This week in Kindergarten time the Kindergarteners completed a writing exercise on how
Kindergarten Time they could help the earth after reading The Lorax. We discussed what Dr. Seuss meant when he said, “unless”. We also talked about what may happen to our environment if we don’t take care of it. Then the students wrote about what they can do to be like the Lorax, and “speak for the trees” since they don’t have a voice of their own. Lastly, the Kindergarteners made their own earths, and disguised themselves as the Lorax. Finished products will be coming home this week! If you can believe it, before we know it, graduation practice will begin. It has also been a joy watching the younger students mature and start recognizing that some of them will be the Kindergarteners next year. Many teachers don’t have the opportunity to see a 3 year cycle of development in their students. We are very lucky.
Kindergarten Time – Animals
During Kindergarten time we dove deeper into what animals do during the winter. The vocabulary words we used were hibernation, migration and adaptation. After discussing these three terms, the students sorted animals on a chart. We read a story about animals in winter and answered comprehension questions. Each student also wrote a story about an animal and what they do during the cold winter. We took this time to discuss text and illustration relationships.
For example, if the story said, ”Birds migrate in the winter,” the illustration should not show a bear in a cave. The illustration should match the words. At this point in the year, I am looking for the Kindergarten students to sound out their words independently. They should also be writing with capital and lowercase letters when appropriate. While this is a transition for many of the Kindergarteners, it is an important skill for them to develop.
Kindergarten Time – 100th Day Coming Soon
In anticipation of the 100th day of school on Monday, the Kindergarteners worked together to make a gum ball machine for each child with 100 gum balls each. Every child had one color that they put on the plate 10 times, we went around in a circle 10 times until each plate had 100 gum ball finger prints! This was a cooperative activity of counting by tens to reach 100! We also discussed 100 kind things we can do for our world and for others! We have greatly enjoyed the 100th day projects coming into school! Our museum is quickly filling up!
Kindergarten Time – Money
This week during Kindergarten time the children dove further into our study of money. The students made books about all of the coins. The book ends with a poem to help them remember the names and quantities of each coin. I suggested that maybe they keep this book at home around where they do their weekly homework, or even in their folders to use as a reference during homework if
necessary.
During this time I also took the opportunity to assess the students on their weekly sight words. These high frequency words are key to helping your child become a fluent reader. The works we do with the students each day provide exposure to all the skills necessary to begin reading. The sight words you are reviewing with them at home are enriching what they are learning at school. Thank you for your continued support towards your child’s success!
