Language Arts
For the past week-plus, we have been rolling out our literacy centers which enable me to provide small group instruction in reading. We started with an app called Lexia Core 5, which is an adaptive reading program that teaches children concepts until they've mastered them before moving onto the next concept. I have also introduced a center called "Word Work," which are different literacy games and hands-on activities. This week, we will begin going to the writing center, and another center called "independent work" where they will have reading passages or other differentiated seatwork. Once all centers are introduced, a small group of students will be meeting with me each day while the rest of the class is engaged in the other literacy centers. Your children will be receiving lessons targeted for their ability level in a small group instruction setting.
We are beginning the 3rd week of the Fundations program this week. So far, we've introduced the letters and sounds of: Tt, Ff, Bb, Mm, and Nn. This week we will introduce our first vowels: Ii and Uu. This means that we can start blending the sounds we've learned so far to read words like: fun, but, it and in. Please check in with your children and make sure they recognize all the letters we've introduced so far, as well as know their sounds. For helpful resources to reinforce learning at home, please check out the activities mentioned each week in the Fundations Family Letter. In this week's letter, there are some great ideas about how to build print awareness and rhyming skills, which we've also been working on in class.
Math
We will begin Topic F this week in math. Topic F provides space to practice counting while students learn to write 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. Students count things that happen over time, like a person’s jumps or the runs in a baseball game, and see that writing numbers is a good way to record and remember that information.
Math
We will begin Topic F this week in math. Topic F provides space to practice counting while students learn to write 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. Students count things that happen over time, like a person’s jumps or the runs in a baseball game, and see that writing numbers is a good way to record and remember that information.
Music
Music class has begun! We had our first lesson with Mr. Jason (same music teacher students had in TK) on Thursday, and we will continue to have lessons every week now. Mr. Jason teaches the children songs and talks about basic music theory in a fun and engaging way. Thanks to the Alta Vista Home & School Club for supporting this wonderful enrichment program.
Centers
And...since we have our music schedule now, I can begin scheduling classroom centers! I highly encourage everyone to sign up, even if it is only once, for classroom centers. This is a great way to meet all the children in the class and see your child in the classroom setting. There is no special experience required except a willingness to help students with their center project (usually a craft, game, or activity). You will be working with groups of about 6 students for 15-30 minute rotations. Ideally, two parent helpers are in the room at a time. Kindergarten is definitely the year to help in the classroom-- as your students get older, less and less support is requested in the classroom, so I really encourage you to get involved! Grandparents, nannies, and other family members are also welcome. Just remember to fill out the Volunteer Code of Conduct first!
Centers begin on October 6th and will run on Mondays and Tuesdays from 12:20 to 1:40 (the end of the kindergarten day).
Art Vistas
We will have our first Art Vista lesson on Friday. Art Vista lessons start with looking at prints from classic artists, followed by a lesson on some aspect of those prints (foreground, line, color, etc.) Thank you to Anda for coordinating these lessons, and to Kay, Mary, Nadia, and Fatemeh for supporting the lessons.
*Remember to return your child's library book by Tuesday each week
This Week's Helpers & Activities
Wednesday: Library @ 9:10 (Brian--Reader & Natharin--Checkout)
Friday: Art Vistas @ 12:20 (Anda, Mary, Fatemeh, Kay, Nadia)
Upcoming Events
Friday, 10/10: No School: Staff Development Day
Monday, 10/13: No School: Federal Holiday
Friday, 10/17: Walkathon
Tuesday, 11/11: No School: Veteran's Day
11/13-11/21: Parent-Teacher Conferences