My students are feeling pretty accomplished at this point. We have managed to learn how to count, write, and model the numbers 1,2, 3, and 4. As we move through our pilot math program, GoMath!, the class is learning how to use manipulatives that help them count objects. The class has also been using the interactive student edition of our math book on the Chromebooks where they get to play games and follow lessons and quizzes that match right along with our math book. If your child tells you about the mouse game, they are referring to the Interactive Student Edition. To start our math everyday we watch a fun video to get us focused on what we will be learning about for each lesson. Here is the link to the latest video we watched Math Video- Model and Count 3 and 4.
For science, we have continued to explore apples. We did one experiment this week to decide if apples would float or sink in a bucket of water. As a class we learned what it means to make observations and to record those, along with the results. As part of this experiment, we even tried different colored apples and found the results to be the same every time --- the apples floated!
We also conducted another experiment where the students learned about making a prediction on how many seeds were in an apple. Many students predicted that there would be 2 or 3 seeds in the apple, while some even predicted there would be 500 seeds in a single apple! In the apple that was cut open, we found there were 9 seeds. The students made observations and recorded their results for this experiment as well.
P.E. this week has been focusing still on Yoga. We have been using some exciting videos from Cosmic Kids that tell a story while we do our Yoga exercises. Here is an example of one that we have done in class:
We have also been using the Chromebooks a little more this week. The kids played a game on Alphabetical order during their center rotations this week and it can be found at http://www.abcya.com/alphabet.htm We also tried a new (FREE) reading program online this afternoon called Teach Your Monster To Read. This is a program that I absolutely adore and have used with my own children. Everyone starts at the same place and works on basic letter identification and sounds and then they progress at their own learning pace. As students progress it puts them into levels with sight words and then eventually to small sentences. So, if you here your child talking about creating their monsters, crashing a spaceship, and learning their letters, they are probably referring to this game that saves their progress throughout the year.
We have had a great week in class!
*Upcoming Events and Information*
Monday, Sept. 25th --- Outside flag salute on the blacktop at 8 a.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 27th --- Minimum Day; students are dismissed at 12:20 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 28th --- BMX assembly in the afternoon
Friday, Sept. 29th --- picture day (information will be sent home soon)
Please sign up for a conference time (if you haven't already) so that we can discuss how your child is doing in kindergarten so far. You can sign-up on the clipboard by the homework basket in the mornings, or you can sign-up through the ClassTag app (or online at classtag.com). I would love to meet with each of you so that we can discover together what will work best for your child. Conferences are Tuesday, October 3rd through Friday, October 6th from 12:30 - 2:30 each afternoon. These four days are minimum days, with students being dismissed at 12:20 p.m.
