during our parent-teacher conferences! Thank you for taking time out of your schedules to meet with me in the middle of the day. I know it is inconvenient, but it only happens once a year, so it is very important! Thank you for being flexible!
Here are some highlights for the week:
• Language Arts: We worked on many of the letters this week including R, S, T, U, and V. We have been learning a song that teaches us all of the vowels (A, E, I, O, U). Have your child sing you the song! We have also been reviewing a song called Clap Your Name about how many syllables we have in our name. In addition, we started a color book this week. We made a red ladybug and a green frog!
• Social Studies: Congratulations to Caroline, who was chosen as our third Star of the Week! You can read about her in the “Classwork” section of our website, and click under “Star of the Week.”
• Math: We are starting the second unit in our math books on shapes and patterns. We are identifying, drawing, and sorting shapes such as circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles. We read a story called Pancakes, and we also played a math game to help us practice identifying colors and shapes.
• Computer Lab: This week we continued our project from last week, which was illustrating our Apple Tree poem. Thank you to all the extra moms that came to help this week! We had 8 helpers =) As the students get more and more used to opening files and using the Kidpix software, we will need less help. However, for now, it is so helpful because we can print and save files much quicker! Thank you!!! You can see our Apple Tree drawings in the “Classwork” section of our website! If you do not see your child’s drawing, that means they did not do the project.
• Library: This was the first time we checked out a book from the Eaton library. I talked to the students about how to choose a book that is good for homework. I encouraged them to find a book that has lots of pictures and not too many words or pages (like a chapter book), because they need to be able to read it during the week. Please remember to return the whole homework envelope every Friday, with the homework packet, library book, and library journal inside. Remember that homework is encouraged, but not mandatory. Some days you just might not have time, so you can choose what you want your child to focus on for that week. Spending time with your child each night is what is important, and reading with them is always a positive way to bond with them!
• Buddies: On Thursday, we met our fourth grade buddies for the second time! We made a fall leaves project. We used tear art to tear red, orange, and yellow papers to decorate our leaves. You can see these pictures as well in the “Classwork” section of our website under new September decorations!
• Science: This week we talked about our five senses! We learned that our five senses are seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and feeling. We also learned that this week, the season changed from summer to fall (or autumn). We described fall using our five senses. In addition, during Friday centers today, we learned the life cycle of apples using the apples we brought to school! We learned that is changes from a seed to a tree, and then blossoms grow, and finally apples emerge!
• Art: Today in Friday centers with Ms. Shama, we decorated our red t-shirts using finger paint! We made a picture using only dots, and students were able to choose any kind of decoration of their choice. The shirts are drying now and will be ready to take home next week!
• Volunteers: Thank you to Siddharth’s mom for correcting the weekly homework packets for us. Thank you also to Mia’s family for helping to prepare all the math work for the year. Furthermore, thank you to Sreenidhi’s mom for helping to prepare the weekly homework packets at home! It is so wonderful to be able to ask for help, and to have more than enough parents to offer to help. Thank you so much!
Have a great weekend! I’m going to be an auntie on Sunday!!! My older sister is delivering identical twin girls on Sunday! =)
Friday, September 24, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
September 16, 2010
Dear Families,
This was another short week! On Monday, your child brought home their “cool-colored” Kindergarten Keepbook Box. Please remember to put them somewhere where your child can access them whenever they want to read. I told the students a good place may be in their room, such as in their closet, on a shelf, or under the bed. We have many mini-books this year, so please keep them altogether!
Here are some highlights for the week:
• Language Arts: We worked on many of the letters this week including N, O, P, and Q. Our handwriting is starting to look better and I am seeing good control on holding the pencil correctly! Many of the students can copy the letters if they have an example, but cannot write it properly on their own. This will be our next step. Keep practicing at home! This week we also read the story, “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom,” and its sequel, “Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3.” We made a coconut tree project using the letters in our name, just like the story!
• Social Studies: Congratulations to Nobuaki, who was chosen as our second Star of the Week! You can read about him in the “Classwork” section of our website, and click under “Star of the Week.” Please remember to take care of Beebear if you take him home for the weekend. He is pretty old, so he needs to be treated gently! Thanks!
• Math: We completed the first unit of our math books, which covered a lot of vocabulary such as before/after, top/middle/bottom, inside/outside, and between. We also should know how to sort by color, shape, or size, and be able to fill out a bar graph. We have also been learning about patterns in the calendar routine, and we are working on AB patterns.
• Computer Lab: This week we started our first project using the software, Kidpix. We are illustrating our September poem called, The Apple Tree. We learned how to open our folders and open our project files. We also learned how to type our name using a capital letter in the beginning. Then we started learning to draw a tree using the rectangle shape tool and paint bucket. Thank you to Shaunak’s mom, Rylee’s mom, Kai-Ting’s mom, Anthony’s mom, and Caroline’s mom for helping in computer lab (which is by far the craziest time because almost every student needs help!) We need all the extra help we can get in the computer lab, so if you are also able to volunteer every Wednesday from 11:40-12:20, please let me know!
• Library: This was our second visit to the library. Mrs. Glass read us a story, and then reviewed the library rules: walking feet, whisper voices, using a shelf marker to find books, putting books away, and reading quietly at the tables. Please begin getting in the habit of reading with or to your child every night, even just a few minutes. We want students to learn to love reading, or at this stage, love to hear stories, look at pictures, and think about what’s happening in the story. We will begin checking out books next week, so homework will include the reading journals as well as the regular weekly packets. Please return the homework envelope and book every Friday!
• Music: We saw Ms. Disney again on Thursday. We sang animal songs this week. She even had enough stuffed animals for us to choose from, and we identified the animals that could walk vs. fly vs. swim vs. hop, etc. In music, we are trying to remember when it is ok to be silly and when it is time to be quiet. Thank you to the volunteers who came this week: Shaunak’s mom, Kai-Ting’s mom, Rylee’s mom, and Vivian’s mom.
• Assembly: On Wednesday, we had a special assembly for just our class from Officer Pete and Deputy Dane. Both of them came into our classroom to talk to us about strangers. We learned how to know a good stranger (such as a teacher at Eaton you might not know) vs. a bad stranger (someone dangerous), and they taught us not to talk to strangers. We also learned what to do if a stranger tries to talk to us! Also, Officer Pete showed us all the equipment he carries on his belt, including a gun. He told us that guns are very dangerous and that is why we do not even pretend to shoot a gun. There is NO pretend fighting or shooting at Eaton school because we want to be safe and be friendly to each other.
• Homework: This week we started our weekly homework packets. Remember to check your child’s work and explain anything they have made mistakes on. You can return these at the end of each week (usually Friday).
Theresa (Jon’s mother) has set up a google group for parents. If you haven’t already, please remember to join the group so you can stay connected with our class information! Have a great long weekend!
This was another short week! On Monday, your child brought home their “cool-colored” Kindergarten Keepbook Box. Please remember to put them somewhere where your child can access them whenever they want to read. I told the students a good place may be in their room, such as in their closet, on a shelf, or under the bed. We have many mini-books this year, so please keep them altogether!
Here are some highlights for the week:
• Language Arts: We worked on many of the letters this week including N, O, P, and Q. Our handwriting is starting to look better and I am seeing good control on holding the pencil correctly! Many of the students can copy the letters if they have an example, but cannot write it properly on their own. This will be our next step. Keep practicing at home! This week we also read the story, “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom,” and its sequel, “Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3.” We made a coconut tree project using the letters in our name, just like the story!
• Social Studies: Congratulations to Nobuaki, who was chosen as our second Star of the Week! You can read about him in the “Classwork” section of our website, and click under “Star of the Week.” Please remember to take care of Beebear if you take him home for the weekend. He is pretty old, so he needs to be treated gently! Thanks!
• Math: We completed the first unit of our math books, which covered a lot of vocabulary such as before/after, top/middle/bottom, inside/outside, and between. We also should know how to sort by color, shape, or size, and be able to fill out a bar graph. We have also been learning about patterns in the calendar routine, and we are working on AB patterns.
• Computer Lab: This week we started our first project using the software, Kidpix. We are illustrating our September poem called, The Apple Tree. We learned how to open our folders and open our project files. We also learned how to type our name using a capital letter in the beginning. Then we started learning to draw a tree using the rectangle shape tool and paint bucket. Thank you to Shaunak’s mom, Rylee’s mom, Kai-Ting’s mom, Anthony’s mom, and Caroline’s mom for helping in computer lab (which is by far the craziest time because almost every student needs help!) We need all the extra help we can get in the computer lab, so if you are also able to volunteer every Wednesday from 11:40-12:20, please let me know!
• Library: This was our second visit to the library. Mrs. Glass read us a story, and then reviewed the library rules: walking feet, whisper voices, using a shelf marker to find books, putting books away, and reading quietly at the tables. Please begin getting in the habit of reading with or to your child every night, even just a few minutes. We want students to learn to love reading, or at this stage, love to hear stories, look at pictures, and think about what’s happening in the story. We will begin checking out books next week, so homework will include the reading journals as well as the regular weekly packets. Please return the homework envelope and book every Friday!
• Music: We saw Ms. Disney again on Thursday. We sang animal songs this week. She even had enough stuffed animals for us to choose from, and we identified the animals that could walk vs. fly vs. swim vs. hop, etc. In music, we are trying to remember when it is ok to be silly and when it is time to be quiet. Thank you to the volunteers who came this week: Shaunak’s mom, Kai-Ting’s mom, Rylee’s mom, and Vivian’s mom.
• Assembly: On Wednesday, we had a special assembly for just our class from Officer Pete and Deputy Dane. Both of them came into our classroom to talk to us about strangers. We learned how to know a good stranger (such as a teacher at Eaton you might not know) vs. a bad stranger (someone dangerous), and they taught us not to talk to strangers. We also learned what to do if a stranger tries to talk to us! Also, Officer Pete showed us all the equipment he carries on his belt, including a gun. He told us that guns are very dangerous and that is why we do not even pretend to shoot a gun. There is NO pretend fighting or shooting at Eaton school because we want to be safe and be friendly to each other.
• Homework: This week we started our weekly homework packets. Remember to check your child’s work and explain anything they have made mistakes on. You can return these at the end of each week (usually Friday).
Theresa (Jon’s mother) has set up a google group for parents. If you haven’t already, please remember to join the group so you can stay connected with our class information! Have a great long weekend!
Friday, September 10, 2010
September 10, 2010
Dear Families,
This was a short week. Everyday we are working on following our carpet rules, working rules, and lining up rules. We are also talking about how to treat others in the classroom and on the playground with respect. We are learning to share and we are learning to use our words to communicate with each other. I hope that this year the children will learn how to be kind to one another.
Here are some highlights for the week:
• Language Arts: We worked on the letters J, K, L, and M this week. Please review all of our alphabet letters at home, and have your child practice writing their own name properly. We have also been learning a new song called, “Clap Your Name,” where we clap the number of syllables in everyone’s name.
• Social Studies: Congratulations to Siddharth, who was chosen as our first Star of the Week! We interviewed him and learned ten facts about Siddharth. Afterwards, we made a class book for him. Over the weekend, Siddharth finished his poster and Beebear’s journal. He did a great job sharing his poster to the class. You can read about Siddharth in the “Classwork” section of our website, and click under “Star of the Week” near the top of the page. I will update information on the Star of the Week blog every week.
• Math: We completed the third chapter in the first unit of our math book. This week was all about graphing. We learned how to read graphs and figure out which is more or less popular. We also had a chance to make our own graphs and interview classmates to fill in the data. We know how to make bar graphs on our own. Some bar graphs start from the bottom to top. Other bar graphs start from left to right. Some bar graphs are colored in completely to form a “bar”, other graphs are made from pictures of objects. Those are called picture graphs. We use graphing a lot in Kindergarten!
• Computer Lab: This was our first time in the computer lab. We learned some of the rules of the computer lab and how to use the mouse. We had free exploration time on the software program, KidPix. We also learned how to do “Apple-Q” to quit a program.
• Buddies: We met our fourth grade buddies from Ms. Allen’s class on Thursday! They came over to our class and we were paired up with a big buddy. Our first activity was to interview each other and find out our buddy’s favorite color, animal, activity, and food. Then we illustrated a picture of ourselves and our buddies drew pictures too!
• Art: This week we learned a poem about apple cores. We learned how to make “tear-art,” which is when we rip paper edges instead of using scissors. This is because for some projects we want a “torn” look. We practiced using glue stick properly by gluing all of the edges of the paper, and we learned how to keep our fingers and table clean when we glue!
• Friday Centers: We painted our shoeboxes with Ms. Shama today! We got to use big paintbrushes and we used cool colors (green, blue, and purple) to paint all the sides of our boxes. They will dry over the weekend. Also, we made a math project where we used rulers to make a beehive. We used our thumbprints to make bees and we showed the difference between: inside, outside, and on the beehive.
• Assembly: Today we had a special musical assembly by Gary Lapow called, “Our Bodies Are Our Buddies.” Gary Lapow writes songs using his guitar to teach about different things. This assembly was about eating right and exercising to stay healthy!
Thank you for returning all the paperwork from Back-to-School night so promptly. If you haven’t yet, please return at least the website permission form! Thank you to all of our volunteers so far:
- Room Parents: Lalitha and Theresa
- Library Helper: Sandra
- Music Helpers: Sujata, Ashley, and Sherry
- Computer Helpers: Sandra, Sujata, Sherry, JeeHyun, and Lana
- Art Helpers: Maria, Sujata, Anni, and Naoko (Nanaka’s mom)
- Friday Helpers: Lalitha (AM), Rachel (PM), Naoko (Konoka’s mom), and Mari
Thank you for those of you who signed up to help at home. At this time, I am not sure what areas we need help with. I will email you if we need help! Thank you!
Thank you also to everyone who signed up to help with traffic duty in November. I will send a reminder as we get closer to our traffic duty week. Again, if you haven’t signed up for a slot, please consider doing so and return the sign up sheet from Back to School night. Thank you for your help!
Next week will also be a short week. If you haven’t, please remember to bring your child’s red T-shirt next week. We will be decorating them to wear for our field trips. I will also try to send home information about parent conferences next week. The dates are TBD. Have a wonderful weekend!
This was a short week. Everyday we are working on following our carpet rules, working rules, and lining up rules. We are also talking about how to treat others in the classroom and on the playground with respect. We are learning to share and we are learning to use our words to communicate with each other. I hope that this year the children will learn how to be kind to one another.
Here are some highlights for the week:
• Language Arts: We worked on the letters J, K, L, and M this week. Please review all of our alphabet letters at home, and have your child practice writing their own name properly. We have also been learning a new song called, “Clap Your Name,” where we clap the number of syllables in everyone’s name.
• Social Studies: Congratulations to Siddharth, who was chosen as our first Star of the Week! We interviewed him and learned ten facts about Siddharth. Afterwards, we made a class book for him. Over the weekend, Siddharth finished his poster and Beebear’s journal. He did a great job sharing his poster to the class. You can read about Siddharth in the “Classwork” section of our website, and click under “Star of the Week” near the top of the page. I will update information on the Star of the Week blog every week.
• Math: We completed the third chapter in the first unit of our math book. This week was all about graphing. We learned how to read graphs and figure out which is more or less popular. We also had a chance to make our own graphs and interview classmates to fill in the data. We know how to make bar graphs on our own. Some bar graphs start from the bottom to top. Other bar graphs start from left to right. Some bar graphs are colored in completely to form a “bar”, other graphs are made from pictures of objects. Those are called picture graphs. We use graphing a lot in Kindergarten!
• Computer Lab: This was our first time in the computer lab. We learned some of the rules of the computer lab and how to use the mouse. We had free exploration time on the software program, KidPix. We also learned how to do “Apple-Q” to quit a program.
• Buddies: We met our fourth grade buddies from Ms. Allen’s class on Thursday! They came over to our class and we were paired up with a big buddy. Our first activity was to interview each other and find out our buddy’s favorite color, animal, activity, and food. Then we illustrated a picture of ourselves and our buddies drew pictures too!
• Art: This week we learned a poem about apple cores. We learned how to make “tear-art,” which is when we rip paper edges instead of using scissors. This is because for some projects we want a “torn” look. We practiced using glue stick properly by gluing all of the edges of the paper, and we learned how to keep our fingers and table clean when we glue!
• Friday Centers: We painted our shoeboxes with Ms. Shama today! We got to use big paintbrushes and we used cool colors (green, blue, and purple) to paint all the sides of our boxes. They will dry over the weekend. Also, we made a math project where we used rulers to make a beehive. We used our thumbprints to make bees and we showed the difference between: inside, outside, and on the beehive.
• Assembly: Today we had a special musical assembly by Gary Lapow called, “Our Bodies Are Our Buddies.” Gary Lapow writes songs using his guitar to teach about different things. This assembly was about eating right and exercising to stay healthy!
Thank you for returning all the paperwork from Back-to-School night so promptly. If you haven’t yet, please return at least the website permission form! Thank you to all of our volunteers so far:
- Room Parents: Lalitha and Theresa
- Library Helper: Sandra
- Music Helpers: Sujata, Ashley, and Sherry
- Computer Helpers: Sandra, Sujata, Sherry, JeeHyun, and Lana
- Art Helpers: Maria, Sujata, Anni, and Naoko (Nanaka’s mom)
- Friday Helpers: Lalitha (AM), Rachel (PM), Naoko (Konoka’s mom), and Mari
Thank you for those of you who signed up to help at home. At this time, I am not sure what areas we need help with. I will email you if we need help! Thank you!
Thank you also to everyone who signed up to help with traffic duty in November. I will send a reminder as we get closer to our traffic duty week. Again, if you haven’t signed up for a slot, please consider doing so and return the sign up sheet from Back to School night. Thank you for your help!
Next week will also be a short week. If you haven’t, please remember to bring your child’s red T-shirt next week. We will be decorating them to wear for our field trips. I will also try to send home information about parent conferences next week. The dates are TBD. Have a wonderful weekend!
Friday, September 03, 2010
September 3, 2010
Dear Families,
I’m glad so many of you were able to make it yesterday to Back to School Night! I apologize for speaking so quickly and rushing through many things, but there is so much to cover! Remember to take time to look over the website if you ever have questions about our classroom procedures. If you were unable to attend, I have sent home our Back to School Night packet in your child’s yellow or blue daily folder. Please look through all the materials and return the forms included.
I mentioned homework last night; which includes library take home book and journal, sharing, monthly packets, and weekly packets. Only the September Homework packet has started, and that will be due October 1st. Sharing begins the week of September 20th and library take home book and journals will begin in October. I will try to send the weekly homework packets in the next few weeks.
Here are some highlights for the week:
• Language Arts: We worked on the letters E, F, G, H, and I this week. Remember to keep these Kindergarten Keep Books together in a safe place! We learned the sounds of the letters and how to write each letter properly. We are even learning sign language! Ask your child to show you the alphabet up to letter I in sign language and tell you all the sounds! Also, we sang the song, “The Wheels on the Bus” and changed the verses each time. We made school buses and drew children in the windows.
• Social Studies: We are beginning our Star of the Week program today. We will select a child each week to learn about. We will interview them by asking them questions, and then afterwards we complete a book about things that they like. The Star of the Week completes their posters at home and they get to bring Beebear home for the weekend!
• Math: We completed the second chapter in our math books on sorting. Each day,
we used colored foam shape manipulatives to practice sorting by same colors (i.e. red, blue, and yellow), by same shapes (ie. squares, triangles, rectangles, circles), or by size (i.e. large and small).
• Library: We had our first library visit this week. We met Mrs. Glass and learned about the library rules. We need to use walking feet, whisper voices, and we have special shelf markers to help us remember where we found our books. Students have time to read different books in the library and learn how to put them back in the correct spot. We will not be checking out books until October.
• Music: We met Ms. Disney for the first time this week. She is a wonderful music teacher who has great discipline and control of the classroom. During music, she focuses a lot on movement, rhythm, and beats, instead of just singing songs like we do in the classroom. When we first started, we moved in a circle to different drum sounds that reminded us of skipping, jumping, hopping, tip-toe-ing, sliding, or galloping. Then we did some rhythm patterns using our names. We clapped everyone’s names and made different rhythms. We will see her every other week.
• Art: We also met Ms. Abada for the first time this week! She is also a wonderful art teacher and she does really unique projects with the kids. We went to the art room and she taught us about cityscapes. We learned about the city of Chicago and talked about what type of buildings are in cities. Then we used all sorts of cardboard, wallpaper, stickers, film, markers, etc. to build our own cityscapes. Afterwards, we learned how to help clean up our scraps, glue, scissors, and markers. We need to remember not to leave a mess, and instead return everything to its proper place.
• Friday Centers: Today, we practiced our AB patterns again by gluing red and blue squares down. We have been practicing AB patterns on our calendar as well. Next, Ms. Shama helped us make apple handprints using our palm, thumb, and pointer finger. We also illustrated a Kindergarten Keep Book about “The Pledge of Allegiance.”
Thank you for filling out the forms and paperwork from last night. Please return them as soon as possible. I will be contacting classroom volunteers through email as soon as I can, so we can have help in the classroom. Thank you! Have a great long weekend!
I’m glad so many of you were able to make it yesterday to Back to School Night! I apologize for speaking so quickly and rushing through many things, but there is so much to cover! Remember to take time to look over the website if you ever have questions about our classroom procedures. If you were unable to attend, I have sent home our Back to School Night packet in your child’s yellow or blue daily folder. Please look through all the materials and return the forms included.
I mentioned homework last night; which includes library take home book and journal, sharing, monthly packets, and weekly packets. Only the September Homework packet has started, and that will be due October 1st. Sharing begins the week of September 20th and library take home book and journals will begin in October. I will try to send the weekly homework packets in the next few weeks.
Here are some highlights for the week:
• Language Arts: We worked on the letters E, F, G, H, and I this week. Remember to keep these Kindergarten Keep Books together in a safe place! We learned the sounds of the letters and how to write each letter properly. We are even learning sign language! Ask your child to show you the alphabet up to letter I in sign language and tell you all the sounds! Also, we sang the song, “The Wheels on the Bus” and changed the verses each time. We made school buses and drew children in the windows.
• Social Studies: We are beginning our Star of the Week program today. We will select a child each week to learn about. We will interview them by asking them questions, and then afterwards we complete a book about things that they like. The Star of the Week completes their posters at home and they get to bring Beebear home for the weekend!
• Math: We completed the second chapter in our math books on sorting. Each day,
we used colored foam shape manipulatives to practice sorting by same colors (i.e. red, blue, and yellow), by same shapes (ie. squares, triangles, rectangles, circles), or by size (i.e. large and small).
• Library: We had our first library visit this week. We met Mrs. Glass and learned about the library rules. We need to use walking feet, whisper voices, and we have special shelf markers to help us remember where we found our books. Students have time to read different books in the library and learn how to put them back in the correct spot. We will not be checking out books until October.
• Music: We met Ms. Disney for the first time this week. She is a wonderful music teacher who has great discipline and control of the classroom. During music, she focuses a lot on movement, rhythm, and beats, instead of just singing songs like we do in the classroom. When we first started, we moved in a circle to different drum sounds that reminded us of skipping, jumping, hopping, tip-toe-ing, sliding, or galloping. Then we did some rhythm patterns using our names. We clapped everyone’s names and made different rhythms. We will see her every other week.
• Art: We also met Ms. Abada for the first time this week! She is also a wonderful art teacher and she does really unique projects with the kids. We went to the art room and she taught us about cityscapes. We learned about the city of Chicago and talked about what type of buildings are in cities. Then we used all sorts of cardboard, wallpaper, stickers, film, markers, etc. to build our own cityscapes. Afterwards, we learned how to help clean up our scraps, glue, scissors, and markers. We need to remember not to leave a mess, and instead return everything to its proper place.
• Friday Centers: Today, we practiced our AB patterns again by gluing red and blue squares down. We have been practicing AB patterns on our calendar as well. Next, Ms. Shama helped us make apple handprints using our palm, thumb, and pointer finger. We also illustrated a Kindergarten Keep Book about “The Pledge of Allegiance.”
Thank you for filling out the forms and paperwork from last night. Please return them as soon as possible. I will be contacting classroom volunteers through email as soon as I can, so we can have help in the classroom. Thank you! Have a great long weekend!
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