We wrapped up our week of discussions & videos around the "Zones of Regulation" by making our own "thermometer" on Friday that you hopefully all found in your child's backpack. We have one of these "thermometers" in class for children to utilize when they are having difficulty. It's a communication tool for them to express which zone they are in. I suggest you have them hang their own thermometer in a spot at home where you can also use it as a tool for your child when they are having big emotions.
Language Arts
We launched the Fundations program last week, and the children are doing so well with learning the routines and language of Fundations.
We used our Fundations whiteboards and notebooks last week to practice correct formation of the letter t. This week, we will be introducing b and f. Check that your children are holding their pencils correctly, as well as forming their letters correctly, by looking at the resources in the Fundations Home Support letter. We will share these home support letters weekly with you-- they are definitely worth checking out.
We will also continue with our drawing unit. This week, we will be working on drawing a house, school, and even a park.
Math
In last week's Wednesday envelope, you should have received parent tips for Topic A & B of Module 1. This week, we move onto Topic C. You will receive another newsletter, along with some number cards and tools to practice math at home. In Topic C, students begin to write numerals and experience more complex counting situations, like counting sounds and words that can be heard but not seen. They count out objects to match a given number. They also count to find out whether they have enough of something.
Kimochis
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 will teach 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.
Classroom Help Update
We still need your help!!! Last week, I sent out the sign-up for library readers & check-out desk helpers. There are still openings on this sign-up, including one for a reader on Wednesday the 18th.
We also still need a lead for the Halloween party and the Holiday party. Both these parties are pretty easy to plan because I have many center ideas. You would just need to coordinate the sign-ups for food and/or craft and game supplies, and be there at the party as a helper. Shelbie, our room parent, will also be able to assist, but she (and I) would appreciate one other person on the team to help coordinate things.
Thank you to Evelyn for volunteering to lead Clay and Emily for leading Art Vistas! These great school enrichment programs are funded by your generous donations to AVHSC through the CAGE drive. Although the CAGE drive officially ended yesterday, it's not too late to donate! Your donations help make these extra programs possible at Alta Vista, and any amount is greatly appreciated. Please consider donating here if you haven't already.
Finally, our room parent, Shelbie, is putting together a distribution list to send updates out about classroom parties and events. I sent a link yesterday (it is now working if you had trouble previously) for you to give your permission to Shelbie to have your email address. Please fill out this form to let me know if I can share your email address with Shelbie.
Be Seen & Heard Assemblies
As you have heard in communications from Union School District, the district will be hosting the "Be Seen & Heard" assembly virtually (we will view the livestream in the classroom) this Thursday, 9/12. Here is a brief summary about the K/1st grade content: This assembly will address the dangers of child sexual abuse, the differences between a safe and unsafe touch and a safe and unsafe secret, strategies to stay safe, and how to identify trusted adults. The phrase “sexual abuse” is not used. Please refer to the message sent through ParentSquare if you have any further questions about this assembly.
Library
This week your children will visit the school library for the first time! They will check out one book, which they will bring home on Wednesday. This book is due back by the following Wednesday. Children must bring back their book to check out a new book the following week, so please make sure you send back your child's book each week-- they get very disappointed when they can't check out a new book.
This Week's Helpers
Wednesday: Shelbie (Reader), Emily (Check-Out)
Upcoming Events
Thursday, 9/12: Be Seen & Heard Assembly
Tuesday, 9/24: Picture Day
Friday, 10/4: No School
