MLK and Penguins

This week in math we continued to practice 5 groups in numbers to 10, teen numbers and writing to 20.  We played a hot cocoa "missing number" game with teen numbers.  Take a look at some of the pictures.

We also began to practice two skills that will be tested for the next progress report.  Students need to count back from 20 and recognize a trapezoid and hexagon.  We are practicing these everyday during our calendar.  Please help your child practice at home too!
In language arts and writing, we read about Martin Luther King, Jr. and discussed his dream.  We made a cute craft and wrote a sentence describing his dream.

 

We began to learn about penguins.  Before we read any non-fiction books we made a list of things we already "know" about penguins.  We came up with a few questions for "what" we wanted to learn.  The next day we filled in the last column of what we have "learned" so far.  Take a look at our K-W-L chart. 

K	W	L
·waddle ·swim 25 mph ·eat fish ·slide on their tummy ·huddle to stay warm ·lay eggs ·black and white	·How do they take care of eggs? ·waterproof?	·dive very deep ·enemies-shark, killer whale, sea lion, seal ·yellow crest (hair) ·leap out of the water 6 ft. ·different sizes ·blubber keeps them warm ·are birds with feathers ·cannot fly

We also made a penguin craft.  They are hanging in our kindergarten hallway!

 

We watched a short YouTube video to help us answer our question about "How penguins care for their young?"  Check it out!

 

 Last but not least....we learned about a new strategy when partner reading.  We call this "Read to Someone".  When reading with a partner, it is important to:  1) sit EEKK (elbow to elbow, knee to knee), 2) the listener should be following along while the reader reads, 3) both partners should be respectful.  We also learned how to help a friend if they get stuck on a word.  We should ask them if they want help (tell them the word) or time (igure it out on their own). We practiced "Read to Someone" while reading a sight word book with two ew star words-little and big.  Take a look!

 

Brr, it's winter!

This week we practiced the following skills in math.  We reviewed partners of numbers 4, 5, 6.  We practiced making 5 groups. with numbers to 10.  We practiced teen numbers by playing a game.  These came home in a baggie.  Practice at home.

In reading we completed a literature study with the story, The Mitten.  We read two different versions, one by Jan Brett and one by Alvin Tresselt.  We talked about the story elements-setting, characters, beginning, middle, and end.  We also compared the two using a Venn diagram.  We made a text-to-text connection after the story, One Snowy Night.  We practiced rhyming.  Take a look at our finished work.

We've been busy practicing our social skills in CHOICE time.  Take a look at some photos of us building, in the "birthday center", and art.

Students took the NWEA MAP tests this week in reading and math.  We will discuss more about the progress at conferences on February 5th or 7th.

Season's Greeting and all that Jazz!

What a busy month!  I can't believe that we only have 1 week left until winter break.  Students have been busy with the following concepts along with a little fun!
Math:  We have been practicing addition and subtraction stories.  We got to use a great app on the IPads called "Educreations" to make our own addition or subtraction stories.  Each student got to record them and share with the class.  Click on the links below to see a few of the math superstars in our room.

Colton's subtraction story

               

Emma's subtraction story

                  

Cullen's addition story

                  
This week we have also been talking about teen numbers.  For example, 11 is really 10+1.  12 is 10+2 and so on.  Our focus has also been focusing on five groups for numbers less than 10.  For example 6 is 5+1, 7 is 5+2 and so on.  Students sometimes have a difficult time with switching their thinking so practicing these skills at home is crucial.  Students have a homework page for math this weekend that is working with 5-groups.  Please complete it and return!

Reading:  Students are really taking off with their take home reading.  If you have not been reading, please try to incorporate this into your evening routine.  We have now introduced the following new star words-he, she, we, me, on.  We talked a little about the "Power of E" went it stands alone at the end of a word.  We also focused on gingerbread stories and story elements.  We discussed the beginning, middle, and end of these stories.  Ask your child to tell you about one of them.

 

 

Writing-We have been sound spelling like crazy!  Our journals are now looking more complete with an attempt at sentences.  These will be sent home next week so you can see the progression.  Students are also busy making cards for friends and family in the "Holiday Hallmark House".  Maybe you will be lucky enough to receive one.

 

Next week we will enjoy more gingerbread stories, Winter Wonderland in gym (hopefully), and BINGO.

Take Home Reading

TOMORROW your child will begin the Take Home Reading Program.  Students are very excited about "star words" and blending sounds together to read words.  Students will be bringing a baggie with a bookfrom our Get Ready series, Scholastic Sight Word Readers, and/or Harcourt Leveled Readers.  Your child will be able to recognize many of the words, but if he/she does not know the word simply tell it to him or her.  I have listed some tips.

Please have your child do the following when the book comes home:
1.  Read it at least 3 times!
2.  Make sure he/she is pointing to the words.
     If the sentence is "The big dog is brown", but your child read "The dog is brown." ask them to    
     count how many words are in the sentence.  Ask them to read it again.  Tell them to look at the
     beginning letter for the sound b not d.  What word could it be?
3.  Have your child read every night and return the book once they have mastered the text.  Then I 
     will exchange the book after I listen to them read.  :)

I will also be sending home a December homework calendar and reading record sheet.  Please take a look in your child's folder!

Give Thanks

Last Wednesday we completed a bunch of activities with TURKEYS for Thanksgiving. We read The Most Thankful Thing and wrote what we were thankful for to make a turkey.

In math, we read Hide and Seek Turkeys and practiced adding one more.  We played a partner game.

 

 

In reading, we were "thankful for reading" star words!

 

Turkey Disguises

Our turkey disguises turned out great!  We have some very creative families.  Thanks for all your hard work.  Here are a few of my favorites: