Today turned out to be a truly "Fantastic Friday"! Not only did we visit the book fair, but we had indoor recess because...the next stage of the playground renovations are underway! New pieces are being added as I write this! Yeah! Because of the heavy equipment and work on the playground, kids stayed inside and we watched an episode of Curious George.
December is here and with it comes our study of winter holidays. We will have several projects as we travel around the globe (on a map!) and learn about traditions near and far. There are two occasions where I'm asking for your help. On December 21st we'll be making gingerbread houses using milk cartons, graham crackers, frosting and LOTS of candy! I'll be sending you an email with a link to another "sign up genius" to sign up for supplies...if you'd be willing to contribute some of the ingredients for the houses. We will be celebrating the season together on the last day before break with a party. On December 22nd we'll have a small party in the afternoon with refreshments. I'll send a link to a separate sign up later!
Our current unit in Fundations (spelling, phonics and mechanics) has practiced what we call "bonus letters"-adding an extra (bonus) letter s, l, or f at the end of words with a short vowel. Practice words included were: pass, miss, bell, fill, puff, and huff. There are also "trick words' each week which are learned through memorization because they can't be "tapped", or sounded out. Each day we practice sounds, words for the current unit, review words, trick words and sentences.
Our math work focus is math facts. Children play games and do activities using math facts. Ultimately our goal is for them to know their math facts by rote. But early learning focuses on the "why" of math...why is a number plus zero always equal to the number, for example, or why can we always count by fives when we have sets of five? They learn the skills AND when to apply them. Most importantly, they enjoy math!
I'm SO excited with reading growth! The parent conferences happen too early! The last week or two has shown dramatic changes in reading...many kids are choosing books that are really "just right" and are eager to keep reading! I told them this week that "the books you're choosing are getting so long that you may need a bookmark to hold your place as you read!" So, I made bookmarks. I told them these are "tools" and they'll need these tools at school each day as well as at home. You may be surprised to see your children walking around with books! They want to bring more books and longer books home to read! Enjoy this time! PLEASE send these books back the next day! It's very hard at reading time when kids don't have their books for independent reading time!
Beginning on Monday, our school kicks off a food drive for the Hinesburg Food Shelf. Each class is collecting non-perishable food items to donate. There's a friendly competition where the winning class gets to display the Soup Man Trophy! It's very prestigious...OK, not really all that prestigious, but us teachers are vying for the trophy! I may need to go to Costco to buy a few pallets of Ramen noodles!!! I've asked your children to ASK YOU before they empty your cupboards! Any extra food you can send will be appreciated by those who need it most!
Have a wonderful weekend!
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