Online Goodies for you

Hello parents! I want to make you aware of two great online resources. The first is Scholastic Book Clubs Online Ordering. Each month, we will send home one or more book order magazines with your child. You can select the books you want to purchase and order them online. Just click on the link above, and then enter the username and password:

User Name: 123kinderstreet
Password: bookorders


Every time you order online, our class gets free books! You can also fill out the order form on the back of the magazine and send in a check if you prefer. Either way, our class builds up points to purchase books and materials for the classroom. Scholastic books are also high quality and inexpensive.

We also want to let you know about PayPams, an online service that tracks your child's lunch account. Just go to the PayPams website and register. They also have a pre-pay service for a small fee.

Have a terrific weekend!
Mrs. C & Mrs. J

Back to School Night

Back To School Night was wonderful! Thanks to you who came out last night. We hope that the presentations were informative and that we were able to answer your questions. We look forward to partnering with you over the coming months.

In K this week, we have been learning about sorting by different attributes, and using a variety of manipulatives to explore this concept. Mrs. C showed the students attribute blocks that were different shapes, sizes and colors and asked students to compare them. "Are these the same or different? How are they the same? Why are they different?" Try some sorting with your child at home by allowing them to help sort and match socks (i.e. put all the dark/striped/ruffled socks in a pile, or separate adult socks and kid socks). Compare socks (i.e. how are these pairs of socks the same, or what is different about them).

In Language Arts, we learned a mouthful of a phrase: Environmental Print. This is simply words that are all around you. There are many words on signs, food labels, and storefronts that four and five year olds can already recognize and "read". We like to begin our reading curriculum by tapping into what the students already know and building on their self-confidence. We watched a powerpoint movie of environmental print, and all of the students were able to read those words. If you would like to download that powerpoint to watch it at home, just click here.

We leave you for today with this thought...talk to your child each afternoon about their day using specific questions (i.e. who did you eat lunch with? Which is your favorite math tub? What did you write about in your Story Journal today? Tell me about your science experiment, etc.) Use the class schedule to help guide your questions or to get an idea of what to ask about.

You may be surprised to hear all the things we do all day in K!

Have fun,
Mrs. Jenkins & Mrs. C



Homework 9-7-09 thru 9-11-09

Monday (Phonics & Writing): No homework...Labor Day

Tuesday (Math): Draw two things that are the same and one that is different.


Wednesday (Science/Social Studies): Write a list of things that are living that you found in and around your house. Ask a parent if you need help with spelling or writing the words.


Thursday (Language Arts): Ask a parent to read your favorite story to you. Talk about the characters in the story. Draw a picture of your favorite character and write his name under your picture. Be sure to use color and details.


Friday (Reading): Read, read, read all weekend long! How many books can you read this weekend?




**Please do all assignments in your Homework Journal. Make sure to write name and date at the top of each page.
Homework Journals are due on Fridays.**



Have a splendid week!
The K-Team

Kinder News


This week in Kindergarten, we will be reviewing position words in math, such as under, over, left and right. You probably noticed your child's right hand has a flower stamp on it. We will be doing activities all week to help the kids distinguish right and left.



In language arts, we began Story Journals and Poetry Journals today. Each Monday, a new poem will be introduced. The students will memorize the poems, learn about rhyme, and do guided activities with the poems. On Thursdays, the students will add their poem to their Poetry Journal. Journals will come home for sharing periodically.



Kindergarten readiness assessments, as well as informal assessments, will begin this week. We want to see what your child knows in the areas of reading readiness, letter recognition, writing and number skills.

Science lessons have been quite tasty this past week! The kids got to smell, taste, and listen to a variety of objects and sounds while learning about the five senses. For fun, try to concoct your own taste test at home with the flavors salty, bitter, sweet and sour.

Other new things that are starting this week are daily behavior chart (filled in by your child; reviewed and signed by you each evening), class helpers, Star of the Week, and the rainbow wall (ask your child about it!)
Reminders
  • Fill out and return all emergency cards and forms that were sent home last week. If you need another set, please let us know.
  • Remember to place your child's lunch money in a labeled baggie or envelope. Loose bills or change tend to get lost or shared.
  • Send a change of clothes for your child in a labeled baggie in case of spills, illness, or accident
  • Be sure to check the calendar on a regular basis. Lots of great activities are coming up in the next few weeks. Just click the link to the right to access it.

Have a fantastic week!

Mrs. J & Mrs. C

First Day Was Fantastic!

We had a fabulous first day of school today! There were lots of smiles, some nervousness, and a few tears at the start, but we got throught the day and had fun. We hope each of you got to celebrate this beautiful milestone in your child's life.

Today we focused on learning some of the rules and routines for school, such as how to line up and walk in the hallway, cafeteria protocol and schedules. We sang the Good Morning Song, Barnacle Bill, I'm Going To School Today, and the Rules Rap. We also toured the classroom, and the students had the opportunity to try out the Art Center. Ask your child what their favorite part of school was, as well as their favorite song we sang today.

Each child received a blue folder today. This will be our communication folder for the year. Please be sure to check and empty the folder each evening, and have your child return it every morning.

One other folder was sent home today as well which contained a variety of information forms. Please take the time to fill them all out accurately and return them by next week. These forms give us valuable information about your child.

That's all for now, but stay tuned for more!

Mrs Concepcion & Mrs. Jenkins

Welcome To Kindergarten

We are...
Mrs. Jenkins--General Educator
Mrs. Concepcion--Special Educator
Ms. Ellie--Paraprofessional
and we are so glad that your child is here in our room this year!

Over the coming days and weeks, we will be corresponding with you through notes, telephone calls, and this website as we get to know your child. This site will become an invaluable communication link for you. We will be posting class news, event calendars, work samples, slide show, homework and more. We also like to put up fun, educational activities for the students to extend their learning. Look for email notifications from us to tell you when the site has been updated.

To learn more about us, click on the "About Us" link to your right. There is also a link that will take you directly to the High Bridge Elementary School website.

It's going to be a fantastic year!
Mrs. J & Mrs. C