Welcome to Weilenmann Kindergarten
Curriculum Snapshot (5/23/12)
Literacy
We continue to work on blending 3 sounds together in a cvc (consonant-vowel-consonant) word. This ability to recognize and blend sounds quickly and fluently is the heart of reading. Fluency homework is the practice that allows that skill to really develop and become automatic. Please stay on top of homework as the year winds down. This extra time practicing skills is as important now as it has ever been, perhaps more. Students have learned so much by now and need this practice to make new information permanent.
Writing
Wow, the children have a lot to say! With this authentic need, we've seen students' writing really improve in the last term. With added phonics skills, they are feeling more comfortable jumping in to sentence writing. It is a complex task to ask a 5 year old to think of a complete thought, condense it into something they can actually write, remember it as they are trying to also figure out sounds, letter shapes, spacing, pencil grip and writing neatly on lines. We've been practicing writing original sentences and ideas on a topic in the form of opinion pieces, who's your friend and why; did you like this story and why; tell me about your favorite food and why you like it. Not easy stuff :)
Math
We've begun the type of math that most of us think of when we think 'math'--addition and subtraction. With this first introduction, we are not focusing on math facts, but rather the bigger concepts of addition and subtraction. We're thinking of them as operations, as verbs, that impact our set of numbers and either makes it get bigger or smaller. Symbols and number sentences (2+3=5) of will be introduced, but will not be stressed. We are working to understand the basic principles before we jump to algorithms, which are so abstract for these beginning mathematicians. We'll also be introducing students to coins and their use. For now, they will learn to recognize each coin and it's value and have a chance to use money in our year-end Yard Sale!
Science
We are taking a close look at animals and investigating/discussing their parts, and the function and purpose of those long toes or necks, their fur or skin, coloring or change in different environments, and how animals are suited to their habitats. The life sciences are an excellent way to wrap up a fun year of science learning.
Important Dates & Information
May 25: Time Capsule items due at school--we've moved the date, you have a few more days
May 28-June 7: No Homework!!!
May 28: Memorial Day, No School
June 1: WSD Arts Festival, 1:00-3:00, Morning Kindergarteners stay all day
June 5: Pirate Day
June 6: Yard Sale
June 7: Last day, Combined Kindergarten: Pancake Breakfast & Wet'n Wild Games.
All classes come, 8:15-11:15
Time Capsule: If you would like to help with the Time Capsule project, we're looking for someone to take the cans to the Murray Cannery and seal them once filled. It takes several hours, but is fairly easy to do. Let your teacher know.
Arts Festival: All morning kindergarteners are invited to stay for the afternoon for our Arts Festival Dance Assembly, beginning at 1:00. Send a lunch--or order one online--with your child if they are staying. If they will not be staying for the performance, please let your teacher know beforehand. Our dance will be first up, followed by all the other grades. Our students will perform and then return to the classroom. If you are not staying for the entire performances, you are welcome to take your child, but please let the teacher know and check them out at the office.
Pirate Day: We will be having a fun, themed day full of pirate noise and commotion, complete with a treasure chest and map. Send your student in their finest pirate wear, always optional, and MINUS swords, please :)
Yard Sale: Bring in a few items, marked with prices, for your students' chance to practice using coins. They will buy and sell their used items with paper money, and come home elated over their purchases.
Combined Day: Our last school day will be a combined day, running from 8:15 to 11:15 (12:30 if an Enrichment student). We will begin the morning in regular classrooms, come together for a pancake breakfast, and then end the morning with games that have a water theme. Come prepared to get wet--either bathing suits or play clothes--and bring a full change of clothes. Remember to include water shoes--all students must keep shoes on--a towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, or whatever else you may need for outdoor play. Please arrive at school in regular attire (suits may be worn under play clothes) with accessories in a marked bag. Any parents wanting to help with the day, or part of it, are always welcome!!! Contact your classroom teacher.
Literacy
We continue to work on blending 3 sounds together in a cvc (consonant-vowel-consonant) word. This ability to recognize and blend sounds quickly and fluently is the heart of reading. Fluency homework is the practice that allows that skill to really develop and become automatic. Please stay on top of homework as the year winds down. This extra time practicing skills is as important now as it has ever been, perhaps more. Students have learned so much by now and need this practice to make new information permanent.
Writing
Wow, the children have a lot to say! With this authentic need, we've seen students' writing really improve in the last term. With added phonics skills, they are feeling more comfortable jumping in to sentence writing. It is a complex task to ask a 5 year old to think of a complete thought, condense it into something they can actually write, remember it as they are trying to also figure out sounds, letter shapes, spacing, pencil grip and writing neatly on lines. We've been practicing writing original sentences and ideas on a topic in the form of opinion pieces, who's your friend and why; did you like this story and why; tell me about your favorite food and why you like it. Not easy stuff :)
Math
We've begun the type of math that most of us think of when we think 'math'--addition and subtraction. With this first introduction, we are not focusing on math facts, but rather the bigger concepts of addition and subtraction. We're thinking of them as operations, as verbs, that impact our set of numbers and either makes it get bigger or smaller. Symbols and number sentences (2+3=5) of will be introduced, but will not be stressed. We are working to understand the basic principles before we jump to algorithms, which are so abstract for these beginning mathematicians. We'll also be introducing students to coins and their use. For now, they will learn to recognize each coin and it's value and have a chance to use money in our year-end Yard Sale!
Science
We are taking a close look at animals and investigating/discussing their parts, and the function and purpose of those long toes or necks, their fur or skin, coloring or change in different environments, and how animals are suited to their habitats. The life sciences are an excellent way to wrap up a fun year of science learning.
Important Dates & Information
May 25: Time Capsule items due at school--we've moved the date, you have a few more days
May 28-June 7: No Homework!!!
May 28: Memorial Day, No School
June 1: WSD Arts Festival, 1:00-3:00, Morning Kindergarteners stay all day
June 5: Pirate Day
June 6: Yard Sale
June 7: Last day, Combined Kindergarten: Pancake Breakfast & Wet'n Wild Games.
All classes come, 8:15-11:15
Time Capsule: If you would like to help with the Time Capsule project, we're looking for someone to take the cans to the Murray Cannery and seal them once filled. It takes several hours, but is fairly easy to do. Let your teacher know.
Arts Festival: All morning kindergarteners are invited to stay for the afternoon for our Arts Festival Dance Assembly, beginning at 1:00. Send a lunch--or order one online--with your child if they are staying. If they will not be staying for the performance, please let your teacher know beforehand. Our dance will be first up, followed by all the other grades. Our students will perform and then return to the classroom. If you are not staying for the entire performances, you are welcome to take your child, but please let the teacher know and check them out at the office.
Pirate Day: We will be having a fun, themed day full of pirate noise and commotion, complete with a treasure chest and map. Send your student in their finest pirate wear, always optional, and MINUS swords, please :)
Yard Sale: Bring in a few items, marked with prices, for your students' chance to practice using coins. They will buy and sell their used items with paper money, and come home elated over their purchases.
Combined Day: Our last school day will be a combined day, running from 8:15 to 11:15 (12:30 if an Enrichment student). We will begin the morning in regular classrooms, come together for a pancake breakfast, and then end the morning with games that have a water theme. Come prepared to get wet--either bathing suits or play clothes--and bring a full change of clothes. Remember to include water shoes--all students must keep shoes on--a towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, or whatever else you may need for outdoor play. Please arrive at school in regular attire (suits may be worn under play clothes) with accessories in a marked bag. Any parents wanting to help with the day, or part of it, are always welcome!!! Contact your classroom teacher.
