Thurs., Oct. 18, 2007  Letter

Mrs. Lyman
klyman@manistee.org

Dear Kindergarten and First Grade Families,

            Some students still need to bring in 20 pennies, 5 nickels, 10 dimes and 2 quarters in a Ziploc bag for math.  Please bring the coins in as soon as possible if you have not done so already.  Thank-you!

            Someone ordered Barbie as the Island princess and Inside my body from the Scholastic book order.  If you are missing these books let me know!  There wasn’t a name on the order so I’m not sure who they go to. L

            I have included a revised student of the week schedule.  Please check to see what week your child will be featured on our All About Me board.  Information will come in Thursday folders the Thursday before your child’s week.

            The kindergarteners finished their study of all the letters and sounds.  We will continue to review them for a bit and then move into nursery rhyme activities and introducing word family words.

            We have been participating in literacy work stations last week and this week.  These are areas within the classroom where students work alone or with a partner to complete activities which will expand their literacy.  They will be practicing reading, writing, speaking, listening and working with letters and words.  The literacy work stations are done while I am working with a guided reading group.

            I will begin teaching first grade guided reading groups next week.  For those of you who have a student in first grade, I have included a packet that explains guided reading.  What I have been doing is having the students read beginning reader books to determine their reading level in order to place them into an appropriate group for practicing the skills they need to improve upon.  First graders will begin bringing books home to read that are at their specific level.  If they seem to get through them too fast, be sure to ask them about the book.  They should be able to tell you several details about the story.  When I work with them in their guided reading group I am using a bit more challenging books in order to practices reading strategies.

            Our next trip to the Onekama Public library will be Wednesday, November 7th.  Be sure your child returns their books by that day. 

            Our field trip to the Fire Department is next week Wednesday, October 24th.  We will be leaving school at about 12:30.  Anyone is welcome!  Please be sure your child is dressed appropriately because we will be walking.  I have a feeling this warm weather will soon be ending.

            The first graders will be taking their first magazine test next week.  It is an assessment that goes along with our basal reading series.  It will test students in the areas of reading, comprehension, phonics and decoding and writing.  Please be sure that your child gets plenty of rest and eats a good breakfast.

 Questions to ask your child this week are the following:

            Kindergarten

1)      Can you tell me some words that begin with the letters Vv, Ww, Xx, Yy and Zz?

2)      Can you count by 1’s up to 50?

First Grade

1)  Can you read these words and use them in a sentence? Came, am, he, said, me, too             What other words can be made with the –am word ending?

2)  What type of clock do have on the wall at school? (analog)

3)  Can you tell me the differences between a chick and a duckling? 

Have a great weekend!!!

Sincerely,      

Mrs. Lyman

klyman@manistee.org

889-5521

http://www.onekama.k12.mi.us/e2008/g1-K/index.htm

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