Sorry for the delay in the classroom update! Here's what we've been up to lately.
Our letter of the week last week was “Oo” and our word of the week was “you.” In reading groups, we identified words with initial and medial “Oo.” We looked for words that have the letter “Oo” in the same place, such as top and mop, and octopus and otter. This is a difficult concept to grasp! Please have your child practice identifying words with “Oo” in the same place. This activity can also be used with other letters. During guided reading, we read “On the Dot.” We also played a game called, “Teacher Says” which gave us a chance to practice following, “above,” “on,” and “below” directions.
This week we are working on the letter "Ff".
Everyday Math Concepts: (1) We played games from home and practiced our problem-solving strategies. (2) We used a walk-on number line to help us explore addition and subtraction concepts. (3) We played the game, “Top-It” and worked on reading and comparing numbers 0-20. (4) We created shape and color patterns using a pattern block template.
This time of the year brings many different holiday celebrations! We began discussing some of the traditions that each of us celebrates and colored mini books titled, “Holiday Lights.”
All month long, we are studying different versions of the story, “The Gingerbread Man.” As we read the different versions, we’ll be looking for similarities and differences between them. Last week, we created icing on our very own gingerbread man by lacing yarn around him and then adding buttons, eyes, a nose and a mouth.
We were so fortunate to have Pam Savore come to us and teach us some art skills and help us draw a gingerbread man! We learned how to use all the space on a paper, how to color correctly with a crayon and applied the crayon resist technique to enhance the colors of our drawing. Pam will be coming to us two more times this year. This program is funded by a PTSA kindergarten grant for nearly $1300. Thank you PTSA!!
UPDATE: So far our efforts have raised about $200 to help support our 5th graders attend Camp Colman. The entire school community is encouraged to participate. Simply go to www.innisbrook.com and the Grand Ridge school code is 108416. Orders may be placed thru December 30th. Since this is an online offering, catalogs will not be coming home. There will be catalogs available for viewing in the school office. Questions? Please contact Nancy Castonguay at tenkcast@yahoo.com .
I wish each and every one of you a peaceful and relaxing winter break. I have SO enjoyed my time with your children and getting to know each family. A heartfelt THANK YOU to all the classroom volunteers who work tirelessly to help support me and student learning. You are TRULY making a difference in each child's life!
Please check back here tomorrow for a special holiday gift that I have prepared for you!
~Mrs. Perry
