Popsicle Sticks

We used popsicle sticks in both math and word work today.  First we used popsicle sticks for counting out bundles of ten and then wrapping elastics around the bundles.  That was a great fine motor activity as well as wonderful practice for  place value.

Then we built our sight words using popsicle sticks.  Everyone had different ways to make letters.  The kids were delighted to problem solve how to build the letters necessary to create words like; an, do, up, and, can, on and no.  We talked a great deal about how which letters come FIRST in each sight word.  Quite often kids get confused with "on" and "no", or they'll call "and", "Dan."  Try building words at home with your child, giving attention to the order of letters.  You could use noodles, yarn, sticks, silverware......  Give it a go, and see what you can create!

A "Dandy" Day

I could write to you all about the math assessments we are giving in kindergarten.  I could tell you we are taking the online NWEA assessments as well.  Or I could tell you how much your children enjoyed recess today.  Finding dandelions is a rite of passage in kindergarten.  Kids approach grown ups with carefully created bouquets of the ever present dandelion.  So, in this month of assessing, PLEASE, go outside with your wonderful child.  Watch them watch nature.  I promise, you'll smile.

Sharing Number Stories

We wrote number stories today.  First, I reviewed how the kids could come up with a story, draw it, and then write a number model to match what happened in the story.  We discussed the addition and equal symbols, and how important these symbols are in our number stories.  Then the kids went off to write their own.  We had stories about jelly beans, giraffes, and televisions.  The best part of this lesson was when the kids each took a turn to share their work.  Everyone helped each other with the symbols. As they shared their stories, we would check the numbers.  They were delighted to discover their stories were correct.

Writing Opinions

Today our kinders were putting the finishing touches on their favorite book papers.  They had to pick a favorite book and give two reasons for it being a favorite.  We have been discussing what makes a good reason.  For instance, some students like Pete the Cat  books because he doesn't get upset and he says "It's all good."

Everyone had fun with dice toss addition today.  They all found a comfy spot to work and then wrote number sentences to represent the dice they tossed. We also learned about quarters in math.  Help your child sort some coins tonight and find the quarters.  Check out the backs of the quarters and see how many different states you can find.

We had a visit from Red E. Fox as well.  He came in to give the class a certificate for learning about the 9-1-1 system.  Before vacation we learned how to call 9-1-1 and WHEN to call 9-1-1.  It's always a good thing to review at home as well.  The kids could use reminders about what their address is as well as their phone number.

Wacky Wednesday

 The kids had a lovely time exploring the marble ramps and making more 3-D marshmallow shapes during our Wacky Wednesday.  They also donned some safety goggles and used eye droppers to add water to a container.

3-D Shapes

 The kinders have been working with 3-D shapes for the last few weeks.  We have been learning about cones, spheres, pyramids, cylinders, cubes and rectangular prisms.  The kids have found them, identified them, and today, we built them!  Using toothpicks and marshmallows, we started by creating a flat shape, a square.  Then the kids had built the shape up into a cube.  After the cube was made, the kids were cut loose to create their own 3-D shapes.  Now the kids can't wait for a chance to make some more shapes on Wacky Wednesday!

An "Eggsellent" Day

Today we read a few non-fiction books about eggs.  We learned that the eggs we eat do no have chicks in them.  It was fun  to look at the pictures following the growth of a chick inside an egg.  The kids learned that eggs have tiny holes in them to give air to the growing chick.  We saw air bubbles come out of an egg when we put it in water.  Then we all peeled a hard boiled egg to make egg salad.  The kids were thrilled to make their own snack.   Have a wonderful vacation!

Reminder:  Due to the screening of incoming students Thursday May 22 and Friday May 23, there will be NO KINDERGARTEN.