January 20th, 2011

• In math, we focused on our calendar math.  This month, we are learning about a growing pattern using pattern blocks.  We are also beginning to learn about odd and even numbers.
• In language arts we continued with the strategy of summarizing.  We were also introduced to making inferences.
• In science, we read some nonfiction books and recorded what we learned from these books about snow.
• Most of our community centers were the same this week.  We added a Smart Board center where we played some learning games on Starfall.
• Heart word of the week: "is"
• Special theme of the week: "winter"
• Scholastic Book orders have been sent home.  They are due January 30th.
• We are now finished with the School-Home Links homework.  The new weekly homework will be heart word books.  Directions are included with the homework this week.
• A new Math Home Connection is being sent home today.

January 13, 2011

Hello Kindergarten families!  I am so excited to be back and teaching your children!  Here are some highlights from our week:

• In math, we were introduced to a new center called "Sea Creatures".  With these sea creatures, we will practice sorting, counting by 1's, 2's, 5's, 10's, patterning, etc.
• In language arts we practiced the strategy of summarizing after reading a story.
• In science, we started learning about winter.  We talked about and recorded what we already know about winter and what we want to know about winter.  We also decided that we will learn about winter by reading, asking an expert, and exploring.
• We have some fun new items added to our community centers to go with our "winter" theme.  Our dramatic play has been turned into a hot chocolate shop.  We are practicing taking orders, preparing the hot chocolate (chocolate scented play-dough), and exchanging money.  We are also working on strengthening our hand and finger muscles, as well as working on our creativity while making snowmen out of play-dough.  
•  Heart word of the week: "have"
• Special theme of the week: "winter"