POPCORN WORDS: at, that, was

READING: This week, we began a new reading unit called Bigger Books, Bigger Reading Muscles. The Kinders learned that when reading we need persistence power. Persistence power helps when books are considered challenging because they have more words and more lines, longer words, new words and surprise endings. We also learned about pattern power. We learned that when readers figure out the pattern it makes reading easier. Each of the Kinders were given their own reading mat to use during reading time. The Kinders practiced using their reading mat to organize their books as they read. They placed their books on the green arrow side (in a pile with the easiest books on top) to start reading and moving the book to the red arrow side when they are finished will allow them to go back and re-read their books again.

MATH: During math this week, we practiced many skills and learned some new ones. We learned about sorting and classifying pictures. We sorted in different ways and told why we chose to sort that way. We sorted by shapes, colors, size, animals, people, etc. We also practiced using 5-groups to show how to represent numbers. The Kinders had a chance to  practice their addition and subtraction skills! We finished the week by learning about equal and unequal numbers. They are working hard learning new math skills! 

WRITING: This week, we began writing How To stories. We shared what we thought we could teach others to do with our partners. Some examples were: how to ride a bike, how to make a bowl of cereal, how to make a snowman, etc. We learned that writers write about what they know and they practice telling what they know by putting the steps in order. This week we practiced writing abut…How To Wash Your Hands, How To Make Hot Cocoa, and How To Make a Snowman. We did some cutting and pasting (instead of drawing) to put the pictures in correct order and then wrote words to tell the steps. The Kinders did a great job and had fun writing How To stories!

LITERACY: During our literacy time this week, we practiced our popcorn words by reading the story The Mitten. The Kinders were amazed how all of the animals fit into the mitten. They found popcorn words in the book and put them in their blue book boxes to practice reading during reading time. We also practiced writing our popcorn words as well as looking for the words. We practiced writing our color words, stretching out CVC words (listening for all the sounds we hear) and writing them, and reading books while wearing sunglasses. 

MYSTERY READERS: This week in our class, we were lucky enough to have more than one mystery reader! 

Marisa was surprised and excited to see her sister and mom walk in to be our mystery readers! Kaitlyn is a second grader and skipped her recess to come and read to us. Marisa’s mom helped by holding the book for Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn read us a fun book called When Pencil Met Eraser. It was a great story!

Sawyer was excited and also surprised to see his mom walk through the door as our mystery reader. He didn’t expect it to be her since she was working at our school that day! Sawyer’s mom read us the story How To Catch A Unicorn. It was a fun story that we all enjoyed listening to! 

REMINDERS…

TAKE HOME BOOKS – Please remember to return Take Home Books every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Look for new books to be coming home on those days too! Happy Reading!

WINTER GEAR – Please remember to send appropriate winter gear with your Kinder each day to school. If you haven’t had a chance to label their winter gear, please do so…we have many pairs of snowpants that look similar. 

SNACKS – Please remember to send in 2 snacks each day with your Kinder. Thank you!

UPCOMING DATES…

Monday, January 13 –  Music; Library – remember to bring back library books

Tuesday, January 14 – Gym; Bring back Take Home Books

Wednesday, January 15 – Art

Thursday, January 16 – STEAM; Bring back Take Home Books

Friday, January 17 – Music; Brink back Take Home Books

Friday, Jan 31 – Fast Friday – Early Release at 12:15pm

Winter Break: February 1-4

Enjoy these fun pictures from kindergarten this week! We have a new play center in our room, a veterinary clinic. The Kinders have had so much fun playing in the vet clinic this week, taking care of all of the animals! We also have some new dress-up clothes that the Kinders enjoyed dressing up in…it was a fun week!

 

Happy New Year…2020!!