Dear Kindergarten Families,


Here is what's going on in Kindergarten next week:

Science: We will study the concept of sink vs float with pumpkins as well as dissecting the pumpkins and studying their seeds and pulp.

Language Arts: Last year our staff decided to focus on writing for the year 2016-17. Last summer we spent two professional development days with presenters learning about Writing Workshop (WW). A couple of weeks ago we spent time during the day with the WW presenters, and then continued our professional development until 6:00 in the evening. It is SO exciting to be on a new adventure with this new writing program.

We were told by the presenters that we needed the following items to work in WW. (I've indicated the necessary items with *** and the other items are desired, but not necessary).

  *    ***Plastic folders with pockets and three prongs: http://www.staples.com/JAM-Paper-Plastic-2-Pocket-Eco-School-Folders-with-Metal-Tang-Fastener-Clasps-Assorted-Fashion-Colors-6-Pack-382ECFASSRT-/product_2329304
  *    *** Binder pockets https://www.amazon.com/Avery-Binder-Pockets-Acid-75254/dp/B011KGSSTW/ref=sr_1_1?srs=7301146011&ie=UTF8&qid=1473910649&sr=8-1&keywords=binder+pockets*
  *  *** Pocket Page Protectors https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Pro-Pocket-Page-Protectors/dp/B005HIOVOG/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1473905616&sr=1-1&keywords=binder+pocket+inserts
  *  Self-inking date stamps ( a few)
  *  Correction tape
  *  Blue, black and green pens for each student (with extras due to loss)

If you would like to send in a contribution, or purchase any of these items for the class, please let me know, otherwise I will purchase them by the end of next week as I need them ASAP. :)

In Writers Workshop next week: We will focus on the beginning, middle and end of stories as well as the problems and solutions. Students are working on adding more details to their pictures and words.  Again, most of their Writer's Workshop stories will be left at school in their writing folders but we will send them home periodically and eventually they will revise, edit, and publish their very own books! When students are sounding out words, we have been practicing two different strategies.  " Stretching Out" is when you stretch a word out very slowly and write each sound that you hear (ie" "caaaat"). "Robot talk" is when you quickly say each sound (ie: "c-a-t").  Ask your child to show you these strategies and try using these terms to help your child with writing words at home.

Math: Number Order of 1-10. Keep an eye out for your child's Pumpkin Number Line and use this at home to help your child practice Number Recognition and Number Sense (ie: "Can you point to the number ___ on your number line?" or "What number comes before/after ___?").  Use the directions that were attached to their number lines to guide this learning.  There will not be a math page for homework this week.


Word of the Week: "go".  Students will be writing "I like to go to the _____."

Lastly, as a reminder, there is no school on Friday, Oct. 7th due to a staff development training for all teachers.

Best,
Catherine Werner