Here Comes the FUN! (not that every day ISN'T fun...)

These little balls of sunshine are well on their way to kindergarten.  Last week we starting ADDING!  That's right.  These kiddos are working on word families and addition.  This is NOT something they need to know before leaving prek, but some are really interested in numbers so it was natural to begin.  Here are some ways to keep it fun with numbers at home. PLEASE no worksheets.  Let's focus on manipulatives, things they can use to learn number concepts.

Use a pair of dice and some noodles or paperclips or even pennies.  Have them roll and count out the manipulatives.  Once they are done counting out, combine and have them count the whole group.  You can also use the 10 frame that I sent home last week.  They know how to use it and really love it.  For that you can give them a number between 1-20 to create using the 10 frame.

So I spoke of word families above.  Again, let's stay away from worksheets.  You can simply make an index card with -at, -it, -ot and use magnetic letters or letter cards to put in front of the word family card.  The idea is they can swap out different consonants and be able to "read" because they know that word family.  Remember at this age nonsense is ok.  As long as they can sound out the first letter with the word family, I am happy.    Speaking of sounding out, we are all the way through letter N.  They should be working on those sounds.

We are getting ready for Easter by observing Lent. We spoke a bit today about sacrifice and giving things up for Lent, but we also talked about ADDING something we don't always do.  Please don't be upset if they suddenly feel the need to make their beds or take the laundry to the basement or something different.  LOL.  

Finally, A Soup OPera is coming along so well.  I hope you hear a lot about it.  I would love to give you a peek, but it is just too cute and MUST remain a surprise. Please work on those costumes and don't forget to RSVP.  After Soup Opera, we will begin a unit on Music which will flow right into our amazing trip to the CSO.  

I will be posting some examples of the word work and addition practice along with our latest artist Michelangelo later.  Check back soon. 

Take care and stay warm,

TB

The More You Know...

Well, here we are February 1 and another snow day.  I decided to take a minute to share our latest classroom accomplishments and new endeavors.

In Math, we are "perfecting" numbers 1-10.  They should be practicing 1:1 correspondence as well as writing the number.  We have also been and will continue to focus a lot on shapes. They are using rulers and white boards some days along with shape cards and they can make some amazing shapes!  This week we celebrate the 100th day.  They count daily to 100 either by 10's and 1's or just 1's.  Ask them to do this at home too.  It is amazing.

In Reading, we just finished Jingles and Rhymes.  We are starting our unit on The Nightingale.  We will discuss birds, look at China on the map and learn vocabulary like emperor and Nightingale.  We continue working on rhyming word families and syllables.  Please practice these at home.  They are actually learning to "read" their rhyming word lists.  It has been VERY exciting.  This week we introduce Ll and Mm as well.   Sounds and writing should be practiced A-M by the end of the week.

In Religion we are focusing on friendships and families.  We have mass again on February 25th, so we will be doing the readings and prayers again.  I hope if you were unable to join us in November that you are available in February.

In Science and Social Studies we will be talking about China and birds.  We will look at maps and traditions of China and will be using different birds and bird books to try and identify different birds.  By the way, SCIENCE FAIR was so great.  I love how some of you used photos to show your child helping with the project.  Remember, if you have NOT been scientist of the week, KEEP your board and use it on your assigned date.  If you have not signed up yet, PLEASE email me.

Finally, our Opera is coming along nicely.  We had a couple of casting changes, but you will get that info well in advance for any "costumes".  This is simple and light hearted.  The children are in love with this project.

Stay warm and have fun digging out. 
TB

ps... please check folders daily and don't forget to check instagram once a week.