What a Busy Week!

      We made it through another week!  I am so proud to say that these kids are making progress every single day!  Navigating through school can be challenging, I am seeing each child become more independent and confident in their daily routine.
       This week I introduced two new word wall words; the and little.  I have learned throughout the years that silly chants or crazy actions can really "hook" the kids into learning.  Ask your child how we "clap out" the letters of the word "the."  I am teaching the kids how helpful word wall words can be when reading and writing. Thus far we have the words I , am , the and little on display in the class.  These are the first of 40 word wall words the children will be learning this year.
      We officially started writing workshop this week!  I talked to the kids about how good writers get their ideas from listening to stories and poems. The children listened to several different poems about different things people can do.  Using this simple topic, the children brainstormed things they can do.  In kindergarten, the writing process ranges from simple pictures, initial sounds, labels and even sentences.  The children are learning to use the classroom to get hints when writing words.  I have shown them that our classroom is surrounded with words (environmental print).
      In math, I have introduced the concept of number combinations. We talked about different ways to represent the values of numbers.  I asked them to show me 5 fingers 3 different ways!  It was fun watching them problem solve that complex question.  Once they got the hang of it, we tried it with the number 4 as well.  Next week we will be looking at shapes and their different attributes.
       Enjoy the pictures!

Writing workshop! The kids loved sitting in the "author's chair" and sharing their stories!

Two proud boys!

Buddy readers!

Quiet time...at this time the kids can quietly look at books or simply take a break! They  love this time! 

Lunch in the classroom was a treat on Early Release!

Practicing penmanship. Ask your child about "wet, dry, try."  

Welcome to our classroom blog!  The purpose for this blog is for you to have a sense of connection  of what is going on in our busy little classroom!  I love to post pictures of the kids in action, doing what they do best.  It is also fun for you and your child to look at the updates together. 
On Thursday,  the children started their day with morning recess.  This will continue throughout the year on a daily basis (with the exception of Wednesdays).  The children get off the bus (or out of the car) and go straight to the playground.  There are many duty personnel making sure that the kids are safely getting onto the playground.  The kids loved their morning recess both days last week!

Brand New Year!