Monday, September 22, 2014

September 22 Update

We have had a great few weeks at school; it’s hard to believe that the children have been kindergarteners for almost a month.  During that time, they have really learned a lot about our classroom procedures, school routines, and how to work together as a class.  We have really enjoyed getting to know your children!

Curriculum
LITERACY:  We have been using big books, our names, and simple poems to learn about print concepts.  Most children know how to “handle” a book – they know where the front is and most know where to find the title, but we are working to build the vocabulary that goes hand in hand with the early reading behaviors.  You can find a complete list of these print concepts in your child’s OTIS.  It’s been fun!  This week, we are working on a book about a cat who does NOT want to share his mat with any of the other animals!  Be on the look-out for something to come home by the end of the week!

MATH:  We are working with numbers 1-10.  We’re using a ten-frame to help us recognize how a set of 7 might look compared to a set of 4.  We’re using the word “set” when we are explaining about a group of objects.  Each day we use calendar activities to count, predict, group and share in “math talk".  
During math centers each week, Mrs. Ward and I are working with small groups.  These small groups allow us the flexibility to meet the needs of each student.  It allows us a greater opportunity to get to know where each student is working and to build upon their strengths and focus on the areas in which they may need a little more practice and support.  Math in Kindergarten is all about hands-on.  These concrete learners need to touch and feel math.  This first quarter, we are spending a great deal of time on numeration.  This foundation is so important as children build a working knowledge of numbers.  

Just a couple of miscellaneous things….

Ganyard Hill Farm Field Trip-A permission form for our first field trip will be coming home in OTIS tomorrow.  We will be visiting Ganyard Hill Farm on October 16.  Please fill out both sides of the form & return to school.  The cost of the trip is $15 per student.  Students may pay online or by sending in cash or check made out to Joyner.   If you are interested in chaperoning, please let me know!  We can use as many chaperones as we can get.  Chaperones will pay the day of the trip at the farm.  The cost for chaperones is $10 and you will need to provide your own transportation.  ALL CHAPERONES MUST BE REGISTERED VOLUNTEERS!  You must register as a volunteer through Wake County Public Schools.  This registration is open at any school site until October 1, so please register now if you haven’t already. 

Lunch and Lunch Money:  Please make certain that you have money on your child’s lunch account.  Even if your child brings their lunch most days, it is helpful to have a little money on the account in case a lunch box is left in the car one morning!  Also, keep practicing to open packages at home.  Just imagine for a second 21 children that need several things apiece opened at lunch….Whew! 

T-Shirt Money – "Kindergarten Rocks" t-shirts have been ordered.  They are $10 apiece.  We will be asking that your child wear these several times a year for various Kindergarten activities.  If you have paid for your child’s t-shirt – Thank You! If you haven’t paid yet, you can click onto the link that’s on the right side of the blog and pay for it online!  - We could use a little help with the t-shirt expense for some students and so if you are able to pay for an extra tee shirt, that would be GREAT!  Thank you!  

Scholastic – Let’s Find Out Classroom Magazine:  $6.00.  Please send in $6.00 to cover the cost of this great classroom resource.  This fee can be paid online or by sending in cash or a check made out to Joyner.  Again, if you’re able and willing, a donation toward another child’s subscription would be greatly appreciated!  THANK YOU! 

Scholastic Book Order-If you’d like to order books during the month of September, please do so by Friday, September 26.  The October order form will come home next week.  Scholastic Books are an inexpensive way to have quality books at home!

Lost and Found-Please be sure to label your child’s lunchbox and any sweaters or coats they may bring to school.  Joyner has a lost and found, but the best way to have items returned to you is having it labeled with your child’s name.  We do our best to help the children keep up with their items, but there are always a few that don’t make it home.

Room Moms- Last but not least, I wanted to let you know that we have 3 moms who have graciously agreed to be our class’ Room Moms.  Denise Hughes, Laura Moreschi, & Julie Rosa will be helping our class to organize events and collect needed supplies.  Thanks so much ladies!!


IMPORTANT DATES: 
September 25 – Teacher Workday-NO SCHOOL
September 26 – Wear green
October 1 – Deadline to register to be a Volunteer – (after this day, you may only register on Mon or Wed.)
October 3 – “When the Relatives Came” - MORE INFO TO COME!
October 10 – Joyner Jamboree

October 16 – Field Trip to Ganyard Hill Pumpkin Farm 

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