Dear families,
I hope you are enjoying the first day of your winter holiday!
Thank you so very much for the wonderful gifts - you are very kind!
This week was all about the holidays; we read Deanna Jump's story "The Christmas Grumps" (a very simple version of The Grinch story) and wrote how to make a grumpy grin on the back of our art. The children helped me make word web inquiries about Santa, Snowflakes and The Grinch. We compared The Grinch book vs. the movie and the Grinch vs. Santa using Venn diagrams. The children did a tally and graph about candy canes, started a winter word wall which we'll continue working on when we return from the break, practised reading our words ending in t, n, and r (see the Ho Ho endings sheet), and learned how to make paper snowflakes. All the children's December work went home in their green folders along with some crafts they made and their Eric Carle art.
Thank you to our parent volunteers this week: Chloe's mom was our Mystery Reader and read "Where the Wild Things Are and "The Night Before Christmas." Martel's mom helped in the Computer Lab, and we had lots of help for our Holiday Craft Party from the moms of Martel, Claire, Izzie, Anderson, Lauren, Christopher, and Megan. The crafts were terrific and the kids had a great time making them! Thank you so much for your time and energy! Thank you also to Chloe for donating the book "The Gruffalo Child" to our classroom library.
We practised writing our popcorn words "I" and "am" on our mini dry-erase boards. The two new popcorn words are "is and "and." They should go in your child's popcorn word folder at home. Some parents have asked me where to get these. I bought our class set through www.reallygoodstuff.com.
On Friday the whole school sang carols in the gym, accompanied by Mr. Samotowka on trumpet and Mr. Norton on flugel horn.
When we come back from the break we will do inquiries on measurement, signs of winter, snowflakes, winter weather, and, just for fun, an Alien Invasion!
I hope you have a fun and happy holiday with family and friends, and I look forward to seeing everyone again on January 5th!
Mrs. Tyndall
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Week of December 15-19
Dear families,
First, a thank you to our parent volunteers this week: Martel's mom who helped in the Computer Lab and with Pizza Lunch; Jake's mom who was Mystery Reader; Olivia's mom who helped with Pizza Lunch.
This week we did two fun and interesting inquiries -- on Santa, and on Snowflakes. We made web charts, explored at the Snowflake Centre where the children designed snowflakes with various objects and three mirrors, and played at our mini North Pole Centre. We'll continue our inquiry on the properties of snow and build that into a long indoor/outdoor inquiry about Winter when we return from our holidays. On a snowy day the children brought out black pieces of construction paper and caught and observed snowflakes. You can do this at home too!
The Juniors focused on their first two "Popcorn Words" I and AM. The Seniors know these words and review sight words throughout the year. These two words are in your child's yellow Popcorn Folder that went home in Friday's white bag. Each Friday they will receive two more words to put in the folder and practise at home. The Juniors and Seniors also did a fun crayon resist activity with sight words I wrote in white crayon under holiday lights they painted with watercolour. The words "magically" appeared when the children painted the light bulbs. You can do this activity at home with a white crayon - it's easy! The kids can do it too. Watercolour paint works best.
The children divided up into groups and worked very well together on putting together a large and small Santa puzzle. Puzzles are wonderful for cooperation, verbal skills, and developing spacial skills.
The kids also made wrapping paper by painting only on the top half of a large sheet of paper. When they were finished, they folded the bottom half up, pressed on it, and pulled it back to reveal a mirror image of their design. They would love to wrap a gift with this paper at home with you.
For next week's art project, please bring in 5 small twigs. They should be small enough that they can fit in a ziplock baggie. Thank you!
We continued practising our Popcorn Word Song (to the tune of Mary Had a Little Lamb):
Like in to no am a that
Can me yes
I of the
Said we he is it go see
And it big my went
We "butter" the popcorn words that we are focusing on during the week by highlighting them in yellow. I and AM are buttered. Next week we'll "butter" IS and AND. You can do this at home too with the song sheet I sent home. I will also continue to send home the other songs and poems we do in class so that your child can practise them at home. This reinforces reading skills learned in class.
This month's Sharing Assembly was about Kindness and Caring. Congratulations to all the kids who did a wonderful job singing the song "Peace" and to Lauren, Adam and Matthew C. who demonstrate kindness and caring to others each day in our classroom. I am very proud of you.
The children also read and coloured a counting book about Kwaanzaa, and learned about Hannukah while painting a popsicle star of David ornament (which was also a great little opportunity to teach how two triangles can make the star).
This week we also read nine Christmas words and then drew pictures of them. It really helps the children when I show them step by step how to draw things using basic shapes. It's really impressive how they can do it themselves after a little lesson!
The Seniors also did several sight word games such as Roll and Write (matching numbers with sight words) and Spot the Dog (beginning and ending sounds). We have been talking a lot about beginning and ending sounds as another way and skill to decipher words. We have also been talking about and reading rhyming words on the Smart Board which is another handy skill (making connections: "I know that ending because it rhymes with ___").
Finally, each day we have been reading and re-reading and studying the book "Happy Holidays" on the Smart Board, looking for sight words, using our "eagle eyes" to use pictures to help us read the words, and s-t-r-e-t-c-h-I-n-g words out to help us read them. We also look for patterns in the story (repetition). The kids are doing so well! I gave them their own copies to read and colour and had them read it to me as well.
The December folders will go home with all their wonderful work on Friday.
The children have been enjoying singing carols with me at the piano. I'm a bit rusty but they don't seem to notice! We'll continue singing carols next week. If your child is taking music lessons and has a piece they would like to play for the class, please let me know! The kids would love to hear them.
This Thursday morning is our Holiday Craft Party. A big thank you in advance to the parents who are helping with that and who are bringing in craft materials.
I hope you are having a nice weekend!
First, a thank you to our parent volunteers this week: Martel's mom who helped in the Computer Lab and with Pizza Lunch; Jake's mom who was Mystery Reader; Olivia's mom who helped with Pizza Lunch.
This week we did two fun and interesting inquiries -- on Santa, and on Snowflakes. We made web charts, explored at the Snowflake Centre where the children designed snowflakes with various objects and three mirrors, and played at our mini North Pole Centre. We'll continue our inquiry on the properties of snow and build that into a long indoor/outdoor inquiry about Winter when we return from our holidays. On a snowy day the children brought out black pieces of construction paper and caught and observed snowflakes. You can do this at home too!
The Juniors focused on their first two "Popcorn Words" I and AM. The Seniors know these words and review sight words throughout the year. These two words are in your child's yellow Popcorn Folder that went home in Friday's white bag. Each Friday they will receive two more words to put in the folder and practise at home. The Juniors and Seniors also did a fun crayon resist activity with sight words I wrote in white crayon under holiday lights they painted with watercolour. The words "magically" appeared when the children painted the light bulbs. You can do this activity at home with a white crayon - it's easy! The kids can do it too. Watercolour paint works best.
The children divided up into groups and worked very well together on putting together a large and small Santa puzzle. Puzzles are wonderful for cooperation, verbal skills, and developing spacial skills.
The kids also made wrapping paper by painting only on the top half of a large sheet of paper. When they were finished, they folded the bottom half up, pressed on it, and pulled it back to reveal a mirror image of their design. They would love to wrap a gift with this paper at home with you.
For next week's art project, please bring in 5 small twigs. They should be small enough that they can fit in a ziplock baggie. Thank you!
We continued practising our Popcorn Word Song (to the tune of Mary Had a Little Lamb):
Like in to no am a that
Can me yes
I of the
Said we he is it go see
And it big my went
We "butter" the popcorn words that we are focusing on during the week by highlighting them in yellow. I and AM are buttered. Next week we'll "butter" IS and AND. You can do this at home too with the song sheet I sent home. I will also continue to send home the other songs and poems we do in class so that your child can practise them at home. This reinforces reading skills learned in class.
This month's Sharing Assembly was about Kindness and Caring. Congratulations to all the kids who did a wonderful job singing the song "Peace" and to Lauren, Adam and Matthew C. who demonstrate kindness and caring to others each day in our classroom. I am very proud of you.
The children also read and coloured a counting book about Kwaanzaa, and learned about Hannukah while painting a popsicle star of David ornament (which was also a great little opportunity to teach how two triangles can make the star).
This week we also read nine Christmas words and then drew pictures of them. It really helps the children when I show them step by step how to draw things using basic shapes. It's really impressive how they can do it themselves after a little lesson!
The Seniors also did several sight word games such as Roll and Write (matching numbers with sight words) and Spot the Dog (beginning and ending sounds). We have been talking a lot about beginning and ending sounds as another way and skill to decipher words. We have also been talking about and reading rhyming words on the Smart Board which is another handy skill (making connections: "I know that ending because it rhymes with ___").
Finally, each day we have been reading and re-reading and studying the book "Happy Holidays" on the Smart Board, looking for sight words, using our "eagle eyes" to use pictures to help us read the words, and s-t-r-e-t-c-h-I-n-g words out to help us read them. We also look for patterns in the story (repetition). The kids are doing so well! I gave them their own copies to read and colour and had them read it to me as well.
The December folders will go home with all their wonderful work on Friday.
The children have been enjoying singing carols with me at the piano. I'm a bit rusty but they don't seem to notice! We'll continue singing carols next week. If your child is taking music lessons and has a piece they would like to play for the class, please let me know! The kids would love to hear them.
This Thursday morning is our Holiday Craft Party. A big thank you in advance to the parents who are helping with that and who are bringing in craft materials.
I hope you are having a nice weekend!
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Week of December 8-12
Dear families,
I hope you are having a lovely weekend.
On December 1st your child brought home "Countdown to Santa" beads (unless s/he was absent, in which case they brought them home the day they were present). Their Reading Buddies helped them make this. Each night before your child goes to sleep, s/he moves one bead over. Green beads are for weekdays, red for weekends. When the last bead is moved over, that means it is December 25 and they ring the attached bell. You can also cross off the days on your calendar at home.
The children had a terrific time at the Robert Munsch play on Wednesday and it was terrific to hear them exclaim, "That's Mortimer!" or "That's Down the Drain" because they remembered the books we read before the production. Technically speaking, we are trying to teach the children to make connections from texts to themselves, to the world, to other texts, etc. Back in the classroom they wrote and drew about their favourite part of the play. Thank you so much to Izzie's, Martel's and Christopher's moms who accompanied us on our trip. Thank you as well to Elizabeth's mom who was our Mystery Reader this week.
At our upcoming Sharing Assembly on Friday, December 12, Adam, Lauren, and Matthew C. will be receiving certificates for demonstrating Kindness and Caring in our classroom.
During the next few weeks until the holidays, we will be doing a lot of holiday-themed inquiries. We have also started a mini inquiry on snowflakes, using three mirrors and various clear and blue materials. The children are enjoying our new Holiday Card Writing Centre. After the holidays are over and you have taken your decorations down, please send in your old card 1/2s (with the message side removed) so that the children can make new cards from them next year. Thank you! We are also learning new December-themed words, a list of which I am sending home. Our Reading Buddies are helping the children read and write a book about Santa Claus.
December 10th is Spirit Day to support Free the Children. Please read the LKS Bulletin for further information.
See you on Monday!
I hope you are having a lovely weekend.
On December 1st your child brought home "Countdown to Santa" beads (unless s/he was absent, in which case they brought them home the day they were present). Their Reading Buddies helped them make this. Each night before your child goes to sleep, s/he moves one bead over. Green beads are for weekdays, red for weekends. When the last bead is moved over, that means it is December 25 and they ring the attached bell. You can also cross off the days on your calendar at home.
The children had a terrific time at the Robert Munsch play on Wednesday and it was terrific to hear them exclaim, "That's Mortimer!" or "That's Down the Drain" because they remembered the books we read before the production. Technically speaking, we are trying to teach the children to make connections from texts to themselves, to the world, to other texts, etc. Back in the classroom they wrote and drew about their favourite part of the play. Thank you so much to Izzie's, Martel's and Christopher's moms who accompanied us on our trip. Thank you as well to Elizabeth's mom who was our Mystery Reader this week.
At our upcoming Sharing Assembly on Friday, December 12, Adam, Lauren, and Matthew C. will be receiving certificates for demonstrating Kindness and Caring in our classroom.
During the next few weeks until the holidays, we will be doing a lot of holiday-themed inquiries. We have also started a mini inquiry on snowflakes, using three mirrors and various clear and blue materials. The children are enjoying our new Holiday Card Writing Centre. After the holidays are over and you have taken your decorations down, please send in your old card 1/2s (with the message side removed) so that the children can make new cards from them next year. Thank you! We are also learning new December-themed words, a list of which I am sending home. Our Reading Buddies are helping the children read and write a book about Santa Claus.
December 10th is Spirit Day to support Free the Children. Please read the LKS Bulletin for further information.
See you on Monday!
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Week of December 1-5
Dear families,
December already! The children are doing an amazing job getting ready for outdoor play. A little rhyme is helping them remember how to do their own zipper: "Put the lady/man in the elevator, hold on to the lady/man so they don't fall out, and pull up the elevator."
We finished our unit on Colours and Eric Carle this week. The children did a terrific job and will enjoy reading and showing you their projects and work.
The homework for this weekend is to complete the "Grouchy/Happy" work about "The Grouchy Ladybug." To finish our Colour Unit, the children can complete the sentences I sent home ("An apple is ______, The sun is _______,
We watched a DLTK science video on primary colour mixing. I have sent home the experiment if you want to do it at home. All you need is food colouring, cream, and a drop of dish soap!
Thank you so much to Jack's mom who was our Mystery Reader. She brought Jack's favourite pop-up book on Super Heroes.
Thank you to our Parent Scientists Volunteers: Moms of Lauren, Matthew C., Matthew H., Sophie, and Stella. The day was a terrific success and the children were anthropologists, biologists, meteorologists, and overall terrific budding scientists. Thank you to Parent Council for providing the funds for this educational enrichment for the children.
The children completed their November calendars and their "This is me in November" writing and drawing. The Juniors are doing a good job learning their letter sounds, and the Seniors are feeling confident about their sight words and stretching words out.
The December Scholastic order is due on December 1st. Books make wonderful Holiday Gifts! I will put the order in on Monday and the books should arrive within a week.
At the next Holiday-themed Sharing Assembly on December 12, Adam, Lauren and Matthew C. will be receiving certificates for Kindness and Caring. They demonstrate kindness and caring to their classmates and adults on a daily basis. Well done!
Please note that the Spring Craft Party has been changed to Wednesday, April 1st and 1:30. Thank you.
This upcoming week is all about Robert Munsch! We'll focus on the five books that Wednesday's play will be about: Mortimer, Lighthouse, Down the Drain, We Share Everything, and Swamp Water. It will be so fun!
I hope you have a fun weekend!
December already! The children are doing an amazing job getting ready for outdoor play. A little rhyme is helping them remember how to do their own zipper: "Put the lady/man in the elevator, hold on to the lady/man so they don't fall out, and pull up the elevator."
We finished our unit on Colours and Eric Carle this week. The children did a terrific job and will enjoy reading and showing you their projects and work.
The homework for this weekend is to complete the "Grouchy/Happy" work about "The Grouchy Ladybug." To finish our Colour Unit, the children can complete the sentences I sent home ("An apple is ______, The sun is _______,
We watched a DLTK science video on primary colour mixing. I have sent home the experiment if you want to do it at home. All you need is food colouring, cream, and a drop of dish soap!
Thank you so much to Jack's mom who was our Mystery Reader. She brought Jack's favourite pop-up book on Super Heroes.
Thank you to our Parent Scientists Volunteers: Moms of Lauren, Matthew C., Matthew H., Sophie, and Stella. The day was a terrific success and the children were anthropologists, biologists, meteorologists, and overall terrific budding scientists. Thank you to Parent Council for providing the funds for this educational enrichment for the children.
The children completed their November calendars and their "This is me in November" writing and drawing. The Juniors are doing a good job learning their letter sounds, and the Seniors are feeling confident about their sight words and stretching words out.
The December Scholastic order is due on December 1st. Books make wonderful Holiday Gifts! I will put the order in on Monday and the books should arrive within a week.
At the next Holiday-themed Sharing Assembly on December 12, Adam, Lauren and Matthew C. will be receiving certificates for Kindness and Caring. They demonstrate kindness and caring to their classmates and adults on a daily basis. Well done!
Please note that the Spring Craft Party has been changed to Wednesday, April 1st and 1:30. Thank you.
This upcoming week is all about Robert Munsch! We'll focus on the five books that Wednesday's play will be about: Mortimer, Lighthouse, Down the Drain, We Share Everything, and Swamp Water. It will be so fun!
I hope you have a fun weekend!
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Week of November 24-28
Dear families,
Our inquiry-based learning last week focused on Primary Colours, the number 10, and how to make Tally Marks. We are learning poems and songs about these topics to reinforce the concepts (they will sent home in your child's Friday bag). For example:
1, 2, 3, 4,
Number 5 shuts the door.
6, 7, 8, 9,
Number 10 draws a line.
We did tallies and graphs this week about "Favourite Colours," "The Santa Claus Parade," and "Are You A Night Owl."
The Seniors finished their "I Can Be" booklet about colours, and the juniors finished their "Colourful Cats" booklet about colours.
If your (Senior) child received mixed-up sentences about Bats or Owls in their white bag, please remind them to cut them up, glue them in the correct order, and read them. If your child did not finish his/her "Owl Facts" booklet in class please provide time for them to finish it for homework.
Thank you so much to Megan's mom who was our Mystery Reader this week! She read a book by Robert Munsch and a book by Eric Carle, the authors we are focusing on over the next two weeks. Thank you!! Thank you as well to Anderson's mom who assisted with the Computer Lab!
Please encourage your child's independence by teaching them the Zipper Trick and by encouraging them to do their zippers by themselves. A trick I use that helps is "Put the man in the elevator, hold on to the man to make sure he doesn't fall out, and pull the elevator up!" The kids like it and it helps remind them to hold on to the other side of their jacket when pulling up the zipper pull. Children love to feel proud of themselves and independent so your assistance with this is much appreciated. We have been working a lot on the order in which to put winter clothes on:
1. Snow Pants
2. Boots
3. Scarf and Hat
4. Coat and Zip
5. Gloves or Mittens
Mittens are much easier for young children than gloves with fingers. They are also warmer. Please also ensure your child has indoor shoes that stay in their cubby room.
The kids brought home their "All About Bats and Owls" folder/work this weekend. Please ask them to show and read their work to you. This will reinforce their reading skills.
I was so pleased to read the journal entries of the Seniors who completed them last week. Wonderful! I have glued a list in the front of each journal that I would like you to complete. It is simply a list of things you would like your child to write about, such as a family trip, family pet, what they would like for Christmas or their birthday, their summer, anything that would be fun and relevant for them to write about. Thank you.
This week we will finish our unit on Primary Colours and our mini Author Study on Eric Carle. We will also start an Author Study on Robert Munsch in preparation for our field trip to see Mad About Munsch. Please remember that all the children will be eating lunch at school that day upon returning from the play. Thank you.
This Wednesday morning a Scientist in the School will present to the children about "I Can Be a Scientist." Thank you in advance to the parents who are volunteering for this. Friday is Pizza Lunch Day for those children who are participating.
I hope you have a terrific week!
Our inquiry-based learning last week focused on Primary Colours, the number 10, and how to make Tally Marks. We are learning poems and songs about these topics to reinforce the concepts (they will sent home in your child's Friday bag). For example:
1, 2, 3, 4,
Number 5 shuts the door.
6, 7, 8, 9,
Number 10 draws a line.
We did tallies and graphs this week about "Favourite Colours," "The Santa Claus Parade," and "Are You A Night Owl."
The Seniors finished their "I Can Be" booklet about colours, and the juniors finished their "Colourful Cats" booklet about colours.
If your (Senior) child received mixed-up sentences about Bats or Owls in their white bag, please remind them to cut them up, glue them in the correct order, and read them. If your child did not finish his/her "Owl Facts" booklet in class please provide time for them to finish it for homework.
Thank you so much to Megan's mom who was our Mystery Reader this week! She read a book by Robert Munsch and a book by Eric Carle, the authors we are focusing on over the next two weeks. Thank you!! Thank you as well to Anderson's mom who assisted with the Computer Lab!
Please encourage your child's independence by teaching them the Zipper Trick and by encouraging them to do their zippers by themselves. A trick I use that helps is "Put the man in the elevator, hold on to the man to make sure he doesn't fall out, and pull the elevator up!" The kids like it and it helps remind them to hold on to the other side of their jacket when pulling up the zipper pull. Children love to feel proud of themselves and independent so your assistance with this is much appreciated. We have been working a lot on the order in which to put winter clothes on:
1. Snow Pants
2. Boots
3. Scarf and Hat
4. Coat and Zip
5. Gloves or Mittens
Mittens are much easier for young children than gloves with fingers. They are also warmer. Please also ensure your child has indoor shoes that stay in their cubby room.
The kids brought home their "All About Bats and Owls" folder/work this weekend. Please ask them to show and read their work to you. This will reinforce their reading skills.
I was so pleased to read the journal entries of the Seniors who completed them last week. Wonderful! I have glued a list in the front of each journal that I would like you to complete. It is simply a list of things you would like your child to write about, such as a family trip, family pet, what they would like for Christmas or their birthday, their summer, anything that would be fun and relevant for them to write about. Thank you.
This week we will finish our unit on Primary Colours and our mini Author Study on Eric Carle. We will also start an Author Study on Robert Munsch in preparation for our field trip to see Mad About Munsch. Please remember that all the children will be eating lunch at school that day upon returning from the play. Thank you.
This Wednesday morning a Scientist in the School will present to the children about "I Can Be a Scientist." Thank you in advance to the parents who are volunteering for this. Friday is Pizza Lunch Day for those children who are participating.
I hope you have a terrific week!
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Week of November 17-21
Dear families,
It was really a pleasure meeting with you last week to discuss your child's progress! Please feel free to contact me at any time if your have any questions or concerns.
It snowed briefly last week and that means winter is coming! That also means the children need to be dressed warmly for outdoor play and that they need indoor shoes that stay in their cubbies. Crocs or slippers work really well since they're light weight and comfortable and easy for your child to put on.
We've almost finished our Science Unit on Owls. I think the children are learning a lot and are hardly aware of all the reading and math activities hidden in our lessons :). We talk about using our "eagle eyes" to help read using pictures, and "stretchy snake;" stretching words out to help us read them. We'll be talking about more ways to help literacy skills, so don't be surprised to hear your child mention them at home!
We also did a lot of practising with "-AT" words. I sent a list of them home to practise.
We also learned all about the numbers 3 and 4; how to make them, what they look like etc. For example the numeral "3" can be aaa, aba, aab, baa, bab, bba, abb, the word "three," horizontal, vertical, diagonal, three on a dice cube, "third," and so on. More difficult for a 3-5 year old than we appreciate!
This month's Character Trait is Empathy. The children did a very good job looking at various photos of people/animals and trying to imagine how they feel. Then they wrote how they thought they felt and about a time they felt that way too.
This week the Seniors brought home 4 mixed up sentence strips about owls. Their homework is to cut them up, glue the words in the correct order, and read the sentence.
Our next unit will be on Primary Colours. We'll start by reading Eric Carle's Classic pattern book "Brown Bear" and we'll go on from there to make a colour wheel, learn how colours react together in a science experiment, and we'll read more colour books such as the wonderful "Mouse Paint." We'll follow everything up with an Eric Carle Author Study.
We are also focusing throughout the year on "popcorn" aka sight words. I'll send some information home about them in Friday's mail bag.
Thank you so much to Dylan's mom who was Mystery Reader this week and to Megan's dad who helped out in the Computer Lab.
This week the Grade 8s started their visits at the end of the day to read one-on-one with the children. What a nice opportunity to make a new friend and improve reading skills!
The children did a wonderful job at the Remembrance Day assembly. Thank you Freya for laying our classroom wreath. In this week's white bag is the book the children wrote called "A Poppy is to Remember" and the two songs we learned: "Little Poppy," and "Poppy, Poppy."
Please remember that your child needs two snacks each day. Quite a few only have one. I always have extra in the cupboard but please pack a little extra food with your childnjust in case. A good idea is to label the food items in their lunchbox: "Snack 1," "Lunch," "Snack 2." Or simply 1, 2, 3.
Thanks for bringing in your permission forms for the Munsch play. Thank you to our lucky parent volunteers Martel's mom, Christopher's mom, and Izzie's mom, for taking the time to assist that day. Thank you Matthew H. for picking the names out of a hat!
The Holiday Scholastic Order is due December 1st. It's due a bit early this time to ensure that the books are delivered before the holidays. If you would like your child's order to be a gift from "Santa" please write "GIFT" on your order form and I'll make sure to hand the order directly to you. Thank you!
The unit on Bats and Owls will go home on Friday. Please encourage your child to read and explain what they learned.
The Seniors and some of the Juniors have started journal writing. Please support your child in this important skill. I will write back to the children and put stickers on their work etc. Good practice for Grade 1 and beyond!
That's all our news for this week. I hope you have a lovely weekend.
It was really a pleasure meeting with you last week to discuss your child's progress! Please feel free to contact me at any time if your have any questions or concerns.
It snowed briefly last week and that means winter is coming! That also means the children need to be dressed warmly for outdoor play and that they need indoor shoes that stay in their cubbies. Crocs or slippers work really well since they're light weight and comfortable and easy for your child to put on.
We've almost finished our Science Unit on Owls. I think the children are learning a lot and are hardly aware of all the reading and math activities hidden in our lessons :). We talk about using our "eagle eyes" to help read using pictures, and "stretchy snake;" stretching words out to help us read them. We'll be talking about more ways to help literacy skills, so don't be surprised to hear your child mention them at home!
We also did a lot of practising with "-AT" words. I sent a list of them home to practise.
We also learned all about the numbers 3 and 4; how to make them, what they look like etc. For example the numeral "3" can be aaa, aba, aab, baa, bab, bba, abb, the word "three," horizontal, vertical, diagonal, three on a dice cube, "third," and so on. More difficult for a 3-5 year old than we appreciate!
This month's Character Trait is Empathy. The children did a very good job looking at various photos of people/animals and trying to imagine how they feel. Then they wrote how they thought they felt and about a time they felt that way too.
This week the Seniors brought home 4 mixed up sentence strips about owls. Their homework is to cut them up, glue the words in the correct order, and read the sentence.
Our next unit will be on Primary Colours. We'll start by reading Eric Carle's Classic pattern book "Brown Bear" and we'll go on from there to make a colour wheel, learn how colours react together in a science experiment, and we'll read more colour books such as the wonderful "Mouse Paint." We'll follow everything up with an Eric Carle Author Study.
We are also focusing throughout the year on "popcorn" aka sight words. I'll send some information home about them in Friday's mail bag.
Thank you so much to Dylan's mom who was Mystery Reader this week and to Megan's dad who helped out in the Computer Lab.
This week the Grade 8s started their visits at the end of the day to read one-on-one with the children. What a nice opportunity to make a new friend and improve reading skills!
The children did a wonderful job at the Remembrance Day assembly. Thank you Freya for laying our classroom wreath. In this week's white bag is the book the children wrote called "A Poppy is to Remember" and the two songs we learned: "Little Poppy," and "Poppy, Poppy."
Please remember that your child needs two snacks each day. Quite a few only have one. I always have extra in the cupboard but please pack a little extra food with your childnjust in case. A good idea is to label the food items in their lunchbox: "Snack 1," "Lunch," "Snack 2." Or simply 1, 2, 3.
Thanks for bringing in your permission forms for the Munsch play. Thank you to our lucky parent volunteers Martel's mom, Christopher's mom, and Izzie's mom, for taking the time to assist that day. Thank you Matthew H. for picking the names out of a hat!
The Holiday Scholastic Order is due December 1st. It's due a bit early this time to ensure that the books are delivered before the holidays. If you would like your child's order to be a gift from "Santa" please write "GIFT" on your order form and I'll make sure to hand the order directly to you. Thank you!
The unit on Bats and Owls will go home on Friday. Please encourage your child to read and explain what they learned.
The Seniors and some of the Juniors have started journal writing. Please support your child in this important skill. I will write back to the children and put stickers on their work etc. Good practice for Grade 1 and beyond!
That's all our news for this week. I hope you have a lovely weekend.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Great Educational Websites for Literacy and Numeracy Skills
Language Links:
Online Stories and More:
http://www.storyplace.org/preschool/other.asp
http://www.ipl.org/div/kidspace/browse/rzn2000/
http://www.beartime.com/children_stories.htm
http://www.sundhagen.com/babbooks/
http://wiredforbooks.org/kids.htm
http://www.sundhagen.com/babbooks/adlib.cgi
http://www.storylineonline.net
http://magickeys.com/books/index.html
http://www.kizclub.com/storylinks.htm
Tumble books (Free Trial) :
http://www.tumblebooks.com/library/asp/customer_login.asp?accessdenied=%2Flibrary%2Fasp%2Fhome%5Ftumblebooks%2Easp
Kids Space:
http://kidsspace.torontopubliclibrary.ca/
www.torontopubliclibrary.ca = reads stories online
– click on KIDSSPACE
– click on Books and Stories
– click on Tumble Books Library
www.starfall.com = primary literacy or ESL
www.writingfun.com = reviews various writing forms
BBC Typing Practice:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/levels/level1.shtml
Math Magician:
http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/games/Mathmagician/cathymath.html
Math is fun:
http://www.mathsisfun.com/
MangaHigh:
http://www.mangahigh.com/en-us/games
Math Playground:
http://www.mathplayground.com/games.html
Learning Alberta Math Interactives:
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/mejhm/index.html?l
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives:
http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html
Math Frog:
http://cemc2.math.uwaterloo.ca/mathfrog/english/kidz/index.shtml
Brainpop
www.brainpop.com (junior)
www.brainpopjr.com (primary)
Science Kids:
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/gamesactivities/gases.html
Nasa Kids' Club:
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/kidsclub/flash/index.html
National Geographic for Kids:
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/
Online Stories and More:
http://www.storyplace.org/preschool/other.asp
http://www.ipl.org/div/kidspace/browse/rzn2000/
http://www.beartime.com/children_stories.htm
http://www.sundhagen.com/babbooks/
http://wiredforbooks.org/kids.htm
http://www.sundhagen.com/babbooks/adlib.cgi
http://www.storylineonline.net
http://magickeys.com/books/index.html
http://www.kizclub.com/storylinks.htm
Tumble books (Free Trial) :
http://www.tumblebooks.com/library/asp/customer_login.asp?accessdenied=%2Flibrary%2Fasp%2Fhome%5Ftumblebooks%2Easp
Kids Space:
http://kidsspace.torontopubliclibrary.ca/
www.torontopubliclibrary.ca = reads stories online
– click on KIDSSPACE
– click on Books and Stories
– click on Tumble Books Library
www.starfall.com = primary literacy or ESL
www.writingfun.com = reviews various writing forms
BBC Typing Practice:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/levels/level1.shtml
Math Magician:
http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/games/Mathmagician/cathymath.html
Math is fun:
http://www.mathsisfun.com/
MangaHigh:
http://www.mangahigh.com/en-us/games
Math Playground:
http://www.mathplayground.com/games.html
Learning Alberta Math Interactives:
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/mejhm/index.html?l
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives:
http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html
Math Frog:
http://cemc2.math.uwaterloo.ca/mathfrog/english/kidz/index.shtml
Brainpop
www.brainpop.com (junior)
www.brainpopjr.com (primary)
Science Kids:
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/gamesactivities/gases.html
Nasa Kids' Club:
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/kidsclub/flash/index.html
National Geographic for Kids:
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/
Friday, November 7, 2014
Week of November 10-14
This week was all about -AT words like bat, cat, rat, sat, mat, fat, chat, hat, flat, spat, splat, and so on. We read them and wrote them. Ask your children about them! We also continued our inquiry on Bats, and compared them to birds. Next week we'll branch off a bit into Owls and compare and contrast them (they have more in common that with regular birds i.e. nocturnal). We learned the B-A-T-T-Y song and read the wonderful book Stellaluna about a baby bat who thinks it's a bird. We watched the Stellaluna storybook video, read "There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat," labelled a bat diagram, made bat art, and read and coloured a mini bat book. We also watched a short video about a rescued baby bat. Next week we'll talk more about what bats have, can do, and are. We'll also talk more about echolocation, that bats are mammals, what it means to be nocturnal, and how bats live in colonies.
Gavin and Lucas from Grade 2 read "The Grumpy Bird" to the class.
Thanks so much to our Classroom Volunteers this week: Iris' dad was Mystery Reader, and Dima's mom helped out with our Computer Lab.
In your child's white bag are the Snuggle Book (please read them with your children!), November words and poem (please practise reading these as well), and the December Scholastic Order. Orders are due by December 1st so that the books come in nice and early before the holidays. Books make wonderful gifts!
We also cut out paper poppies and read a book about Peace and learned how to say "peace" in several languages from around the world. On Tuesday, November 11 at 10:30, the school will gather in the gym for our Remembrance Day Ceremony.
The next Sharing Assembly will be on November 21st. We will be reciting a poem called "Manners." The following children will receive awards for Empathy: Jake, Izzie and Tessa.
The Seniors will be receiving a Progress Report on Monday (Juniors receive theirs in February). Thank you for booking interview times on schoolbookings.net. I look forward to meeting with you next week regarding your child's progress.
Have a terrific weekend!
Gavin and Lucas from Grade 2 read "The Grumpy Bird" to the class.
Thanks so much to our Classroom Volunteers this week: Iris' dad was Mystery Reader, and Dima's mom helped out with our Computer Lab.
In your child's white bag are the Snuggle Book (please read them with your children!), November words and poem (please practise reading these as well), and the December Scholastic Order. Orders are due by December 1st so that the books come in nice and early before the holidays. Books make wonderful gifts!
We also cut out paper poppies and read a book about Peace and learned how to say "peace" in several languages from around the world. On Tuesday, November 11 at 10:30, the school will gather in the gym for our Remembrance Day Ceremony.
The next Sharing Assembly will be on November 21st. We will be reciting a poem called "Manners." The following children will receive awards for Empathy: Jake, Izzie and Tessa.
The Seniors will be receiving a Progress Report on Monday (Juniors receive theirs in February). Thank you for booking interview times on schoolbookings.net. I look forward to meeting with you next week regarding your child's progress.
Have a terrific weekend!
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Week of November 3-7
What a busy week! Thank you first to all the parents who volunteered their time this week: Dima's mom and Christopher's mom in the Library, Claire's dad was Mystery Reader, and Martel's, Anderson's, Theo's, Brady's, Avery's, Adam's and Lauren's moms all made the Halloween party a great success and lots of fun for the kids. Thank you so much for preparing those terrific crafts and treats!
The homework for the Seniors is to write the beginning and ending sounds of the Halloween pictures. The Juniors' homework is to finish the Halloween booklet that included exercises to trace several dotted lines (small motor). Please note that the children can complete it at their own pace. When they hand it in I'll look at it, put a sticker on it, and send it back home.
Our science centre now has our small pumpkin in a closed container. We will observing its changes over the next few weeks.
In your child's Halloween folder there were three seeds from our pumpkin. If you can spare the space, help your child plant them and see if a pumpkin patch grows! We also did an inquiry on growing the biggest pumpkin.
In Numeracy, we have been inquiring and talking a lot about the number 5 and, starting with the poem 'Five Little Pumpkins. We have been learning about how to make five in several different ways: building up, down, sideways, close together, far apart, sequencing, grouping same and differnt objects, adding, and subtracting. We've also done sequencing activities where the children have to put in order sequences (how to grow a pumpkin, how to carve a pumpkin, e.g.).
In Art, the children painted small plates red and then yellow on top, to make orange. When it dried they turned it into a little jack-o-lantern, which are all displayed on our hallway bulletin board. Also on the bulletin board are the children's cute drawings of their Halloween costumes with descriptors of their costumes.
With our Reading Buddies, we read and coloured Halloween Concentration Cards. Some have gone home and the rest will go home when they're done this week.
This week we'll do a fun little literacy unit on Bats. How they differ from birds, characteristics, and so on.
We'll also continue our inquiry on Primary Colours and tracking the Fall weather. It snowed today so we will definitely have lots of different kinds of weather in November.
The forms/cheque for the Mad About Munsch play are due on MONDAY. I have to tell the theatre our final numbers so please have them in by then.
I will put in the October Scholastic order on Monday. If you have any orders you can send them in by Monday at the latest. Thanks. The Christmas/Holiday order forms will be sent home on Friday and will be due on December 1st.
Have a terrific weekend. If you ever have any questions about the blog, folders, etc. please email me. I'm happy to help!
The homework for the Seniors is to write the beginning and ending sounds of the Halloween pictures. The Juniors' homework is to finish the Halloween booklet that included exercises to trace several dotted lines (small motor). Please note that the children can complete it at their own pace. When they hand it in I'll look at it, put a sticker on it, and send it back home.
Our science centre now has our small pumpkin in a closed container. We will observing its changes over the next few weeks.
In your child's Halloween folder there were three seeds from our pumpkin. If you can spare the space, help your child plant them and see if a pumpkin patch grows! We also did an inquiry on growing the biggest pumpkin.
In Numeracy, we have been inquiring and talking a lot about the number 5 and, starting with the poem 'Five Little Pumpkins. We have been learning about how to make five in several different ways: building up, down, sideways, close together, far apart, sequencing, grouping same and differnt objects, adding, and subtracting. We've also done sequencing activities where the children have to put in order sequences (how to grow a pumpkin, how to carve a pumpkin, e.g.).
In Art, the children painted small plates red and then yellow on top, to make orange. When it dried they turned it into a little jack-o-lantern, which are all displayed on our hallway bulletin board. Also on the bulletin board are the children's cute drawings of their Halloween costumes with descriptors of their costumes.
With our Reading Buddies, we read and coloured Halloween Concentration Cards. Some have gone home and the rest will go home when they're done this week.
This week we'll do a fun little literacy unit on Bats. How they differ from birds, characteristics, and so on.
We'll also continue our inquiry on Primary Colours and tracking the Fall weather. It snowed today so we will definitely have lots of different kinds of weather in November.
The forms/cheque for the Mad About Munsch play are due on MONDAY. I have to tell the theatre our final numbers so please have them in by then.
I will put in the October Scholastic order on Monday. If you have any orders you can send them in by Monday at the latest. Thanks. The Christmas/Holiday order forms will be sent home on Friday and will be due on December 1st.
Have a terrific weekend. If you ever have any questions about the blog, folders, etc. please email me. I'm happy to help!
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Week of October 27-31
Dear families,
It's hard to believe that October is almost over and that Halloween is next Friday! I think the children will have fun decorating our classroom on Monday!
The children have been working very hard and learning a lot about changes in the Fall and pumpkins. We estimated the weight and number of seeds in our pumpkin, and then observed the actual weight and number of seeds (before and after weighing). We have also been learning about Living vs. Non-Living things.
We have also started learning about Primary colours, discovering what happens when we mix varying amounts of yellow and red (it makes light to dark orange). This tied in nicely with our art this week which is painting a fun pumpkin plate from yellow and red paint. This week we'll turn it into a jack-o-lantern.
Last week we continued learning about Fall weather and went outside with the weather reports the children made.
The homework for the Juniors this weekend is to cut and sort small, medium and large pumpkins. I have also sent home a science sheet for you to fill out together when you open up your own pumpkin at home.
We had our second Sharing Assembly on Thursday celebrating Responsibility. In class, we always say the title first before singing our song with matching gestures, but it seems that when 122 children try to sing together in front of their classmates and parents this is forgotten! Maybe it's best to just start right in without the title... :)
Our Science Table looks terrific with all the Signs of Fall items. Thank you to the kids for sending them in!
The LKS Halloween Parade is on Friday morning! The whole school first assembles class by class in the gym, then we walk around the school. Please remember that makeup works better than masks for small children. Our Halloween Party will take place after lunch.
This week we'll be learning lots of Halloween vocabulary and doing sequencing activities (steps to make a jack-o-lantern, steps to grow a pumpkin). In numeracy we'll also be focusing on the number 5 and learning the poem, "Five Little Pumpkins."
This is the last week of the Scare Hunger Food Drive to support Free the Children. If you would like to help out, please send in non-perishable food items as well as unused toiletries.
It is time to sign up for Parent-Teacher interviews. Senior Kindergarten Progress Reports are sent home on November 10. Juniors will receive their first Progress Report in February. All parents are welcome to schedule an interview to discuss their child's progress. Please read the LKS Bulletin for instructions on how to book an interview on schoolbookings.net from October 31-November 6. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss your child's progress!
A friendly reminder to sign your child in at the Office if you are late arriving to school to ensure your child's safety. Entrance bells are 8:45 and 12:35. Attendance forms are sent to the office shortly thereafter.
Have a terrific week!
It's hard to believe that October is almost over and that Halloween is next Friday! I think the children will have fun decorating our classroom on Monday!
The children have been working very hard and learning a lot about changes in the Fall and pumpkins. We estimated the weight and number of seeds in our pumpkin, and then observed the actual weight and number of seeds (before and after weighing). We have also been learning about Living vs. Non-Living things.
We have also started learning about Primary colours, discovering what happens when we mix varying amounts of yellow and red (it makes light to dark orange). This tied in nicely with our art this week which is painting a fun pumpkin plate from yellow and red paint. This week we'll turn it into a jack-o-lantern.
Last week we continued learning about Fall weather and went outside with the weather reports the children made.
The homework for the Juniors this weekend is to cut and sort small, medium and large pumpkins. I have also sent home a science sheet for you to fill out together when you open up your own pumpkin at home.
We had our second Sharing Assembly on Thursday celebrating Responsibility. In class, we always say the title first before singing our song with matching gestures, but it seems that when 122 children try to sing together in front of their classmates and parents this is forgotten! Maybe it's best to just start right in without the title... :)
Our Science Table looks terrific with all the Signs of Fall items. Thank you to the kids for sending them in!
The LKS Halloween Parade is on Friday morning! The whole school first assembles class by class in the gym, then we walk around the school. Please remember that makeup works better than masks for small children. Our Halloween Party will take place after lunch.
This week we'll be learning lots of Halloween vocabulary and doing sequencing activities (steps to make a jack-o-lantern, steps to grow a pumpkin). In numeracy we'll also be focusing on the number 5 and learning the poem, "Five Little Pumpkins."
This is the last week of the Scare Hunger Food Drive to support Free the Children. If you would like to help out, please send in non-perishable food items as well as unused toiletries.
It is time to sign up for Parent-Teacher interviews. Senior Kindergarten Progress Reports are sent home on November 10. Juniors will receive their first Progress Report in February. All parents are welcome to schedule an interview to discuss their child's progress. Please read the LKS Bulletin for instructions on how to book an interview on schoolbookings.net from October 31-November 6. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss your child's progress!
A friendly reminder to sign your child in at the Office if you are late arriving to school to ensure your child's safety. Entrance bells are 8:45 and 12:35. Attendance forms are sent to the office shortly thereafter.
Have a terrific week!
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Week of October 20-24
Dear families,
I hope you are enjoying the wonderful weather this weekend. Apparently it snowed a bit in Orillia!
This week we learned more about scarecrows and living and non-living things. Our Signs of Fall folder is almost done and will go home in this Friday's mail bag. We also started learning about how pumpkins grow and made a little booklet. This week we will continue learning about pumpkins as well as Fall weather. We'll measure and weigh our pumpkins, estimate how many seeds are inside, count them, weigh the pumpkins after removing the seeds, etc.
Thank you to the children for bringing in signs of fall for our Science Table. We have leaves, acorns, pine cones, gourds, a pumpkin, feathers, and part of a wasp nest.
This Thursday will be our second Sharing Assembly. Brady, Camilla and Megan will be receiving certificates for Responsibility. Well done!
Thank you to Trudie who was our Mystery Reader this week. Thank you also to Dina's mom and Olivia's dad who helped out at the Book fair.
On Friday the whole school saw a presentation called NED about N-Never Give Up, E-Encourage Others, and D-Do Your Best.
The week after next is Halloween Week! That week we will be doing all kinds of fun literacy and numeracy Halloween themed activities.
If your child will be bringing in treats for his/her classmates for Halloween, please bring them in on the MONDAY or TUESDAY before Halloween. I will be making treat bags for each of the children to sort the treats if they bring them. Halloween is a terrific time to practice reading names and sorting. Help your child write his/her friends's names on the treat (unless they can do it by themselves).
Your children are learning how to read. At school, we read every day. I read aloud to the children, we read together in groups, and the children read to themselves or to a friend. Your children are bringing home Snuggle Books to read as well.
While you read and talk to your child, you are helping him/her to become a life-long reader. Some things you can do are:
- read your child's favourite stories again and again
- do puzzles and make things together
- sing nursery rhymes and songs
- share cards and letters from friends and family
- look at road signs, labels on packages, and signs in stores
- read recipes and shopping lists
- go to the library together
I am very excited about our trip to see Mad About Munsch on December 3rd. We will be doing a unit on the books the play is based on in November. Please be sure to send in your permission forms and 15.00 by November 3rd.
Have a wonderful week!
I hope you are enjoying the wonderful weather this weekend. Apparently it snowed a bit in Orillia!
This week we learned more about scarecrows and living and non-living things. Our Signs of Fall folder is almost done and will go home in this Friday's mail bag. We also started learning about how pumpkins grow and made a little booklet. This week we will continue learning about pumpkins as well as Fall weather. We'll measure and weigh our pumpkins, estimate how many seeds are inside, count them, weigh the pumpkins after removing the seeds, etc.
Thank you to the children for bringing in signs of fall for our Science Table. We have leaves, acorns, pine cones, gourds, a pumpkin, feathers, and part of a wasp nest.
This Thursday will be our second Sharing Assembly. Brady, Camilla and Megan will be receiving certificates for Responsibility. Well done!
Thank you to Trudie who was our Mystery Reader this week. Thank you also to Dina's mom and Olivia's dad who helped out at the Book fair.
On Friday the whole school saw a presentation called NED about N-Never Give Up, E-Encourage Others, and D-Do Your Best.
The week after next is Halloween Week! That week we will be doing all kinds of fun literacy and numeracy Halloween themed activities.
If your child will be bringing in treats for his/her classmates for Halloween, please bring them in on the MONDAY or TUESDAY before Halloween. I will be making treat bags for each of the children to sort the treats if they bring them. Halloween is a terrific time to practice reading names and sorting. Help your child write his/her friends's names on the treat (unless they can do it by themselves).
Your children are learning how to read. At school, we read every day. I read aloud to the children, we read together in groups, and the children read to themselves or to a friend. Your children are bringing home Snuggle Books to read as well.
While you read and talk to your child, you are helping him/her to become a life-long reader. Some things you can do are:
- read your child's favourite stories again and again
- do puzzles and make things together
- sing nursery rhymes and songs
- share cards and letters from friends and family
- look at road signs, labels on packages, and signs in stores
- read recipes and shopping lists
- go to the library together
I am very excited about our trip to see Mad About Munsch on December 3rd. We will be doing a unit on the books the play is based on in November. Please be sure to send in your permission forms and 15.00 by November 3rd.
Have a wonderful week!
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Week of October 14-17
Dear families,
Happy Thanksgiving! It's hard to believe we've already had five weeks of school and that the children are thinking about Halloween already! Fall is a wonderful time of year. I'm really looking forward to seeing what the children do for their "This is Me in October" words and pictures.
We continued our unit on Patterns this week. The children did a good job identifying some of the many patterns in our classroom. Next week we will be making popsicle stick patterns (thanks Mrs. Burn for the idea!) and dabber patterns. The children also made patterns with Thanksgiving pictures. Good job! We made patterns at our tables with paper pictures, shapes and cubes. More to come!
The Seniors reviewed their number and letter formation by completing the upper and lower case alphabet and numbers 1-30. The Juniors practiced their numbers 1-10.
We are reading a series of non-fiction books about Signs of Fall: Harvest time, weather, pumpkins, Thanksgiving, and so on. I have changed our Science Centre to "Signs of Fall and am asking each child to bring in a "sign of Fall." It could be a leaf that has changed colour, an acorn, etc. I have an enormous (abandoned) wasp nest for the children to look at as well as a walnut shell that a squirrel has snacked from. Our magnifiers are out and I'm looking forward to seeing what the children bring in. Please also go on a little leaf hunt with your children because I would like to make leaf rubbings on wax paper with them. Softer leaves are best. Thank you!
We'll be starting a little fun unit on Scarecrows next week as an introduction to "Living vs. Non-Living Things." This will tie in nicely to a Science Unit on Pumpkins next. We'll estimate how much our pumpkin weighs, how many seeds are inside, weigh it, count the seeds, and learn how a pumpkin grows.
This week we started focusing on Fall Weather. So far we have counted 2 sunny days, 2 partially cloudy days, 2 cloudy days, 2 rainy days, and 0 snowy days. This is teaching us about how variable the weather can be in the Fall, as well as about graphing and counting. The children are having fun using the Smartboard for these and other activities!
I'm busy preparing a unit on Primary Colours for Science, as a nice next step from leaves changing colour. We'll learn about and make a colour wheel, mix the three primary colours (blue, yellow, red) at various centres with various materials to see what happens, and learn about collecting data, making predictions, observing, and drawing conclusions. I'm looking forward to it!
This week's homework for the Seniors is to complete the Thanksgiving Words Word Search and the Cornucopia Math Sums.
Homework for all the children is to bring in a Sign of Fall for our Science Centre. I could be an object or a photo (of them at a pumpkin patch for example).
Some parents have been asking about where to get those "C-shaped" neck pillows. Chapters may have them, but any small pillow is nice for your child's quiet time (12:30-1:00). I think the children really benefit from this little "down time" listening to nature sounds, especially the little ones who stay for lunch (which is most of the children).
Thank you to Tessa's mom who was our Mystery reader this week. Thank you as well to Olivia's dad, Dima's mom and grandmother, and Christopher's mom, who were Computer Lab helpers this week. Going forward, if you have volunteered for Computer Lab, please sign in at the office then go straight up to the Computer Lab at 9:20 a.m. and start logging the computers on. The password is on the whiteboard. We will meet you there! Thank you so much for your help.
Your received a Student Data Correction Form this week. It is due back to the school by October 16.
That's the news for this week - I hope you are enjoying the beautiful fall weather and colours!
Mrs. Tyndall
Happy Thanksgiving! It's hard to believe we've already had five weeks of school and that the children are thinking about Halloween already! Fall is a wonderful time of year. I'm really looking forward to seeing what the children do for their "This is Me in October" words and pictures.
We continued our unit on Patterns this week. The children did a good job identifying some of the many patterns in our classroom. Next week we will be making popsicle stick patterns (thanks Mrs. Burn for the idea!) and dabber patterns. The children also made patterns with Thanksgiving pictures. Good job! We made patterns at our tables with paper pictures, shapes and cubes. More to come!
The Seniors reviewed their number and letter formation by completing the upper and lower case alphabet and numbers 1-30. The Juniors practiced their numbers 1-10.
We are reading a series of non-fiction books about Signs of Fall: Harvest time, weather, pumpkins, Thanksgiving, and so on. I have changed our Science Centre to "Signs of Fall and am asking each child to bring in a "sign of Fall." It could be a leaf that has changed colour, an acorn, etc. I have an enormous (abandoned) wasp nest for the children to look at as well as a walnut shell that a squirrel has snacked from. Our magnifiers are out and I'm looking forward to seeing what the children bring in. Please also go on a little leaf hunt with your children because I would like to make leaf rubbings on wax paper with them. Softer leaves are best. Thank you!
We'll be starting a little fun unit on Scarecrows next week as an introduction to "Living vs. Non-Living Things." This will tie in nicely to a Science Unit on Pumpkins next. We'll estimate how much our pumpkin weighs, how many seeds are inside, weigh it, count the seeds, and learn how a pumpkin grows.
This week we started focusing on Fall Weather. So far we have counted 2 sunny days, 2 partially cloudy days, 2 cloudy days, 2 rainy days, and 0 snowy days. This is teaching us about how variable the weather can be in the Fall, as well as about graphing and counting. The children are having fun using the Smartboard for these and other activities!
I'm busy preparing a unit on Primary Colours for Science, as a nice next step from leaves changing colour. We'll learn about and make a colour wheel, mix the three primary colours (blue, yellow, red) at various centres with various materials to see what happens, and learn about collecting data, making predictions, observing, and drawing conclusions. I'm looking forward to it!
This week's homework for the Seniors is to complete the Thanksgiving Words Word Search and the Cornucopia Math Sums.
Homework for all the children is to bring in a Sign of Fall for our Science Centre. I could be an object or a photo (of them at a pumpkin patch for example).
Some parents have been asking about where to get those "C-shaped" neck pillows. Chapters may have them, but any small pillow is nice for your child's quiet time (12:30-1:00). I think the children really benefit from this little "down time" listening to nature sounds, especially the little ones who stay for lunch (which is most of the children).
Thank you to Tessa's mom who was our Mystery reader this week. Thank you as well to Olivia's dad, Dima's mom and grandmother, and Christopher's mom, who were Computer Lab helpers this week. Going forward, if you have volunteered for Computer Lab, please sign in at the office then go straight up to the Computer Lab at 9:20 a.m. and start logging the computers on. The password is on the whiteboard. We will meet you there! Thank you so much for your help.
Your received a Student Data Correction Form this week. It is due back to the school by October 16.
That's the news for this week - I hope you are enjoying the beautiful fall weather and colours!
Mrs. Tyndall
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Week of October 5-9
Dear families,
What a beautiful fall weekend!
Last week we continued our units on Signs of Fall in the morning, and All About Pets in the afternoon. The children's homework for this weekend is to complete the page "My Pet" with a drawing of their real (or imaginary!) pet. The Seniors should also write the name of their pet on the lines beneath their drawing, as well as some descriptor words about their pet ("My pet Max is a cute, brown, small, dog.").
With our Reading Buddies we started a Turkey Craft, colouring according to colour words. We have been tying in learning our colour words (more for the Juniors - the Seniors know them) to two booklets we are writing: Colourful Cats (JKs) and "I Can Be" (SKs).
This week we will start our Math unit on Patterning. Patterns are everywhere! Encourage your children to point out colour patterns to you: ABAB, AAB AAB, ABC ABC, ABB ABB, etc. Size and shape patterns work well, too: square, square, triangle/ small, big, small, big/ etc. If your child has patterned clothing, encourage him/her to point out the pattern on their clothing.
The children are enjoying signing in at the Smartboard! We'll also be doing some patterning exercises and colour poems/songs on the Smartboard this week.
This week we will be doing lots of Thanksgiving-related activities: counting turkeys, turkey patterns, turkey letters, etc. We will also be talking more about what "Harvest" means and what we do with the food that is harvested.
We will also be making Venn Diagrams in Numeracy, comparing characteristics of Cats vs. Kittens and Cats vs. Dogs.
A quick note about scissors: please provide your child with child-size blunt scissors at home. We do a lot of cutting and gluing in class and any similar small motor activities your child can also do at home would be beneficial.
So far we have talked about the following letter sounds: S A T I P N C K E H. We do one a day, and will rotate through all the sounds several times this year.
During our Quiet Time from 12:30-1:00, a few children have a small pillow. If your child has a small pillow that s/he can keep in school it would help them rest comfortably. A soft neck-type pillow works well (the kind we use on airplanes, for example).
When your child brings a folder home (the first one was "All About Me"), please keep that folder at home. If is your child's to keep and re-read at home. Your child will be bringing home a lot of work and art this year. If you don't want to keep it, I found with my own children that taking a photo of their work and keeping the special art pieces worked well.
Finally, a big thank you to Claire's mom who was our Mystery Reader this week.
There are still quite a few spots open for Computer Lab volunteers - please let Trudie or Erica know if you are able to volunteer from (9:20-10:00) on Days 1 and 2 each week.
I hope you have a terrific week!
What a beautiful fall weekend!
Last week we continued our units on Signs of Fall in the morning, and All About Pets in the afternoon. The children's homework for this weekend is to complete the page "My Pet" with a drawing of their real (or imaginary!) pet. The Seniors should also write the name of their pet on the lines beneath their drawing, as well as some descriptor words about their pet ("My pet Max is a cute, brown, small, dog.").
With our Reading Buddies we started a Turkey Craft, colouring according to colour words. We have been tying in learning our colour words (more for the Juniors - the Seniors know them) to two booklets we are writing: Colourful Cats (JKs) and "I Can Be" (SKs).
This week we will start our Math unit on Patterning. Patterns are everywhere! Encourage your children to point out colour patterns to you: ABAB, AAB AAB, ABC ABC, ABB ABB, etc. Size and shape patterns work well, too: square, square, triangle/ small, big, small, big/ etc. If your child has patterned clothing, encourage him/her to point out the pattern on their clothing.
The children are enjoying signing in at the Smartboard! We'll also be doing some patterning exercises and colour poems/songs on the Smartboard this week.
This week we will be doing lots of Thanksgiving-related activities: counting turkeys, turkey patterns, turkey letters, etc. We will also be talking more about what "Harvest" means and what we do with the food that is harvested.
We will also be making Venn Diagrams in Numeracy, comparing characteristics of Cats vs. Kittens and Cats vs. Dogs.
A quick note about scissors: please provide your child with child-size blunt scissors at home. We do a lot of cutting and gluing in class and any similar small motor activities your child can also do at home would be beneficial.
So far we have talked about the following letter sounds: S A T I P N C K E H. We do one a day, and will rotate through all the sounds several times this year.
During our Quiet Time from 12:30-1:00, a few children have a small pillow. If your child has a small pillow that s/he can keep in school it would help them rest comfortably. A soft neck-type pillow works well (the kind we use on airplanes, for example).
When your child brings a folder home (the first one was "All About Me"), please keep that folder at home. If is your child's to keep and re-read at home. Your child will be bringing home a lot of work and art this year. If you don't want to keep it, I found with my own children that taking a photo of their work and keeping the special art pieces worked well.
Finally, a big thank you to Claire's mom who was our Mystery Reader this week.
There are still quite a few spots open for Computer Lab volunteers - please let Trudie or Erica know if you are able to volunteer from (9:20-10:00) on Days 1 and 2 each week.
I hope you have a terrific week!
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Week of September 29 - October 3
Dear families,
I hope your are enjoying this lovely fall weekend. The leaves are starting to turn and now that Autumn is officially here, we will be talking and learning about seasonal changes in nature. The children are finishing up their fall leaves Family Trees and their work inspired by our Terry Fox Walk called "I was brave when..." is on display on our class bulletin board. I have to share that two students playing with the blocks created a beautifully detailed structure and said it was "Heaven for Terry Fox..." Wow.
This week, as well as our science unit on Fall changes, we'll be starting a fun little unit on Pets. Kinds of pets, what they eat, can do, look like, why they are fun, how we take care of them, etc. I think/hope the children enjoy this fun little literacy unit. Look for these two new folders coming home in the next few weeks!
The children are also doing a little "Eye Spy" art: JKs read the lower case letters and sounds while SKs read the sight words I have written on construction paper. Then they decorate the paper with various material to look like a page out of an Eye Spy Book. I have several Eye Spy Phonics books to accompany their work.
Our Terry Fox Walk was lots of fun. The children walked around the school three times, then ran the last little bit.
Our very first Pizza Lunch was a success, thanks to Trudie and Erica, and parent volunteers Luca's mom and Lauren's mom. Thank you so much!
At our very first Sharing Assembly of the year, Avery, Christopher and Freya received certificates for Respect. Congratulations! Getting 120 children to sing at the same time is quite a feat and my class sang their last verse twice since we got a bit lost! It was very sweet nonetheless! Next month we'll all try to start at the same time! The TDSB Character Trait we will be learning about in October is Responsibility.
Your child received his/her first Snuggle Book this Friday. Juniors and Seniors have separate sets. Enjoy this special reading time with your child, and one day s/he will read to you!
This week we will be doing our month-end cumulative work of "This is Me in September" and the numbers 1-30 (Juniors 1-10). I keep a copy for assessment purposes and send the original home. We will also start learning our October Words - a copy of which will be sent home on Friday.
Remember that Photo Day is on September 30 (Tuesday). Children are not supposed to wear green due to the background screen colour.
Our Science Table has changed to "All About Fasteners" and Hole Punches. The kids are learning how to use paper clips, staplers, hole punches (their favourites!), and tape dispensers. Small motor skills! Soon it will turn to Signs of Fall as the children bring in different coloured leaves, etc.
The Homework Sheet for this weekend is to read and name the upper and lower case letters (sounds, for the Seniors) of the alphabet.
The children will be going to the Computer Lab starting this week. In order to support your child's small motor manipulation of the mouse, consider putting a sticker on the "left-click" side of your mouse at home.
Finally, the Seniors and Juniors enjoyed their first separate teaching and learning time (they'll have these opportunities a few scheduled times each week); the Seniors in Room 157 with me and the Juniors in Room 166 with Mrs. Paldon. Great for small group work and friendship!
Please note that I will be supervising LKS members of Free the Children at "We Day" on October 2. There will be a supply teacher in my absence.
I hope have a lovely week.
Regards,
Mrs. Tyndall
I hope your are enjoying this lovely fall weekend. The leaves are starting to turn and now that Autumn is officially here, we will be talking and learning about seasonal changes in nature. The children are finishing up their fall leaves Family Trees and their work inspired by our Terry Fox Walk called "I was brave when..." is on display on our class bulletin board. I have to share that two students playing with the blocks created a beautifully detailed structure and said it was "Heaven for Terry Fox..." Wow.
This week, as well as our science unit on Fall changes, we'll be starting a fun little unit on Pets. Kinds of pets, what they eat, can do, look like, why they are fun, how we take care of them, etc. I think/hope the children enjoy this fun little literacy unit. Look for these two new folders coming home in the next few weeks!
The children are also doing a little "Eye Spy" art: JKs read the lower case letters and sounds while SKs read the sight words I have written on construction paper. Then they decorate the paper with various material to look like a page out of an Eye Spy Book. I have several Eye Spy Phonics books to accompany their work.
Our Terry Fox Walk was lots of fun. The children walked around the school three times, then ran the last little bit.
Our very first Pizza Lunch was a success, thanks to Trudie and Erica, and parent volunteers Luca's mom and Lauren's mom. Thank you so much!
At our very first Sharing Assembly of the year, Avery, Christopher and Freya received certificates for Respect. Congratulations! Getting 120 children to sing at the same time is quite a feat and my class sang their last verse twice since we got a bit lost! It was very sweet nonetheless! Next month we'll all try to start at the same time! The TDSB Character Trait we will be learning about in October is Responsibility.
Your child received his/her first Snuggle Book this Friday. Juniors and Seniors have separate sets. Enjoy this special reading time with your child, and one day s/he will read to you!
This week we will be doing our month-end cumulative work of "This is Me in September" and the numbers 1-30 (Juniors 1-10). I keep a copy for assessment purposes and send the original home. We will also start learning our October Words - a copy of which will be sent home on Friday.
Remember that Photo Day is on September 30 (Tuesday). Children are not supposed to wear green due to the background screen colour.
Our Science Table has changed to "All About Fasteners" and Hole Punches. The kids are learning how to use paper clips, staplers, hole punches (their favourites!), and tape dispensers. Small motor skills! Soon it will turn to Signs of Fall as the children bring in different coloured leaves, etc.
The Homework Sheet for this weekend is to read and name the upper and lower case letters (sounds, for the Seniors) of the alphabet.
The children will be going to the Computer Lab starting this week. In order to support your child's small motor manipulation of the mouse, consider putting a sticker on the "left-click" side of your mouse at home.
Finally, the Seniors and Juniors enjoyed their first separate teaching and learning time (they'll have these opportunities a few scheduled times each week); the Seniors in Room 157 with me and the Juniors in Room 166 with Mrs. Paldon. Great for small group work and friendship!
Please note that I will be supervising LKS members of Free the Children at "We Day" on October 2. There will be a supply teacher in my absence.
I hope have a lovely week.
Regards,
Mrs. Tyndall
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Computer Lab and Library Update
Dear Parents,
Starting next week, there will be a small change to our class' Library and Computer Lab schedule as follows:
On every Day 1, GROUP ONE will have Library and GROUP TWO will go to the Computer Lab (9:20-10:00).
On every Day 2, GROUP TWO will have Library and GROUP ONE will go to the Computer Lab. (9:20-10:00).
The following children are in Group ONE:
Samantha
Elizabeth
Matthew H.
Camilla
Christopher
Dylan
Luca
Avery
Chloe
Izzie
Sabrina
Anderson
Dima
Jake
The following children are in GROUP TWO:
Tessa
Stella
Theo
Cole
Freya
Martel
Iris
Claire
Matthew C.
Sophie
Lauren
Adam
Aaden
Jack
Brady
Megan
Olivia
Going forward, here is the schedule:
Day 1s are:
September 30
October 7, 15, 22, 29
November 5, 12, 20, 27
December 4, 12, 19
January 9, 16, 26
February 1, 9, 18, 25
March 4, 11, 26
April 1, 10, 17, 24
May 1, 8, 15, 25
June 1, 9, 16, 23
Day 2s are:
October 1, 8, 16, 23, 30
November 6, 13, 21, 28
December 8, 15
January 5, 12, 19, 27
February 3, 10, 19, 26
March 5, 12, 26
April 2, 13, 20, 27
May 4, 11, 19, 26
June 2, 10, 17, 24
Please let Trudie and Erica know if you would be able to volunteer in the Computer Lab.
Thank you!
Mrs. Tyndall
Starting next week, there will be a small change to our class' Library and Computer Lab schedule as follows:
On every Day 1, GROUP ONE will have Library and GROUP TWO will go to the Computer Lab (9:20-10:00).
On every Day 2, GROUP TWO will have Library and GROUP ONE will go to the Computer Lab. (9:20-10:00).
The following children are in Group ONE:
Samantha
Elizabeth
Matthew H.
Camilla
Christopher
Dylan
Luca
Avery
Chloe
Izzie
Sabrina
Anderson
Dima
Jake
The following children are in GROUP TWO:
Tessa
Stella
Theo
Cole
Freya
Martel
Iris
Claire
Matthew C.
Sophie
Lauren
Adam
Aaden
Jack
Brady
Megan
Olivia
Going forward, here is the schedule:
Day 1s are:
September 30
October 7, 15, 22, 29
November 5, 12, 20, 27
December 4, 12, 19
January 9, 16, 26
February 1, 9, 18, 25
March 4, 11, 26
April 1, 10, 17, 24
May 1, 8, 15, 25
June 1, 9, 16, 23
Day 2s are:
October 1, 8, 16, 23, 30
November 6, 13, 21, 28
December 8, 15
January 5, 12, 19, 27
February 3, 10, 19, 26
March 5, 12, 26
April 2, 13, 20, 27
May 4, 11, 19, 26
June 2, 10, 17, 24
Please let Trudie and Erica know if you would be able to volunteer in the Computer Lab.
Thank you!
Mrs. Tyndall
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Week of September 22-26
Dear families,
I hope you are enjoying this beautiful weekend weather!
Next week will be our first Sharing Assembly, and we will be celebrating the TDSB Character Trait of Respect. If your child will be receiving an award you will receive a note in your child's backpack. The Assembly will take place in the Gym at 9:00 a.m. We hope to see you there!
We have been reading several books about Respect - for others, and for ourselves - such as "And Here's To You" "Please Don't Interrupt" and "I'm Gonna Like Me." We have also been talking about Feelings to tie into our unit "All About Me." Next week we will continue working on our little books. Please encourage your child to read them to you when they go home. They have been working hard on them!
The first Scholastic Orders are due at the end of the month, September 30. The next Scholastic Order is due on October 31. You will receive October's package in this Friday's mail bag.
The homework for the Seniors this weekend is to complete the page about Rules at School - in the classroom, on the playground, in the bathroom, and in the lunchroom. The homework for the Juniors is to practice writing their name by tracing the dots on the name page I made for them. Top to bottom, left to right :)
After lunch the children have about 1/2 hour of quiet time, when they lie in their spot quietly and listen to music or nature sounds on a CD. If you would like to provide your child with a pillow please make sure it is very small because space is so limited.
The children's first Pizza Lunch is going to take place on Friday. Thank you for submitting your forms/money on time (the due date was Friday). The remaining Pizza Lunches will be registered online via email. See "Important Upcoming Dates" for the dates.
We had our first Mystery Reader on Thursday! Many thanks to Theo's mom who read two great books to the children about a Library Lion and a hockey player. Your children love to see you in their classroom - please consider being a Mystery Reader volunteer (Thursdays 9 a.m.). Please contact our Grade Parents Trudie and Erica if you would like to volunteer.
It is time to start bringing in indoor shoes for your child to keep in their cubby and wear inside. Please label the shoes. Crocs or slippers work really well - shoes that are easy for your child to get on and off by themselves. This is also a good time to start practicing doing up zippers as Autumn and cooler/rainy weather approaches.
Now that the children are quite used to the classroom routines we will be seating them in table groups (combined JK-SK) to help them with transitions and centres. Each table is a different colour to help the children find them and know where to go. I think they will enjoy having their own special table and chair/seat-pocket where they do their written work, as well as transitioning between tables as a group for play-based centre time. Routines are so important for little ones.
Finally, thank you so much for assisting your child's successful beginning and end to the day by being on time and saying a cheerful good bye. The children are all doing so well and they feel proud to know the routines!
Have a terrific week - the last week of Summer!
I hope you are enjoying this beautiful weekend weather!
Next week will be our first Sharing Assembly, and we will be celebrating the TDSB Character Trait of Respect. If your child will be receiving an award you will receive a note in your child's backpack. The Assembly will take place in the Gym at 9:00 a.m. We hope to see you there!
We have been reading several books about Respect - for others, and for ourselves - such as "And Here's To You" "Please Don't Interrupt" and "I'm Gonna Like Me." We have also been talking about Feelings to tie into our unit "All About Me." Next week we will continue working on our little books. Please encourage your child to read them to you when they go home. They have been working hard on them!
The first Scholastic Orders are due at the end of the month, September 30. The next Scholastic Order is due on October 31. You will receive October's package in this Friday's mail bag.
The homework for the Seniors this weekend is to complete the page about Rules at School - in the classroom, on the playground, in the bathroom, and in the lunchroom. The homework for the Juniors is to practice writing their name by tracing the dots on the name page I made for them. Top to bottom, left to right :)
After lunch the children have about 1/2 hour of quiet time, when they lie in their spot quietly and listen to music or nature sounds on a CD. If you would like to provide your child with a pillow please make sure it is very small because space is so limited.
The children's first Pizza Lunch is going to take place on Friday. Thank you for submitting your forms/money on time (the due date was Friday). The remaining Pizza Lunches will be registered online via email. See "Important Upcoming Dates" for the dates.
We had our first Mystery Reader on Thursday! Many thanks to Theo's mom who read two great books to the children about a Library Lion and a hockey player. Your children love to see you in their classroom - please consider being a Mystery Reader volunteer (Thursdays 9 a.m.). Please contact our Grade Parents Trudie and Erica if you would like to volunteer.
It is time to start bringing in indoor shoes for your child to keep in their cubby and wear inside. Please label the shoes. Crocs or slippers work really well - shoes that are easy for your child to get on and off by themselves. This is also a good time to start practicing doing up zippers as Autumn and cooler/rainy weather approaches.
Now that the children are quite used to the classroom routines we will be seating them in table groups (combined JK-SK) to help them with transitions and centres. Each table is a different colour to help the children find them and know where to go. I think they will enjoy having their own special table and chair/seat-pocket where they do their written work, as well as transitioning between tables as a group for play-based centre time. Routines are so important for little ones.
Finally, thank you so much for assisting your child's successful beginning and end to the day by being on time and saying a cheerful good bye. The children are all doing so well and they feel proud to know the routines!
Have a terrific week - the last week of Summer!
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Week of September 15-19
Dear Parents,
I hope your children had a terrific second week of school!
Thank you for attending Curriculum Night. I hope it was informative and helped you better understand the Full Day Kindergarten program. The Ontario Curriculum Document is available online as well. Thank you as well to all the parents who signed up to volunteer at our various craft days throughout the year, as well as for Thursday Mystery Reader. The children love to see their parents in the classroom! Once I have the confirmed date for Scientist in the Classroom (this year: "I Can Be A Scientist!"), I will forward that to Trudie and Erica, our wonderful Grade Parents, and they will coordinate the volunteers.
This week was the kick off to all that Lambton Kingsway does in preparation for the Terry Fox Run/Walk (the Kinders walk around the school 2, 3 times). The children were wonderfully attentive at their first assembly in the gym and listened as a guest speaker and Mrs. Gibson explained who Terry Fox was and why he is important. There was also an inspiring mini documentary about Terry's life at the assembly, and I have to share that one of the children looked at me and said, "When is the Batman movie going to start?" Well, Batman is a hero is a child's eyes and so is Terry Fox. :)
In the classroom, we read a book about Terry and talked/brainstormed about why he is a Canadian hero. The children then completed the sentence "Terry Fox is..." and drew a picture of him. They are on display on the hall bulletin board. Next week we will talk about how Terry was brave and never gave up, and the children will write and draw a picture about a time they were brave, too. I hope that they understand Terry Fox to be a Canadian Hero who is inspiring to all of us.
This week we completed a small folder about "School" and it would have come home in Friday's mail bag (the white TDSB bag). Please take the time to look at your child's work with them and to ask them what their drawings are about. What we see as circles and lines is a whole picture story to your child. I would also like the children to see themselves as authors and artists, writers and illustrators, just like in the books we read every day.
We also continued our fun Author Study of David Shannon, who wrote the funny and award-winning "David Goes to School," "David Says No," "David Gets in Trouble," and several other books that children love. The children made a cut-and-glue picture of David which is hanging in the classroom. They look great!
As a follow up to the David books, we talked and brainstormed about "peacemakers" and "peacebreakers" in the classroom and what they did. The children's ideas on on our class bulletin board. This was a fun way to introduce and reinforce classroom rules and routines. The children also made a little book called "__________ (their name) Goes to School" and wrote and drew a "Yes!" rule and a "No! rule. Next week we'll finish this mini unit.
In between our writing time the children have also been enjoying working at their inquiry-based centres; they have been counting and patterning, building, shaping, sorting, numbering and classifying several items at their tables. They're really enjoying this time! Of course they are also enjoying the more dramatic-play area such as "Home Centre" and "Puppets." These centres teach social skills such as cooperation so well, and help the children make new friends and get along as a group.
I think the Juniors are really getting to know the classroom as well - they know which table is the "Yellow" or "Purple" table, for example (they have matching pencil cubbies and chair covers), they know where their white boxes are, they know where their unfinished work goes (all the green bins are for the Juniors, Yellow for Seniors), and so on. Wow! Terrific!
Next week we'll work in smaller groups at the Smart Board (JKS - name recognition, letter formation; SKs more complex reading and writing tasks).
We are learning a new song ("Rise and Shine") and a new poem ("Circle of Friends") in class. I send the words home each week and I hope you have fun saying/singing them with your children. This reinforces their reading skills!
We met our Reading Buddies from Ms. Sunde's class for the first time this week! This year we have decided to meet in the much bigger Lunch Room and it is working really well so far - lots more space for the children!
The children are also making "Alphabet Art" in class; I shaped the first letter of their name with masking tape on a piece of card stock and the children paint on top, then we'll remove the tape when it is dry.
I have sent home the September-October Special Person of the Day Calendars. The Show and Tell item for these months is "something that starts with the first letter of my name." For example, Stella brought it sea shells (two Ss! wow!). I have scheduled it such that your child's birthday is on his/her Special Day. Feel free to bring cupcakes/cookies for your child's birthday, as long as they are commercially made and labelled nut-free.
Also, your child's first Scholastic order forms went home this week. A big thank you to Megan and her mom for collating the order forms each month!! Please send in your orders and cheque (payable to Scholastic Canada) in your child's white bag. Books make wonderful gifts and help provide new resources in the classroom. If you would like your child's order to be a surprise, please just write "Gift" or "Surprise" on the order form and I will hand the books personally to you (rather than putting them in your child's backpack) when they arrive. Thank you for supporting Scholastic!
Also a big thank you to Lauren's family for taking such excellent care of Bubbles the Beta Fish over the Summer!
Finally, I would like to send out a friendly reminder to please LABEL everything of your child's. There are 31 little people in our classroom with shoes, jackets, hats, umbrellas, snack boxes, lunch bags, (soon there will be mittens, gloves), etc. etc. Labeling your child's items guarantees the items won't be lost. I found that Mabel's Labels were terrific for my kids, and they liked putting them on their things. Put a label on each item in their lunch box please. Masking tape works too! :)
A big thank you for saying such terrific good byes at the outside door - this really helps your child look forward to school and makes the transition so much easier! Yes, sometimes there are tears, but they quickly disappear with a little sip of water, a tissue, and the hand of a friend.
There will be a little change of the Sharing Assemblies this year; they will be in the GYM and will be from approximately 9:00-9:20 (they'll start right after Announcements).
I've sent home some reading tips. Learning to read starts with letter recognition, letter sound recognition, then moves slowly to blending sounds, sight words, and so on. The most important thing to do now is encourage your child and read with them regularly (before bedtime works well). Remember, if you can read it, you can write it!
I hope you have a terrific week!
Mrs. Tyndall
I hope your children had a terrific second week of school!
Thank you for attending Curriculum Night. I hope it was informative and helped you better understand the Full Day Kindergarten program. The Ontario Curriculum Document is available online as well. Thank you as well to all the parents who signed up to volunteer at our various craft days throughout the year, as well as for Thursday Mystery Reader. The children love to see their parents in the classroom! Once I have the confirmed date for Scientist in the Classroom (this year: "I Can Be A Scientist!"), I will forward that to Trudie and Erica, our wonderful Grade Parents, and they will coordinate the volunteers.
This week was the kick off to all that Lambton Kingsway does in preparation for the Terry Fox Run/Walk (the Kinders walk around the school 2, 3 times). The children were wonderfully attentive at their first assembly in the gym and listened as a guest speaker and Mrs. Gibson explained who Terry Fox was and why he is important. There was also an inspiring mini documentary about Terry's life at the assembly, and I have to share that one of the children looked at me and said, "When is the Batman movie going to start?" Well, Batman is a hero is a child's eyes and so is Terry Fox. :)
In the classroom, we read a book about Terry and talked/brainstormed about why he is a Canadian hero. The children then completed the sentence "Terry Fox is..." and drew a picture of him. They are on display on the hall bulletin board. Next week we will talk about how Terry was brave and never gave up, and the children will write and draw a picture about a time they were brave, too. I hope that they understand Terry Fox to be a Canadian Hero who is inspiring to all of us.
This week we completed a small folder about "School" and it would have come home in Friday's mail bag (the white TDSB bag). Please take the time to look at your child's work with them and to ask them what their drawings are about. What we see as circles and lines is a whole picture story to your child. I would also like the children to see themselves as authors and artists, writers and illustrators, just like in the books we read every day.
We also continued our fun Author Study of David Shannon, who wrote the funny and award-winning "David Goes to School," "David Says No," "David Gets in Trouble," and several other books that children love. The children made a cut-and-glue picture of David which is hanging in the classroom. They look great!
As a follow up to the David books, we talked and brainstormed about "peacemakers" and "peacebreakers" in the classroom and what they did. The children's ideas on on our class bulletin board. This was a fun way to introduce and reinforce classroom rules and routines. The children also made a little book called "__________ (their name) Goes to School" and wrote and drew a "Yes!" rule and a "No! rule. Next week we'll finish this mini unit.
In between our writing time the children have also been enjoying working at their inquiry-based centres; they have been counting and patterning, building, shaping, sorting, numbering and classifying several items at their tables. They're really enjoying this time! Of course they are also enjoying the more dramatic-play area such as "Home Centre" and "Puppets." These centres teach social skills such as cooperation so well, and help the children make new friends and get along as a group.
I think the Juniors are really getting to know the classroom as well - they know which table is the "Yellow" or "Purple" table, for example (they have matching pencil cubbies and chair covers), they know where their white boxes are, they know where their unfinished work goes (all the green bins are for the Juniors, Yellow for Seniors), and so on. Wow! Terrific!
Next week we'll work in smaller groups at the Smart Board (JKS - name recognition, letter formation; SKs more complex reading and writing tasks).
We are learning a new song ("Rise and Shine") and a new poem ("Circle of Friends") in class. I send the words home each week and I hope you have fun saying/singing them with your children. This reinforces their reading skills!
We met our Reading Buddies from Ms. Sunde's class for the first time this week! This year we have decided to meet in the much bigger Lunch Room and it is working really well so far - lots more space for the children!
The children are also making "Alphabet Art" in class; I shaped the first letter of their name with masking tape on a piece of card stock and the children paint on top, then we'll remove the tape when it is dry.
I have sent home the September-October Special Person of the Day Calendars. The Show and Tell item for these months is "something that starts with the first letter of my name." For example, Stella brought it sea shells (two Ss! wow!). I have scheduled it such that your child's birthday is on his/her Special Day. Feel free to bring cupcakes/cookies for your child's birthday, as long as they are commercially made and labelled nut-free.
Also, your child's first Scholastic order forms went home this week. A big thank you to Megan and her mom for collating the order forms each month!! Please send in your orders and cheque (payable to Scholastic Canada) in your child's white bag. Books make wonderful gifts and help provide new resources in the classroom. If you would like your child's order to be a surprise, please just write "Gift" or "Surprise" on the order form and I will hand the books personally to you (rather than putting them in your child's backpack) when they arrive. Thank you for supporting Scholastic!
Also a big thank you to Lauren's family for taking such excellent care of Bubbles the Beta Fish over the Summer!
Finally, I would like to send out a friendly reminder to please LABEL everything of your child's. There are 31 little people in our classroom with shoes, jackets, hats, umbrellas, snack boxes, lunch bags, (soon there will be mittens, gloves), etc. etc. Labeling your child's items guarantees the items won't be lost. I found that Mabel's Labels were terrific for my kids, and they liked putting them on their things. Put a label on each item in their lunch box please. Masking tape works too! :)
A big thank you for saying such terrific good byes at the outside door - this really helps your child look forward to school and makes the transition so much easier! Yes, sometimes there are tears, but they quickly disappear with a little sip of water, a tissue, and the hand of a friend.
There will be a little change of the Sharing Assemblies this year; they will be in the GYM and will be from approximately 9:00-9:20 (they'll start right after Announcements).
I've sent home some reading tips. Learning to read starts with letter recognition, letter sound recognition, then moves slowly to blending sounds, sight words, and so on. The most important thing to do now is encourage your child and read with them regularly (before bedtime works well). Remember, if you can read it, you can write it!
I hope you have a terrific week!
Mrs. Tyndall
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Week of September 8-12
Dear Parents,
Thank you to everyone who attended the Kindergarten Open House last week. I enjoyed meeting you and I am looking forward to being your child's teacher this year.
This week we reviewed/learned classroom routines and the children enjoyed playing at various inquiry-based centres. They are a wonderful group and I have noticed already what excellent listeners they all are! The children are making new friends quickly which is terrific.
A note about outdoor play: it was very hot and humid last week and the children do play outside for about one hour in total. Please ensure they are adequately dressed for the weather.
A lot of information/paperwork was sent home on Friday. Please complete all the required forms and return them in your child's white TDSB bag by Monday.
A note re: snacks: Please LABEL your child's snack as "SNACK" so that they know what to eat for snack and what to eat for lunch. Thank you!
The children will be eating their snacks in class and their lunch in the lunchroom at 12:00 with he other Kindergarten classes. Please ensure that all your child's belongings, including his/her lunch bag, are clearly labelled with their name.
Curriculum Night is on Tuesday from 5:30-6:00 p.m. in the gym. I am looking forward to seeing you then. After our talk about Kindergarten Curriculum and Routines, you are welcome to return to my classroom to sign up for volunteer opportunities in the classroom this year. Thank you in advance to our Grade Parents Trudie Hynes (JK) and Erica Bower (SK) for doing the volunteer scheduling and calendars.
Here are some tips to start out the year:
- read stories to your child that are suited to their interests and comprehension level
- answer questions and encourage curiosity
- teach responsibility by asking your child to tidy up and care for personal items such as clothes and toys
- invite your child's peers, classmates to play dates
- supervise the amount and kind of media your child watches
- provide materials for active play -- balls, tricycles, etc.
- discipline- suitable consequences for misbehaviour, rules that are easy to understand and fair; provide explanation for the consequence, make sure your child understands why. Fairness is key.
- give your child plenty of time to get ready for school
- allow your child to do things s/he can in order to foster independence
- talk to your child about school as an interesting place to go; a place where s/he will have fun and learn many new things with friends
- arrive on time to school, say good bye cheerfully at the door, arrive on time to pick your child up
I'm looking forward to speaking to your further at Curriculum Night.
Have a terrific week!
Mrs. Tyndall
Thank you to everyone who attended the Kindergarten Open House last week. I enjoyed meeting you and I am looking forward to being your child's teacher this year.
This week we reviewed/learned classroom routines and the children enjoyed playing at various inquiry-based centres. They are a wonderful group and I have noticed already what excellent listeners they all are! The children are making new friends quickly which is terrific.
A note about outdoor play: it was very hot and humid last week and the children do play outside for about one hour in total. Please ensure they are adequately dressed for the weather.
A lot of information/paperwork was sent home on Friday. Please complete all the required forms and return them in your child's white TDSB bag by Monday.
A note re: snacks: Please LABEL your child's snack as "SNACK" so that they know what to eat for snack and what to eat for lunch. Thank you!
The children will be eating their snacks in class and their lunch in the lunchroom at 12:00 with he other Kindergarten classes. Please ensure that all your child's belongings, including his/her lunch bag, are clearly labelled with their name.
Curriculum Night is on Tuesday from 5:30-6:00 p.m. in the gym. I am looking forward to seeing you then. After our talk about Kindergarten Curriculum and Routines, you are welcome to return to my classroom to sign up for volunteer opportunities in the classroom this year. Thank you in advance to our Grade Parents Trudie Hynes (JK) and Erica Bower (SK) for doing the volunteer scheduling and calendars.
Here are some tips to start out the year:
- read stories to your child that are suited to their interests and comprehension level
- answer questions and encourage curiosity
- teach responsibility by asking your child to tidy up and care for personal items such as clothes and toys
- invite your child's peers, classmates to play dates
- supervise the amount and kind of media your child watches
- provide materials for active play -- balls, tricycles, etc.
- discipline- suitable consequences for misbehaviour, rules that are easy to understand and fair; provide explanation for the consequence, make sure your child understands why. Fairness is key.
- give your child plenty of time to get ready for school
- allow your child to do things s/he can in order to foster independence
- talk to your child about school as an interesting place to go; a place where s/he will have fun and learn many new things with friends
- arrive on time to school, say good bye cheerfully at the door, arrive on time to pick your child up
I'm looking forward to speaking to your further at Curriculum Night.
Have a terrific week!
Mrs. Tyndall
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Welcome to Room 166!
Dear Parents,
Welcome to Mrs. Tyndall’s Full Day Kindergarten Class at Lambton Kingsway Junior Middle School! I am delighted to have your child in my class this year. I am looking forward to a wonderful year and I know you are, too. We are going to be learning a lot this year and it is my goal to do everything I can to make sure my classroom is a welcoming place full of learning, fun and friends. Please also join me in welcoming ECE Tsering Paldon to our classroom.
I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the Kindergarten Open House on Tuesday, September 2. This is an informal chance to meet me and classmates, and to see the classroom. The Senior Kindergarten students are welcome to visit the classroom between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. The Junior Kindergarten students are invited to visit from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Kindergarten is a two-year program and our classroom has both Juniors and Seniors. I encourage you to have conversations with your child about what we are doing in school. Parental involvement is very important. Your participation and support will help instill a positive attitude about learning. When we all work together, students are successful! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns during the school year. Please also read my LKS BLOG: mrstyndallslksblog.blogspot.com for weekly updates and important classroom information.
Kindergarten Schedule
8:45-8:50 Entry
8:50-11:20 Morning Program
11:20-12:30 Lunch
12:30-12:35 Entry
12:35-3:05 Afternoon Program
Your child will need a regular-sized backpack for Kindergarten. This backpack should be large enough to carry snacks, lunch (if your child is not going home for lunch), a library book, small reading books, as well as a white TDSB plastic bag (provided by me) that will include notes from school, classwork, art projects, etc. Please return this bag to school the day after it goes home (twice a week) and remind your child to hand it in to the bin provided when s/he enters the classroom. Please give your child opportunities to practice opening, putting things in, taking objects out of the backpack and then zipping the backpack closed.
As your child enters school, independence (and attempting to be independent) is very important. Saying a cheerful goodbye at the outside door will ensure your child has a smooth transition to classroom routines and independence.
The beginning of the day, end of the day, and lunch time are busy times, with children coming and going to before and after school programs, taking the bus, daycare, Oxford, Little Readers, Montessori, etc. My first priority is ensuring that each of my 31 children is dismissed safely to parents and caregivers, bus attendants. etc. If you wish to speak with me about your child's progress, please send a note and I’ll be happy to make an appointment to speak to you at a time convenient to all.
We encourage children to go home for lunch each day as it is a nice break for them in a busy school day.
Please note that the Kindergarten Playground/Yard is CLOSED after school each day as it is reserved for the After School Program. Thank you.
Important Numbers:
School Office: 416-394-7890
Please leave a message with the office if your child will be absent from school. Messages can be left 24 hours/day. Please give your child’s name, teacher name, and reason for absence.
My Program:
In keeping with the Ministry of Education’s Full Day Kindergarten Curriculum, the Kindergarten Program is Play-Based. I will also be doing a lot of educational and interesting theme-based literacy and numeracy activities with the children adapted to their level and interests, which also helps prepare them for SK/Grade One Curriculum. The children will bring these themed units home in folders when they are completed, so that you can see all the hard work they have been doing in class!
Each child is unique. Young children grow and develop at their own rate. When provided with opportunities to play and interact with their peers and guided by adults, children have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and solve problems through everyday activities. While there will be large group discussions, much of the interaction between your child and myself and Ms. Paldon will be in small groups or one on one. As a result, children will be able to receive as much individualized attention that is geared to their interests as well as their development and abilities.
Centres:
The Kindergarten classroom is set up as a number of centres. Independence is key to the program and, as such, the learning materials are housed in storage shelves and containers that allow children to find and reach them on their own. The children are expected to help keep our classroom clean and organized by cleaning up their activity when finished with it and returning it to the proper place.
While centres will change through the year (according to which theme we are working on), some remain, with the materials changing to meet our learning expectations. Some centres that you will find in our classroom are:
- Blocks
- Paint and Visual Arts
- Sand and/or Water
- Math (Numeracy)
- Writing
- Reading/Books/Mini Library
- Science/Discovery
- Computers (2)
- Dramatic Play
During play times, children are free to choose the activities that they are interested in. They will also be encouraged to rotate through all the different centres. As a rule, children will play in small groups of 2-4 children.
Additional Activities:
Library and Computers – We are fortunate to have a Teacher Librarian who maintains a wonderful primary resource centre. Each week we will have an opportunity to visit the library for a read aloud or learning activity, as well as a book exchange. The library is also next to our Computer Lab where the children will have an opportunity each week to explore a variety of programs and learn how to use the computers.
Physical Education – Our gymnasium and outdoor kindergarten playground are large open spaces where children will be able to participate in activities to promote healthy living. Co-operative games and moving safely are the major components of the kindergarten gym program.
Volunteers:
There are many opportunities for parents to volunteer in the classroom. Any person wishing to volunteer at the school requires a recent, valid police check from the Toronto Police Department. Annual Declarations are required for any current volunteers. The office has the required forms. Please contact your Grade Parent if you wish to volunteer for classroom activities.
Safety:
Ensuring the safety of the students, staff and visitors at Lambton Kingsway is a priority. Students in Kindergarten enter and leave through their classroom doors to the kindergarten yard. Should you need to enter the school, please use the front doors and sign in at the office each time you visit us.
A note from home is required for changes to regular routines (i.e. a child who normally stays at school for lunch will be going home, or a child who normally takes the bus will be picked up by a caregiver, or a child is going on a play date after school and will be picked up by another caregiver). For the safety and security of your child, we cannot change your child’s routine if a note is note provided. Please do not assume that if a note is left in your child’s backpack your child will remember to give it to his/her teacher. Please hand the note personally to me first thing in the morning and/or call the office with the change to routine.
If your child is going to be absent from school for a planned activity (i.e. doctor, dentist, early or extended holiday) please send a note in advance so that it can be forwarded to the office. For unexpected absences, please call the safe arrival system (416-394-7890) and leave a message with your child’s full name, teacher, and reason for absence.
Classroom Rules and Routines:
One of the main goals in Kindergarten is to develop self-regulation. I work with the children to help them maintain control of their actions and behaviours. Our classroom expectations are to:
- Listen to others - Sit while in group
- Use a quiet voice - Walk while inside
- Keep hands to yourself
Most children follow these rules and routines easily while at school. When a child chooses not to follow these class expectations, my class discipline plan is:
- Receive a reminder of expectations (verbal warning)
- Yellow card is handed out (2nd warning)
- Red card is handed out and time-out is used for a few minutes when a child is “out of control”/not following rules, followed by a discussion with the teacher about expectations.
- Should problems continue, you will be notified of the issue, and together we will come up with a plan of how to best remedy the situation.
Home Communication:
Communication between home and school is essential. Every Sunday evening, I update my blog (www.mrstyndallslksblog.blogspot.com). Please make a habit of checking it regularly for important dates, information about what we are doing in class, and other updates. Each day items such as notes, newsletters, permission forms, etc. may be sent home. Children in my Kindergarten class use a communication bag (a white plastic TDSB bag with their name on it) to carry items between home and school. Please place notes from home, or any money for pizza, Scholastic Book Orders, field trips, etc. in the bag. Please do not lose this bag as I only have a few extras. Thank you.
To help keep orders safe and contained, please seal any required money inside an envelope or zip-lock baggie, and put your child’s name on it, along with the purpose for the money being sent.
Calendar:
A classroom calendar will be sent home during the last week of each month (or earlier) for the next month. Please post in a special place so that you and your child are prepared for all designated activities. Please make note of special dates such as your child’s Special/Snack Day, due dates for pizza and book orders, etc.
Reading Skills:
Reading is an essential skill that lasts a lifetime. It is your and my responsibility to ensure that your child develops early reading skills. An at home reading program will be provided, beginning in the first term. A folder with a reading log, as well as early reading “snuggle up” books will be provided. Your Snuggle Book needs to travel to and from school in your child’s white TDSB bag. More information will be provided once we begin the program in October.
Spare Clothing:
Children occasionally don’t make it to the washroom on time. They also like to “find” puddles or go down slides that aren’t quite dry. To make such instances easier for everyone, please send a change of underwear, pants and socks to keep at school. Wet clothes will be placed in a plastic bag and sent home. Please be sure to replace used items the next school day.
Library:
We will have a scheduled library period for a visit and book exchange each week. Children are responsible for the books that they sign out. They will be provided with a library bag to bring their book to and from school.
Snacks and Lunches:
Your child should bring two healthy, nut-free snacks each day. Children will have an opportunity to eat in each of the morning and afternoon nutrition breaks. The purpose of these breaks is to provide energy and nourishment for your child. Please choose healthy items that your child enjoys. Due to food allergies, children must not share their food with others. We continue to strive towards being a nut-free school for the safety of the children with nut-based allergies. Children will NOT be allowed to open or consume any items known to contain nuts.
Please do not send cans of pop/juice for your child. Cans are difficult for students to handle and they rarely finish the entire drink. Keeping the can throughout the day is troublesome as cans spill and attract ants. Please use juice boxes or water bottles instead. There is also a water fountain in our classroom.
Scholastic Book Orders:
This is a voluntary book club for children. Each month a book flyer will be sent home. Please choose the books you would like on the order form, and return the order form and a cheque (payable to Scholastic Books). Orders are placed the day after the due date (found on the order form or on the class calendar), and orders are usually received within a week. Your child will bring home their books in their backpacks, to be opened at home. If you wish to purchase an item as a gift, please send me a note with your order.
Personal Items:
PLEASE LABEL ALL CLOTHING, SHOES, AND OTHER ITEMS BROUGHT TO SCHOOL.
Toys should be left at home.
Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions that have not been covered. Please keep this newsletter for future reference. I will also post all of this information on my blog.
I’m looking forward to a wonderful year!
Kind regards,
Mrs. Beverley Tyndall
betyndall@rogers.com
mrstyndallslksblog.blogspot.com
416-394-7890
Welcome to Mrs. Tyndall’s Full Day Kindergarten Class at Lambton Kingsway Junior Middle School! I am delighted to have your child in my class this year. I am looking forward to a wonderful year and I know you are, too. We are going to be learning a lot this year and it is my goal to do everything I can to make sure my classroom is a welcoming place full of learning, fun and friends. Please also join me in welcoming ECE Tsering Paldon to our classroom.
I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the Kindergarten Open House on Tuesday, September 2. This is an informal chance to meet me and classmates, and to see the classroom. The Senior Kindergarten students are welcome to visit the classroom between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. The Junior Kindergarten students are invited to visit from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Kindergarten is a two-year program and our classroom has both Juniors and Seniors. I encourage you to have conversations with your child about what we are doing in school. Parental involvement is very important. Your participation and support will help instill a positive attitude about learning. When we all work together, students are successful! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns during the school year. Please also read my LKS BLOG: mrstyndallslksblog.blogspot.com for weekly updates and important classroom information.
Kindergarten Schedule
8:45-8:50 Entry
8:50-11:20 Morning Program
11:20-12:30 Lunch
12:30-12:35 Entry
12:35-3:05 Afternoon Program
Your child will need a regular-sized backpack for Kindergarten. This backpack should be large enough to carry snacks, lunch (if your child is not going home for lunch), a library book, small reading books, as well as a white TDSB plastic bag (provided by me) that will include notes from school, classwork, art projects, etc. Please return this bag to school the day after it goes home (twice a week) and remind your child to hand it in to the bin provided when s/he enters the classroom. Please give your child opportunities to practice opening, putting things in, taking objects out of the backpack and then zipping the backpack closed.
As your child enters school, independence (and attempting to be independent) is very important. Saying a cheerful goodbye at the outside door will ensure your child has a smooth transition to classroom routines and independence.
The beginning of the day, end of the day, and lunch time are busy times, with children coming and going to before and after school programs, taking the bus, daycare, Oxford, Little Readers, Montessori, etc. My first priority is ensuring that each of my 31 children is dismissed safely to parents and caregivers, bus attendants. etc. If you wish to speak with me about your child's progress, please send a note and I’ll be happy to make an appointment to speak to you at a time convenient to all.
We encourage children to go home for lunch each day as it is a nice break for them in a busy school day.
Please note that the Kindergarten Playground/Yard is CLOSED after school each day as it is reserved for the After School Program. Thank you.
Important Numbers:
School Office: 416-394-7890
Please leave a message with the office if your child will be absent from school. Messages can be left 24 hours/day. Please give your child’s name, teacher name, and reason for absence.
My Program:
In keeping with the Ministry of Education’s Full Day Kindergarten Curriculum, the Kindergarten Program is Play-Based. I will also be doing a lot of educational and interesting theme-based literacy and numeracy activities with the children adapted to their level and interests, which also helps prepare them for SK/Grade One Curriculum. The children will bring these themed units home in folders when they are completed, so that you can see all the hard work they have been doing in class!
Each child is unique. Young children grow and develop at their own rate. When provided with opportunities to play and interact with their peers and guided by adults, children have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and solve problems through everyday activities. While there will be large group discussions, much of the interaction between your child and myself and Ms. Paldon will be in small groups or one on one. As a result, children will be able to receive as much individualized attention that is geared to their interests as well as their development and abilities.
Centres:
The Kindergarten classroom is set up as a number of centres. Independence is key to the program and, as such, the learning materials are housed in storage shelves and containers that allow children to find and reach them on their own. The children are expected to help keep our classroom clean and organized by cleaning up their activity when finished with it and returning it to the proper place.
While centres will change through the year (according to which theme we are working on), some remain, with the materials changing to meet our learning expectations. Some centres that you will find in our classroom are:
- Blocks
- Paint and Visual Arts
- Sand and/or Water
- Math (Numeracy)
- Writing
- Reading/Books/Mini Library
- Science/Discovery
- Computers (2)
- Dramatic Play
During play times, children are free to choose the activities that they are interested in. They will also be encouraged to rotate through all the different centres. As a rule, children will play in small groups of 2-4 children.
Additional Activities:
Library and Computers – We are fortunate to have a Teacher Librarian who maintains a wonderful primary resource centre. Each week we will have an opportunity to visit the library for a read aloud or learning activity, as well as a book exchange. The library is also next to our Computer Lab where the children will have an opportunity each week to explore a variety of programs and learn how to use the computers.
Physical Education – Our gymnasium and outdoor kindergarten playground are large open spaces where children will be able to participate in activities to promote healthy living. Co-operative games and moving safely are the major components of the kindergarten gym program.
Volunteers:
There are many opportunities for parents to volunteer in the classroom. Any person wishing to volunteer at the school requires a recent, valid police check from the Toronto Police Department. Annual Declarations are required for any current volunteers. The office has the required forms. Please contact your Grade Parent if you wish to volunteer for classroom activities.
Safety:
Ensuring the safety of the students, staff and visitors at Lambton Kingsway is a priority. Students in Kindergarten enter and leave through their classroom doors to the kindergarten yard. Should you need to enter the school, please use the front doors and sign in at the office each time you visit us.
A note from home is required for changes to regular routines (i.e. a child who normally stays at school for lunch will be going home, or a child who normally takes the bus will be picked up by a caregiver, or a child is going on a play date after school and will be picked up by another caregiver). For the safety and security of your child, we cannot change your child’s routine if a note is note provided. Please do not assume that if a note is left in your child’s backpack your child will remember to give it to his/her teacher. Please hand the note personally to me first thing in the morning and/or call the office with the change to routine.
If your child is going to be absent from school for a planned activity (i.e. doctor, dentist, early or extended holiday) please send a note in advance so that it can be forwarded to the office. For unexpected absences, please call the safe arrival system (416-394-7890) and leave a message with your child’s full name, teacher, and reason for absence.
Classroom Rules and Routines:
One of the main goals in Kindergarten is to develop self-regulation. I work with the children to help them maintain control of their actions and behaviours. Our classroom expectations are to:
- Listen to others - Sit while in group
- Use a quiet voice - Walk while inside
- Keep hands to yourself
Most children follow these rules and routines easily while at school. When a child chooses not to follow these class expectations, my class discipline plan is:
- Receive a reminder of expectations (verbal warning)
- Yellow card is handed out (2nd warning)
- Red card is handed out and time-out is used for a few minutes when a child is “out of control”/not following rules, followed by a discussion with the teacher about expectations.
- Should problems continue, you will be notified of the issue, and together we will come up with a plan of how to best remedy the situation.
Home Communication:
Communication between home and school is essential. Every Sunday evening, I update my blog (www.mrstyndallslksblog.blogspot.com). Please make a habit of checking it regularly for important dates, information about what we are doing in class, and other updates. Each day items such as notes, newsletters, permission forms, etc. may be sent home. Children in my Kindergarten class use a communication bag (a white plastic TDSB bag with their name on it) to carry items between home and school. Please place notes from home, or any money for pizza, Scholastic Book Orders, field trips, etc. in the bag. Please do not lose this bag as I only have a few extras. Thank you.
To help keep orders safe and contained, please seal any required money inside an envelope or zip-lock baggie, and put your child’s name on it, along with the purpose for the money being sent.
Calendar:
A classroom calendar will be sent home during the last week of each month (or earlier) for the next month. Please post in a special place so that you and your child are prepared for all designated activities. Please make note of special dates such as your child’s Special/Snack Day, due dates for pizza and book orders, etc.
Reading Skills:
Reading is an essential skill that lasts a lifetime. It is your and my responsibility to ensure that your child develops early reading skills. An at home reading program will be provided, beginning in the first term. A folder with a reading log, as well as early reading “snuggle up” books will be provided. Your Snuggle Book needs to travel to and from school in your child’s white TDSB bag. More information will be provided once we begin the program in October.
Spare Clothing:
Children occasionally don’t make it to the washroom on time. They also like to “find” puddles or go down slides that aren’t quite dry. To make such instances easier for everyone, please send a change of underwear, pants and socks to keep at school. Wet clothes will be placed in a plastic bag and sent home. Please be sure to replace used items the next school day.
Library:
We will have a scheduled library period for a visit and book exchange each week. Children are responsible for the books that they sign out. They will be provided with a library bag to bring their book to and from school.
Snacks and Lunches:
Your child should bring two healthy, nut-free snacks each day. Children will have an opportunity to eat in each of the morning and afternoon nutrition breaks. The purpose of these breaks is to provide energy and nourishment for your child. Please choose healthy items that your child enjoys. Due to food allergies, children must not share their food with others. We continue to strive towards being a nut-free school for the safety of the children with nut-based allergies. Children will NOT be allowed to open or consume any items known to contain nuts.
Please do not send cans of pop/juice for your child. Cans are difficult for students to handle and they rarely finish the entire drink. Keeping the can throughout the day is troublesome as cans spill and attract ants. Please use juice boxes or water bottles instead. There is also a water fountain in our classroom.
Scholastic Book Orders:
This is a voluntary book club for children. Each month a book flyer will be sent home. Please choose the books you would like on the order form, and return the order form and a cheque (payable to Scholastic Books). Orders are placed the day after the due date (found on the order form or on the class calendar), and orders are usually received within a week. Your child will bring home their books in their backpacks, to be opened at home. If you wish to purchase an item as a gift, please send me a note with your order.
Personal Items:
PLEASE LABEL ALL CLOTHING, SHOES, AND OTHER ITEMS BROUGHT TO SCHOOL.
Toys should be left at home.
Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions that have not been covered. Please keep this newsletter for future reference. I will also post all of this information on my blog.
I’m looking forward to a wonderful year!
Kind regards,
Mrs. Beverley Tyndall
betyndall@rogers.com
mrstyndallslksblog.blogspot.com
416-394-7890
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Summer
Dear families,
Thank you for a wonderful year! I hope you and your children have a terrific summer and I look forward to seeing you again in September!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Tyndall
Thank you for a wonderful year! I hope you and your children have a terrific summer and I look forward to seeing you again in September!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Tyndall
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Week of June 23-27
Dear families,
The last week of school! Hard to believe...
I hope you are enjoying what remains of this lovely weekend. Last week we talked and wrote about what the children want to be when they grow up, their "summer bucket list" (what they wanted to do this summer), and summer vocabulary. The SKs are also completing a booklet called "The Very Happy Senior Kindergartener" which is a summary of all the learning they did this year. The children read their booklets and drew accompanying pictures. The JKS started a booklet called "Summer, Summer, What Do You See?" (inspired by Eric Carle's "Brown Bear, Brown Bear...." ).
Thank you to Dana C. and Julia's mom who read to the children. Thank you to Lauren's mom to did the morning white bags.
This week will be exciting and busy - we will be rehearsing for the SK Graduation ceremony, finishing our year-end booklets, the SKs will be graduating to Grade One, the children will be receiving their report cards, it will be pizza lunch on the lawn, and the children will attend the school-wide assembly on Friday. Whew!
Last week and this week your child's white bag will have notes on summer work - sounds to practice (JKs) and Sight Word lists (SKs). I also hope you encourage your child to keep a journal this summer. Not only will it help them maintain and improve their writing skills, one day it will be a wonderful keepsake.
I hope you have a wonderful week!
The last week of school! Hard to believe...
I hope you are enjoying what remains of this lovely weekend. Last week we talked and wrote about what the children want to be when they grow up, their "summer bucket list" (what they wanted to do this summer), and summer vocabulary. The SKs are also completing a booklet called "The Very Happy Senior Kindergartener" which is a summary of all the learning they did this year. The children read their booklets and drew accompanying pictures. The JKS started a booklet called "Summer, Summer, What Do You See?" (inspired by Eric Carle's "Brown Bear, Brown Bear...." ).
Thank you to Dana C. and Julia's mom who read to the children. Thank you to Lauren's mom to did the morning white bags.
This week will be exciting and busy - we will be rehearsing for the SK Graduation ceremony, finishing our year-end booklets, the SKs will be graduating to Grade One, the children will be receiving their report cards, it will be pizza lunch on the lawn, and the children will attend the school-wide assembly on Friday. Whew!
Last week and this week your child's white bag will have notes on summer work - sounds to practice (JKs) and Sight Word lists (SKs). I also hope you encourage your child to keep a journal this summer. Not only will it help them maintain and improve their writing skills, one day it will be a wonderful keepsake.
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Week of June 16-20
Dear families,
I hope you have had a very happy Father's Day!
Last week we worked more on Canadian coin recognition and values. This week we will finish our unit on money and will start our last unit on Summer. We will also be preparing for the SK graduation ceremony.
In this Friday's white bags you should have received a pizza lunch form. If you would like your child to participate in this event, please send in the form and money by tomorrow, Monday. Thank you.
Terry Fox t-shirt orders are due on June 24.
Thank you to Lexa's and Lily M.'s moms who were our Mystery Readers this week. Thank you to Olivia's dad and Quentin's mom who did the white bags this week.
If your child will not be at school on the last day (Friday, June 27), please let me know so that I can prepare their white bags in advance. Thank you and have a terrific week!
I hope you have had a very happy Father's Day!
Last week we worked more on Canadian coin recognition and values. This week we will finish our unit on money and will start our last unit on Summer. We will also be preparing for the SK graduation ceremony.
In this Friday's white bags you should have received a pizza lunch form. If you would like your child to participate in this event, please send in the form and money by tomorrow, Monday. Thank you.
Terry Fox t-shirt orders are due on June 24.
Thank you to Lexa's and Lily M.'s moms who were our Mystery Readers this week. Thank you to Olivia's dad and Quentin's mom who did the white bags this week.
If your child will not be at school on the last day (Friday, June 27), please let me know so that I can prepare their white bags in advance. Thank you and have a terrific week!
Monday, June 9, 2014
Week of June 9-13
Dear families,
I hope you had a lovely weekend. Last week we finished our unit on 2- and 3-D shapes and the children brought their folders home. We did a 3-D Shape Hunt, measured different items with cube-a-links, and practiced our poem called "Shapes" (the children have a copy). We also started our (last!) unit on Canadian Coins and their characteristics and values. The SKs will remember this unit from last year, so for them it is review. The children started a Money Book, and played in several centres: pizza store, store, money sorting and counting, money stamps, and coin-rub. We are also learning The Money Song and are learning about special Canadian coins (commemorating historical events or people). The children are loving this unit and our stores are popular centres! Please help your children learn about money by allowing them to help you count coins at the store and at home. It's great for numeracy skills! This week we will continue our unit on money and will start rehearsals for the SK Graduation Ceremony.
Our Parent Volunteers for this week were: Mystery Reader: Lauren's sister Ava, and Victoria's mom; White bags were done by Sophie's mom and Quentin's mom. Many thanks!!!
Our Volunteer Tea is June 24 at 8:10 a.m. Please join us in the Library and celebrate the many hours you have given and the dedication you have shown our classroom this year. Whether you have helped out a little or a lot, your support is very much appreciated and makes LKS the success that it is! All are welcome.
I hope you have a terrific week.
I hope you had a lovely weekend. Last week we finished our unit on 2- and 3-D shapes and the children brought their folders home. We did a 3-D Shape Hunt, measured different items with cube-a-links, and practiced our poem called "Shapes" (the children have a copy). We also started our (last!) unit on Canadian Coins and their characteristics and values. The SKs will remember this unit from last year, so for them it is review. The children started a Money Book, and played in several centres: pizza store, store, money sorting and counting, money stamps, and coin-rub. We are also learning The Money Song and are learning about special Canadian coins (commemorating historical events or people). The children are loving this unit and our stores are popular centres! Please help your children learn about money by allowing them to help you count coins at the store and at home. It's great for numeracy skills! This week we will continue our unit on money and will start rehearsals for the SK Graduation Ceremony.
Our Parent Volunteers for this week were: Mystery Reader: Lauren's sister Ava, and Victoria's mom; White bags were done by Sophie's mom and Quentin's mom. Many thanks!!!
Our Volunteer Tea is June 24 at 8:10 a.m. Please join us in the Library and celebrate the many hours you have given and the dedication you have shown our classroom this year. Whether you have helped out a little or a lot, your support is very much appreciated and makes LKS the success that it is! All are welcome.
I hope you have a terrific week.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Week of June 2-6
Dear families,
The children brought home their sight word folders on Friday. If your child didn't finish some read and write mini books, please encourage them to finish them and put them all in their bedtime book box.
This week we started our new unit on 2- and 3-D Shapes. We learned the names, built structures out of them, described them, and then drew what we built. The children also had fun doing a 2-D shape hunt in the classroom. Next week we'll do a 3-D shape hunt! The children are also learning about how many corners and sides each shape has (square vs. cube, for example; triangle vs. pyramid). Next week we'll do Venn diagrams to compare shapes. The children also drew shapes following instruction and a grid (make the smallest square you can; make the largest rectangle you can, e.g.).
The children did a terrific job presenting their poem "Open a Book" at the Sharing Assembly. Congratulations to the children who received awards for integrity.
Finally, thank you so much to our parent volunteers of this week: mystery readers Rhys' mom and Izzie's mom; white bags by Megan's dad and Lexa's mom and grandmother. Please return outstanding snuggle books.
Thank you and enjoy this beautiful weather!
The children brought home their sight word folders on Friday. If your child didn't finish some read and write mini books, please encourage them to finish them and put them all in their bedtime book box.
This week we started our new unit on 2- and 3-D Shapes. We learned the names, built structures out of them, described them, and then drew what we built. The children also had fun doing a 2-D shape hunt in the classroom. Next week we'll do a 3-D shape hunt! The children are also learning about how many corners and sides each shape has (square vs. cube, for example; triangle vs. pyramid). Next week we'll do Venn diagrams to compare shapes. The children also drew shapes following instruction and a grid (make the smallest square you can; make the largest rectangle you can, e.g.).
The children did a terrific job presenting their poem "Open a Book" at the Sharing Assembly. Congratulations to the children who received awards for integrity.
Finally, thank you so much to our parent volunteers of this week: mystery readers Rhys' mom and Izzie's mom; white bags by Megan's dad and Lexa's mom and grandmother. Please return outstanding snuggle books.
Thank you and enjoy this beautiful weather!
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Week of May 26-30
Dear families,
This past week we continued our unit on Sight Words (aka Popcorn Words since they pop up so much in sentences). We talk about sight words all year and have a "word of the day" as well. The SKs had fun unscrambling sight words and writing them, and we all looked for sight words in our poem "Open a Book" on the Smartboard. The SKs worked at sight word centres doing read and write booklets and boards (dry-erase - always fun!). The JKs and SKs also did Sight Word word searches together. When the children's Popcorn Word folders go home this Friday, there will also be sight word booklets they've been working on and a list of the "100 Most Frequently Used Words". The kids' bedtime book box would be a great place for this!
The children are also working on a Father's Day poem (JKs and SKs) and story (SKs), as well as a special card for their dads.
With have started our unit on 2- and 3-D Shapes, and with our Reading Buddies the afternoon class made Shape Art (the morning class will do this with their Reading Buddies this week).
Thank you so much to our Parent Volunteers of this week: Mystery Readers Clive's mom and Megan's mom, and White Bags and Snuggle Books by Cole's dad and Victoria's mom.
It's hard to believe we are nearing the end of the year... The last week of school will be very busy, with our SK Graduation (more info to follow), Pizza Lunch on the lawn (you will receive your forms soon) and Report Cards going home! If you will not be in school for any part of the last week of school, please let me know so that I can send all your child's remaining school work home in his/her white bag in advance. Thank you! We will also be wrapping up the Snuggle Book lending library in early June to ensure all the books are returned before school is over.
Have a terrific week.
This past week we continued our unit on Sight Words (aka Popcorn Words since they pop up so much in sentences). We talk about sight words all year and have a "word of the day" as well. The SKs had fun unscrambling sight words and writing them, and we all looked for sight words in our poem "Open a Book" on the Smartboard. The SKs worked at sight word centres doing read and write booklets and boards (dry-erase - always fun!). The JKs and SKs also did Sight Word word searches together. When the children's Popcorn Word folders go home this Friday, there will also be sight word booklets they've been working on and a list of the "100 Most Frequently Used Words". The kids' bedtime book box would be a great place for this!
The children are also working on a Father's Day poem (JKs and SKs) and story (SKs), as well as a special card for their dads.
With have started our unit on 2- and 3-D Shapes, and with our Reading Buddies the afternoon class made Shape Art (the morning class will do this with their Reading Buddies this week).
Thank you so much to our Parent Volunteers of this week: Mystery Readers Clive's mom and Megan's mom, and White Bags and Snuggle Books by Cole's dad and Victoria's mom.
It's hard to believe we are nearing the end of the year... The last week of school will be very busy, with our SK Graduation (more info to follow), Pizza Lunch on the lawn (you will receive your forms soon) and Report Cards going home! If you will not be in school for any part of the last week of school, please let me know so that I can send all your child's remaining school work home in his/her white bag in advance. Thank you! We will also be wrapping up the Snuggle Book lending library in early June to ensure all the books are returned before school is over.
Have a terrific week.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Week of May 20-23
Dear families,
I hope you are having a lovely Victoria Day weekend and are enjoying this lovely spring weather.
This Friday the children brought home their pigeon folders home which they were very excited about. We finished our "Don't let the pigeon drive the..." and our pigeon character maps. We also mapped our favourite hot dog condiment words ("Pigeon Found a Hot Dog!") and the SKs wrote about their favourite Pigeon book. The homework for the SKs is to complete the Pigeon Wants a Cookie math booklet (which we pre-did together on the SmartBoard) and the JKs are to read their Friends booklet. The children can also read their Pigeon Popcorn words booklet.
This week will work on our Popcorn Word folders and will play in various Popcorn Word Centres. The little sight word booklets they make can go in their bedtime book boxes!
Thank you so much to Matthew G.'s mom and Kate's dad who were our Mystery Readers. Thank you to Lauren's mom who did the morning white bags and snuggle books.
This summer Bubbles the Beta Fish will need a home! If you would like to take care of him for the summer please let me know. He comes with food and water cleaner.
Our Sharing Assembly poem is called Open a Book:
It's show time! Pick up a book and read!
Open a book
And turn a page.
A world opens up
Just like a stage.
The words are performers.
Their show's just for you.
You'll laugh, cry,
Learn something new.
You have a front row seat.
So go on, turn a page!
A world opens up
Just like a stage.
The Book Fair is this week. If you would like your child to be able to purchase books please send him/her with money in a plastic bag with his/her named on it.
The last Scholastic book order is due on May 31st.
I hope you have a terrific week!
I hope you are having a lovely Victoria Day weekend and are enjoying this lovely spring weather.
This Friday the children brought home their pigeon folders home which they were very excited about. We finished our "Don't let the pigeon drive the..." and our pigeon character maps. We also mapped our favourite hot dog condiment words ("Pigeon Found a Hot Dog!") and the SKs wrote about their favourite Pigeon book. The homework for the SKs is to complete the Pigeon Wants a Cookie math booklet (which we pre-did together on the SmartBoard) and the JKs are to read their Friends booklet. The children can also read their Pigeon Popcorn words booklet.
This week will work on our Popcorn Word folders and will play in various Popcorn Word Centres. The little sight word booklets they make can go in their bedtime book boxes!
Thank you so much to Matthew G.'s mom and Kate's dad who were our Mystery Readers. Thank you to Lauren's mom who did the morning white bags and snuggle books.
This summer Bubbles the Beta Fish will need a home! If you would like to take care of him for the summer please let me know. He comes with food and water cleaner.
Our Sharing Assembly poem is called Open a Book:
It's show time! Pick up a book and read!
Open a book
And turn a page.
A world opens up
Just like a stage.
The words are performers.
Their show's just for you.
You'll laugh, cry,
Learn something new.
You have a front row seat.
So go on, turn a page!
A world opens up
Just like a stage.
The Book Fair is this week. If you would like your child to be able to purchase books please send him/her with money in a plastic bag with his/her named on it.
The last Scholastic book order is due on May 31st.
I hope you have a terrific week!
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Week of May 12-16
Dear families,
Happy Mother's Day to all the children's moms! I hope you have had a lovely weekend with your families and I hope you liked the beautiful Monet- and Emily Carr-inspired art the children made as well as the "I love my mom because..." booklets. When your children are older you will treasure the things they did when they were little. Taking a photograph of their work before storing it away keeps it more at hand - plus you can send the photo to friends and family!
Last week we welcomed Officer Rich and Firefighter Paul to speak to the children and they learned a lot of practical information about safety. The children also received colouring books and got to explore Officer Rich's police cruiser which I think was a highlight! Officer Rich visits the morning class on Wednesday. As a follow up activity, the children are writing "Officer Rich said..." and "Firefighter Paul said.." with an accompanying drawing. The children's homework this weekend was to write their address and phone number by themselves (or dictate it to you if they couldn't).
Last week the children completed their May calendars and their "This is me in May" work. The SKs wrote the numbers 1-31 by themselves and the JKs 1-20. Good job! Many of the children wrote about the fun they had at SpringFest. I have posted their work on the hall bulletin board.
We are almost finished our Mo Willems' author study. We finished our pigeon posters and this week we will be comparing and contrasting Elephant, Piggie and Pigeon. We are also completing booklets called "Pigeon is..." The SKs did a good job on their Venn diagrams. Please remember that if the children have homework it should be handed in when completed.
We are starting a focused unit on Sight Words (aka "popcorn words" since they pop up so much in sentences). Look for a new folder in the next week or so. I will also be sending home lists of sight words to practice at home.
SK parents - please remember to send in your child's baby photo by June 1st at the latest. I need it as part of the Graduation DVD. Thank you!
The next (and final) Scholastic order is due May 31st.
Finally, thank you to our parent volunteers this week - Lily's mom and Brady's mom (white bags and snuggle books), and Sophie's mom and Victoria's dad (Mystery Readers).
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Happy Mother's Day to all the children's moms! I hope you have had a lovely weekend with your families and I hope you liked the beautiful Monet- and Emily Carr-inspired art the children made as well as the "I love my mom because..." booklets. When your children are older you will treasure the things they did when they were little. Taking a photograph of their work before storing it away keeps it more at hand - plus you can send the photo to friends and family!
Last week we welcomed Officer Rich and Firefighter Paul to speak to the children and they learned a lot of practical information about safety. The children also received colouring books and got to explore Officer Rich's police cruiser which I think was a highlight! Officer Rich visits the morning class on Wednesday. As a follow up activity, the children are writing "Officer Rich said..." and "Firefighter Paul said.." with an accompanying drawing. The children's homework this weekend was to write their address and phone number by themselves (or dictate it to you if they couldn't).
Last week the children completed their May calendars and their "This is me in May" work. The SKs wrote the numbers 1-31 by themselves and the JKs 1-20. Good job! Many of the children wrote about the fun they had at SpringFest. I have posted their work on the hall bulletin board.
We are almost finished our Mo Willems' author study. We finished our pigeon posters and this week we will be comparing and contrasting Elephant, Piggie and Pigeon. We are also completing booklets called "Pigeon is..." The SKs did a good job on their Venn diagrams. Please remember that if the children have homework it should be handed in when completed.
We are starting a focused unit on Sight Words (aka "popcorn words" since they pop up so much in sentences). Look for a new folder in the next week or so. I will also be sending home lists of sight words to practice at home.
SK parents - please remember to send in your child's baby photo by June 1st at the latest. I need it as part of the Graduation DVD. Thank you!
The next (and final) Scholastic order is due May 31st.
Finally, thank you to our parent volunteers this week - Lily's mom and Brady's mom (white bags and snuggle books), and Sophie's mom and Victoria's dad (Mystery Readers).
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Week of May 5-9
Dear families,
May already! The children are happy to be on the bikes and scooters again during outdoor play!
This week we continued our fun Author Study about Mo Willems, who is the Emmy-award winning writer for Sesame Street and who wrote the best-selling "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" book as well as the other pigeon books and "Elephant and Piggie" books. The kids love them and I have two copies of the pigeon books as well as several of Willems' other books from our library so the kids can pair-share read them during reading time. We have talked and written about the differences between what pigeon wants vs what he needs (important life lesson!) as well as comparing real pigeons and Mo Willems' pigeon in a Venn diagram. The SK homework for this weekend was to do the same diagram at home. This week we will finish writing and illustrating our booklets "Don't Let The..." inspired by Mo Willems' book. The children's ideas and drawing were terrific! They will go home in this week's white bags along with their other work.
We are also practicing our "popcorn words" each day in our centres - words that are found frequently in sentences, such as "the, it, is, and, I, like, in, to" etc.
On Friday we welcomed Artist Janeen who did a wonderful job leading and art class with the children. The art is on display on our hallway bulletin Board. This week and next we welcome two important members of our community - Police Officer Rich (pm class on May 7, am class on May 14) and Firefighter Paul (May 9).
Thank you for May's Scholastic orders. The next and last Scholastic order will be due May 31. Thank you again to Megan and her mom who kindly collate and date stamp all the Scholastic booklets that you receive.
The Show and Tell item for May and June on your child's special date should be something about "My Family." It could be a picture, a drawing, a story, etc.
May and June are incredibly busy months with DRA testing, report cards, and so on. If your child is in Senior Kindergarten please send in a baby picture by June 1st for the Graduation Ceremony and DVD. Thank you.
Thank you to our Parent Volunteers this week: Lexa's mom, Mario's mom, Sophie's mom, Lily G.'s mom, Quentin's mom, Jack L.'s Nana and Victoria's mom. Thank you so much.
Have a terrific week and enjoy the Spring weather!
May already! The children are happy to be on the bikes and scooters again during outdoor play!
This week we continued our fun Author Study about Mo Willems, who is the Emmy-award winning writer for Sesame Street and who wrote the best-selling "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" book as well as the other pigeon books and "Elephant and Piggie" books. The kids love them and I have two copies of the pigeon books as well as several of Willems' other books from our library so the kids can pair-share read them during reading time. We have talked and written about the differences between what pigeon wants vs what he needs (important life lesson!) as well as comparing real pigeons and Mo Willems' pigeon in a Venn diagram. The SK homework for this weekend was to do the same diagram at home. This week we will finish writing and illustrating our booklets "Don't Let The..." inspired by Mo Willems' book. The children's ideas and drawing were terrific! They will go home in this week's white bags along with their other work.
We are also practicing our "popcorn words" each day in our centres - words that are found frequently in sentences, such as "the, it, is, and, I, like, in, to" etc.
On Friday we welcomed Artist Janeen who did a wonderful job leading and art class with the children. The art is on display on our hallway bulletin Board. This week and next we welcome two important members of our community - Police Officer Rich (pm class on May 7, am class on May 14) and Firefighter Paul (May 9).
Thank you for May's Scholastic orders. The next and last Scholastic order will be due May 31. Thank you again to Megan and her mom who kindly collate and date stamp all the Scholastic booklets that you receive.
The Show and Tell item for May and June on your child's special date should be something about "My Family." It could be a picture, a drawing, a story, etc.
May and June are incredibly busy months with DRA testing, report cards, and so on. If your child is in Senior Kindergarten please send in a baby picture by June 1st for the Graduation Ceremony and DVD. Thank you.
Thank you to our Parent Volunteers this week: Lexa's mom, Mario's mom, Sophie's mom, Lily G.'s mom, Quentin's mom, Jack L.'s Nana and Victoria's mom. Thank you so much.
Have a terrific week and enjoy the Spring weather!
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Week of April 28-May 2
Dear families,
Thank you to everyone who attended the Sharing Assembly and congratulations to the children who received certificates for Cooperation.
It's been a busy two weeks. The children made several booklets: Spring is..., Easter is..., Here is a..., and I Know it's Spring. This week we'll write about the rain and will continue our unit on measurement. The SKs did Easter addition and egg patterning.
When your child's bean has sprouted and grown a leaf s/he will take it home. Put it in a small pot in a sunny place and help your child care for it for about 2-3 weeks when you can safely plant it outside. Since it will climb, stake it and/or plant it next to a fence. If all goes well you and your child will be able to eat beans this summer!
This past week was Earth Week and we did several related activities. Please take time to read all the wonderful work your child brings home in his/her white bag each week. I am so impressed with how hard the children work and how far they've come in a few short months.
Thank you to parents who have helped in the classroom over the last few weeks: Lexa's mom, Anderson's mom, Kai B.'s mom, Lily's mom, Caroline's mom, Clive's mom and Megan's dad.
I'll leave you with the little poem we learned and that is on the paper bag your child brought home (to help take care of the Earth):
In this bag I will place
Lots of litter and some waste.
I want to help our earth stay clean,
And keep nature looking green.
To the world I'd like to say,
"Let's make every day an Earth Day!"
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Thank you to everyone who attended the Sharing Assembly and congratulations to the children who received certificates for Cooperation.
It's been a busy two weeks. The children made several booklets: Spring is..., Easter is..., Here is a..., and I Know it's Spring. This week we'll write about the rain and will continue our unit on measurement. The SKs did Easter addition and egg patterning.
When your child's bean has sprouted and grown a leaf s/he will take it home. Put it in a small pot in a sunny place and help your child care for it for about 2-3 weeks when you can safely plant it outside. Since it will climb, stake it and/or plant it next to a fence. If all goes well you and your child will be able to eat beans this summer!
This past week was Earth Week and we did several related activities. Please take time to read all the wonderful work your child brings home in his/her white bag each week. I am so impressed with how hard the children work and how far they've come in a few short months.
Thank you to parents who have helped in the classroom over the last few weeks: Lexa's mom, Anderson's mom, Kai B.'s mom, Lily's mom, Caroline's mom, Clive's mom and Megan's dad.
I'll leave you with the little poem we learned and that is on the paper bag your child brought home (to help take care of the Earth):
In this bag I will place
Lots of litter and some waste.
I want to help our earth stay clean,
And keep nature looking green.
To the world I'd like to say,
"Let's make every day an Earth Day!"
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Week of April 14-18
Dear families,
Spring has sprung in Room 166 and the kids are doing a lot of bunny- and egg-themed activities! They made booklets and read called The Bunny, another called Five Spring Flowers, and a third called The Bunny Can. Making these little books helps the children feel confident as readers and writers, which is awesome. We also did our April calendars and our This is Me in April writing and illustrating. I am so impressed with how far the children have come as readers and writers. Wonderful!!
With our Grade 2/3 Reading Buddies, the morning children wrote a booklet called Rain, and the afternoon children made a booklet called Spring Is.
This upcoming week we are going to write books called Easter Is and Spring Is, consolidating the vocabulary we have been learning to read and spell.
Thank you for bringing in your eggs. Please bring them by Tuesday at the latest. Thank you!
May Scholastic orders are due on May 31. Thank you for your orders; they help support the purchase of classroom books.
April 17 is Wear Black to school day to support the We are Silent Day in support of children without a voice.
I am looking forward to our Easte/Spring party on Thursday.
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Spring has sprung in Room 166 and the kids are doing a lot of bunny- and egg-themed activities! They made booklets and read called The Bunny, another called Five Spring Flowers, and a third called The Bunny Can. Making these little books helps the children feel confident as readers and writers, which is awesome. We also did our April calendars and our This is Me in April writing and illustrating. I am so impressed with how far the children have come as readers and writers. Wonderful!!
With our Grade 2/3 Reading Buddies, the morning children wrote a booklet called Rain, and the afternoon children made a booklet called Spring Is.
This upcoming week we are going to write books called Easter Is and Spring Is, consolidating the vocabulary we have been learning to read and spell.
Thank you for bringing in your eggs. Please bring them by Tuesday at the latest. Thank you!
May Scholastic orders are due on May 31. Thank you for your orders; they help support the purchase of classroom books.
April 17 is Wear Black to school day to support the We are Silent Day in support of children without a voice.
I am looking forward to our Easte/Spring party on Thursday.
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Week of April 7-11
Dear families,
We have been tracking April's weather on the Smart Board each school day, and so far we have had two partly cloudy days and one rainy day. Let's hope this week is better! Tulip, daffodil and day lily leaves are appearing and the crocuses are up. Some of the children helped to clear and rake the kindergarten garden which was wonderful. We also heard a woodpecker outside but couldn't see it, so we watched a short video of a woodpecker on the Smart Board.
This week the SKs started working on a booklet called "My favourite foods" ("real" food grown in a garden on on a farm, not processed food), labeling the food and what part of the plant it is (leaf, stem, flower, seed, etc.) The JKs completed a book called Flowers Make a Rainbow. We also talked about why plants make lots of seeds, and all the children made a booklet called "Five Little Seeds" which they then read with their Reading Buddies. The children's Spring Folder went home in this Friday's white bag. This week and next we will be focusing on Easter/Spring related literacy and numeracy activities. Look for an Easter folder in about two weeks' time!
This Wednesday is Wear Pink to School Day to support anti-bullying and diversity. Wear pink to school! On May 2 Artist Janeen will come to LKS to teach the children about art and they will make a lovely project (hint - Mother's Day!) to take home. On May 14, Officer Rich Diodati of Toronto Police 22 Division will speak to the children about safety.
I need several plastic 4x4 fruit baskets for our Easter egg hunt. Please send one in if you can. Thank you!
The morning class won the Walking Wednesday contest last week and received rainbow loom bracelets! Way to go!
Thank you to Julia's mom for a box of little toys for the children! Thank you to Megan and her mom for preparing the Scholastic flyers. The Spring order is due May 31. Thank you to Cole's dad who was Mystery Reader and to Lily's mom and Victoria's mom who did the white bags and snuggle books.
If the play-doh volunteer could provide bubbles for outdoor play instead of play doh that would be wonderful. Thank you!
I hope you have a wonderful week! Remember, if you can read it, you can write it!
We have been tracking April's weather on the Smart Board each school day, and so far we have had two partly cloudy days and one rainy day. Let's hope this week is better! Tulip, daffodil and day lily leaves are appearing and the crocuses are up. Some of the children helped to clear and rake the kindergarten garden which was wonderful. We also heard a woodpecker outside but couldn't see it, so we watched a short video of a woodpecker on the Smart Board.
This week the SKs started working on a booklet called "My favourite foods" ("real" food grown in a garden on on a farm, not processed food), labeling the food and what part of the plant it is (leaf, stem, flower, seed, etc.) The JKs completed a book called Flowers Make a Rainbow. We also talked about why plants make lots of seeds, and all the children made a booklet called "Five Little Seeds" which they then read with their Reading Buddies. The children's Spring Folder went home in this Friday's white bag. This week and next we will be focusing on Easter/Spring related literacy and numeracy activities. Look for an Easter folder in about two weeks' time!
This Wednesday is Wear Pink to School Day to support anti-bullying and diversity. Wear pink to school! On May 2 Artist Janeen will come to LKS to teach the children about art and they will make a lovely project (hint - Mother's Day!) to take home. On May 14, Officer Rich Diodati of Toronto Police 22 Division will speak to the children about safety.
I need several plastic 4x4 fruit baskets for our Easter egg hunt. Please send one in if you can. Thank you!
The morning class won the Walking Wednesday contest last week and received rainbow loom bracelets! Way to go!
Thank you to Julia's mom for a box of little toys for the children! Thank you to Megan and her mom for preparing the Scholastic flyers. The Spring order is due May 31. Thank you to Cole's dad who was Mystery Reader and to Lily's mom and Victoria's mom who did the white bags and snuggle books.
If the play-doh volunteer could provide bubbles for outdoor play instead of play doh that would be wonderful. Thank you!
I hope you have a wonderful week! Remember, if you can read it, you can write it!
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Week of March 31-April 4
Dear families,
Spring has sprung in our classroom and this week we did a lot of work to that wonderful theme. We did a lot of student-directed inquiry this week and the children's answers to the questions were wonderful: how do seeds get to the ground? How do plants grow? What are seeds? Which parts of plants do we eat? What foods are red, green, etc.? What do plants need? How do plants make seeds? Next week we will plant our bean seeds and cross our fingers that they all germinate (I have lots of extras though!).
With our Grade 3 Reading Buddies we read and wrote a booklet called "I Know It's Spring" and started another booklet called "Here is a..."
The SK homework for this weekend is to complete the page "Foods Come in Many Colours." The JKs completed a healthy food counting page and both JKs and SKs also finished their labelled parts of a plant. If you are in the school, have a look at our new hall bulletin board display!
The SKs also completed an "I like rain because.../I don't like rain because..." sentence. It was cute!
We are reading several Spring/plant/seed books and I think the children are finding this unit interesting!
I brought in some common fruits and vegetables we eat (carrot, potato, cucumber, tomato, grape, celery, broccoli) and some of the children asked if they were real! The children seemed intrigued by the fact that these everyday foods are different parts of plants (root, tuber, fruit, stem, flower). We made an "Itsy Bitsy Fruit Book" (the kids love those Itsy Bitsy books!) and wrote (SKs) and cut-and-paste (JKs) Spring Words. We were busy this week!
This week we will do more Spring-themed activities. The tulip and daffodil stems and leaves are peeking out of the ground in front of the kindergarten classrooms and this time of the year provides many wonderful opportunities to learn about our natural world.
Thank you to Lauren's dad and Kate's dad who were our Mystery Readers this week. Thank you to Cole's mom and Lexa's mom who did the morning class white bags and snuggle books.
We also did a lot of work on the SmartBoard this week - compared height, letter shapes, and answered our questions of the day (eg. Did you wear boots to school today?).
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Spring has sprung in our classroom and this week we did a lot of work to that wonderful theme. We did a lot of student-directed inquiry this week and the children's answers to the questions were wonderful: how do seeds get to the ground? How do plants grow? What are seeds? Which parts of plants do we eat? What foods are red, green, etc.? What do plants need? How do plants make seeds? Next week we will plant our bean seeds and cross our fingers that they all germinate (I have lots of extras though!).
With our Grade 3 Reading Buddies we read and wrote a booklet called "I Know It's Spring" and started another booklet called "Here is a..."
The SK homework for this weekend is to complete the page "Foods Come in Many Colours." The JKs completed a healthy food counting page and both JKs and SKs also finished their labelled parts of a plant. If you are in the school, have a look at our new hall bulletin board display!
The SKs also completed an "I like rain because.../I don't like rain because..." sentence. It was cute!
We are reading several Spring/plant/seed books and I think the children are finding this unit interesting!
I brought in some common fruits and vegetables we eat (carrot, potato, cucumber, tomato, grape, celery, broccoli) and some of the children asked if they were real! The children seemed intrigued by the fact that these everyday foods are different parts of plants (root, tuber, fruit, stem, flower). We made an "Itsy Bitsy Fruit Book" (the kids love those Itsy Bitsy books!) and wrote (SKs) and cut-and-paste (JKs) Spring Words. We were busy this week!
This week we will do more Spring-themed activities. The tulip and daffodil stems and leaves are peeking out of the ground in front of the kindergarten classrooms and this time of the year provides many wonderful opportunities to learn about our natural world.
Thank you to Lauren's dad and Kate's dad who were our Mystery Readers this week. Thank you to Cole's mom and Lexa's mom who did the morning class white bags and snuggle books.
We also did a lot of work on the SmartBoard this week - compared height, letter shapes, and answered our questions of the day (eg. Did you wear boots to school today?).
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Week of March 24-28
Dear families,
Happy Spring! We have had another busy week in room 166, doing St. Patrick day-themed activities. In the Science centre we discovered what solution would turn brown pennies into "gold" (vinegar and salt). I think the children really loved this activity. In math we did a rainbow skittles graph and count by sorting and then adding different coloured skittles. We also counted "gold" (pennies). In literacy, we read and wrote St. Patrick's. Day words and made a booklet. This weekend's homework is to do the sheet "If I caught a rainbow of my very own..."
With our reading buddies we started writing a booklet called "I Know it's Spring." We are learning the poems/songs "Leprechaun, leprechaun," "M-A-R-C-H" and "Like a Lion."
On May 2 we are welcoming our Artist in the classroom. If you would like to volunteer for this day please let your grade parent know. 5 volunteers are requested. Thank you!
Thank you to our Mystery Readers Lola (Izzie's sister), Jake's dad, Quentin's mom, and Kai B.'s dad. Thank you to Lexa's mom and Quentin's mom who did the white bags and snuggle books.
This month's scholastic order is due on March 31. Thank you!
This week we will start our new Spring-themed folder.
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Happy Spring! We have had another busy week in room 166, doing St. Patrick day-themed activities. In the Science centre we discovered what solution would turn brown pennies into "gold" (vinegar and salt). I think the children really loved this activity. In math we did a rainbow skittles graph and count by sorting and then adding different coloured skittles. We also counted "gold" (pennies). In literacy, we read and wrote St. Patrick's. Day words and made a booklet. This weekend's homework is to do the sheet "If I caught a rainbow of my very own..."
With our reading buddies we started writing a booklet called "I Know it's Spring." We are learning the poems/songs "Leprechaun, leprechaun," "M-A-R-C-H" and "Like a Lion."
On May 2 we are welcoming our Artist in the classroom. If you would like to volunteer for this day please let your grade parent know. 5 volunteers are requested. Thank you!
Thank you to our Mystery Readers Lola (Izzie's sister), Jake's dad, Quentin's mom, and Kai B.'s dad. Thank you to Lexa's mom and Quentin's mom who did the white bags and snuggle books.
This month's scholastic order is due on March 31. Thank you!
This week we will start our new Spring-themed folder.
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Week of March 3-7
March already! So hard to believe that Spring is around the corner (especially when it is -50 in the prairies...). This week we will finish our unit on Arctic Animals. We are learning about the arctic fox, the arctic hare, the various whales that live in the far north (beluga, right, orca, blue), the arctic and gray wolf, the pika, arctic char, arctic cod and many more. We made read and write books, did arctic animal art, put letters in order (upper and lower case), and the SKs made a drawing and wrote about if they were an arctic animal, what would they be... The children also wrote a booklet called "Snow is..." and we watched a short National Geographic Kids video on Arctic animals. The SKs also did and arctic word crossword puzzle.
After this week we will start several Spring-related units including a unit on Measurement.
We also honoured the TDSB Character Trait of Fairness at this week's Sharing Assembly.
Many thanks to our Mystery Readers and white bags helpers this week.
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Tyndall
After this week we will start several Spring-related units including a unit on Measurement.
We also honoured the TDSB Character Trait of Fairness at this week's Sharing Assembly.
Many thanks to our Mystery Readers and white bags helpers this week.
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Tyndall
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Week of February 24-28
Dear families,
I hope you will join us this Friday for our Sharing Assembly! We will recite a poem about the Olympics and celebrate Fairness.
This week the children read their Olympic booklets, made gold medals, completed a booklet called "Winter is..." and the JKs did upper and lower case match ups.
We also completed our February calendars and wrote and drew a picture about what we did on Family Day.
The homework for this weekend is to complete the Skating Equation picture and play the Roll the Dice game.
Thank you to Olivia's dad and Megan's mom who did the white bags and snuggle books this week. Thank you to Megan's mom and Matthew's mom who were the mystery readers.
This week we are finishing up our unit on the Olympics and starting a unit on Arctic Animals. With temperatures still well below zero it's hard to think about Spring just yet! Many thanks to Victoria's mom whose family friend who has travelled to the Arctic will be visiting the afternoon class and telling the children about his adventures and the animals he encountered.
I hope you have a wonderful week!
I hope you will join us this Friday for our Sharing Assembly! We will recite a poem about the Olympics and celebrate Fairness.
This week the children read their Olympic booklets, made gold medals, completed a booklet called "Winter is..." and the JKs did upper and lower case match ups.
We also completed our February calendars and wrote and drew a picture about what we did on Family Day.
The homework for this weekend is to complete the Skating Equation picture and play the Roll the Dice game.
Thank you to Olivia's dad and Megan's mom who did the white bags and snuggle books this week. Thank you to Megan's mom and Matthew's mom who were the mystery readers.
This week we are finishing up our unit on the Olympics and starting a unit on Arctic Animals. With temperatures still well below zero it's hard to think about Spring just yet! Many thanks to Victoria's mom whose family friend who has travelled to the Arctic will be visiting the afternoon class and telling the children about his adventures and the animals he encountered.
I hope you have a wonderful week!
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