Dear Families:
What a fun week we had. Only one more to go.
This last week Kindergarten celebrated Teddy Bear day. The students enjoyed bringing their teddy bears to school and going on parade with them around the school, measuring them with cubes to see how big they were, finding teddy bears around the room and learning how to tally them, sharing them with students from Mrs. Heider's class as they read their bear books, and using gummy bears to make a graph.
We learned two new characters from Animated Alphabet, Ichabod Ichthyosaurus and Chauncey Chipmunk. Look for these letters and sounds in your shared reading a point them out.
In math this week students learned how to look at numbers in groups of five as well as working with teen numbers and what it means to have ten plus another number to make a teen number. Have your student show you how to count teen numbers on their fingers.
Next week will be our last week before Winter Break. On Friday we will be combining our Holiday party with Gingerbread Day. These activities will be center based, and combined with a games and cookie decorating. They will take place earlier in the day so that students are still able to attend specials.
I look forward to a fun week and I hope your students do too. Please help give reminders, that while this is a fun week at school there is also work to be done! Give your teacher the gift of good behavior! :)
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Week of November 29-December 3
Dear Families:
I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving and a relaxing long weekend. Now if we can just make it three more weeks....
Animated Alphabet: This week Kindergartners learned two new characters, Lou Lou Moose and Woody Woodchuck. These characters did not teach them a letter, but a sound. These characters are very important as we are beginning to recognize how words are sounded out. Take time as you are reading to point out these vowel combinations (oo, ou, ew, ui, and u_e for Lou Lou Moose and oo for Woody Woodchuck)when you are reading together and talk about how to tell which sound they make. This will make a big difference in their reading skills. Very exciting!
Handwriting: This week we really started to dig into the handwriting, by getting out our practice books in small groups and tracing and writing letters. As you watch your children write, be sure and help them correct their pencil hold. Also, make sure they are starting their letters at the top and dragging down, instead of pushing up. I will try and remember to send home a copy of the letters and how they are all formed for you to use as a reference at home. If I forget I give you permission to hound me.
Math: This week we started addition! Fun stuff. We also worked with money and grouping it into 5s and 10s. We also learned about replacing 10 pennies with a dime. If you have change at home let your children spend time counting it. This is excellent practice.
Coming up ...
Wednesday, December 8, is Teddy Bear Day. Please send a teddy bear to school with your child and a book about bears to share. If you don't have a bear book at home this is a great excuse to check out the public library!
Friday, December 17, is going to be a combination of Winter Party and Gingerbread Day. I am still working out the details with our Room Moms and if you signed up to help out or provide treats we will be contacting you with what you need. I will let you know that our activities will start at 9:00 and run through 11:00, so that our children can still attend specials. This will also be Pajama Day - a Langston Hughes tradition!
I also wanted to take the time to ask you to talk to your kids at home about school behaviors. This is an exciting time of year and there is a lot going on, but we also have a lot to learn. Pleas give reminders in the morning about appropriate behavior, voice levels, listening, following directions, etc. Also, please help your child make it to through the doors on time. There is so much going on it is hard on these young ones to catch up if they are late.
Thanks for your continued support. You are an awesome set of parents and I have enjoyed working with you all this year. I can tell that you all really care about your kids and want what is best for them.
I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving and a relaxing long weekend. Now if we can just make it three more weeks....
Animated Alphabet: This week Kindergartners learned two new characters, Lou Lou Moose and Woody Woodchuck. These characters did not teach them a letter, but a sound. These characters are very important as we are beginning to recognize how words are sounded out. Take time as you are reading to point out these vowel combinations (oo, ou, ew, ui, and u_e for Lou Lou Moose and oo for Woody Woodchuck)when you are reading together and talk about how to tell which sound they make. This will make a big difference in their reading skills. Very exciting!
Handwriting: This week we really started to dig into the handwriting, by getting out our practice books in small groups and tracing and writing letters. As you watch your children write, be sure and help them correct their pencil hold. Also, make sure they are starting their letters at the top and dragging down, instead of pushing up. I will try and remember to send home a copy of the letters and how they are all formed for you to use as a reference at home. If I forget I give you permission to hound me.
Math: This week we started addition! Fun stuff. We also worked with money and grouping it into 5s and 10s. We also learned about replacing 10 pennies with a dime. If you have change at home let your children spend time counting it. This is excellent practice.
Coming up ...
Wednesday, December 8, is Teddy Bear Day. Please send a teddy bear to school with your child and a book about bears to share. If you don't have a bear book at home this is a great excuse to check out the public library!
Friday, December 17, is going to be a combination of Winter Party and Gingerbread Day. I am still working out the details with our Room Moms and if you signed up to help out or provide treats we will be contacting you with what you need. I will let you know that our activities will start at 9:00 and run through 11:00, so that our children can still attend specials. This will also be Pajama Day - a Langston Hughes tradition!
I also wanted to take the time to ask you to talk to your kids at home about school behaviors. This is an exciting time of year and there is a lot going on, but we also have a lot to learn. Pleas give reminders in the morning about appropriate behavior, voice levels, listening, following directions, etc. Also, please help your child make it to through the doors on time. There is so much going on it is hard on these young ones to catch up if they are late.
Thanks for your continued support. You are an awesome set of parents and I have enjoyed working with you all this year. I can tell that you all really care about your kids and want what is best for them.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Week of November 15-19
Dear Families;
What a fun week we had in kindergarten! Preparing for the holidays is always fun, no matter what the age! We spent a lot of time this week on Thanksgiving activities and ended our week with a Thanksgiving centers day. Thanks to all the moms who came out to help! There is no way I could have done that without you!
Animated Alphabet:
This week we learned two new characters: The Thick Thorny Thing (Which tied in perfectly with Thanksgiving) and Nellie Newt. Make sure that in your daily reading with your child you are pointing out these new letters and talking about the sounds they make in the words.
Literacy: Due to all of our Thanksgiving Day activities we were only able to get to reading groups once this week. Students created many different Thanksgiving Day booklets, which I hope you are taking the time to read (and re-read) with your child. Repetition is important!
We read many books on Thanksgiving, including one about the first Thanksgiving. Students learned who was there, who the pilgrims were, why the pilgrims had come to America, and what they were thanful for at the first feast.
Math: This week we finished up learning how to write our numbers up to 10. We also learned about growing patterns. Have your child draw one of these for you. Also, whenever your child has a few extra free minutes (riding in the car, waiting at a restaurant) have them practice writing their numbers. We will be taking our Unit 2 assessment Monday.
Activities next week:
* Tuesday will be our Thanksgiving Feast. I am asking that each student bring in one piece of fruit. We will then take each child's fruit and make a fruit salad to share. Students will eat these on the place mats they created on center day. They will also wear their Pilgrim Hats or Native Headdress. Items we need to make this a success...
- One extra parent volunteer
- some small plates
- plastic wear
- napkins
Let me know if you are willing to send one of these items to school.
I hope you all know how much your support really does matter. I couldn't do this without your time, snacks, wipes, patience, etc...
*If you haven't already please send a large brown grocery sack to school with your child on Monday. Thanks!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Last Week of October, First Week of November
Dear Families:
I am not sure about you all, but I am still recovering from the Halloween festivities. Thanks so much for all of your help on Friday with costumes, parading, party and clean-up. You helped make some great memories for these kids. Because I am running behind on my blog and this is a short week, I will summarize the two weeks together.
Animated Alphabet: Last week we only learned one character, Crazy Camel and this we will also only learn one, Lizzy Lamb. Make sure you are talking about the characters at home, singing the songs, and pointing out letters in print. Carrying over these lessons at home will help make your children readers! Also, a new Animated Alphabet activity sheet came home today. Try to do one activity with your child each day.
Math: Students have been focusing on counting by 5s and 10s, using money to count, and also learning to use the addition and equals sign. Students are learning in many different formats, using manipulatives, body movement, as well as paper-pencil methods. Students are also spending time learning how to write their numbers. This is a skill you can work on at home.
Science: Last week students participated in a culminating activity where they learned about the 5 senses. Parent volunteers manned learning centers where students experienced each sense hands on. They had a great time guessing smells, tastes, feeling and trying to decide "what's in the bag?", as well as guessing sounds, and looking at objects through rainbow glasses, magnifiers, and telescopes. We ended our day with a popcorn party where we used all 5 of our senses!
I have been spending the last two weeks assessing students. This way I will have the most accurate and up to date information to share with you at conferences.
If you haven't returned your parent conference slip do so as soon as you can so I will know if you are planning to attend. Conferences are very important and I look forward to visiting with all of you.
Book orders...I will wait until tomorrow to turn that in, so it's not too late!
I am not sure about you all, but I am still recovering from the Halloween festivities. Thanks so much for all of your help on Friday with costumes, parading, party and clean-up. You helped make some great memories for these kids. Because I am running behind on my blog and this is a short week, I will summarize the two weeks together.
Animated Alphabet: Last week we only learned one character, Crazy Camel and this we will also only learn one, Lizzy Lamb. Make sure you are talking about the characters at home, singing the songs, and pointing out letters in print. Carrying over these lessons at home will help make your children readers! Also, a new Animated Alphabet activity sheet came home today. Try to do one activity with your child each day.
Math: Students have been focusing on counting by 5s and 10s, using money to count, and also learning to use the addition and equals sign. Students are learning in many different formats, using manipulatives, body movement, as well as paper-pencil methods. Students are also spending time learning how to write their numbers. This is a skill you can work on at home.
Science: Last week students participated in a culminating activity where they learned about the 5 senses. Parent volunteers manned learning centers where students experienced each sense hands on. They had a great time guessing smells, tastes, feeling and trying to decide "what's in the bag?", as well as guessing sounds, and looking at objects through rainbow glasses, magnifiers, and telescopes. We ended our day with a popcorn party where we used all 5 of our senses!
I have been spending the last two weeks assessing students. This way I will have the most accurate and up to date information to share with you at conferences.
If you haven't returned your parent conference slip do so as soon as you can so I will know if you are planning to attend. Conferences are very important and I look forward to visiting with all of you.
Book orders...I will wait until tomorrow to turn that in, so it's not too late!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Week of October 18-22
Dear Families:
This week went by so fast. Thanks for your understanding while I was away.
Kindergartners learned two new Animated Alphabet characters: Baby Barnaby and Gilda Goose. They are now able to sound out many words with all the characters and sounds they have learned. Keep working on those characters and homework chart at home. Make sure to sign and return to school when finished.
Students also started learning about our 5 senses. We will culminate our unit on the 5 senses with a 5 sense activity day next Thursday. Students will work through centers and experiment with all their senses. We will finish the day with a popcorn party and put in the practice the use of all our senses.
In math this week students continue working on addition with numbers up to 10 using groups of 5. They also began some work with small coins, pennies and nickels. Students also got a chance to talk about math stories involving their everyday life. This is something you can work on at home. Talk about things you are doing around the house and add up the components. For example: Mom, dad, brother, and sister are all eating dinner, there are four people at the table. When grandpa and grandma come over that makes 6. This is an easy way for students to start applying their math skills.
As you all know next week is Halloween. We will celebrate Halloween on Friday with a costume parade and party. Here's what you need to know...
* Students are to come to school in their regular school clothes and bring their costume with them.
* Students will change into their costumes at 10:30.
* The parade will start at 10:45 and we will parade around the school, through each of the pods so the older students can see us!
* After the parade the classroom party will begin at 11:00 and continue through 11:45.
*At 11:45 we will begin packing up and get ready to head home.
*Parents are welcome to attend - it is nice to have help with the costumes. We ask that you leave younger siblings at home as it can get quite crowded and busy.
If you have any questions let me know! I look forward to a fun and memorable week!
Mrs. Minor
This week went by so fast. Thanks for your understanding while I was away.
Kindergartners learned two new Animated Alphabet characters: Baby Barnaby and Gilda Goose. They are now able to sound out many words with all the characters and sounds they have learned. Keep working on those characters and homework chart at home. Make sure to sign and return to school when finished.
Students also started learning about our 5 senses. We will culminate our unit on the 5 senses with a 5 sense activity day next Thursday. Students will work through centers and experiment with all their senses. We will finish the day with a popcorn party and put in the practice the use of all our senses.
In math this week students continue working on addition with numbers up to 10 using groups of 5. They also began some work with small coins, pennies and nickels. Students also got a chance to talk about math stories involving their everyday life. This is something you can work on at home. Talk about things you are doing around the house and add up the components. For example: Mom, dad, brother, and sister are all eating dinner, there are four people at the table. When grandpa and grandma come over that makes 6. This is an easy way for students to start applying their math skills.
As you all know next week is Halloween. We will celebrate Halloween on Friday with a costume parade and party. Here's what you need to know...
* Students are to come to school in their regular school clothes and bring their costume with them.
* Students will change into their costumes at 10:30.
* The parade will start at 10:45 and we will parade around the school, through each of the pods so the older students can see us!
* After the parade the classroom party will begin at 11:00 and continue through 11:45.
*At 11:45 we will begin packing up and get ready to head home.
*Parents are welcome to attend - it is nice to have help with the costumes. We ask that you leave younger siblings at home as it can get quite crowded and busy.
If you have any questions let me know! I look forward to a fun and memorable week!
Mrs. Minor
Friday, October 15, 2010
Week of Oct 11-15
Dear Families;
Another busy week in kindergarten ends!
Animated Alphabet:This week we learned two new characters, Kimmy Kangaroo and Farley Fox. Help your child out by pointing out these letters everyday. The letters/sounds that we have learned so far: P, O, U, M, R, S, T, D, J, H, Ar, and X. When you see the letters point them out, ask them about the Animated Alphabet character and find out what sound the letter makes. Also, ask your child for other words that start with those letters. This will help a lot!
Centers: In centers this week students worked on patterns, matching beginning sounds of pictures with letters, and tried finger painting. Lots of fun!
Math: This week in math we took a Unit 1 test, which I will share with you at conferences. We also started on Unit 2, which is working with numbers up to 10, and grouping numbers in 5. We have even started some simple addition with an introduction of the plus sign. You can reinforce this skill at home with finger adding: 5 (fingers) + n(fingers) = x. You get the idea! ;)
This week we also all had our hearing and vision checked. If there are any concerns you will be contacted by the school nurse.
I also wanted to let you know that I will not be here a couple of days next week, but I am not sure which days yet. My Grandma Carol passed away last night and I will be attending her funeral in Western Kansas. She was an awesome lady who was voted "Best Jitterbugger" in her Senior Class. She taught me how to bake and I will miss her greatly. Thanks for your understanding while I am away. If you need to get a message to the sub send a note or call the office. I will return all your emails and calls when I get back.
Another busy week in kindergarten ends!
Animated Alphabet:This week we learned two new characters, Kimmy Kangaroo and Farley Fox. Help your child out by pointing out these letters everyday. The letters/sounds that we have learned so far: P, O, U, M, R, S, T, D, J, H, Ar, and X. When you see the letters point them out, ask them about the Animated Alphabet character and find out what sound the letter makes. Also, ask your child for other words that start with those letters. This will help a lot!
Centers: In centers this week students worked on patterns, matching beginning sounds of pictures with letters, and tried finger painting. Lots of fun!
Math: This week in math we took a Unit 1 test, which I will share with you at conferences. We also started on Unit 2, which is working with numbers up to 10, and grouping numbers in 5. We have even started some simple addition with an introduction of the plus sign. You can reinforce this skill at home with finger adding: 5 (fingers) + n(fingers) = x. You get the idea! ;)
This week we also all had our hearing and vision checked. If there are any concerns you will be contacted by the school nurse.
I also wanted to let you know that I will not be here a couple of days next week, but I am not sure which days yet. My Grandma Carol passed away last night and I will be attending her funeral in Western Kansas. She was an awesome lady who was voted "Best Jitterbugger" in her Senior Class. She taught me how to bake and I will miss her greatly. Thanks for your understanding while I am away. If you need to get a message to the sub send a note or call the office. I will return all your emails and calls when I get back.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Week of October 4-8
Dear Families:
What a fun and busy week! We were so lucky to have such wonderful weather.
Animated Alphabet: This week we learned about Arnie Aardvark and Jenny Jaguar. The students are really doing a great job learning the characters, as well as the letters they teach and the sounds those letters make. Keep the pictures coming! Expect a new character to come home every Monday and Thursday night on a regular school week. If that schedule changes I will let you know.
Literacy: This week students took a word test to see how well they could sound out and write words from pictures. We will take this quiz again at the end of the year to show how much progress they have made. In small groups we also started working on reading and making a book about Fall. Centers are still going well. This week I introduced a new center where students are learning to read and recognize each others names.Next week we are going to venture into some finger-painting. Wish me luck!
Math: This week students finished up Unit 1 and we will be taking the unit test on Monday. We practiced connecting the dots and students also learned how to use a map - sort of!
Don't forget...
* Picture orders are due at the end of next week.
What a fun and busy week! We were so lucky to have such wonderful weather.
Animated Alphabet: This week we learned about Arnie Aardvark and Jenny Jaguar. The students are really doing a great job learning the characters, as well as the letters they teach and the sounds those letters make. Keep the pictures coming! Expect a new character to come home every Monday and Thursday night on a regular school week. If that schedule changes I will let you know.
Literacy: This week students took a word test to see how well they could sound out and write words from pictures. We will take this quiz again at the end of the year to show how much progress they have made. In small groups we also started working on reading and making a book about Fall. Centers are still going well. This week I introduced a new center where students are learning to read and recognize each others names.Next week we are going to venture into some finger-painting. Wish me luck!
Math: This week students finished up Unit 1 and we will be taking the unit test on Monday. We practiced connecting the dots and students also learned how to use a map - sort of!
Don't forget...
* Picture orders are due at the end of next week.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Week of Sept 27- October 1
Dear Families:
What a busy week we have had in kindergarten!
Animated Alphabet: This week kindergartners learned two new characters: Rosie Raccoon and Hippy Hippo. Thanks for continuing to send pictures to school for our alphabet books. If this is not something you are doing at home and need help getting started please let me know. I will track down magazines for you. This is a very important activity to do with your child. Also, please make sure you check the picture before you send it to school - not everything that has come in was completely appropriate! Remember, some of these guys can already read!
Also, don't forget to be working on the Animated Alphabet Homework chart.
Literacy: On Thursday we started reading groups and centers! The kids are so excited and I am sure you have heard all about the fun things we are doing. During this time I am able to meet with small groups every day, to work on skills at your child's level. I will be looking for parents to come in and help out with centers later on, so if this is something you are interested in let me know. If I have enough interest I would make a rotating schedule. Let me know.
Math: This week we are finishing up our first unit. We have a couple more lessons to cover next week and then students will take a unit "test." Today I sent home a packet of homework sheets that you can work on at home to review the skills we have covered in this unit. Do not feel like your child has to do every sheet and they certainly do not need to do them all at once. Spread them out and keep their skills fresh over the next few days. This packet does not need to be sent back to school.
Upcoming Dates!
October 15 - Picture Orders are Due
October 20 - Picture Re-takes
October 6 - Walk to School Day
Volunteer needed...
I need a volunteer or two to come in at the beginning of next week and tear out pages from our student activity books for the upcoming unit. Let me know if you are interested. Thanks!
What a busy week we have had in kindergarten!
Animated Alphabet: This week kindergartners learned two new characters: Rosie Raccoon and Hippy Hippo. Thanks for continuing to send pictures to school for our alphabet books. If this is not something you are doing at home and need help getting started please let me know. I will track down magazines for you. This is a very important activity to do with your child. Also, please make sure you check the picture before you send it to school - not everything that has come in was completely appropriate! Remember, some of these guys can already read!
Also, don't forget to be working on the Animated Alphabet Homework chart.
Literacy: On Thursday we started reading groups and centers! The kids are so excited and I am sure you have heard all about the fun things we are doing. During this time I am able to meet with small groups every day, to work on skills at your child's level. I will be looking for parents to come in and help out with centers later on, so if this is something you are interested in let me know. If I have enough interest I would make a rotating schedule. Let me know.
Math: This week we are finishing up our first unit. We have a couple more lessons to cover next week and then students will take a unit "test." Today I sent home a packet of homework sheets that you can work on at home to review the skills we have covered in this unit. Do not feel like your child has to do every sheet and they certainly do not need to do them all at once. Spread them out and keep their skills fresh over the next few days. This packet does not need to be sent back to school.
Upcoming Dates!
October 15 - Picture Orders are Due
October 20 - Picture Re-takes
October 6 - Walk to School Day
Volunteer needed...
I need a volunteer or two to come in at the beginning of next week and tear out pages from our student activity books for the upcoming unit. Let me know if you are interested. Thanks!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Week of September 20-24
Dear Families;
I want to start by thinking all those who helped out with Apple Week by providing supplies and volunteering in the classroom. I feel it was quite a success. On Monday students tasted three different types of apples: red, green, and yellow. We then charted the apples we liked the best. Tuesday we celebrated the birthday of Johnny Appleseed and learned the sequence of growing an apple tree. On Wednesday we made very cute apple man that is hanging in the hallways. Stop by and check him out! Thursday was another tasting day. Students became scientists as they "experimented" with apple juice, apple sauce, apple jelly, and apple cereal. We ended apple week by learning how to draw an apple and working on AB patterns with apple pictures. I hope we made some great memories.
During our Animated Alphabet time this week we learned about Timmy Tiger and Saddie Seal. Thank you so much for making an effort to get pictures to school. Our alphabet books are great and will be a wonderful resource during center time that we will be starting soon.
Math this week had the students working on shapes, writing numbers and more graphing.
I also wanted to thank you for the wonderful response to book orders. I hope you are enjoying your books and continue to order throughout the year. Due to your amazing response I was able to order a lot of really great books for our classroom library.
Keep reading to your child and working on letters and their sounds at home!
Mrs. Minor
I want to start by thinking all those who helped out with Apple Week by providing supplies and volunteering in the classroom. I feel it was quite a success. On Monday students tasted three different types of apples: red, green, and yellow. We then charted the apples we liked the best. Tuesday we celebrated the birthday of Johnny Appleseed and learned the sequence of growing an apple tree. On Wednesday we made very cute apple man that is hanging in the hallways. Stop by and check him out! Thursday was another tasting day. Students became scientists as they "experimented" with apple juice, apple sauce, apple jelly, and apple cereal. We ended apple week by learning how to draw an apple and working on AB patterns with apple pictures. I hope we made some great memories.
During our Animated Alphabet time this week we learned about Timmy Tiger and Saddie Seal. Thank you so much for making an effort to get pictures to school. Our alphabet books are great and will be a wonderful resource during center time that we will be starting soon.
Math this week had the students working on shapes, writing numbers and more graphing.
I also wanted to thank you for the wonderful response to book orders. I hope you are enjoying your books and continue to order throughout the year. Due to your amazing response I was able to order a lot of really great books for our classroom library.
Keep reading to your child and working on letters and their sounds at home!
Mrs. Minor
Friday, September 17, 2010
Apple Week
Dear Families:
The week of September 20th is Apple Week in Kindergarten. Each day we will be involving students in fun and educational activities centered around apples. I have received a couple of emails from parents who are interested in volunteering and a few parents who have told me in person. If you told me in person chances are I don't remember, so please get back to me! I still need a couple of people for Thursday at 10:00. On this day we will be doing an Apple Snack Taste Test and I need volunteers to prep, hand out snack, and clean up messes! Let me know if you are free on Thursday.
Also I still need a few supplies. Let me know which of the following you are willing to provide:
* 4 yellow apples for Monday
* a big jug of apple juice for Thursday
* a jar of apple jelly for Thursday
* a box of Saltines for Thursday
* a box of Applejacks cereal for Thursday
* a big jug of applesauce for Thursday
Thanks in advance for all your help! Working together we can make some great memories and learning opportunities for the kids!
The week of September 20th is Apple Week in Kindergarten. Each day we will be involving students in fun and educational activities centered around apples. I have received a couple of emails from parents who are interested in volunteering and a few parents who have told me in person. If you told me in person chances are I don't remember, so please get back to me! I still need a couple of people for Thursday at 10:00. On this day we will be doing an Apple Snack Taste Test and I need volunteers to prep, hand out snack, and clean up messes! Let me know if you are free on Thursday.
Also I still need a few supplies. Let me know which of the following you are willing to provide:
* 4 yellow apples for Monday
* a big jug of apple juice for Thursday
* a jar of apple jelly for Thursday
* a box of Saltines for Thursday
* a box of Applejacks cereal for Thursday
* a big jug of applesauce for Thursday
Thanks in advance for all your help! Working together we can make some great memories and learning opportunities for the kids!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Week of September 7-10
It was a short week, but a full one! We had an excellent turn out for Grandparent's Day! The kids and teachers really enjoyed having visitors and I think the Grandparents had a nice time too. Thanks to our Room Moms for organizing muffins and juice.
Animated Alphabet - This week we learned and drew two new Animated Alphabet characters Max the Ox and Annie Actress. Thanks for remembering to send pictures for our sound book. If you forgot send them on Monday, as I have not put those pages together yet.
Math - This week in math your students did something they have never done before: they took a MATH TEST!!! Wow, was that an experience. This test was given as per district guidelines and will be used to track their growth through-out the year. Next week we will get back into our lessons from our regular math series.
Literacy - This week we read some great books during read-aloud to enhance our Animated Alphabet lessons. Friday's read aloud was "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein. It was a joy to share such a classic story with such a meaningful message.
Don't Forget:
* Picture Day is Monday!
* There was a School Celebration Sheet that went home today in folders that tells what students can wear next week for fun.
* Marathon Club starts Monday. Check out the details on the Langston Hughes Website. This is a great way to start healthy habits early in life!
***Book orders are due Monday. This is a fun way to get your students excited about reading, as well as build our classroom library.
For the week of September 20-24 I will be looking for volunteers to come in and help with an Apple Day. More details to come. Let me know if you are interested.
Thanks for all you do and have a great weekend.
Animated Alphabet - This week we learned and drew two new Animated Alphabet characters Max the Ox and Annie Actress. Thanks for remembering to send pictures for our sound book. If you forgot send them on Monday, as I have not put those pages together yet.
Math - This week in math your students did something they have never done before: they took a MATH TEST!!! Wow, was that an experience. This test was given as per district guidelines and will be used to track their growth through-out the year. Next week we will get back into our lessons from our regular math series.
Literacy - This week we read some great books during read-aloud to enhance our Animated Alphabet lessons. Friday's read aloud was "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein. It was a joy to share such a classic story with such a meaningful message.
Don't Forget:
* Picture Day is Monday!
* There was a School Celebration Sheet that went home today in folders that tells what students can wear next week for fun.
* Marathon Club starts Monday. Check out the details on the Langston Hughes Website. This is a great way to start healthy habits early in life!
***Book orders are due Monday. This is a fun way to get your students excited about reading, as well as build our classroom library.
For the week of September 20-24 I will be looking for volunteers to come in and help with an Apple Day. More details to come. Let me know if you are interested.
Thanks for all you do and have a great weekend.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Week of August 23-27
Dear Families:
It's 6:45 on Sunday morning and I just realized that I forgot to blog on Friday. It is taking me awhile to get back into the swing of things, but I will get better.
This week in Kindergarten ...
Animated Alphabet: Using our AA curriculum we learned our new character, Ollie Ostrich. This teaches kids the /ah/ sound. Students also learned the song and actions to "1,2,3,4,5 I Caught A Fish Alive." They had a great time learning this song and really enjoy singing it. On Wednesday we made pop-up books to go along with the song. Students also did another guided drawing of "Pop" and read and created their another sentence, "A pop can hop."
Handwriting Without Tears: I demonstrated how to draw the letters of the alphabet and had students draw circles around them starting with the magic C and then practiced drawing straight lines down. We also worked on how to grip and hold our crayons and markers. Please help your child aim for the black banner that runs around the bottom of their crayon.
Math: This week student worked more on counting in many different forms. We learned what a "scene" was and drew scenes with three things in them. Well, at least we tried! As the year goes on our "scenes" will get better!
Thanks for sending the pictures for our Animated Alphabet characters. I have started putting them together in a book for the kids to read when they have free library time.
Thanks so much for the snacks and baby wipes you have sent to school. They love their snack time!
If you did not make it to Parent Information Night please call the Office to sign up for a Parent-Teacher Conference time.
It's 6:45 on Sunday morning and I just realized that I forgot to blog on Friday. It is taking me awhile to get back into the swing of things, but I will get better.
This week in Kindergarten ...
Animated Alphabet: Using our AA curriculum we learned our new character, Ollie Ostrich. This teaches kids the /ah/ sound. Students also learned the song and actions to "1,2,3,4,5 I Caught A Fish Alive." They had a great time learning this song and really enjoy singing it. On Wednesday we made pop-up books to go along with the song. Students also did another guided drawing of "Pop" and read and created their another sentence, "A pop can hop."
Handwriting Without Tears: I demonstrated how to draw the letters of the alphabet and had students draw circles around them starting with the magic C and then practiced drawing straight lines down. We also worked on how to grip and hold our crayons and markers. Please help your child aim for the black banner that runs around the bottom of their crayon.
Math: This week student worked more on counting in many different forms. We learned what a "scene" was and drew scenes with three things in them. Well, at least we tried! As the year goes on our "scenes" will get better!
Thanks for sending the pictures for our Animated Alphabet characters. I have started putting them together in a book for the kids to read when they have free library time.
Thanks so much for the snacks and baby wipes you have sent to school. They love their snack time!
If you did not make it to Parent Information Night please call the Office to sign up for a Parent-Teacher Conference time.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Meet Your New Kindergarten Teacher!
Hi New Kindergarten Families!
I have really enjoyed getting to know your children these last two weeks. I have been having a lot of fun with them in the classroom, and I hope they are reporting the same thing. I wanted to take a minute to introduce myself.
This is will by sixth year at Langston Hughes Elementary. I love working at this school. I have fantastic co-workers, students, and parent support. I really couldn't ask for a better place to work. Since I have been at Langston Hughes I have taught fourth grade and fifth grade. I made the change to kindergarten this year for several reasons. The main reason is my family. I have two little ones at home and this will be a chance for me to spend more time with them. Also, since I have had little kids I have come to love the things that go along with small children: picture books, alphabets, numbers and counting, art and play! I know that we will have a lot of fun this year!
As I mentioned I have two children; Olive who is two and Moses who is eight months old. My husband's name is Chris and he is currently employed at the Journal-World and is getting ready to go back to school for nursing. Cooking, reading, and taking walks with my family are my favorite hobbies and I am also a Pampered Chef Consultant!
Animated Alphabet: This week students have learned the sounds for P and U. Polly Panda has been introduced as well as Uncle Upton. We have been singing the songs, coloring the pictures, and using those letters to read and write our first words! By the end of the week students learned how to write P and U, use this to write the word pup and then read and construct a sentence.
Handwriting Without Tears: This week students are learning to become familiar with their right hand and learning that we start our capital letters at the top.
Math: This week in math we are working on counting and various representations of counting: using pattern blocks, fingers, movement, and pictures.
Books: This week we have read some great stories about starting school and Chica Chica Boom Boom. This story is helping us with our alphabet and we have been incorporating instruments into the reading. You would be surprised how well behaved they will be to play instruments!
Homework this week...
Don't forget to help your child find a picture of something that starts with a P sound and also one for U.
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
5 Days Left!
Don't forget...
Thursday - Divisibility Quiz in Math, Civil War Test in Social Studies
Friday - Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Game in the Library at 10am. Parents are invited to watch! Field Day starts at 1:30.
Monday - Clean out Desks and Talent Show @ 1:00. Parents are welcome to attend.
Tuesday - Last Day of School! Blue and Silver Awards @ 9:15.
If you have any questions about various events contact myself or the office. Thanks!
Thursday - Divisibility Quiz in Math, Civil War Test in Social Studies
Friday - Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Game in the Library at 10am. Parents are invited to watch! Field Day starts at 1:30.
Monday - Clean out Desks and Talent Show @ 1:00. Parents are welcome to attend.
Tuesday - Last Day of School! Blue and Silver Awards @ 9:15.
If you have any questions about various events contact myself or the office. Thanks!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Week of May 10-14
I hope all you moms had a fantastic Mother's Day!
Only 12 days of school left!
This week 5th graders began trying out band and orchestra instruments in the morning. This will prepare them for next year when this is available as a class.
In math this week we are working on geometry: measuring angles, polygons, and on to circles. Your students need to be studying their list of divisibility rules. There will be a quiz over these next week.
Due to the time we are spending trying out band and orchestra instruments our writing block has been cut short. We will continue with spelling the next few weeks and a few short writing projects, but we will not have another big project this year.
This week teachers will begin working on class lists for next year. If you have any special considerations you would like for your child please make sure you have the appropriate form filled out in the office. Even if you spoke to the classroom teacher, you still need to fill out the form. Thanks!
All library books are due Friday!
Only 12 days of school left!
This week 5th graders began trying out band and orchestra instruments in the morning. This will prepare them for next year when this is available as a class.
In math this week we are working on geometry: measuring angles, polygons, and on to circles. Your students need to be studying their list of divisibility rules. There will be a quiz over these next week.
Due to the time we are spending trying out band and orchestra instruments our writing block has been cut short. We will continue with spelling the next few weeks and a few short writing projects, but we will not have another big project this year.
This week teachers will begin working on class lists for next year. If you have any special considerations you would like for your child please make sure you have the appropriate form filled out in the office. Even if you spoke to the classroom teacher, you still need to fill out the form. Thanks!
All library books are due Friday!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Thank You for a Great Week!
Dear Parents and Students,
Thank you so much for a fantastic Teacher Appreciation Week! I have enjoyed the flowers, gift cards, and sweet treats. You have really made me feel special and I can't thank you enough. It is so nice to be appreciated for a job you LOVE to do!Thanks again!
Mrs. Minor
Thank you so much for a fantastic Teacher Appreciation Week! I have enjoyed the flowers, gift cards, and sweet treats. You have really made me feel special and I can't thank you enough. It is so nice to be appreciated for a job you LOVE to do!Thanks again!
Mrs. Minor
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Week of May 3-7
Well the week has gotten away from me again. Here is a run down on what we have done, and what is to come.
In math ...
This week in math we took a Unit 11 Test. The students did really well on this test and you can look for it come home this Thursday. Please check out their grades, sign, and return test to school on Friday. Since we have so few days left in the school year we will not be starting a new unit, but taking parts of other units that we have not yet covered this year. On Wednesday we started learning how to use a protractor to measure angles. Next week we will learn about circles and circumference.
Last week I gave students a list of divisibility rules to begin studying. There will be a quiz over these rules in two weeks.
On Tuesday we took our last MAP test of the year. I helped all the math students set goals on Monday and most students met and surpassed those goals when we took our tests on Tuesday. I am very pleased with the progress students have made this year.
In writing . . .
Slowly but surely we are getting those research papers typed and finished. We have run into computer conflicts with all the MAPS testing going on, but we should be able to finish every ones up and have them in Friday.
Students have also been working on writing poetry to go with an art project for Mrs. Hegeman's class.
On Tuesday Mr. Mickey Woolard came to talk to the class about running and about how he trains for marathons. The kids had great questions for him and learned a lot. This was a culmination activity left over from Wellness Week.
Mark your calendars: On Friday morning, May 21st the 5th grade teachers will be hosting the game "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" in the library. I have compiled some local celebrities to play against our students. This week students will have an opportunity to try out to represent their class. Parents are welcome to come watch. Time TBA.
In math ...
This week in math we took a Unit 11 Test. The students did really well on this test and you can look for it come home this Thursday. Please check out their grades, sign, and return test to school on Friday. Since we have so few days left in the school year we will not be starting a new unit, but taking parts of other units that we have not yet covered this year. On Wednesday we started learning how to use a protractor to measure angles. Next week we will learn about circles and circumference.
Last week I gave students a list of divisibility rules to begin studying. There will be a quiz over these rules in two weeks.
On Tuesday we took our last MAP test of the year. I helped all the math students set goals on Monday and most students met and surpassed those goals when we took our tests on Tuesday. I am very pleased with the progress students have made this year.
In writing . . .
Slowly but surely we are getting those research papers typed and finished. We have run into computer conflicts with all the MAPS testing going on, but we should be able to finish every ones up and have them in Friday.
Students have also been working on writing poetry to go with an art project for Mrs. Hegeman's class.
On Tuesday Mr. Mickey Woolard came to talk to the class about running and about how he trains for marathons. The kids had great questions for him and learned a lot. This was a culmination activity left over from Wellness Week.
Mark your calendars: On Friday morning, May 21st the 5th grade teachers will be hosting the game "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" in the library. I have compiled some local celebrities to play against our students. This week students will have an opportunity to try out to represent their class. Parents are welcome to come watch. Time TBA.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Week of April 26-30
Hello everyone! I apologize for my blogging absence last week. No excuses, time just got away from me, and when I realized Thursday that I had not communicated with you as to the weeks events, I gave up. But I am starting fresh this week and reporting early!
This week in math we will continue working with factors and fractions. This weeks lessons will focus on finding common denominators and reducing fractions to simplest terms. Those students who have mastered these skills will be given alternate assignments while the others continue to practice. I hope to give the Unit 11 test next week, probably Tuesday. Check the blog calender for updates.
I am also giving an extra credit extension project today that will be due next Monday. This project will be a little different from the past, as their is no actual "math" to do. This assignment requires students to interview an adult as to their uses of math in their everyday lives and careers. Students will then take these answers and write a paper stating what they have learned. Typing preferred!
In writing this week students will be finishing up their research papers and typing those. Papers are due Friday!
We will have spelling this week. Check the blog for a list of words.
On Friday we will take MAPS test for math in the morning. Please make sure your student has a good breakfast and full night's rest. We want to make sure they can show what they have learned and the progress they have made throughout the year.
This week in math we will continue working with factors and fractions. This weeks lessons will focus on finding common denominators and reducing fractions to simplest terms. Those students who have mastered these skills will be given alternate assignments while the others continue to practice. I hope to give the Unit 11 test next week, probably Tuesday. Check the blog calender for updates.
I am also giving an extra credit extension project today that will be due next Monday. This project will be a little different from the past, as their is no actual "math" to do. This assignment requires students to interview an adult as to their uses of math in their everyday lives and careers. Students will then take these answers and write a paper stating what they have learned. Typing preferred!
In writing this week students will be finishing up their research papers and typing those. Papers are due Friday!
We will have spelling this week. Check the blog for a list of words.
On Friday we will take MAPS test for math in the morning. Please make sure your student has a good breakfast and full night's rest. We want to make sure they can show what they have learned and the progress they have made throughout the year.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Week of April 5-9
This is a very busy week for 5th grade. With state math assessments and research projects students are spending a lot of time on the computers. Don't worry though, we are still getting some fresh air and exercise!
In math this week ...
Besides being bogged down with state assessments we are also continuing on with math, Unit 10. We will finish up Unit 10 this week when we finish covering slides, flips, and using coordinates on maps. Students will also get a chance to use their new math skills on an art project for math. This should be a fun way to the end stressful math week.
In writing ...
We continue on to Step 3 this week with our research papers. Students are learning the skill of writing an outline and using this to organize their notes, before they begin with the rough draft of their report. We are using the computer program Inspiration to help student learn how to format an outline. The outlines are due Thursday at the end of class. Next we will begin working on our Rough Drafts.
We again took the week off from spelling, but will get back to it next week when assessments are over.
Please don't forget . . .
* Class and Individual Spring Pictures are next Tuesday
* We DO have school next Friday!
In math this week ...
Besides being bogged down with state assessments we are also continuing on with math, Unit 10. We will finish up Unit 10 this week when we finish covering slides, flips, and using coordinates on maps. Students will also get a chance to use their new math skills on an art project for math. This should be a fun way to the end stressful math week.
In writing ...
We continue on to Step 3 this week with our research papers. Students are learning the skill of writing an outline and using this to organize their notes, before they begin with the rough draft of their report. We are using the computer program Inspiration to help student learn how to format an outline. The outlines are due Thursday at the end of class. Next we will begin working on our Rough Drafts.
We again took the week off from spelling, but will get back to it next week when assessments are over.
Please don't forget . . .
* Class and Individual Spring Pictures are next Tuesday
* We DO have school next Friday!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Week of March 29 - April 2
State Assessments begin this week! This is a very important time for us at school. Please help out by making sure your students have a healthy breakfast and get a good night's sleep. It is extremely important that your kids are here these next two weeks. Show them at home that you take these tests as seriously as we do here at school. Thanks in advance for your awesome support!
Math - In math this week we are continuing to work on coordinates and maps, as well as reviewing for state assessments.
Writing - This week students are working on research. The step this week is to take notes. All notes are due Friday! Check the calendar at the top of the blog for all research step due dates.
No Spelling this week due to assessments.
Math - In math this week we are continuing to work on coordinates and maps, as well as reviewing for state assessments.
Writing - This week students are working on research. The step this week is to take notes. All notes are due Friday! Check the calendar at the top of the blog for all research step due dates.
No Spelling this week due to assessments.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Important Reminder!
Don't forget State Reading Assessments start Monday! Please help out with healthy breakfasts and a good night's sleep! Thanks so much.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Paging at the Capitol
This is a picture of our classmate Meredith Von Feldt with Governor Mark Parkinson (Meredith is the third girl from the left). This picture was taken at the beginning of March when Meredith went to the capitol to page for Representative Kinzer. We are so proud of Meredith and hope other students will take advantage of this opportunity.
Week of March 22-26
Spring Break was nice, but it sure is good to be back!
In math this week students will receive their new set of vocabulary words for Unit 10. Remind your children not to wait until the last minute to study these!Unit 10 is over Maps, Coordinates, and Negative Numbers. Thanks to all those who participated in the KU Basketball enrichment project. It was a lot of fun and a great way for students to use their newly acquired math skills in a real world setting.
This week we officially kicked off our research project and I am thrilled with how excited they are to research. This week students need to narrow down their topic, write 5 broad questions to guide their research, and collect their resources. They will turn this Step 1 sheet in on Friday morning. Please encourage your child to take a trip the public library to find resources.
Spelling is back this week and words are posted on the blog.
We have started to receive responses to our persuasive letters. Hopefully we will hear from the President soon!
Don't forget State Assessments begin next week!
In math this week students will receive their new set of vocabulary words for Unit 10. Remind your children not to wait until the last minute to study these!Unit 10 is over Maps, Coordinates, and Negative Numbers. Thanks to all those who participated in the KU Basketball enrichment project. It was a lot of fun and a great way for students to use their newly acquired math skills in a real world setting.
This week we officially kicked off our research project and I am thrilled with how excited they are to research. This week students need to narrow down their topic, write 5 broad questions to guide their research, and collect their resources. They will turn this Step 1 sheet in on Friday morning. Please encourage your child to take a trip the public library to find resources.
Spelling is back this week and words are posted on the blog.
We have started to receive responses to our persuasive letters. Hopefully we will hear from the President soon!
Don't forget State Assessments begin next week!
Monday, March 15, 2010
March Madness Math Enrichment Project
Just a few reminders about the March Madness Extra Credit Project for Math:
*Due the Monday we return from Spring Break
*All answers must be given to the nearest tenth (even the percentages)
*Remember that the players are not in the same order on front and back, so don't get their stats mixed up!
Have fun this week! Cheer for KU and have a great time...Rock Chalk!
*Due the Monday we return from Spring Break
*All answers must be given to the nearest tenth (even the percentages)
*Remember that the players are not in the same order on front and back, so don't get their stats mixed up!
Have fun this week! Cheer for KU and have a great time...Rock Chalk!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Research Project
Dear Families:
After Spring Break 5th graders will begin working on writing a research paper. Over Spring Break I would like for you to start discussing some possible topics that your child might be interested in researching and learning more about. It might also be fun to take a trip to the public library and look for materials there that might help. We will be using our school library, but the public library has many more sources of information and it is a great opportunity for students to see how the library can be utilized.
Thanks!
Mrs. Minor
After Spring Break 5th graders will begin working on writing a research paper. Over Spring Break I would like for you to start discussing some possible topics that your child might be interested in researching and learning more about. It might also be fun to take a trip to the public library and look for materials there that might help. We will be using our school library, but the public library has many more sources of information and it is a great opportunity for students to see how the library can be utilized.
Thanks!
Mrs. Minor
Week of March 8-12
One week until Spring Break!
Math .. .
In math this week we are finishing up our unit on division. The students had some review work to do in their DAB book over the weekend and we graded that together in class. On Monday they students are to correct anything they missed and complete page 150 in their DAB book as extra practice. This page does not need to be turned in to class, so parents will want to check over it to give students feed back. Their unit 9 test will be Tuesday and their is no vocabulary section for this test.
On Wednesday students will complete their special project they have been working on. For this project half the class will be teaching lattice multiplication to their peers and their students will grade them on how well they prepared and presented. It should be a lot of fun.
Also, this week in math: Look for an extra credit opportunity that will be due after Spring Break!
In writing...
We have finally finished up our persuasive letters and I stuck those in the mail today. Once they are graded a copy of them will be sent home. We are hoping to get some responses soon!
Last week we started working on poetry in class. This was really a lot of fun and students have published and illustrated their poems, which I have hung outside our room in the pod. If you have a chance come check they out.
Have a great spring break!
Math .. .
In math this week we are finishing up our unit on division. The students had some review work to do in their DAB book over the weekend and we graded that together in class. On Monday they students are to correct anything they missed and complete page 150 in their DAB book as extra practice. This page does not need to be turned in to class, so parents will want to check over it to give students feed back. Their unit 9 test will be Tuesday and their is no vocabulary section for this test.
On Wednesday students will complete their special project they have been working on. For this project half the class will be teaching lattice multiplication to their peers and their students will grade them on how well they prepared and presented. It should be a lot of fun.
Also, this week in math: Look for an extra credit opportunity that will be due after Spring Break!
In writing...
We have finally finished up our persuasive letters and I stuck those in the mail today. Once they are graded a copy of them will be sent home. We are hoping to get some responses soon!
Last week we started working on poetry in class. This was really a lot of fun and students have published and illustrated their poems, which I have hung outside our room in the pod. If you have a chance come check they out.
Have a great spring break!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Paper
Dear Families:
We are running a little short on notebook paper as we approach the end of the year. Unfortunately math is the class that consumes the most paper and so it has gone quickly in my room.
I know that I have had several parents volunteer to help with any supplies we may need, but for the life of me I can not think of who they were....So, if you are out shopping and think about it, we would love to have some extra notebook paper for our classroom!
Thanks for all you do to support your child's education. The awesome parent involvement at Langston Hughes makes our school a success!
Mrs. Minor
We are running a little short on notebook paper as we approach the end of the year. Unfortunately math is the class that consumes the most paper and so it has gone quickly in my room.
I know that I have had several parents volunteer to help with any supplies we may need, but for the life of me I can not think of who they were....So, if you are out shopping and think about it, we would love to have some extra notebook paper for our classroom!
Thanks for all you do to support your child's education. The awesome parent involvement at Langston Hughes makes our school a success!
Mrs. Minor
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
3
3 - The average increase in PERCENTILE POINTS on a standardized tests achieved just by feeding a kid BREAKFAST!!!
Source: Educational Testing Service
Source: Educational Testing Service
Monday, March 1, 2010
Week of March 1-5
Thanks to all the parents who came to conferences. Our conversations really help your students to become more successful.
Spelling is back this week. The words are posted on the blog or students should bring home their spelling text books to study from. Remember that tests are every Friday, unless stated otherwise.
In math this week students will be learning and practicing long division with 2-digit divisors. On Monday we will take a quiz to determine who has already mastered long division and who still needs to work on it. Those who show proficiency will be working on an alternate lesson where they will be developing lesson plans to teach their peers lattice multiplication. Their peers will in turn grade them with a rubric. This lesson will take place next week, after students have taken a test over Unit 9, which should happen Monday or Tuesday.
Our persuasive letters are almost finished. We have had quite a challenge getting them typed with state assessments going on and computers in high demand. If your student can type at that would really help out!
Look for Original Works package to come home Monday!
Have an awesome week!
Spelling is back this week. The words are posted on the blog or students should bring home their spelling text books to study from. Remember that tests are every Friday, unless stated otherwise.
In math this week students will be learning and practicing long division with 2-digit divisors. On Monday we will take a quiz to determine who has already mastered long division and who still needs to work on it. Those who show proficiency will be working on an alternate lesson where they will be developing lesson plans to teach their peers lattice multiplication. Their peers will in turn grade them with a rubric. This lesson will take place next week, after students have taken a test over Unit 9, which should happen Monday or Tuesday.
Our persuasive letters are almost finished. We have had quite a challenge getting them typed with state assessments going on and computers in high demand. If your student can type at that would really help out!
Look for Original Works package to come home Monday!
Have an awesome week!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
TFK Address Books
There is still time to return the address book to help our school receive free magazine subscriptions! (See previous post for details) Every little bit helps!
Book Movies
Dear Parents,
On Thursday, February 18th, we plan to show the movie version of the tow books we have just read as a class, Holes and Bridge to Terebithia. These movies are both rated PG. If you do not wish for your child to watch one of these movies, please return this note and we will give them alternate work during this time.
Thanks,
Tom Hegeman, Kathy King, Dale Koerner, and Jessica Minor
On Thursday, February 18th, we plan to show the movie version of the tow books we have just read as a class, Holes and Bridge to Terebithia. These movies are both rated PG. If you do not wish for your child to watch one of these movies, please return this note and we will give them alternate work during this time.
Thanks,
Tom Hegeman, Kathy King, Dale Koerner, and Jessica Minor
Cards!
Dear Families,
If you have any extra decks of playing cards lying around the house and would like to donate them to 5th grade math I would greatly appreciate it! Playing cards are great math tools and can be used for many math games that reinforce addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Thanks for your continued support!
Mrs. Minor
If you have any extra decks of playing cards lying around the house and would like to donate them to 5th grade math I would greatly appreciate it! Playing cards are great math tools and can be used for many math games that reinforce addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Thanks for your continued support!
Mrs. Minor
Monday, February 15, 2010
Week of February 15-19
Hi Families!
Just a few notes to keep you up to speed:
Spelling: There will be no spelling for the next two weeks due to short weeks.
Writing: This week students started writing their second draft of their persuasive letter. We hope to start typing those letters and have them sent by next week.
Math: On Monday students took a test over fractions, decimals and percentages. Look for those to come home and be signed by the end of the week. This week we will do some review of math concepts to prepare for the state assessments. Look for an upcoming list of math concepts you can work on at home. Again, your home support is always appreciated!
* Please ask your students if they need their dry erase markers replaced. These are vital to math practice in class!
Don't forget conferences are coming up next week! If you have forgotten your time send me a note and I will write a reminder in your child's planner. I look forward to visiting with all of you soon.
Just a few notes to keep you up to speed:
Spelling: There will be no spelling for the next two weeks due to short weeks.
Writing: This week students started writing their second draft of their persuasive letter. We hope to start typing those letters and have them sent by next week.
Math: On Monday students took a test over fractions, decimals and percentages. Look for those to come home and be signed by the end of the week. This week we will do some review of math concepts to prepare for the state assessments. Look for an upcoming list of math concepts you can work on at home. Again, your home support is always appreciated!
* Please ask your students if they need their dry erase markers replaced. These are vital to math practice in class!
Don't forget conferences are coming up next week! If you have forgotten your time send me a note and I will write a reminder in your child's planner. I look forward to visiting with all of you soon.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Socks!
Dear Families,
If you have any old socks with holes, or socks who are missing their partner that you would like to get rid of I would greatly appreciate them. Students use these during math to erase their white boards daily and our current set are getting quite dirty. So send what you can spare to school!
Also, please ask your child if they have enough dry erase markers. We use these almost daily in class and they are very important!
Thanks!
If you have any old socks with holes, or socks who are missing their partner that you would like to get rid of I would greatly appreciate them. Students use these during math to erase their white boards daily and our current set are getting quite dirty. So send what you can spare to school!
Also, please ask your child if they have enough dry erase markers. We use these almost daily in class and they are very important!
Thanks!
Math Test Monday!
Students will be taking their Unit 7 math test on Monday. These items will be covered on the test:
* Converting decimals to fractions, and fractions to decimals
* Converting decimals to percentages, and percentages to decimals
*Rounding decimals to the nearest whole number, tenth, or hundredth
*Ordering decimals
* Writing decimals in word form
*Adding, Subtracting, and Multiplying Decimals
There will also be a vocabulary section that will review words from all the units we have covered so far this year.
Thanks in advance for helping your students study and practice. Your help makes all the difference!
* Converting decimals to fractions, and fractions to decimals
* Converting decimals to percentages, and percentages to decimals
*Rounding decimals to the nearest whole number, tenth, or hundredth
*Ordering decimals
* Writing decimals in word form
*Adding, Subtracting, and Multiplying Decimals
There will also be a vocabulary section that will review words from all the units we have covered so far this year.
Thanks in advance for helping your students study and practice. Your help makes all the difference!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Magazines!
Dear Families,
Yesterday a packet came home with students. We are asking students to fill out the address book with 7 addresses of friends and family and return to school. For every book returned we will receive 2 free TIME for Kids subscriptions. The cards that the students fill out will then be sent to those family members with the option to buy magazines, but no purchase is required for the school to receive our free magazines. Also, please know that these addresses you provide will not be used or submitted to some mailing list. The cards are torn out of the books, placed in envelopes and mailed directly to your friends and family.
We know that you are all very busy and we hate to put one more thing on your plate, but please understand that participating in this program is the only way we will be able to have the TIME for Kids magazines in our classrooms next year. With out this program we will not be able to afford them. I am sure as 5th grade parents you have already discovered how valuable these tools have been to our curriculum and helping us to teach non-fiction reading skills, as well as help students have a better understanding of current events and science and social studies concepts.
The address books are due on Friday - however we won't turn down one brought in on Monday!
Thanks so much for your help!
Mrs. Minor
Yesterday a packet came home with students. We are asking students to fill out the address book with 7 addresses of friends and family and return to school. For every book returned we will receive 2 free TIME for Kids subscriptions. The cards that the students fill out will then be sent to those family members with the option to buy magazines, but no purchase is required for the school to receive our free magazines. Also, please know that these addresses you provide will not be used or submitted to some mailing list. The cards are torn out of the books, placed in envelopes and mailed directly to your friends and family.
We know that you are all very busy and we hate to put one more thing on your plate, but please understand that participating in this program is the only way we will be able to have the TIME for Kids magazines in our classrooms next year. With out this program we will not be able to afford them. I am sure as 5th grade parents you have already discovered how valuable these tools have been to our curriculum and helping us to teach non-fiction reading skills, as well as help students have a better understanding of current events and science and social studies concepts.
The address books are due on Friday - however we won't turn down one brought in on Monday!
Thanks so much for your help!
Mrs. Minor
Monday, February 8, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Week of February 8-12
Dear Parents,
I apologize for not writing last week. Somehow the time got away from me and before I knew it, it was Friday!
If you have not returned your Parent Teacher Conference slip please do so soon.
This week will be our Valentine's Party on Friday. We are still looking for a parent volunteer to run the party (see previous post). It is not too late to volunteer. If you are interested contact myself or Raynee Beaty.
For our Valentine's party we will have a Valentine's Box Decorating Contest. Students will vote on boxes they think are the Cutest, Most Creative, and Best Use of Recycled Materials. Good Luck!
In math this week ...
We will continue working with decimals, fractions, and percentages. I was very pleased with the extra credit work turned in last week. Way to go!
In writing this week . . .
Students are beginning a new writing piece. This will be a letter of persuasion written to a person of authority. Because we will actually be sending these letters students will be expected to write a rough draft and revise several times before typing their letter. Some parents may even receive letters, as you are on our list of authority figures!
Next week is also Friendship Week at Langston Hughes. Each day students can wear different things to show their spirit. Check the above calendar for details.
I apologize for not writing last week. Somehow the time got away from me and before I knew it, it was Friday!
If you have not returned your Parent Teacher Conference slip please do so soon.
This week will be our Valentine's Party on Friday. We are still looking for a parent volunteer to run the party (see previous post). It is not too late to volunteer. If you are interested contact myself or Raynee Beaty.
For our Valentine's party we will have a Valentine's Box Decorating Contest. Students will vote on boxes they think are the Cutest, Most Creative, and Best Use of Recycled Materials. Good Luck!
In math this week ...
We will continue working with decimals, fractions, and percentages. I was very pleased with the extra credit work turned in last week. Way to go!
In writing this week . . .
Students are beginning a new writing piece. This will be a letter of persuasion written to a person of authority. Because we will actually be sending these letters students will be expected to write a rough draft and revise several times before typing their letter. Some parents may even receive letters, as you are on our list of authority figures!
Next week is also Friendship Week at Langston Hughes. Each day students can wear different things to show their spirit. Check the above calendar for details.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Valentine's Party
Dear Parents,
Raynee Beaty is looking for a parent to volunteer to run the Valentine's Party on February 12th. She will be out of town and unable to lead things and a needs a parent to take charge. If you are interested please contact Raynee Beaty at 972-467-3096.
Thanks!
Mrs. Minor
Raynee Beaty is looking for a parent to volunteer to run the Valentine's Party on February 12th. She will be out of town and unable to lead things and a needs a parent to take charge. If you are interested please contact Raynee Beaty at 972-467-3096.
Thanks!
Mrs. Minor
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Congratulations!
Congrats to our Science Fair Winners!
Sabrea Platz - 1st
Margaret Lockwood - 2nd
Carson Drake - 3rd
I am proud of all who participated!
Sabrea Platz - 1st
Margaret Lockwood - 2nd
Carson Drake - 3rd
I am proud of all who participated!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Week of January 25-29
I'm back, and very excited to be here! I had a wonderful time home with my family, but I am very much looking forward to getting back into routine. If you have any questions or concerns please let me know and I would be happy to meet or talk to you soon.
In math this week...
Students will be bringing home their Unit 15 tests on Monday to be signed and returned on Tuesday. Last week we began Unit 7, which covers fractions, decimals, and percentages and how they are related. Students already received their vocabulary words for the unit. I have also informed students that they need to be reviewing words from previous units, as the test will contain a review vocab section. Last week students also took a formative math state assessment and we will looking at those items most frequently missed and doing practice problems.
In writing ...
This week we will be on Unit 20 for spelling. Due to budgets cuts and limited paper supply I will not be copying the spelling list and sending it home. Students can study words from their spelling book, or from the list posted on the blog.
We will begin a new writing project Tuesday. Students will be asked to write a How-To piece. More details to come soon.
Don't Forget . . .
* Science Projects are due January 26.
* Book orders are due Thursday, January 28.
In math this week...
Students will be bringing home their Unit 15 tests on Monday to be signed and returned on Tuesday. Last week we began Unit 7, which covers fractions, decimals, and percentages and how they are related. Students already received their vocabulary words for the unit. I have also informed students that they need to be reviewing words from previous units, as the test will contain a review vocab section. Last week students also took a formative math state assessment and we will looking at those items most frequently missed and doing practice problems.
In writing ...
This week we will be on Unit 20 for spelling. Due to budgets cuts and limited paper supply I will not be copying the spelling list and sending it home. Students can study words from their spelling book, or from the list posted on the blog.
We will begin a new writing project Tuesday. Students will be asked to write a How-To piece. More details to come soon.
Don't Forget . . .
* Science Projects are due January 26.
* Book orders are due Thursday, January 28.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
