Week Three Highlights!

What a wonderful week!

Our story of the week was Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes.  Our comprehension focus was predicting, retelling using pictures, and identifying character and setting.  We discussed what is a character, how to identify main characters, and how characters can change throughout the story.  We also introduced setting and discussed how the setting tells use where and when the story takes place.  Please ask your child to share with you the characters, setting, and important events in our story.

We added our first word to our word wall this week! Our new word wall word is I.  We identified our word wall word in a poem, cheered out our word, and shared sentences using our word wall word.  Please challenge your child to begin to identify and write our word wall words at home.

This week, we introduced our handwriting books!  We learned that every letter and number is made by big lines, little lines, big curves, or little curves.  We even made Mat Man using wood pieces.  Please ask your child to share with you how they hold a pencil with mom and dad in the front and kids in the back.

During reader's workshop this week we learned the parts of the book and the roles of the author and illustrator.  When reading with your child at home, please ask them to identify the front and back covers, title of the book, title page, author, and illustrator of the book.

During Daily Five word work stations, we continue to explore letter identification.  Our word work stations include wood pieces and letter cards, magazine find, shake and trace, playdough letters, pattern block letters, and directed drawing.  Take a peek at our kindergartners hard at work during Daily Five.

In our writer's workshop, we continue to establish routines and strategies to help us keep on writing.  We know that when we think we are done, we've only just begun.  We are building writing stamina.  We are up to 10 minutes of independent writing!  Take a peek at our kindergarten writers sharing their stories with their peanut butter and jelly partner!

This week we began module 1 in our Eureka Math curriculum.  We introduced fluency cards, number glove, and the counting hand.  Using our new fluency tools, we are beginning to develop subitizing skills.  We discussed and sorted objects that were the same, different, and same but/similar.  We even had a Curious George picnic to practice our sorting skills.  

During math tubs, we reviewed number writing, shape identification, and one to one correspondence.  Please ask your child what was their favorite math tub this week.  Take a peek at our mathematicians hard at work. 

We had our first Mystery Reader visit this week.  Take a peek at Ms. Creehan reading our kindergartners a fun movement book.  

Friendly Reminders

--Despite the warm weather, the AC in our classroom can make it quite chilly.  If your child has said anything to you about being cold in the classroom, please feel free to send them to school with a sweatshirt or light jacket.

--Please have your child bring or wear gym shoes on Mondays and Thursdays

--Please make sure your child returns their library book on Tuesdays

--Fridays are Irving Pacer days.  Please send your child with or wearing gym shoes.  

Upcoming Events

District 97 Parent Workshop: Tech Night--September 21st 6:00-8:00pm

Irving School Curriculum Night and Open House--September 22nd 6:30-8:00pm--Kindergartners are welcome to join.  Childcare will be provided during the curriculum presentations and child-led tour will follow.  Please join me to learn more about our kindergarten curriculum, upcoming classroom events, and volunteer opportunities.  

Walk to School Day--October 5th

Columbus Day--October 10th--NO SCHOOL 

Fall School Pictures--October 11th

Irving Fun Run Fundraiser--October 14th