Gingerbread Man in connection to Reading Workshop: We read multiple versions of the Gingerbread Man, one by Karen Schmidt, and another by Jim Aylesworth, along with the Gingerbread Baby and Gingerbread Friends by Jan Brett. We compared the characters and changes in ending, which made for great predictions and connections. Take a look in your child’s home folder for activities created, and enjoy listening to your child retell the story to you. 
Reading Workshop: We continued reading and learning about Pattern Books. We have now experienced finding and hearing patterns in words at the beginning, and end of sentences within pages of the books. The exciting new lesson thing we found in some pattern books were what we called the “Surprise!” at the end of the book.
Writing Workshop: We bridged our knowledge of pattern books into our Writing Workshop lessons, and the children are developing great skill and awareness as they attempt to create their own personal pattern books. I am so proud of how well they are each creating a pattern using our Popcorn (sight) Words, but also using their strategies to stretch out sounds for the words they want to write and include in their books. It is exciting to see how easy their writing is becoming to read! We are writers!!
Math: Information arrived home regarding how a 10-group with extra ones creates teen numbers. I hope you and your child enjoy the blue cut out cards to use as manipulatives to practice the concept. We also continued to practice partner equations up to 5 for both addition and subtraction. The children are working hard to be alert and aware of which symbol (+ or -) to watch for before figuring out the answer.
Handwriting: This week we learned and practice the proper formation for the lowercase letters v, w and t, and learned how important it is to have good points on our v’s and w’s.
Mystery Reader: Ben’s mom, Mrs. Blake, surprised him this week as our Mystery Reader! Mrs. Blake shared with us a two stories perfect for the holidays titled, “Olive The Other Reindeer,” by Vivian Walsh, and “Snowmen At Night,” by Caralyn Buehner. Both stories provided us with many smiles and a few chuckles. Thank you, Mrs. Blake, for sharing these fun stories with us!
Super Stars: Our newest round began this week! The children are very excited to bring home a special backpack containing Kinder Cuddles the bear, our newest class member. Please keep a look out for this special Super Star activity to come to your house and please be sure to return all contents on the very next day of school for our next Super Star to enjoy. Thanks you!
Popcorn Words For the Week Were: “look,” “from,” and “run”
Important Information and Reminders:
- Holiday Gift Exchange: Remember to send in your child’s non-gendered gift book wrapped and tagged, “To a Friend, From (your child’s name),” by Monday, December 14. Please contact me with any questions. Thank you to everyone who has already sent theirs in.
- Holiday Spirit Week: Please click here to see the list of fun daily holiday items to wear this week!
- Library: Remember to return your child’s book, as we will visit on Wednesday. Thank you!
- Holiday Class Party: Will take place on Thursday, Dec. 17 from 12:45-1:45pm.
- No School: December 21-January 1. Children will return on Monday, January 4, 2016.
Take care and stay healthy,
: ) Mrs. Estefan