Newsletter 4

Upcoming Events

*October 10, 11 –Half Days dismissal at 12:06 pm.

*October 15 – Dinges Farm field trip 8:45am-11:45 am

*Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30 - Late Starts

*October 31- Halloween party

This Cycle

We are learning about the main idea and the details in what we read. We continue to practice telling the difference between fiction and non-fiction texts.  As we read we are learning how to ask questions to make sure we understand what we are reading.   We will study the letters Mm and Aa next cycle and learn how to spell and read the word ‘am’. In math we are practicing shapes and writing numbers correctly.

In handwriting we practiced different kinds of lines we need to write our letters; horizontal, vertical, circles, and slants. In our journals we are working on using letter sounds to write our words.  Please encourage your child to listen for at least the beginning and ending sounds in words as they write. In Science we continue to learn about the weather. In Social Studies we are learning about different ways to tell time and using the vocabulary of past, present, and future. 

The children continue to LOVE the Magic Tree House chapter books we are reading during our quite time after lunch..

Parent/Teacher Conferences

This is just a reminder that even though we have half days for conferences this week and some teachers are meeting with parents now, I will be meeting with you in November to discuss your child's progress. I believe that our Kindergarteners need more time to adjust to school and 'show what they know'! If you feel a need to meet before this, please let me know. 

Login Information

Coming home tomorrow will be login instructions for 3 web- based programs we use often here at school but also have access to at home. These are Lexia Reading Core 5, Raz-Kids Reading, and IXL math. The Raz reading and IXL math are practice sights where each child can read and do math at their level. These sites are for enrichment and/or practice and do not have to be completed in a certain order or completely independently (although we would like the students to benefit as much as possible from using these sites by doing the work on their own). If the work on these sites is too difficult, try another skill or a lower level. The Lexia Core 5 program does have to be done INDEPENDENTLY! Each child works through certain skills in a certain order and needs to master these skills before moving on to the next level. Helping your child complete the Core 5 tasks is actually detrimental since they will then not be able to complete the more complex tasks on their own. If you have any questions, please let me know! I hope you and your child enjoy the extra practice these programs provide!

Flexible Seating

I have introduced some of our flexible seating options. We have different cushions, chairs, and stools that we can use to help us do our best work. Please ask your child about some of the options they have tried!

Halloween

We will celebrate Halloween on Thursday, October 31^st.  The children may wear their costumes to school. We recommend simple ideas, since it will be worn all day.  Please label all the pieces of your child’s costume and/or bag so we can make sure everyone has what they need for Halloween night. When you are choosing a costume with your child, please remember that it should be appropriate for school and not scary for the other children.  If your child’s costume has a weapon of any kind, please leave it at home.  No weapons are allowed at school. Parents are welcome to come view the parade and take pictures.

Have a Wonderful Week!