Best wishes,
Sincerely,
Wendy Rogers
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Thank you
I , myself and Mrs. Leonard would like to say a great big thank you to all of my students and their families for the very generous Christmas gifts. Also I would like to thank everyone for a great term, I am grateful for all your support and wish everyone a very safe and restful holiday season. I look forward to seeing everyone in the new year!
Best wishes,
Sincerely,
Wendy Rogers
Best wishes,
Sincerely,
Wendy Rogers
Friday, December 12, 2014
Last few weeks of 2014
A big thank you to all of the parents I met with this week. It was a pleasure meeting with you and spending time discussing your child and strategies to support them with learning at home!
December 15-18th, the letter of the week is....L
It is going to be a very fun filled busy week! Our student sing-along is on Thursday, so if students want to wear Christmas hats and decorative sweaters please do!
December 15-18th, the letter of the week is....L
It is going to be a very fun filled busy week! Our student sing-along is on Thursday, so if students want to wear Christmas hats and decorative sweaters please do!
On
Friday December 19th our class will be having a Christmas
Party. I have a sign-up sheet outside of
the classroom if you would like to contribute to the festivities. The vote to wear pajamas to school on Friday
was unanimous! Please provide an extra
change of clothes just in case students would like to change throughout the
day. Please let me know if your child
will not be here for Friday, as the students have made gifts to go home.
Happy
Holidays to all of you!
Sincerely,
Wendy
Rogers
Friday, December 5, 2014
December stuff
Hello Parents;
thank you to all of the parents that brought treats for our December staff meeting, it was much appreciated!
DreamBox Learning
DreamBox is an on-line math program available to all of our students from our PAC, funded by you, the parents!
I am sending all of the log-in information home today in your childs' folder.
To access this:
Internet Address
https://play.dreambox.com/login/y6hx/capilanoes
or
Please log in to the Dreambox website from our school website under STUDENTS>weblinks for Students>links for math and numeracy
School Name: Capilano Elementary School
School Code: y6xh/capilanoes
IB Unit
Our current IB Unit Who We Are is coming to an end, although we will be continuing on with the concepts of friendship throughout the year! I would appreciate any feedback written on the report letter sent home at the beginning of the unit. Please let me know if there was any evidence of ACTIONS witnessed throughout the unit. I noticed many examples within the classroom. Sharing, including others and communicating using kind words.
Students are starting to understand the importance of tolerance, open-mindedness and seem to be more empathetic towards their peers.
Christmas is coming!
Students are becoming very excited about our upcoming holiday!
We are counting down to the big day and would encourage you do the same at home. By using a calendar, (some are using advent calendars, good but not necessary) simply cross off the days before any big event and you are encouraging your child to use math!
Christmas Party
Our class has decided that on the 19th we will have a party! Please send your child to school on Friday December 19th in winter pajamas. You may want to include a change of clothes as well.
Next week I will have a list of items posted outside of our classroom that we would like to include for our party, just sign up for an item and bring enough for 18 students.
Thanks again for all of your support at home,
Have an excellent weekend,
Wendy Rogers
thank you to all of the parents that brought treats for our December staff meeting, it was much appreciated!
DreamBox Learning
DreamBox is an on-line math program available to all of our students from our PAC, funded by you, the parents!
I am sending all of the log-in information home today in your childs' folder.
To access this:
Internet Address
https://play.dreambox.com/login/y6hx/capilanoes
or
Please log in to the Dreambox website from our school website under STUDENTS>weblinks for Students>links for math and numeracy
School Name: Capilano Elementary School
School Code: y6xh/capilanoes
IB Unit
Our current IB Unit Who We Are is coming to an end, although we will be continuing on with the concepts of friendship throughout the year! I would appreciate any feedback written on the report letter sent home at the beginning of the unit. Please let me know if there was any evidence of ACTIONS witnessed throughout the unit. I noticed many examples within the classroom. Sharing, including others and communicating using kind words.
Students are starting to understand the importance of tolerance, open-mindedness and seem to be more empathetic towards their peers.
Christmas is coming!
Students are becoming very excited about our upcoming holiday!
We are counting down to the big day and would encourage you do the same at home. By using a calendar, (some are using advent calendars, good but not necessary) simply cross off the days before any big event and you are encouraging your child to use math!
Christmas Party
Our class has decided that on the 19th we will have a party! Please send your child to school on Friday December 19th in winter pajamas. You may want to include a change of clothes as well.
Next week I will have a list of items posted outside of our classroom that we would like to include for our party, just sign up for an item and bring enough for 18 students.
Thanks again for all of your support at home,
Have an excellent weekend,
Wendy Rogers
Friday, November 21, 2014
IB Letter home
Hi parents,
today students will be coming home with a new letter format for our new IB unit-Who We Are.
Our central idea is "Behaviours affect relationships". I have been introducing the learner profile language throughout the week and will continue with this language throughout the unit. I would appreciate it if parents could discuss and reinforce this vocabulary at home. Throughout our unit we will be discussing the teacher questions with a focus on friends, and friendships.
Please try to fill out the inquiry questions with your child and it would be very helpful if you could jot down an example of how students make connections to our unit outside of school. An example of an action would be if your child uses kind words when interacting with friends, how they treat their friend, ect.
Please return this letter at the beginning of December.
Thanks so much for supporting your IB learner!
sincerely,
Wendy Rogers
today students will be coming home with a new letter format for our new IB unit-Who We Are.
Our central idea is "Behaviours affect relationships". I have been introducing the learner profile language throughout the week and will continue with this language throughout the unit. I would appreciate it if parents could discuss and reinforce this vocabulary at home. Throughout our unit we will be discussing the teacher questions with a focus on friends, and friendships.
Please try to fill out the inquiry questions with your child and it would be very helpful if you could jot down an example of how students make connections to our unit outside of school. An example of an action would be if your child uses kind words when interacting with friends, how they treat their friend, ect.
Please return this letter at the beginning of December.
Thanks so much for supporting your IB learner!
sincerely,
Wendy Rogers
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
We are beginning our new IB Unit "Who We are"
We have just started to explore our new IB Unit "Who We Are".
With unit we inquire into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; focusing on human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures.
I starting our provocation by discussing "healthy relationships". We discussed what it means to be healthy, what is a relationship and beginning our inquiry focusing on friends and friendship. What is a healthy friendship?
I read the class a story called " The Recess Queen" by Alexis O'Neill and Laura Huliska-Beith. We discussed the characters and how very different personalities create different types of relationships amongst their peers. We discussed how relationships change and the outcomes of positive friendship. We also explored how we express emotions, use facial expressions and body language to communicate.
You can continue the discussion at home asking your child "what makes a positive friendship?"
With unit we inquire into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; focusing on human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures.
I starting our provocation by discussing "healthy relationships". We discussed what it means to be healthy, what is a relationship and beginning our inquiry focusing on friends and friendship. What is a healthy friendship?
I read the class a story called " The Recess Queen" by Alexis O'Neill and Laura Huliska-Beith. We discussed the characters and how very different personalities create different types of relationships amongst their peers. We discussed how relationships change and the outcomes of positive friendship. We also explored how we express emotions, use facial expressions and body language to communicate.
You can continue the discussion at home asking your child "what makes a positive friendship?"
Gym times
Hi parents,
Division 18 has gym on Tuesdays and Fridays, from 1:30-2pm
-Students indoor shoes should be something they can wear in the gym
-Students do not change into separate gym clothes so they should be prepared to do gym wearing comfy clothes that are easy to move in, and layers always work great because if they get warm they can take one off.
Thanks,
Wendy Rogers
Division 18 has gym on Tuesdays and Fridays, from 1:30-2pm
-Students indoor shoes should be something they can wear in the gym
-Students do not change into separate gym clothes so they should be prepared to do gym wearing comfy clothes that are easy to move in, and layers always work great because if they get warm they can take one off.
Thanks,
Wendy Rogers
Friday, November 14, 2014
Firefighters visit
Hello everyone,
I wanted to share a few pics from the firefighters visit on November 6th. Students were very excited when the firefighters came to visit the classroom. The students were exceptionally well behaved and learned a lot about fire safety.
Students were shown all of the equipment that is stored on the truck.
Students were also allowed to enter the cab of the firetruck and sit in the captain's chair!
At the end of our visit the firemen posed with the class for a final photo before leaving us.
A great big thank you to all of the firefighters who took time out of their very busy schedule to visit with us!
I wanted to share a few pics from the firefighters visit on November 6th. Students were very excited when the firefighters came to visit the classroom. The students were exceptionally well behaved and learned a lot about fire safety.
Students were shown all of the equipment that is stored on the truck.
Students were also allowed to enter the cab of the firetruck and sit in the captain's chair!
A great big thank you to all of the firefighters who took time out of their very busy schedule to visit with us!
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Halloween and the previous week
Dear families;
tomorrow our day is going to be busy and fun filled with games and activities. Please bring students to school in costume. Children many wish to take off their costumes throughout the day so bring a change of clothes.
Our class will be sharing a Halloween snack so please send a small amount of one othe following items for our Monster Mix:
Cheerios
raisons
dried cranberries
pretzels
shreddies
small fruit gummies
Please let me know if your child is allergic to any of the items listed above and I will make a batch with the item.
If you would like to bring another type of snack make sure it does not contain nuts, or a lot of artificial sugar.
For the weeks following Halloween try not to provide snacks that contain a lot of sugar, and consider a 'one sweet treat' minimum for school. Sugar really does affect students ability to concentrate and focus on school activities.
Unit of Inquiry
In our unit of inquiry on "How We Organize Ourselves" my students were very successful in understanding how our school is organized and how we learn and play safely.
Gingy
Our beloved mascot 'Gingy' went on an adventure around the school last week after reading the class "The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School", our mascot decided to take a trip. After searching the classroom, we decided to put up posters around the school to find our mascot. Many of the older students in the school were very helpful in our search.
I am happy to announce that my students demonstrated how knowledgeable they were about the people and places within the school by putting up their poster in a place that was familiar to them. They were able to recognize teachers and staff that they came into direct contact with weekly, by name. They were also able to explain the safety rules in the classroom, gym, and playground.
Our mascot 'Gingy' was found by the class, during music with Mrs. McFarlane, in the music room. He had quite an adventure! I think he even learned a new musical instrument!
tomorrow our day is going to be busy and fun filled with games and activities. Please bring students to school in costume. Children many wish to take off their costumes throughout the day so bring a change of clothes.
Our class will be sharing a Halloween snack so please send a small amount of one othe following items for our Monster Mix:
Cheerios
raisons
dried cranberries
pretzels
shreddies
small fruit gummies
Please let me know if your child is allergic to any of the items listed above and I will make a batch with the item.
If you would like to bring another type of snack make sure it does not contain nuts, or a lot of artificial sugar.
For the weeks following Halloween try not to provide snacks that contain a lot of sugar, and consider a 'one sweet treat' minimum for school. Sugar really does affect students ability to concentrate and focus on school activities.
Unit of Inquiry
In our unit of inquiry on "How We Organize Ourselves" my students were very successful in understanding how our school is organized and how we learn and play safely.
Gingy
Our beloved mascot 'Gingy' went on an adventure around the school last week after reading the class "The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School", our mascot decided to take a trip. After searching the classroom, we decided to put up posters around the school to find our mascot. Many of the older students in the school were very helpful in our search.
I am happy to announce that my students demonstrated how knowledgeable they were about the people and places within the school by putting up their poster in a place that was familiar to them. They were able to recognize teachers and staff that they came into direct contact with weekly, by name. They were also able to explain the safety rules in the classroom, gym, and playground.
Our mascot 'Gingy' was found by the class, during music with Mrs. McFarlane, in the music room. He had quite an adventure! I think he even learned a new musical instrument!
Monday, October 13, 2014
Happy Thanksgiving
I wish all of my students and their families a very happy, and safe Thanksgiving!
Letter of the week
Letter of the week has been a great success, students have been very diligent and creative with their items.
This week is C. Please encourage your child to explore around the house and find items that begin with C.
Ask them to sound out the item to discover the beginning letter sound.
Patterns
Students are learning about patterns around them. Items may include colour, shape and size. Ask your child to point out a pattern and have them explain the pattern.
Rhyming
We are also learning about rhymes in class. Students can make up words, called nonsense rhymes or use actual words. Students learn to create rhyming words by changing the beginning letter sound and replacing it with another letter. Try asking your child to rhyme their name by changing the beginning letter sound from other letters in the alphabet.
Scholastic
I sent home scholastic order forms on Friday. If you would like to order from this brochure please have your cheque in by October 22nd.
School forms
Please get your forms in to me before the end of the week! I would like to get these forms into the office soon, they are taking up valuable table space in the classroom.
Kindergarten fees
This is probably my least favourite part of teaching kindergarten, asking parents for $. These fees are used to purchase class supplies for the entire year. If you would like to purchase supplies on your own, please check with the office for a list of items. Also, let me know if this is your plan so I can budget appropriately for the class supplies.
Outdoor clothing and a change of clothes is very important at this time of year, children are outside every recess and lunch.
Hot lunch
Please provide your child with a water bottle, snacks and utensils on Fridays. The hot lunch does not include snacks and utensils.
Thank you parents for the great support at home!
Have a great week,
Wendy Rogers
Letter of the week
Letter of the week has been a great success, students have been very diligent and creative with their items.
This week is C. Please encourage your child to explore around the house and find items that begin with C.
Ask them to sound out the item to discover the beginning letter sound.
Patterns
Students are learning about patterns around them. Items may include colour, shape and size. Ask your child to point out a pattern and have them explain the pattern.
Rhyming
We are also learning about rhymes in class. Students can make up words, called nonsense rhymes or use actual words. Students learn to create rhyming words by changing the beginning letter sound and replacing it with another letter. Try asking your child to rhyme their name by changing the beginning letter sound from other letters in the alphabet.
Scholastic
I sent home scholastic order forms on Friday. If you would like to order from this brochure please have your cheque in by October 22nd.
School forms
Please get your forms in to me before the end of the week! I would like to get these forms into the office soon, they are taking up valuable table space in the classroom.
Kindergarten fees
This is probably my least favourite part of teaching kindergarten, asking parents for $. These fees are used to purchase class supplies for the entire year. If you would like to purchase supplies on your own, please check with the office for a list of items. Also, let me know if this is your plan so I can budget appropriately for the class supplies.
Outdoor clothing and a change of clothes is very important at this time of year, children are outside every recess and lunch.
Hot lunch
Please provide your child with a water bottle, snacks and utensils on Fridays. The hot lunch does not include snacks and utensils.
Thank you parents for the great support at home!
Have a great week,
Wendy Rogers
Sunday, October 5, 2014
The week of October 6-10
Show and tell
Friday marked our first show and tell of the year, and was very successful! From wisdom teeth to owl pellets, the children really made it interesting!
I appreciate the thought that went into each item, well done! I look forward to next week!
This week our class will continue to explore fall and all the great things it brings! We will focus on leaves, colours, rhyming, shapes, the letter B, and of course Thanksgiving Day. Ask your child the name of the new month and what special days we celebrate this month.
Letter of the week
Please encourage your child to sound out the letter B and think about items around them that start with a B. Parents can facilitate learning letter sound recognition by asking their child to point out the letter B during story time and sound out words that start with a B.
Student folders
I am happy to say student folders will be ready to go home this Friday. Each student has an individual folder that will be sent home on Fridays and returned the following school day. Student work, messages home, and communication from school will be placed in the folder. Please remove all contents weekly. Feel free to send a note or e-mail me with questions or concerns.
Scholastic books
I will be sending home scholastic book order forms on Friday. Scholastic books are a good way to encourage a love of reading, at a very reasonable price, but please don't feel obligated to purchase these books.
Sight word booklets
Students will be bringing home sight word booklets throughout the year. This week is about leaves. Each booklet contains simple sentences with frequently used words (the, a at, ect). Ask your child to point out the sight word on each page and practice reading the booklet with your child.
Reminder
All school forms and fees are due! Please return all forms and school fees to me directly.
Entertainment books
If you wish to purchase the entertainment book sent home on Friday, fiil out the form and include the fee inside the envelop provided, then slip it into the PAC information box in the hall, directly across from the main office. Parents that do not want to purchase a book, return the book inside the bag provided, to me ASAP. PAC will collect them from the classroom.
Have a great week!
Friday marked our first show and tell of the year, and was very successful! From wisdom teeth to owl pellets, the children really made it interesting!
I appreciate the thought that went into each item, well done! I look forward to next week!
This week our class will continue to explore fall and all the great things it brings! We will focus on leaves, colours, rhyming, shapes, the letter B, and of course Thanksgiving Day. Ask your child the name of the new month and what special days we celebrate this month.
Letter of the week
Please encourage your child to sound out the letter B and think about items around them that start with a B. Parents can facilitate learning letter sound recognition by asking their child to point out the letter B during story time and sound out words that start with a B.
Student folders
I am happy to say student folders will be ready to go home this Friday. Each student has an individual folder that will be sent home on Fridays and returned the following school day. Student work, messages home, and communication from school will be placed in the folder. Please remove all contents weekly. Feel free to send a note or e-mail me with questions or concerns.
Scholastic books
I will be sending home scholastic book order forms on Friday. Scholastic books are a good way to encourage a love of reading, at a very reasonable price, but please don't feel obligated to purchase these books.
Sight word booklets
Students will be bringing home sight word booklets throughout the year. This week is about leaves. Each booklet contains simple sentences with frequently used words (the, a at, ect). Ask your child to point out the sight word on each page and practice reading the booklet with your child.
Reminder
All school forms and fees are due! Please return all forms and school fees to me directly.
Entertainment books
If you wish to purchase the entertainment book sent home on Friday, fiil out the form and include the fee inside the envelop provided, then slip it into the PAC information box in the hall, directly across from the main office. Parents that do not want to purchase a book, return the book inside the bag provided, to me ASAP. PAC will collect them from the classroom.
Have a great week!
Thursday, October 2, 2014
October is here!
The second week of kindergarten is underway and my students are adapting to the routines of full-time kindergarten very well!
Just a reminder:
- if you have not yet filled out the seemingly endless amount of paper work necessary each year, please try to complete it asap! Also a reminder that the kindergarten supply fee of $45.00 is also due.
IB curriculum night Thursday October 2, 2014
I will be here from 5:00-5:30 to discuss the kindergarten curriculum
The six units covered this year include:
1. How we organize ourselves
2. Who we are
3. How we express ourselves
4. How the world works
5. Sharing the planet
6. Who we are in place and time
Before I begin each unit I will send a letter home summarizing the unit and how you can support your child's learning.
At the end of each unit I will send home a report. This report is not a formal evaluation, it is a way of explaining your child's understanding of the unit.
If you have questions about any of the units, or anything else please e-mail me.
Just a reminder:
- if you have not yet filled out the seemingly endless amount of paper work necessary each year, please try to complete it asap! Also a reminder that the kindergarten supply fee of $45.00 is also due.
IB curriculum night Thursday October 2, 2014
I will be here from 5:00-5:30 to discuss the kindergarten curriculum
The six units covered this year include:
1. How we organize ourselves
2. Who we are
3. How we express ourselves
4. How the world works
5. Sharing the planet
6. Who we are in place and time
Before I begin each unit I will send a letter home summarizing the unit and how you can support your child's learning.
At the end of each unit I will send home a report. This report is not a formal evaluation, it is a way of explaining your child's understanding of the unit.
If you have questions about any of the units, or anything else please e-mail me.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
The first week of school
The first week of school went very well. It has been a pleasure getting to know my new kindies and their parents!
This week we focused on getting to know our classmates, the classroom, school and establishing morning routines and expectations for school. Ask your child about 'monster manners' and have them give examples of 'above the line', 'below the line', and 'bottom line' behaviours.
On Monday we will begin our 'letter of the week' starting with A. I have asked students to bring something from home that begins with A, which we will share during carpet time. They were asked to conceal the item in a brown paper bag, or container that isn't transparent. This is not mandatory, but helps children to look around their environment to identify things that start with the letter of the week.
Library days are Tuesday and Friday. Students may take out one book per visit. Books may be exchanged during visits to the library, but ONLY if they return their original book.
Music is on Thursday
I'm still waiting to find out gym times, and will let all of you know as soon as I do. I encourage parents to provide indoor shoes that can be functional and appropriate for the gym.
I am unable to attend Tuesdays IB curriculum night, due to a previous commitment. I will however be available on Thursday from 5:00pm-5:30pm to meet with and discuss IB and the curriculum with those parents that are interested in attending.
Thank you to all parents for their support and encouragement, I am looking forward to the new school year!
Wendy Rogers
This week we focused on getting to know our classmates, the classroom, school and establishing morning routines and expectations for school. Ask your child about 'monster manners' and have them give examples of 'above the line', 'below the line', and 'bottom line' behaviours.
On Monday we will begin our 'letter of the week' starting with A. I have asked students to bring something from home that begins with A, which we will share during carpet time. They were asked to conceal the item in a brown paper bag, or container that isn't transparent. This is not mandatory, but helps children to look around their environment to identify things that start with the letter of the week.
Library days are Tuesday and Friday. Students may take out one book per visit. Books may be exchanged during visits to the library, but ONLY if they return their original book.
Music is on Thursday
I'm still waiting to find out gym times, and will let all of you know as soon as I do. I encourage parents to provide indoor shoes that can be functional and appropriate for the gym.
I am unable to attend Tuesdays IB curriculum night, due to a previous commitment. I will however be available on Thursday from 5:00pm-5:30pm to meet with and discuss IB and the curriculum with those parents that are interested in attending.
Thank you to all parents for their support and encouragement, I am looking forward to the new school year!
Wendy Rogers
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
A brand new school year 2014-2015... Welcome all parents and students!
September 24th, 2014
Dear Parents/Guardians;
I would like to take the time to welcome you and your child
to a new school year! Kindergarten
is a fun and very exciting time for everyone involved. I am happy to be back teaching and look
forward to a brand new group of students!
I would like to thank all of you for supporting my
instructions for dropping off and picking up your child each day. Your support really helps the students
learn independence during their transition to full-day kindergarten.
*Just a reminder all students and parents are asked to enter
the school no earlier than 9:45, and please say your good-byes outside of the
classroom. During regular school
hours, I will continue to walk the children to the front entrance of the
school, and dismiss them at 2:55 (1:55 on Wednesdays).
*Starting Thursday children may bring an extra change of
clothing and indoor shoes. Indoor
shoes should be something they can go outside in, in case of an emergency, and
can be worn during gym class.
Indoor shoes are to remain at the school, on the shelf outside of the
classroom.
*Please let me know if your child has any dietary concerns.
Starting next Friday children are invited to bring an item
from home for show and tell. I encourage students to bring something ‘unique’
or ‘different’. I ask that parents
help children make an appropriate choice that does not include toys, or
stuffies.
I do not know at this time when children will have a regular
gym, or library time but will let you know ASAP.
I look forward to getting to know your child throughout the
year. Please feel free to contact
me via e-mail at wrogers@sd44.bc.ca.
Also check out my blog for any new information regarding our class at teacherrogersw@blogspot.com.
Sincerely,
Wendy Rogers
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Happy Groundhog Day!
I guess it depends on what part of North America you choose, the answer will be different, an early spring, or 6 more weeks of winter?
On Friday my students learned about Groundhog Day, a little bit about why we have a Groundhog Day and what the choices are, and why? Each student made a choice between option #1) Yes, the groundhog will see its shadow and there will be 6 more weeks of winter, and option #2) No, the groundhog will not see its shadow and spring will come early. Then they drew a picture of a groundhog. Some may have a shadow, some not! Ask them which option they chose and why?
Please follow up on our discussion with your child and decide which it will be? I know we are all hoping for an early spring, but the local forecast may indicate something entirely different!
Jung Hei Fat Choy
Also on Friday my students were introduced to a story about the "Cat and the Rat"- a story about how the Emperor of China chose what animal would be selected for each month of the Chinese calendar. Each student chose one of the animals,drew it, then printed the name of the animal. This was followed by students' decorating a lantern to help celebrate the Chinese New Year. Thank you to David for bringing all of our class members special tokens of "happiness and prosperity" which he shared for the Chinese New Year. This was very generous and helps us all have a better understanding of his culture.
If anyone would like to bring to attention any special holiday, or celebration within their own culture, please feel free to contact me so we can discuss how we can share this with the class.
The next week ahead
This week we will be exploring the letter "Rr'" so keep on encouraging your child to bring things from home that start with the "letter of the week". This has become a favorite circle time activity and thank you to all who have helped your child to think "outside of the box" and bring original items each day!
TOPA time is here! All parents received a letter home on Friday. This will take place on Tuesday, 6-8 teachers in the school, including myself will take small groups of children and administer the test. It is something we are already doing in school-beginning letter sounds, and will not be anything new to your child.
*Please remember that Friday, February 7th is a Pro-D and that school is not in session!
Have a great week!
On Friday my students learned about Groundhog Day, a little bit about why we have a Groundhog Day and what the choices are, and why? Each student made a choice between option #1) Yes, the groundhog will see its shadow and there will be 6 more weeks of winter, and option #2) No, the groundhog will not see its shadow and spring will come early. Then they drew a picture of a groundhog. Some may have a shadow, some not! Ask them which option they chose and why?
Please follow up on our discussion with your child and decide which it will be? I know we are all hoping for an early spring, but the local forecast may indicate something entirely different!
Jung Hei Fat Choy
Also on Friday my students were introduced to a story about the "Cat and the Rat"- a story about how the Emperor of China chose what animal would be selected for each month of the Chinese calendar. Each student chose one of the animals,drew it, then printed the name of the animal. This was followed by students' decorating a lantern to help celebrate the Chinese New Year. Thank you to David for bringing all of our class members special tokens of "happiness and prosperity" which he shared for the Chinese New Year. This was very generous and helps us all have a better understanding of his culture.
If anyone would like to bring to attention any special holiday, or celebration within their own culture, please feel free to contact me so we can discuss how we can share this with the class.
The next week ahead
This week we will be exploring the letter "Rr'" so keep on encouraging your child to bring things from home that start with the "letter of the week". This has become a favorite circle time activity and thank you to all who have helped your child to think "outside of the box" and bring original items each day!
TOPA time is here! All parents received a letter home on Friday. This will take place on Tuesday, 6-8 teachers in the school, including myself will take small groups of children and administer the test. It is something we are already doing in school-beginning letter sounds, and will not be anything new to your child.
*Please remember that Friday, February 7th is a Pro-D and that school is not in session!
Have a great week!
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
January 2014
Happy New Year!
I hope everyone had a restful time with family and friends. Thank you to all of my wonderful parents/guardians for their very generous holiday gift, it was very special that many of you took the time to meet at the end of the day and present me with my gift. I treasure each child in my class and am inspired, each and every day, by their desire to learn!A new year and a new IB unit- Materials
We begin the new year with a new unit called "How the World Works"
-we will inquire into the natural world and explore the interactions between the natural world and human societies.
Our central idea is that "All materials have qualities that determine how they can be used".
You can carry on with this theme at home by asking your child questions about materials like wood, metal, paper, wool, leather, silk, and plastic.
"What is it made of?", Where did it come from?", What are the qualities of different materials?", and "Why do we use certain materials for objects?"
It would also be helpful if you could send different materials from home ( tiny boxes, beach glass, fabrics, ect) that we can discuss during our circle time, imagination centres and sharing activities.
This unit is great for developing curiosity, creativity, and research skills!
Letter of the week
Each week we focus on a letter of the alphabet in many of our activities. I am asking students to bring something from home that begins with the letter of the week. The week of January 6th-10th is Nn, January 13th- 17th is Oo, ect.
We are continuing our new recess routine
Children no longer eat their recess snack in the classroom. To prepare them for grade one I have changed their routine by getting them to take a snack out with them at recess. This not only allows them to gain greater independence, but it also allows for more instructional/activity time before the recess break. It would be great if parents could keep that in mind when packing their snacks for the day. Just a reminder that next Friday, on January the 17th there will be no school!
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