November, 2009

     It is difficult to believe that we are already beginning the busy month of November.  We are amazed at the amount of progress we are privileged to witness each day!  We have many exciting activities planned for the month of November.

     In Math we will focus on linear measurement and understanding length.  We will continue to encourage and observe students to accurately count a set of objects.  Many of our math investigation activities will allow students to compare two or more quantities to determine which is greater.  We will be developing a language for comparing quantities (more, greater, less, fewer, most, least, fewest, the same, and equal to).   We will also begin to recognize and build patterns.

     We continue to build on our known skills in Writing and Reading.  Our reader’s workshop jobs will emphasize phonics skills and putting letter sounds together to form words.  Each day students are given the opportunity to write independently (using their sounds).  We continue to incorporate interactive writing time where we guide students through letter formation and correct spelling of words.  Students will be working in guided reading groups this month.  Reading envelopes will be sent home each Friday beginning this week.  Please encourage your child to read the book to you independently, give them help when needed, and reward all efforts.

     Our first list of sight words will be sent home with your child’s report card.  The list contains words which are frequently used in our readings and writings. This list also includes the “word bird” words for the month of November. Extra practice at home would be helpful.

     In Social Studies our students will recognize that history describes events and people of other times and places.  We will compare past and present events.  We will also identify people and events honored in the holiday of Thanksgiving by having our own Thanksgiving feast in our classrooms on Tuesday, Nov. 24th.  The children will make all the food themselves.  Our menu will consist of muffins, homemade butter, fruit salad, trail mix, and juice.  We will be asking for each of you to send in a contribution as the date nears. In honor of Veteran’s Day, the Kindergarten students will be making a large American flag that will be displayed in our school.

We continue to observe seasonal changes and our class tree in Science.   

Kindergarten Field Trip ~ On Wednesday, May 5^th we are planning to go to George Mason University’s Center for the Arts auditorium to view a play performed by Theaterworks, USA. The performance is called If You Give A Pig A Pancake. The show is a musical based on the stories by Laura Numeroff. The fee for the performance is $7.50 per student. The company requires the payment for the performance in December.  Please send the money in an envelope by Friday, December 4^th.

Notes and Reminders:

~We try to get out to the playground everyday, weather permitting.  Please remember to send a jacket on chilly days.  It is helpful when outerwear is labeled.

~Homework is sent home every Wednesday.  Please encourage your child to check his/her backpack each night. 

~Please send in any clean bottle lids. (Gatorade, soda, and water bottle lids, Pringles lids, milk jug caps, etc) Thank you for your donations! 

~November dates to remember:

   Monday, Nov. 2- Teacher Workday

   Tuesday, Nov. 3- Parent/Teacher Conference Day

   Wednesday, Nov. 11- Veteran’s Day Holiday-No School

   Wednesday, Nov. 25- Early Dismissal for Thanksgiving Holiday

   Thursday, Nov. 26 & Friday, Nov. 27- Thanksgiving Holiday-No School

        Please contact us with any questions or concerns.

                      The Kindergarten Team