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 wrap up Topic E and 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. Family Math ideas can be found here.
Math
We will wrap up Topic E and 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. Family Math ideas can be found here.
Centers
Thank you for answering the call to help at centers! Our center sign-up is nearly full. If none of the dates work for you right now, don't worry-- I am constantly adding more dates as the year goes on. There is no special experience required to help at centers 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.
Centers begin on October 5th and will run on Mondays and Tuesdays from 12:20 to 1:40 (the end of the kindergarten day). I'm looking forward to seeing many of you in the classroom in the upcoming weeks. And...don't forget to fill out the Volunteer Code of Conduct, and bring your driver's license when you sign in to help in the office, before coming to the classroom.
Kimochis
This week, the Kimochis® Character named Huggtopus will join our classroom to teach your child about the feelings silly, frustrated, excited, and proud. Huggtopus (or Huggs) is our Kimochis® Character who is strong and affectionate, but she sometimes gets a little carried away with her big, friendly personality. She might hug too tightly or play too roughly, which upsets her friends. This can be confusing and frustrating to Huggs because she doesn’t know why her friends say, “Don’t bother me.” With Huggtopus, your child is learning to read social cues, such as facial expressions, body language, and sounds from peers. Huggtopus also teaches children how to celebrate our differences. Huggs is a six-legged octopus and is proud that she is so unique!
*Remember to return your child's library book by Tuesday each week
This Week's Helpers
Wednesday: Library: Katelin (Reader), Prithvi (Check-out)
Upcoming Events
10/9-10/12: No School: October Mini-Break
10/16: Boot Scootin' Walkathon
10/19-10/23: Alta Vista Literati Book Fair
11/11: No School: Veteran's Day
