Thursday, October 22

We have been focusing a lot on beginning, middle, and end. These are not only positions that we cover in our math curriculum, but they are important terms in sequencing information as part of reading comprehension. After every story, we discuss the sequence of events in the story. This is also a component of summarizing and retelling - all ways to improve comprehension or understanding of the text. Another way we use these concepts is in phonics. We are using word building cards as part of our word work. These cards help us find and hear the beginning, middle, and end sounds in the words we work with. Our word building cards have 3 boxes in a row. We say and listen to words, and put one "chip" or marker in each box as we hear the sound. Example: the word c-a-n; we put one chip in for /c/, one chip in for /a/, and one chip in for /n/. Then we point to each chip as we say the word again. It's a way to help us hear each individual sound in the word. You'll notice that some of the worksheets coming home have word building boxes on them, and students are writing in the beginning letter or ending letter in the boxes. This is a great visual for learning.
Wednesday morning we had a GIANT morning meeting in the gym with all the students and teachers in our school. We had lots of fun greeting each other with a fun hand shake game and sang a big song together. Mrs. Olson led our meeting and she helped students share some of the good work going on in our school. Our AM Kindergarten class sat, listened, and participated very well! The afternoon group played a new game in the gym with Mrs. Karg - octupus tag. Students were really catching on to the tricks of the game towards the end. They were cautious not to get trapped in a sea full of octopus! These games help pump more oxygen to our brain and get us working together taking turns and following rules. Plus, they're fun!!!
The new table and meeting spots that we moved into last week are working out very well. I'm glad to hear good manners happening. Our friendships are growing stronger and everyone is happier at school when we talk and act kindly. Our new neighbors are getting along and helping each other. Awesome!