Parent Teacher Conferences: Thank you!! I so enjoyed visiting with you all this past week for our Parent Teacher Conferences. It was a pleasure to share the exciting Kindergarten goals that we are working towards this year, but most of all to share the strides your Kindergartners have made in these first two months of school. Your interest and support is appreciated and I look forward to working with you and your child this year.
With the upcoming presidential election, we enjoyed the story about Clifford the Big Red Dog, in “Clifford for President,” by Norman Bridwell, as well as many other presidential character books. In honor of the upcoming election, we made our own voters registration card. The many stories we heard introduced us to new terms such as voting booth and ballot, so we were excited to go into our own “voting booth” to make our selection on a “ballot” for our favorite character that we thought made the best President. The three choices and results were Clifford (16), Arthur (2) and Duck (3). The anticipation was great as the children awaited each ballot as it was opened and shared. 
Veteran’s Day: We spent some quality time reflecting and sharing about many people that we know who have helped to protect our country in one way or another. We realize how very thankful we are to those who have served to help us have the freedoms that we have. We read a special book called, “Hero Dad,” by Melinda Hardin. It helped us to think and realize what a “real” hero is, and our veterans are exactly that! We also a enjoyed a Veteran’s Day and were inspired to attempt to write letters of thanks. Kennedi, a student in our Kindergarn class, has a brother stationed in North Carolina, and we are eager to mail out our letters for him and the soldiers stationed at this unit. A special thank you to all Veterans for their bravery and sacrifice. You are our heros!
Social Studies: We began discussing the difference between Wants and Needs this week. I was so impressed by the conversation and intuitiveness of our Kindergartners in their common sense knowledge of what are essentials for us to live. They brainstormed a terrific list to show and explain the difference.
Math: We covered many areas in math this week which included: changing numbers 1-10 by adding 1, using a 5-group, seeing patterns through 10, sorting and classifying shapes, and learning the characteristics of a hexagon shape. We’re learning and loving math!
Writers Workshop: We continued to use careful eyes and look for details to describe more objects, such as gourds and Indian Corn. We are developing our ability to write mini-books that include detailed picture drawings with specific facts about the objects we observe. The class is doing a great job!
Readers Workshop: We are becoming familiar with our Popcorn Words and it is helping us to become Super Readers and read words in a snap! Thank you for working with your children and using the popcorn word cards that are sent home at the end of each month. Their confidence and reading ability is showing!
Handwriting: This week we enjoyed meeting “Magic C,” a friendly bunny who can help us make the letter C, as well as other uppercase letters like O, Q and G. We practiced writing each of these letters this week and are all quite good at making them. Be sure to ask your child to show you at home!
PE CARES: So generous are our Kindergartners and their families! Thank you for the many food donations that have been given thus far! The children have been so eager to give and help those in need. Thank you for helping to instill this generosity in our children. I know that many will benefit this season from your kindness. Our drive will continue through Wed., Nov. 16. Thank you!
Mystery Reader: When Kathryn’s mom, Mrs. Bier, walked into our classroom as the Mystery Reader this week, she bounced up from our meeting rug with a huge smile and tight squeeze. Very sweet! Mrs. Bier decided to share a favorite book of Kate’s titled, “Delilah D. at the Library,” by Jeanne Willis. The story was silly at times and we enjoyed hearing about Library Anne and Small Boy, as well as seeing the hidden map. Mrs. Bier brought great humor to the story as well as a great reader’s voice. The song was fun, too! Thank you for visiting, Mrs. Bier and letting us snap the book!
Super Stars of the Week Were: Claire with her sparkly eyed fox, Paxton with his special stuffed animal mini blanket named “Bear,” Ryan with his white tiger named “Whitey,” Sophia with her fuzzy blue “Cookie Monster,” and Macy with her huge “Minnie Mouse.” Thank you for sharing your special lovies with us this week!
Popcorn Words of the Week Were: “in,” “all”
Important Information and Reminders:
- PE CARES: Collection for this worthy cause will continue through Wed., November 16. Click here for more information.
- Popcorn Words: Brown popcorn words were recently sent home for you and your child to use and keep. The children are very excited to become readers, so please encourage practice fun so that your child gains a good recall for both ease in reading and confidence in ability.
- Outdoor Clothes: Please dress your child for the changing weather. Cooler temps are on the way!
- Library: We visit each Tuesday. Thank you for helping your child to remember to return their book each week.
- Snack: Thank you for sending your child with a healthy snack each day.
- Thanksgiving Break: There will be no school for students beginning Wed., November 23 through Fri., November 25. Students will return to school on Monday, November 28.
- Holiday Music Program: Mark your calendars! Our music program will take place on Tues., December 13, at Fair Haven Church. More information to come!
Take time to enjoy the beautiful fall weather this weekend!
: ) Mrs. Estefan