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. In some pattern books, we noticed a change at the end of the story. We like to call it 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: Brooklynn’s mom, Mrs. Smies, surprised her this week as our Mystery Reader! Brooklynn was so happy! Mrs. Smies shared with us a story perfect for the holidays titled, “Olaf’s Night Before Christmas,” by Jessica Julius. The class enjoyed this book with Olaf in it. Thank you, Mrs. Smies, for sharing this fun story with us!
Popcorn Words For the Week Were: “look,” “from,” and “run”
Important Information and Reminders:
- Holiday Music Program: Tuesday, December 13, at Fair Haven Church, 2900 Baldwin Street. Kindergarten students will begin their performance at 6:30pm.
- 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 Friday, December 16. Please contact me with any questions. Thank you to everyone who has already sent theirs in.
- Library: Remember to return your child’s book, as we will visit on Tuesday. Thank you!
- Holiday Class Party: Will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 20 from 2:00-3:00pm.
- No School: December 22-January 2. Children will return on Tuesday, January 3, 2017.
Be safe and warm this weekend,
: ) Mrs. Estefan