Weekly Update for Week of November 7-11th

November 7, 2011

A note from Mrs. Horn…

We are off to a great start with our Thanksgiving play!  The students are learning songs, how to use props and are having a terrific time preparing to perform for you.  We will be making Native American headdresses for our play.  Please send in a pack of long feathers for your child to use in their headdress by Tuesday, November 15^th. 

We have had to change our daily schedule to access the gym for our practice.  Our class now eats lunch from 10:45-11:15.  This is early, so we are saving our snack until the afternoon.  The new lunch time will be in place until Thanksgiving break.  Please share this info with any grandparents, aunts, uncles who may come to join your child for lunch. 

Field trip permission slips and payments are due on Wednesday, November 9^th. 

As a school policy, kindergarteners do not bring home their first progress report like the other kids do.  During our conference I will be able to thoroughly go over your child’s progress report and explain how they are performing and being assessed.  Parent-Teacher Conferences begin November 10^th.  If you haven’t had a chance to do so, please call the office at 228-2228 after 9:00am to schedule a meeting. 

What are we learning?

Reading Workshop

We will read a variety of Native American stories and folk tales.  We will also do DRA reading assessments. 

Writing Workshop

This week we will continue to “Fancy Up” our writing.  After Halloween there were so many new stories to tell!  We will now pick one story to rewrite, using our best handwriting, spelling and punctuation.  On Friday, we are writing in our Family Journals.  Please take time over the weekend to read your child’s letter to you and respond. 

Handwriting

Handwriting instruction will focus on developing fine motor skills as well as the proper formation. 

Word Study

This week, we will explore at, am, & an word families.  We will also learn how to read and write these words that will be added to our Word Wall: am, then, little. Have your child sing you the songs for these words.

Math

We will begin a new unit on comparing numbers.  We will make macaroni necklaces to compare numbers and patterns and write about the patterns we create.

Social Studies

Native American studies: we practice our Thanksgiving play. 

Important Dates

* Tuesday, November 8^th: Election Day- No School

* November 10^th & 15^th: Parent-Teacher Conferences

* November 22^nd: Kindergarten Thanksgiving Play (Parents invited)

* November 23^rd-25^th: Thanksgiving Break- No School

Reminders

*Send in a healthy snack and water bottle every day.

* Always dress appropriately for outdoor recess. 

* Sign your child’s weekly planner every night.

* Library book due every Friday.

Related Arts Schedule

Monday         - Friday Art