Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004

Dear Kindergarten Families,

Our Christmas around the world unit has focused on the traditions of Hanukah (Israel) and St. Nicholas (Holland and Germany). At the theme art center children played the driedel game, learned about and made a menorah, made and decorated wooden shoes for St. Nicholas to fill with goodies and wrapped a gift in several boxes with clues to give to another center group.

The language and writing center focused on the letter Jj. Children completed a letter Jj book, learned 2 Jj tongue twisters, practiced writing the letter Jj, drew an object that begins with Jj and wrote a sentence about the object they drew.

At the math center students did domino math. They chose dominos, counted the dots and wrote the matching number. We talked about symmetry and they made symmetrical pictures with paint and also by cutting a given pattern. They also made flash cards for counting by twos. Please use these cards at home as this is a Kindergarten requirement. Their cards go to 20, but always have them practice up to as high a number as they are able.

kschultz@manistee.org

http://www.onekama.k12.mi.us/e2005/kdg/

The children and I are thrilled to be getting the opportunity to go see The Polar Express!! This is my favorite Christmas story and I can’t wait to go see the movie on Monday. Many of you have already brought in your three dollars. Please bring this in tomorrow if you haven’t yet. Please leave extra money at home as we will not be purchasing any snacks — Thanks!! You may bring in your wrapped unisex book for our exchange at any time. I need them before our holiday party on the 22nd. I am also continuing to accept any money your child has earned to help a child in need. I need all of this money on or before the 17th. I plan to go shopping that weekend for the items.

Questions to ask your child this week are the following:

  1. What sound does the letter Jj make?
  2. Can you tell me 3-5 words that begin with the letter Jj?
  3. What is the Hanukah candelabra called? How many nights is Hanukah celebrated? What game is popular during the Hanukah season?
  4. What is the tradition that kids in Holland look forward to during this season?
  5. Can you tell me the special way that people in Holland and Germany wrap their holiday gifts to one another?

Have a wonderful weekend!! If you have any of the supplies that were on my list last week we would really appreciate them!! Thank-you!

Miss Schultz

Main Onekama School Page: http://www.onekama.k12.mi.us