Dear Kindergarten Families,

          This week our literacy centers have focused on the letter Qq.  Language has been Qq books and two rhyme time activities.  The writing center asked that students practice the letter Qq, write a Qq sentence, write a second journal page about anything and use the words quilt, quail, quarter and queen in a story.  At the math center they rolled dice to make addition problems and chose one problem to use for writing a number story.  They also had to fill-in a math activity with a variety of missing numbers.  They had to count and fill-in the number that was left out.  At the theme center we made a sun and moon and wrote the words sun and moon.  We also wrote about how old we would be on other planets.

          What a super Good Behavior Ski Day!!!  We all had so much fun.  It was an absolutely gorgeous day!  I want to thank all of you who joined us yesterday.  It was very, very helpful to have you.  It could not have gone as smoothly without you so thanks so much!

          March is reading month and we have many fun activities planned.  In the folders you will find a flyer that asks you to bring in Dr. Seuss books.  We will also be making hats to wear one day.  In order to make hats I need some supplies.  If you have anything that could be used to make unique hats I would appreciate donations.  We can utilize anything!  We could use silk flowers, wrapping paper, ribbon, pipe cleaners, felt, buttons, stickers, pom pons, etc.  Please bring in anything that would be fun to decorate with.

Miss Schultz's Main Page  

kschultz@manistee.org

As promised in the beginning of the year I would like to give you an update on the core academic areas.

          Language:  During the month of February we have continued to gain mastery of the letters and their sounds.  We have done many nursery rhyme activities from which the children have been asked to listen for rhyming words and asked to make new rhyming words.  They have all begun to read beginning level books.  We will continue reading these books each week as part of homework and I plan to implement some guided reading groups.

          Writing:  Each student is growing more and more as a writer.  Throughout the course of this month we have been practicing some writing pieces so that we can begin to write for our writing folders that travel with us from grade to grade.  Half of my class is writing two or more sentences and half are still practicing the ability to hear each sound in the words.  They are all very successful and grow a little each week.  Next week we will begin writing pieces to put in our folders and we will be working on stories to be put into our bare books.

          Math:  We have learned the value of a penny, nickel, dime, quarter and dollar bill.  We have practiced purchasing items at a pretend store and counting the change.  We have practiced figuring out whether or not we have enough money.  We have learned how to measure in centimeters and inches with a ruler.  Each student can tell time by the hour and half hour.  They have been introduced to fractions and we continue to practice simple addition problems and will soon begin simple subtraction.

          They have all come a long way and I am so very proud and excited about their accomplishments.  I am so happy I have the classroom of students that I do.  They are a marvelous bunch!

          I apologize for such a lengthy newsletter, but we have been so busy learning so many things this month I wanted you to be updated.  Take care and enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend.  I think Spring is well on its way!!

Sincerely,

Miss Schultz