Thursday, November 28, 2013

Writing Notes

G.F. wrote a note today on his block structure when he knew that he was only half way through building it, but it was time for lunch! What a great idea. G.F. had the opportunity to continue building his structure after lunch.


Computer Time

Each week Ms. Blakely takes students to the computer lab. Most weeks the SKs go and the JKs rotate every second week. Here is a look at one student's work in the computer lab when they were asked to create a picture of themselves:


Our Colour Inquiry Has Begun




This morning we began our inquiry about colours by asking the students what they wondered about colours. Students asked us many questions including: How do you make colours? How do you make red? How are rainbows formed? Why are colours different?

Afterwards, we showed the students three glasses of water (one red, blue and yellow). We explained that all colours have at least one of these colours in them. We asked the classed what they thought might happen when we mixed these different coloured waters together. Then we let our students explore that question for themselves.



Students began making many discoveries as they combined the 3 glasses of water together. Some students not only discovered how to make orange, purple and green, but  they discovered how to make light purple and light green!


While students were making discoveries about colours at the art table, others were making similar discoveries at the light table and light projector.

Mrs. David, I made green by putting the blue over the yellow.

I made purple using red and blue.





Students also had fun painting using the 3 primary colours to see what other colours they could create.

 They made many interesting and exciting discoveries. Here's what a few of the students had to say about their discoveries:



Shapes


We have begun to talk about shapes in our class. Yesterday we brainstormed different shapes we knew (i.e., oval, square, circle, rectangle, octagon, pentagon etc). We discussed their characteristics and things similar and different about various shapes (i.e., squares have 4 equal sides while rectangles also have 4 sides, but they are not all equal).

Today we went on a shape scavenger hunt in the school. Students took their clipboards and recorded shapes they recognized. Here are some shapes the students saw:










Show your child these pictures and see if they can identify the shapes they see. 



Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Some More Learning

Here are a few pictures of some of the learning that was happening in our classroom today:

Today S.M. came to see me and was very excited by her discovering at the light table. She discovered that by combining two different colours she made a new colour! I think we all know what our new classroom inquiry will be!!! Stay tuned.




J.S. did a great job at creating his name with some boards that we left out at the writing centre!!!




The students were very excited to see one of their beetles on top of the apple, eating it.


Two Special Visitors


Today we had two very special visitors in our class!!!

Mrs. Zarat came to our class (along with the other 4 kindergarten classes) and told us a story about Hanukkah! Mrs. Zarat is quite the storyteller - she has a natural talent, so the children REALLY enjoyed hearing her st. She also lit the menorah and sang some songs. Happy Hanukkah to all our families who celebrating!

 

In the afternoon, we had another very special visitor. A mom came in and taught all our students some yoga. The students LOVED it!!! 



































Important New Announcements

Please check the section for some VERY important announcements. Thanks! Please also see the December Newsletter that has been posted.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

A Look At Our Day

Here's a look into what the students were doing today. Make sure to ask your child what they did today. If you get the famous answer "I don't know" or "I forget", show them these pictures to see if that will help them.
We've been working on "ing" words. The students had the opportunity to write some "ing" words on the SMARTBoard. Ask your child if they can think of any "ing" words.

We have a new math game at the Math Centre. See if your child can tell you what it is!

A few students enjoyed some quiet puzzle time in our Reading and Writing Corner.

A creation in progress at the light table.
The students were curious about how light came through the different colour paper.



Some students enjoyed playing a letter match game with our co-op student.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Another Student Reading

Listen to the clip of a student reading. She did a great job! On the first two pages, she read in 3 word phrases. This is an important skill. When readers read fluently, they maintain comprehension more easily. On the third page the student said, "I see a big buil". The student began to say "building" instead of "bus". This is a good substituation as the student used meaning, visual information and structure. The student also used a great strategy to correct her error and sounded out the word. This student also corrected herself when she said "said" and then said "I said".  Finally, the student used visual information when she said "I come" for "I can" and then corrected herself. This student is using great reading strategies and is monitoring her reading very well. On the last page, the student continues to work on reading in 3 word phrases instead of word by word.

Check Out our Newest Announcement Under Important Class Annoucements

Check Out our Newest Announcement Under Important Class Announcements

Continuing Working On Fine Motor Activities

Students are continuing to enjoy our newest activity at the Fine Motor Centre. These two students had a great time hanging clothes on the clothes line:



An Exciting Day in Our Classroom

It was an exciting day for the students, when someone noticed that there were beetles in our aquarium!! The beetles are surprisingly BIG! Take a look:



There was much excitement all day at the Science Centre!


Friday, November 22, 2013

A Look At Our Day



 Here's a look at some of the great learning that occurred in our classroom today:


We once again changed our fine motor skills centre.

The students have to hang the clothes on the line with a mini clothespin.



Students LOVE the sand table.



Students enjoyed music class today.

Mrs. Donovan acknowledges "Students of the Month".

Ms. Blakely and a few students enjoyed a puppet show.

Students continued enjoying the SmartBoard.