Rocks & Soil & Water: What a great collection of rocks! I was so impressed by the many different types of rocks you and your children were able to locate for our lesson. The egg cartons worked very well for organizing and sorting, and the children were very proud to show and discuss! We read many books and learned where they can be found, how they are formed, as well as looked for characteristics of size, shape, color and texture. We also learned about water and soil, and made many observations. Be sure to check the mini books that arrived home this week displaying their personal observations.
Soil Study:
Rock Study and Rock Museum:
Earth Day: After learning about Me on the Map, and that we live on planet Earth, it was fitting to enter into this week with Earth Day. Our planet Earth is very special and now we have a better understanding of how we can care for it. We learned about and now recognize the symbol to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. We are now very good at spotting it in our environment and understand how to sort it out. I am so proud of how conscious the children are. We even took a walk to our Paper Gator to see where Georgetown Elementary brings their paper in an effort to take care of our Earth. Along the way, the children found some litter and knew just what they had to do! Be sure to ask them about it!.
Reading Workshop: We are continuing to work on our practice of sight words along with building our stamina of reading “good fit” books. The children are growing in their fluency and are doing a great job of using their reading strategies. Thank you for all your efforts and encouragement with our Take Home Book program! The additional practice at home is truly making a difference and the children are very proud to read to our volunteers. 
Math: We continue with our math partners and enjoy creating partners using a ten group. This week, the children had the chance to create another Teen Number book from 11 to 19. They are confident in the ability to create a ten-group with extra ones, and their illustrations are becoming neat organized.
Mystery Reader: Mrs. Burri is good at keeping secrets, because her son, Kailand, had no idea that she would be coming to visit! She shared with us a Caldecott award-winning book titled, “A Tree is Nice,” by Janice May Udry. It was a sweet story about all the wonderful things a tree has to offer us. She also kept another special secret from the class that was kept inside a very large cardboard box. Inside she showed, shared and gifted each child with their very own tree seedling to take home and plant. The children were amazed by the roots and were so very thankful for this special gift. Thank you, Mrs. Burri, for reading to us and for helping us to make a great connection to our week long lesson about caring for our Earth!!
Super Stars of the Week Were: ! Taleah, Matthew, Lily, Luke and Ashlan! Thank you Super Stars for giving us all a good challenge with your cleaver clues!
Popcorn Words of the Week Were: “they,” “these”
Important Information and Reminders:
- Popcorn Words (Sight Words): Please encourage a quick daily practice of the colored words included in your child’s Take Home Book bag. A quick flash of the words each night provides good exposure and familiarity as they work to learn to read them. Thank you for your help.
- Take Home Books: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, so remember to take time to read and return it for a chance to read aloud with our volunteers and check out a new book! We are growing as readers!
- Library: Every Wednesday, so be sure to return your book.
- Backpack Snack: Everyday – remember to pack a healthy nut-free snack.
- Brown Grocery Bags: I appreciated your help with paper bag donations this week! Thank you!!!
- Field Trip: Thursday, May 5, 9:15am -2:00pm, Hemlock Crossings County Park followed by lunch and play at Huizenga Park/Timbertown. The Hemlock Crossings is allowing for 6 volunteers to assist with students. These volunteers have been notified by email. All other parents whose slips I have received are welcome to join us for a picnic lunch. Please check your email inbox.
- Kindergarten Olympics: Information regarding our Kindergarten Olympics arrived home with your child on Friday. If interested in volunteering to help with our group activities, please fill out the slip and return with your child next week. Thank you for considering!
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 30 – No school.
Spring sports and games are back in full swing for the children, so have fun and enjoy! I wish you all a beautiful weekend!
: ) Mrs. Estefan