Gobble, gobble!

We have been having a great time learning all about turkeys this week. Ask your child to tell you some of the interesting things we have learned about these fascinating birds. 

Today we had fun painting our own colorful turkeys. 

Reading

During our Reader's Workshop we have a lot going on in the classroom. Kids are reading independently or with a buddy, working on Lexia,  practicing handwriting, working on spelling skills, participating in a reading group with me or working on a book project. There are lots of opportunities for the kids to practice their reading skills!

Reading with someone is a new favorite part of our Reading Workshop. 

Projects related to books we read during reading group are a great way to share what they have learned or to strengthen comprehension skills. Here a group is working on posters about ocean animals. 

Halloween!

We had a great day on Friday celebrating Halloween! All the kids looked fantastic in their costumes. 

We also had Pete the Cat visit our room to tell a Halloween story and to read a favorite book, Room on the Broom. Thanks, Marie! 

In the afternoon we had some delicious treats made by Robyn, Zoie and Andrea. We also had a healthy snack, ghost bananas, sent in by Julia. Thank you all for your contributions! 

What a fun day! 

4-Winds

We had such fun today learning about dirt and the things that live in it. Here are some of the kids observing worms, before going outside to dig in the dirt in search of more creatures.

Patterns

In math this week we have been exploring patterns. Yesterday the children used craft sticks to make patterns in the classroom. This is always a favorite activity and the kids are always so creative. Today we looked at number patterns, including skip counting patterns.

We also played a great card game called Before and After. You can play the same game at home with a regular deck of cards, just remove the face cards. Ask your child how to play. 

Writer's Workshop

Wow, what great writers everyone is becoming! We have the opportunity to write every day and I am amazed at the growth I am seeing.  The kids have all written numerous stories, which they love to share with each other! Encourage your child to write at home, journals and letter writing are great ways to practice skills learned at school. 

Gorgeous Day

It was too beautiful to stay inside today, so we headed outside to do some writing. What a great way to spend a Friday morning. 

 

We also got in a game of Gaga Ball! 

Dots Continued

Today, with our buddies, we went on a walk in search of dots. Using iPads, they took pictures of their discoveries. Then each pair picked their favorite photograph. As a group we will create a collaborative poem and then create a digital slide show. 

Reading at Home...

Reading at home with your child for 15 or 20 minutes each day can make a huge difference! In today's Home Folder I sent home a two sided page with tips on reading with your child. Be sure to check it out and let me know if you have any questions. 

Here is a copy of what I sent home today. 

Math

Every day in math we spend time practicing important early numeracy skills such as place value skills and counting by 5s and 10s.

Great activities to do each day with your child are to practice counting forwards and backwards, starting at different numbers. Backward counting can be especially difficult. Also, you can practice counting by 10s off decade with your child (3,13, 23, 33, 43, etc.).  

Periodically, I will post more ways you can practice skills at home, so be sure to check back often. 

Check out our counting by 5s hand poster! 

Dot Day Celebration

We celebrated International Dot Day (a day late) with our buddies today.  After reading The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds, we made our own dot pictures. What creative kids!!!

Check out some of the artists at work!