It's been a busy time in our classroom. We have "launched" our readers' and writers' workshops. This week, we have been exploring non-fiction. We have learned that "teaching books" use close up pictures, diagrams, bold words, maps, and other features to help teach us about a certain topic. Even though we can't yet read ALL of the words, we can still learn a lot from "teaching books."
Today, we learned how to read effectively with a partner. It was wonderful to listen to the conversations that were happening during this shared reading time. Our kindergarteners are doing a fantastic job noticing small details in their books and learning everything they can from the authors and each other.
Speaking of authors, we have some of those in our classroom as well. Continuing with the non-fiction theme, students are "writing to teach" about a particular topic. I've seen some fantastic writing about pigs, apples, candy, Halloween, woodpeckers, the weather, and cats. Authors are practicing making detailed illustrations that will teach readers all about their topic. It's amazing what we can do already!! I'm looking forward to sharing some of this fantastic work with you next month.
Monday, October 30, 2017
Monday, October 16, 2017
Applesauce, Peacful Moments, and Fire Safety! Oh my!!
What a busy week we've had! We had a great time making applesauce for our open house. Everyone peeled, cut and chopped the apples. We loved the wonderful smell of apples cooking in the crock pot throughout the day. What a nice treat for our visitors on Wednesday evening.
During literacy time this week, we started a new routine called "word study." During this time, we will practice foundational skills that will help us to become better readers and writers. This week, we sorted pictures , studied the formation of the letters in our names, and read familiar books. We now have MANY books that we've read together over and over again. Students have learned that we often start reading using our memory. It's so exciting to hear them retelling these familiar stories and then declaring, "I'M READING!!!"
We have been practicing some mindfulness in room 3.It is very important to remember that kindergarten students are not only growing academically but socially and emotionally as well. Learning to self-regulate is a VERY important life skill. Every day, after recess, we do a few minutes of mindful movements. These stretches, poses, and breathing exercises are a great way for kids to calm themselves and prepare for the next part of our day. We also have a "peaceful place" in our classroom where children can go if they are feeling upset, anxious, tired, or just need to take a quick break. There, they will find specific tools that they have learned to use in order to calm themselves. This week, we have learned that focusing on an object for a few minutes while we breathe can be very soothing. We have a lovely collection of rocks that kids can use for this purpose. You can remind your kindergartener that they know just what to do when they are feeling upset or overwhelmed at home.
Firefighter Brad from the South Burlington Fire Department came to talk with us this week. He taught the kids that it's important to have a "fire safety plan" that includes two ways out of any room in your home. He also emphasized the importance of working fire detectors. Don't be surprised if you have a mini Fire Marshall in your home this weekend!
POPCORN FRIDAY happened again this week. You may have noticed that your child came home with his or her snack uneaten on Friday. That's because we had our popcorn during snack time. Typically, popcorn Friday happens once per month as a fundraiser for 5th grade Fun Day. The cost is 50 cents per bag. UNLESS I HEAR THAT YOU DO NOT WANT YOUR CHILD TO HAVE POPCORN, I will buy some for anyone who has forgotten their quarters. We can't have any sad faces on Popcorn Friday!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, October 14 Chamberlin Harvest Festival 1:00-3:00
Thursday & Friday, October 19-20 - No School
Thursday, November 2 - Picture Retake Day
Friday, November 10 - Early Dismissal, bagged lunch available
We have been practicing some mindfulness in room 3.It is very important to remember that kindergarten students are not only growing academically but socially and emotionally as well. Learning to self-regulate is a VERY important life skill. Every day, after recess, we do a few minutes of mindful movements. These stretches, poses, and breathing exercises are a great way for kids to calm themselves and prepare for the next part of our day. We also have a "peaceful place" in our classroom where children can go if they are feeling upset, anxious, tired, or just need to take a quick break. There, they will find specific tools that they have learned to use in order to calm themselves. This week, we have learned that focusing on an object for a few minutes while we breathe can be very soothing. We have a lovely collection of rocks that kids can use for this purpose. You can remind your kindergartener that they know just what to do when they are feeling upset or overwhelmed at home.
Firefighter Brad from the South Burlington Fire Department came to talk with us this week. He taught the kids that it's important to have a "fire safety plan" that includes two ways out of any room in your home. He also emphasized the importance of working fire detectors. Don't be surprised if you have a mini Fire Marshall in your home this weekend!
POPCORN FRIDAY happened again this week. You may have noticed that your child came home with his or her snack uneaten on Friday. That's because we had our popcorn during snack time. Typically, popcorn Friday happens once per month as a fundraiser for 5th grade Fun Day. The cost is 50 cents per bag. UNLESS I HEAR THAT YOU DO NOT WANT YOUR CHILD TO HAVE POPCORN, I will buy some for anyone who has forgotten their quarters. We can't have any sad faces on Popcorn Friday!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, October 14 Chamberlin Harvest Festival 1:00-3:00
Thursday & Friday, October 19-20 - No School
Thursday, November 2 - Picture Retake Day
Friday, November 10 - Early Dismissal, bagged lunch available
Sunday, October 8, 2017
APPLES EVERYWHERE!!
We had a wonderful time at Chapin's Apple Orchard. Not only did we pick apples, but we also learned a lot about how they grow. We learned how important bees are to apple trees and even saw an active colony at work! We used some apples to make our very own apple cider using a machine called an apple press. It was delicious! After a picnic lunch at the orchard, we headed back to school. We brought lots of apples with us and we will use them for some special projects next week. What a great day we had!
It's a New Year in Room 3!
Welcome to kindergarten! We are off to a great start "sharing, caring, and learning together!" During these first few weeks, we have been working hard to establish routines and build community in our classroom. We have learned how important it is to be safe, respectful and responsible at Chamberlin School.
I will update this blog regularly as a way of sharing our adventures with you. The year will go by quickly, and this will be a good way of preserving our memories! Be sure to visit often and let me know what you think! Hang on, it's going to be quite a ride!
I will update this blog regularly as a way of sharing our adventures with you. The year will go by quickly, and this will be a good way of preserving our memories! Be sure to visit often and let me know what you think! Hang on, it's going to be quite a ride!
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