Thank you so much for filling up our center helper schedule through the end of 2022! I am so grateful for your help & look forward to seeing you in the classroom soon, and in the library even sooner (this week)! If you haven't filled out your Union School District Volunteer Code of Conduct Form, remember to complete that at least a week before you first volunteer, to allow time for it to process. As of last week, Union School District is no longer requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to volunteer. You simply have to fill out the Code of Conduct form once, and do the daily symptom check each time you volunteer. Thank you for your cooperation with this.
In language arts, we continue introducing letters and letter sounds using the Fundations reading program. We are introducing another vowel this week, Oo, as well as a consonant, Cc. Fundations uses a multi-sensory approach, emphasizing the correct formation of the letters while practicing them on a whiteboard and repeating aloud the letter name, sound, and key word (a picture that starts with the sound). You can get some valuable parent tips that include several ideas for practicing different skills with your child here. If you're also interested in further review of the letter sounds with your child, you can find the letter sound video we watch in class, called "The Better Alphabet Song" here. Our sight words this week are on and not.
Math
In
math, we will continue with the topic Numbers to 10. This week, we will have some math centers that focus on counting as well as number formation. More information on this topic can be found here.
SEL
I
hope you were able to hang your child's Zones of Regulation
poster somewhere in your house so that you can start using that language
to talk to your children about how they are feeling. This week, we will
introduce our first Kimochi (Kimochi means "Feeling" in Japanese),
Lovey Dove, who will teach
your child about the feelings proud, kind, and friendly. Lovey is the Character who is
sweet and nurturing. She is very wise and calm. She likes to cuddle and make everyone
feel better when they are upset. But sometimes Lovey Dove worries.
Children who have a temperament like Lovey’s can benefit from staying compassionate
and learning to worry less. Lovey taught your child how important it is to greet people
using their name and a “Friendly Signal.” Friendly Signals are communication tools,
such as a smile, wave, head nod, or saying hello. Being friendly is a rewarding habit that
children can learn to develop and use throughout their lifetime.
