Math Tests and Apple Trees

Another busy week in kindergarten. We took our first math test of the year today. It was over Chapter 1, which was all about math position words. Kids were assessed over words such as above, below, before, between, left, right, same, and different. I was very impressed with how well all of the children did for it being their first test taken as a whole group. So much of kindergarten is teaching procedures. When taking a test as a whole group, children learn how to keep answers to themselves and keep thier eyes on their own papers, and keeping up with the group. So much to learn!

The class is having a lot of fun learning about apples for science. We have been reading a lot of books about the lifecycle of apples/apple trees. We have been learning about what trees look like in winter, spring, summer, and fall as well as how apples develop and what causes apples to develop on trees. The children had the opportunity to do a little painting, which we will be making into an apple tree later this week or next week. Tomorrow we will be graphing the apples that were brought in, catagorizing them by shape and size, and making observational drawing for art. Next month we are going to learn about pumpkins and their lifecycle for science.

Pumpkin Patch is coming up soon. Please make sure you turn in your child's permission slip A.S.A.P. and turn in your volunteer application form if you haven't already done so if you would like to attend. Parents are going to need to transport themselves to and from the field trip. Kids will ride the bus. I'm sure we can set up some carpools for parents who are interested.

Talk to you soon.

First Full Week of Kindergarten

Yeah! We successfully made it through our first full week of school. I am amazed every day at how fast the kids are picking up on routines. We have already learned four sight words (we, will, I, see) and have started playing "The Great Word Race", a sight word game that gives the children lots of practice reading sight words. We are very fortunate to have a helper come in every morning from the middle school. With his help, we are able to practice math and reading concepts in groups of two. On average he seems to be able to work with each child about every three days. We are still working on position word concepts in math. We should be finishing up the chapter next week and moving on to patterns.

Last week we started centers by exploring the manipulatives that go along with them. This week we took it up a notch and starting the "learning" part of centers. We are now going through rotations of math, listening, art, magnetic letters, read the room, and writing centers. Each center has tasks to complete before moving to the next center. I am really stressing how important being trustworthy is during centers because ultimately this time will be used by me to work with small groups of children on individual needs. To do this, I need to rely on the children to be self sufficiet, hard workers that are honest about completing their work so I'm not policing them. This is an ongoing process that will take a few months, but the kids are catching on fast. They are a great group of kids that I know will amaze me throughout the year.

Next week we are going to really be focusing on apples for science. Don't forget to send an apple in with your child next Wednesday. I plan on having the kids graph the different kinds of apples they bring in, looking at the inside of some apples, talking about the lifecycle of the apple tree, and making applesauce...yum!

Have a wonderful weekend.

First Weeks of Kindergarten

We have already learned so much this week. A large part of the first few weeks pertain to learning rules and routines. The children are picking up quickly. One of the biggest things we are learning with the rules are to listen when someone else is talking and follow the directions that are given. Many students have already owed some of their recesses due to "moving their monkey down" on the behavior chart. This is totally normal. I am firm so they understand what the boundaries are. If your child is continually owing recess I will let you know.

A challenge for the children has been when to use the restroom. Of course I don't want any bathroom accidents, but as soon as one child asks to use the restroom, they all seem to need to use the restroom. Unfortunately, a lot of instruction is whole group and it is hard to catch everyone up or continue teaching when there is a steady stream of children heading to the restroom. I encourage children to go as soon as they get to the classroom in the morning, at recess, at lunch, and at center time (if I'm not giving directions to the class). Please encourage your child to do the same.

By the end of this week, the children will have been introduced to all of their Zoo Phonics character, signals, and sounds. It takes practice to perfect, but they are well on their way. In math we are working on concept words such as above, below, in front, behind, in between, left, right, etc. We are also working in math journals for problem solving. For handwriting we are working in our "Rainbow Writing Line Tracing Journals". I tell the kids that this book is exercise for our fingers. We are building up our hand muscles and making them strong. Basically we are tracing lines to learn how to control our strokes, which will help us when we write letters. I call it rainbow writing because the students trace the lines with a marker and then again with another marker, which makes the lines look like a rainbow. We are beginning to learn how to rotate through centers. This takes lots of practice. Right now it is a lot of play, but it will help them learn the routine before we involve the work part of it.

Thank you family members for remembering to pick up your walkers in Mrs. Marganelli's room after 2:25. This makes the wrap up at the end of the day go really smooth. Also, thank you for informing the office of any bus or walker changes. This helps the children feel safe when they know what to expect.

Have a great week!

Kindergarten Conferences

I was very excited to have 100 percent turnout for our conferences today. It was great to know that I have so many dedicated families that want to be an active part in their child's educational success.

I wanted to make sure I followed up with a few reminders:

• I will send out my classroom volunteer application form next Friday, September 11th. If you or any member of your family would like to volunteer, please fill it out so I know where your interests lie. Volunteering in the classroom will begin in October. I will notify those who would like to volunteer of their assigned dates/times later this month.
• If you plan on volunteering in the classroom or on field trips, please complete the blue distict volunteer application form. A copy of your driver's license is also required.
• Any money for book orders, lunch/milk, tuition, etc. can be sent with your child's homework folder on Thursday's or can be pinned to your child, inside of an envelope, with the purpose of the money written on the check or envelope.
• Please call the office or send a note to notify us of any bus or pick-up changes.

I had several questions regarding almond butter and whether that could be substituted in sandwiches for peanut butter. The child with the peanut allergy also has reactions to almond butter, but sunflower butter (available at Safeway) is a safe substitution. Thank you for helping us out.

If you had the opportunity to go over the packet from our meeting today and have any more questions, please feel free to call me or email me. Thanks.