What's Happening in Kindergarten?????
The entire list of sight words for the year is listed on a separate web page on my site.
Parents, please continue reinforcing these words at home to keep the children immersed in our words. It is through constant practice that these words will become automatic when the children read them. We have been using the term "Turtle Talk" where the children say each letter of the word they are trying to read. Another method is asking the students to stretch out their word like a rubberband and say each letter slowly.
I am asking for your help with a very important lifelong concept...please continue working with your children at home on tying their shoes. Although, I don't mind doing this for them, I would like to see the children become a little more independent with this concept.
February Concepts and Themes: Groundhog Day, Shadows, Light and Dark, Valentine's Day, Presidents Day, (George Washington, Abraham Lincoln). This is also Dental Health Month, so we will be spending a great deal of time on proper brushing habits, healthy foods to eat, and even have a day dedicated to lowering our sugar intake called "Sugarless Wednesday" .
VERY IMPORTANT~ Please send me a brief note if you, your spouse, or a family member has something interesting (and age-appropriate) to teach the children. In the past, I have invited parents who have special skills like singing, artistic dance, American Indian traditions dressed in full gear (and dances), a beekeeper who brought in all of his equipment to make honey right here in our very own classroom, just to name a few.
I think our parents are an invaluable tool that we NEED here in our classroom to bring in real life experiences and culture.
Please let me know as soon as possible so I can plan for our visitors. I know sometimes it is extremely difficult for our working parents, so I will give them first preference of dates if by chance there is a conflict with another visitor so they can give their employer ample notice.
Please keep in mind, that even though a "daily or weekly" letter does not go home, it is crucial that you look at all of the papers that are coming home each night so this will keep you afloat of what is occuring in our classroom on a daily basis. You will be able to track our concepts, themes, and progress. These, along with my website should give you all the information you need about our "daily activities". The BEST way to find out what we are doing here in our class is to ask your children. If needed, please refer to the sheet I handed out at conferences about how to get your child to open up and talk about their day. There are MANY incredible questions and resources you can use to find out what is going on here in Kindergarten. This also allows your child the opportunity to express themselves as well as practicing their English Language Arts component of speaking.
I hope you are all enjoying the Parent & Child Magazines that you have received from school. There are so many wonderful articles in there to read and refer to.