Handwriting: We have officially completed the last of the lowercase letters (f, q, x and z)! It is hard to believe that we have officially learned the proper formation for all of the uppercase and lowercase letters! Now the review and consistent application begins. Please encourage and help your child with proper formation when they are writing. From their first and last name, to homework, to writing letters to family members. The more they practice and apply their knowledge, the more naturally it will feel. Thank you for your continued support!
Writing Workshop: We have begun our newest unit called, “How To’s.” In these latest lessons, we have discussed the procedure on “How To” make something like a snowman or how to do something like order hot lunch, and the steps involved in each. The children wrote their How To’s with steps including what happened “First, Next, Then and Last.” I cannot express how exciting it was to see the children take off with their writing this week! It is amazing what Kindergartners are capable of!
Take Home Books: The children are SO excited to have this new homework and be able to show off their reading skills each Monday, Wednesday and Friday! Please help your child remember to return their book baggie EACH Monday, Wednesday and Friday so that they are consistent with their read aloud practice and are able to check out a new book each time to build their reading experiences. Please fill out the parent signature sheet so I know that your child is practicing at home. You are welcome to include any comments or observations that you feel may be helpful.
Math: Unit 3 Assessments were sent home with your child this week. I am very pleased with their comprehension and application. We are well on our way into Unit 4. We are working with partners of 10 using a break apart stick and the children are doing well with this process. More partner work can be found in their math homework.
Mystery Reader: Luke blushed and had the biggest smile on his face when his mom entered into our classroom this week as the Mystery Reader! Ms. Uhlig shared two wonderful classics with us that everyone loved. “Where the Wild Things Are,” by Maurice Sendack caused the children to wonder and ask at the end of the story, “Was he dreaming the whole time?” She then shared the story, “The Mitten,” by Jan Brett, another story causing the children to ask the question, do the main characters know why one mitten is so much bigger than the other? Thank you, Ms. Uhlig, for sharing with us these two special stories!
Super Stars For The Week Were: Gabriel, Lucah, Rory, Taelyn, and Braden!
We began our next round and the children are very excited to share their favorite read aloud book from home with the class. Here are some of the great stories from our Super Stars that we enjoyed this week: “Pigsty,” by Mark Teague, “Curious George: A Winter’s Nap,” by Marcy Goldberg Sacks and Priya Giri Desai, “Rosie Revere, Engineer,” by Andrea Beaty, and “There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell,” by Lucille Colandro, and “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish,” by Dr. Seuss. Thanks for the great stories!!
Popcorn Words for the Week: “with,” “big”
Important Information and Reminders:
- Mid-Winter Break: No School Monday, Feb. 8 and Tuesday, Feb. 9.
- Valentine Exchange: There are two more days for your child to deliver their Valentine’s! Please be sure to have your child cut out and attach the hearts with their classmates names to each card. This has been a helpful way for them to read and match names when delivering.
- Valentine’s Party: We will celebrate as a class on Friday, Feb. 12 from 12:45-1:45pm. Thank you to all the parents who have assisted me with the preparations and donations!
- Box Tops: Due Monday, February 15. You can download this form WinterHatsMittens or pick up one from the main office.
- 100 Days Celebration: Will take place Tuesday, Feb. 16. Please send collections to school on Tues., Feb. 16, and note that collections will be returned home on the same day. I know it will be so much fun for the children to share. Thank you for assisting your child with this great math learning opportunity!
- Library: Please help your child return their book each Wednesday. Thank you!
- Winter Clothing: THANK YOU for sending your child with all that they need to stay warm and dry outside.
- No School: Monday, March 7 – Records Day.
I wish everyone a nice extended weekend and look forward seeing the children at school on Wednesday, February 10!
: ) Mrs. Estefan