Our second week is coming to a close! We are continuing to learn the routines of kindergarten. We are working on moving around the classroom safely by walking. We have had the chance to go to math and literacy centers, reader's workshop, and do whole class lessons.
Our "theme" this week was the book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. The students were given the opportunity to try coconut. We observed a whole coconut. We are also planning an experiment to find out if coconuts sink or float.
We practice the whole alphabet every day with fun songs. A popular one this week was "The Karate Alphabet." We also paid close attention to the letter Mm. Writing or forming letters can be tricky for kindergarteners. You can practice at home in fun ways! Go outside and write with chalk or in the dirt with a stick, spread shaving cream on a table and write the letters with your finger, use a wet paint brush on dark paper, finger paint, use a magna doodle, build the letter out of play dough, spread flour on a table and use your finger, or have your child "write" the letter on your back for you to guess. The best learning happens while kids are playing!
This week I was able to assess all the children to find out how high they can rote count and what numerals (to 30) they can recognize. By the end of kindergarten, we will all be able to count to 100 by ones, starting from a number other than one, and by tens. Often, kindergarteners go fast through the 12, 13, 14, 15 sequence and miss numbers. Students will also be able to recognize numerals to 20. The teens are often tricky. Kindergarteners often confuse 12 and 21. They sometimes call 14 forty, call 15 fifty, etc.. Practicing rote counting once a day is a great reinforcer. You can practice when taking a walk (count how many steps) or in the car. We like to practice using funny voices! To practice numeral recognition, point out numbers as you come across them-on the calendar, tv channels, exit signs while driving, and on the clock.
Free choice continues to be a favorite part of our day. It is such an important time for children to build friendships, increase their vocabulary, use their imaginations and more! The favorite centers this year are the computer and ipad, home living, dollhouse, puppet theater, cars, and play dough.
We are hoping to meet Mr. Marc of Adventures to Fitness Friday afternoon. It is a web based adventure that encourages children to use their imagination, learn about different cultures, and exercise. Hopefully the technology will cooperate! In the past, it has been a favorite activity!
I enjoyed seeing so many of you at Open House. If you were not able to attend, I sent home the email sign up sheet and a list of the math and reading units we are covering this year.
Just a reminder, please send money in an envelope labeled with your child's name and the purpose of the money.
