It has been so wonderful to be back at school with the kids.  We are all rested, focused and ready to learn full speed over the next few months.  This week we have been studying the letter Mm.  At the language and writing center students completed their letter Mm book, two new Mm tongue twisters and they practiced writing the letter Mm and using an Mm word in a sentence.  I have begun to have brief conferences with them regarding their writing.  This allows us to talk about how they can improve their writing and then fix the problem areas.  I have been turning their journals back a few pages and it is fun and exciting for them to see the difference.

            At the math center this week they have been making January calendars and writing their numbers to 110.  Our high school aide, Ashley Zupin is in our classroom all day until the 17th, so she has been helping out at this center.

            At the theme art center my parent volunteers have been reading The Mitten by Jan Brett and making mittens and coloring the animals of the story.  Their hand-made story props allow them to retell the story and practice their sequencing skills.  On Friday afternoon when each student has finished making their props we will read the story once more and use the props as it is read.

            Next week I will begin sending a homework folder home.  The activities in the folder will be linked to what we have been doing in school.  The details of what I expect will be inside the folder.  Please look for these next week Thursday.

            I also want to remind you about our hat day tomorrow.  Our High School Student Council and National Honor Society have organized this to raise money for the Tsunami Relief Fund.  Kindergarteners can wear a hat by donating 25 cents to the cause.  If you want to donate more I am sure they will accept that.  Please write me a note if you are planning to donate more than the 25 cents.

            Questions to ask your children this week are the following:

1. What sound does the letter Mm make?
2. Can you tell me 3-5 words that begin with the letter Mm?
3. Can you count to 12 in Spanish?
4. Can you tell me any of the Spanish color words?

 Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Miss Schultz

kschultz@manistee.org

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