A look at our learning...
Fundations: this week we learned the name, sound and correct letter formation for lowercase n and m.
Please use the following verbal prompts when practicing at home:
n: down, up and over
m: down, up and over, up and over
So far this year we have learned the following letters: t, b, f, n, m. Now that they have learned how to form these letters, they should be forming them correctly at all times, not just during Fundations. If your child has one of these letters in their name, please hold them accountable for forming it correctly every time they write their name.
Many students tend to start their letters at the bottom and go "up." I've seen this quite a bit this week with the letters n and m. This is normal coming into kindergarten, but now that they have learned the letters above, if you see them doing this, please have them erase and try it again while saying the verbal prompts to help them correct it.
Writing: we are working on "3 Star Coloring." This means we 1) stay in the lines 2) use colors that make sense 3) fill in the white space. In Kindergarten we take our time, do our best and don't scribble.
Spelling word of the week: we learned the word me this week. We practice our spelling words in a variety of ways in the classroom. One way we practice is by "high-fiving" our words anytime we leave the classroom. Students read the word printed on a handprint as they walk out of our door, while giving it a gentle high-five. Check out the photos below to see a few of our friends doing this!
Math: this week students built upon their knowledge of a 5 frame and used a 10 frame. They had opportunities to practice counting, ordering and comparing numbers. Students also thought about different ways they can put together and take apart numbers (composing and decomposing). Over time, 5 and 10 become important landmark numbers in student thinking. During work places (math centers) we learned a new game called 5 Bean Spill and Beat you to 5!
During our Number Corner time (morning meeting/calendar time) we are exploring the 4 basic shapes (rectangle, triangle, square and circle), building and expanding patterns with shapes and more counting with 5 and 10 as landmark numbers.
Social Studies: we continued our study on Citizenship this week.
In Kindergarten this means:
*being able to recite the Pledge of Allegiance (still working on this one)
*being able to recite the Beulah Ralph School Pledge (they are doing awesome with this)
*describing how groups need to make decisions and how those decisions are made in families and classrooms
*learning how to resolve disputes peacefully on the playground and in the classroom
*identify roles and responsibilities of people in authority in families and at school
Friday Craft: we will do a craft every Friday and sometimes more! Craft activities help children develop many important life skills including: creativity and imagination, self expression, confidence and independence, fine motor skills, problem solving, hand eye coordination, social skills and critical thinking.
This week we did a torn paper craft with our names. Tearing paper into small pieces is a great fine motor activity that strengthens their hand muscles, therefore helping them hold a pencil and build stamina for writing.
Counselor: this week the students learned about bullying and the difference between being unkind and bullying. This can be a tough concept to learn. Unkind moments can happen, but that doesn't mean it is bullying. Bullying is a repeated, targeted and intentional behavior. They also learned when it is appropriate to get an adult for help or when something is a kid-sized, small issue that they can solve by using their words with their peers. Please see the note coming home in your child's folder today for more information.
Library: this week the students were taught how to use shelf markers when browsing books in the library. Using a shelf marker helps them know where the book belongs if they decide not to check that one out.
Please remember that our school wide expectation is to keep their books in their backpacks at all times unless reading. Please do not keep on a nightstand, bookshelf or basket at home. This ensures they have the book when it is their check-out day and prevents tears and disappointment if they can't check out a new one due to not returning their book. Thank you for helping with this!
Join PTA-Help us win a donut party: you have one week left to help our class win a donut party from PTA! The class with the most joining members is the school-wide winner! We'd love to win those donuts--and more importantly have you support our PTA!
Click here to join if you haven't already! Thanks to those who have joined so far!
Circus Class Baskets: all items for our class basket for the circus are due by Thursday, September 25th. Thank you to all who have donated so far! There are still a few spots available if you'd like to donate to our Lego themed basket. We'd love to have a full basket! Click here to sign up. Please send your items to school with your child once you have them!
Volunteers Needed: PTA is currently recruiting volunteers for Flash's Big Top Circus! The biggest fundraiser of the year will take place on Friday, October 3rd from 6:00-8:30 p.m. If you are willing to serve during part of the event, please click here and choose the time slot that will work best for you! It's an easy, 30-minute shift and your child can help you! In fact, I encourage it! This is a great way to teach responsibility and giving back. The circus is...well...a circus....so we need YOUR help to make it all happen! As always, email PTA with any questions at beupta@gmail.com
More fun at school...
