USE THESE RESOURCES AT HOME!
⭐Tap HERE to find HEART WORDS that we focus on in kindergarten.
⭐Tap HERE to find the verbal paths for writing LOWERCASE letters correctly.
⭐Tap HERE for find the verbal paths for writing UPPERCASE letters correctly.
⭐Tap HERE to find a video that shows LETTER-KEYWORD-SOUND for the alphabet.
⭐Tap HERE to find the NUMBER POEMS we use for correct number formation!
**Make sure kids have backpacks or bags so they can bring home their school belongings!**
⭐We have earned 1000 LEAP stars - the first K class in history to do so! I will supply a special snack, including popsicles and watch a short movie!
🍎May 21: "graduation" ceremony from 10:45-11:30 in our room and then we walk to the park for a kindergarten family picnic from 11:30-12:30. All kids need a lunch from home and so do families if you are staying for the picnic.
Coming Home in Friday Folders - PLEASE KEEP FRIDAY FOLDERS AT HOME
(you may not see all the information - students who are oldest or only children receive everything)
FRS End-of-Year Survey
Whole School Creekside End of the Year Picnic info
Rainbow Stew recipe from our read aloud book - the kids asked for us to send the recipe home!
student work
math book
Specials Next Week: C
art: clay projects are coming home on Monday and portfolios on Tuesday!
Tuesday is our last library day - return ALL books
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Morning Meeting Mindfulness with Mr. Ozzie
Candle Breathing: we did a similar breathing technique with Dr. Ozzie - Hold up five fingers and pretend each finger is a candle. Breathe in through your nose and gently blow on the tip of one finger to blow the candle out. Repeat with all five fingers.
Visualize a lemon tree: Imagine picking a lemon from a tree. Squeeze it really hard by making your hand (or hands) into tight fists. Really squeeze! Keep doing this until you feel calmer. Now you have some lemonade to drink ;-). This Fist Breathing Exercise is similar.
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading
Module 8: From Pant to Plate
Essential Question: How do plants become food?
Week 3 & 4: Growing into Plants - becoming food and from farm to table
Eating the Rainbow - gathering ingredients and making meals step-by-step
Texts: PB & J Hooray!, Rainbow Stew, and How Does Your Salad Grow?
Power Words for this week (vocabulary)
peal
row
serve
Focus: we are introducing many topics that kids will continuing learning about, even in high school
set a purpose - reading for fun or to learn
picture it/visualize - using our 5 senses to picture in our minds what is going on in the text we are reading
make and check predictions
making inferences - use text and picture clues along with what you know (background knowledge)
character clues: how a character acts, feels, speaks, and thinks
onset and rime: in the word "cat", /c/ is the onset and /at/ is the rime
rhyming words: identifying words that rhyme and giving our own rhyming words
informational texts: books that teach about a topic
text features: glossary, index, heading, table of content, pictures and diagrams with labels, maps
topic: what the text is about in a few words
central idea: the most important idea in a text
key details: facts or examples that give information about the central idea
synonyms (words that mean the same) and antonyms (words that mean the opposite)
alliteration - words that start with the same sound
Writing and Fundations
We completed our "I Am..." poems and self portraits. They are amazing and I can't wait for you to enjoy them at our little "graduation" ceremony on May 21 at 10:45!
We are working on Memory Books. I hope you and your children enjoy looking at them together!
We know so much about letter sounds and how to segment and blend them!
We are reading and writing more blends, digraphs, and plural "s" endings!
We don't have to think very hard about leaving spaces between our words!
We are using uppercase letters at the beginning of sentences and end marks at the end of sentences!
We are finding that we can read lots of big words by finding nonsense CVC words and small heart words that we know. Using syllables is a good strategy to use, too!
I, a, me, we, see, the, and, go, to, is, it, he, you, in, by, or, can, love, on, for, do, my, of, at, she, have, like, so, am, an, from, will, are, look, was, has, his, all, if, here, one, they, this
Math
We played favorite math games this week!
Favorite Books from the Week
Richard Byrne series: This book just ate my dog!; This book is out of control!; We're in the wrong book!
Mo Willems: Hooray for Amanda and Her Alligator; That Is NOT a Good Idea! ( We found many connections between Good News! Bad News!; That's Good! No, That's Bad!; and That is NOT a Good Idea!)
An old favorite: The Bad Mood and the Stick
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
Why are you feeling bittersweet about the end of the school year? What thinigs might help you get through big emotions?
What has been your favorite part of kindergarten? Why?
Upcoming Dates
May 18: 1000 LEAP Star Celebration
May 20: Whole School Creekside End of the Year Picnic Party - flyer in Friday Folder
May 21: last day of school for students AND kindergarten end-of-year celebration
May 22: last day of school for teachers
Big emotions may be more common in the coming weeks. Here are some articles you may find helpful.
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are oldest or only children receive everything)
student work
Specials Next Week: B
music
library day is Tuesday - return ALL books
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Morning Meeting Mindfulness with Mr. Ozzie
Gratitude Breathing: when you breathe out (exhale) think of something or someone you are grateful for
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading - we started our last module for the year!
Module 8: From Pant to Plate
Essential Question: How do plants become food?
Week 2: Sprouting Underground - underground world and worms at work
Texts: Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt and Earthworms
Power Words for this week (vocabulary)
burrow
soil
vine
Focus: we are introducing many topics that kids will continuing learning about, even in high school
picture it/visualize - using our 5 senses to picture in our minds what is going on in the text we are reading
make and check predictions
making inferences - use text and picture clues along with what you know (background knowledge)
character clues: how a character acts, feels, speaks, and thinks
onset and rime: in the word "cat", /c/ is the onset and /at/ is the rime
rhyming words: identifying words that rhyme and giving our own rhyming words
informational texts: books that teach about a topic
text features: glossary, index, heading, table of content, pictures and diagrams with labels, maps
topic: what the text is about in a few words
central idea: the most important idea in a text
key details: facts or examples that give information about the central idea
synonyms (words that mean the same) and antonyms (words that mean the opposite)
alliteration - words that start with the same sound
Writing
We are poets! We are writing a poem about ourselves called "I Am..." and you will see the finished masterpieces on May 21st during our classroom ceremony!
We focus on - so many of us are doing all of this!!!
leaving spaces between our words
drawing and writing about characters and setting
using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and for names
using end punctuation (period, question mark, exclamation mark) at the end of sentences
We continue learning about nouns, verbs, past-tense verbs, and adjectives.
Fundations
we are learning about blends (examples: br, sw, pl, sk)
we introduced the rhyme "When two vowels go a-walking, the first one does the talking!" to be aware of vowel digraphs (examples: ea, oa)
we are practicing dictation with letters, words, and whole sentences that use heart words and CVC words
we continue to practice long and short vowel sounds
we learned that sounds are called phonemes
we are blending and segmenting sounds for many different words like:
/b/ /e/ is be (blending sounds and saying the word)
/f/ /or/ is for
help is /h/ /e/ /l/ /p/ (saying a word and segmenting sounds)
her is /h/ /er/
we are focusing on tapping (segmenting), blending, reading, and writing CVC words
we are identifying and using digraphs: wh (like in whistle), ch (like in chin), sh (like in ship), th (soft or voiceless like in 'thumb' and hard or voiced like in 'the'), ck (at the end of words like sock)
we are segmenting and blending sounds to make and read CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, both real words (like mop, chap) and nonsense words (like zum, tig)
new words this week:
I, a, me, we, see, the, and, go, to, is, it, he, you, in, by, or, can, love, on, for, do, my, of, at, she, have, like, so, am, an, from, will, are, look, was, has, his, all, if, here, one, they, this
Math -
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We are learning about 3D shapes. We say that 3D shapes are solid and take up space. We compare 3D and 2D shapes, which are flat.
HERE is a favorite 3D shape video!
We are focusing on
teen numbers using a group of 10 and extra ones
writing numbers correctly 0-20
partners and unknown partners (7 = 4 + ?)
partners of 10
We are adding and subtracting within 10 in our Math Expressions workbooks.
We are using 5-groups and 10-groups to help us subitize larger sets/groups.
Favorite Books from the Week
Franklin Endicott and the Third Key; A Very Mercy Christmas; Good News Bad News
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
Is there a job that you learned about this week that you would like to learn more about?
What job do you think you would like to do when you grow up? What do you think you would need to be successful in that job?
Upcoming Dates
NEW DATE May 11: K/1 Field Day from 12:30-2:00pm
May 15: we will explore the Creekside garden
May 21: last day of school for students AND end-of-year celebration
May 22: last day of school for teachers
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are oldest or only children receive everything)
Clinica Family Health information
student work
Specials Next Week: A
PE - wear sneakers that tie or Velcro
library day is Tuesday - return books by Tuesday morning
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Morning Meeting Mindfulness with Mr. Ozzie
astronaut breathing - imagine you are floating in space while you breathe
shoulder shrug breathing - breathe in through your nose and shrug your shoulders up to your ears and then breathe out through your mouth while you relax your shoulders
whale breathing - breathe in through your nose, breathe out through your round mouth as you tip your head back and gently look up
frog breathing - imagine you are a frog sitting on a lily pad in a calm pond - what do you see and hear?
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading - we started our last module for the year!
Module 8: From Pant to Plate
Essential Question: How do plants become food?
Week 1: starting with seeds - planting food and needing soil, sun, and water
Texts: Plants Feed Me and Planting Seeds - two different types of informational texts
Power Words (vocabulary)
garden
harvest
plant
bloom
root
seed
Focus: we are introducing many topics that kids will continuing learning about, even in high school
picture it/visualize - using our 5 senses to picture in our minds what is going on in the text we are reading
make and check predictions
making inferences - use text and picture clues along with what you know (background knowledge)
character clues: how a character acts, feels, speaks, and thinks
onset and rime: in the word "cat", /c/ is the onset and /at/ is the rime
rhyming words: identifying words that rhyme and giving our own rhyming words
informational texts: books that teach about a topic
text features: glossary, index, heading, table of content, pictures and diagrams with labels, maps
topic: what the text is about in a few words
central idea: the most important idea in a text
key details: facts or examples that give information about the central idea
synonyms (words that mean the same) and antonyms (words that mean the opposite)
alliteration - words that start with the same sound
Writing
We continue to write our own riddles.
We focus on - so many of us are doing all of this!!!
leaving spaces between our words
drawing and writing about characters and setting
using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and for names
using end punctuation (period, question mark, exclamation mark) at the end of sentences
We continue learning about nouns, verbs, past-tense verbs, and adjectives.
Fundations
we are learning about blends (examples: br, sw, pl, sk)
we introduced the rhyme "When two vowels go a-walking, the first one does the talking!" to be aware of vowel digraphs (examples: ea, oa)
we are practicing dictation with letters, words, and whole sentences that use heart words and CVC words
we continue to practice long and short vowel sounds
we learned that sounds are called phonemes
we are blending and segmenting sounds for many different words like:
/b/ /e/ is be (blending sounds and saying the word)
/f/ /or/ is for
help is /h/ /e/ /l/ /p/ (saying a word and segmenting sounds)
her is /h/ /er/
we are focusing on tapping (segmenting), blending, reading, and writing CVC words
we are identifying and using digraphs: wh (like in whistle), ch (like in chin), sh (like in ship), th (soft or voiceless like in 'thumb' and hard or voiced like in 'the'), ck (at the end of words like sock)
we are segmenting and blending sounds to make and read CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, both real words (like mop, chap) and nonsense words (like zum, tig)
new words this week: with
I, a, me, we, see, the, and, go, to, is, it, he, you, in, by, or, can, love, on, for, do, my, of, at, she, have, like, so, am, an, from, will, are, look, was, has, his, all, if, here, one, they, this
Math -
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We are focusing on
teen numbers using a group of 10 and extra ones
writing numbers correctly 0-20
partners and unknown partners (7 = 4 + ?)
partners of 10
Compare (War): play with with greater winning and then with less winning!
We are adding and subtracting within 10 in our Math Expressions workbooks.
We are using 5-groups and 10-groups to help us subitize larger sets/groups.
Favorite Books from the Week
Franklin Endicott and the Third Key; Du Iz Tak?
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
Would you rather have a magic fairy grow all your own food or have a kind giant buy all your food from the grocery store? Why?
Would you rather grow vegetables in your garden or grow flowers in your garden? Why?
Upcoming Dates
May 4-8: Dare to Dream week - we will learn about different careers and explore what we might like to do in the future
NEW DATE May 11: K/1 Field Day from 12:30-2:00pm
May 15: we will explore the Creekside garden
May 21: last day of school for students AND end-of-year celebration (more info coming in May)
May 22: last day of school for teachers
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are oldest or only children receive everything)
student work
Specials Next Week: C
art
library day is Tuesday - return books by Tuesday morning
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Morning Meeting Mindfulness with Mr. Ozzie: we learned a similar breathing technique (4, 5, 6 breathing) to this Bubble Breathing.
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading
Module 7: Zoom In!
Essential Question: What can I learn when I look closely?
Week 4: Understanding Creatures Big and Small - sharing spaces and respecting living things
Texts: Hey, Little Ant and Ants
We learned about persuasive texts and learned that characters or the author have opinions and give us reasons to agree with them.
Focus: we are introducing many topics that kids will continuing learning about, even in high school
picture it/visualize - using our 5 senses to picture in our minds what is going on in the text we are reading
make and check predictions
making inferences - use text and picture clues along with what you know (background knowledge)
character clues: how a character acts, feels, speaks, and thinks
onset and rime: in the word "cat", /c/ is the onset and /at/ is the rime
rhyming words: identifying words that rhyme and giving our own rhyming words
informational texts: books that teach about a topic
text features: glossary, index, heading, table of content, pictures and diagrams with labels, maps
topic: what the text is about in a few words
central idea: the most important idea in a text
key details: facts or examples that give information about the central idea
synonyms (words that mean the same) and antonyms (words that mean the opposite)
alliteration - words that start with the same sound
Writing
We continue to write our own animal riddles.
We focus on - so many of us are doing all of this!!!
leaving spaces between our words
drawing and writing about characters and setting
using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and for names
using end punctuation (period, question mark, exclamation mark) at the end of sentences
We continue learning about nouns, verbs, past-tense verbs, and adjectives.
Fundations
we are learning about blends (examples: br, sw, pl, sk)
we introduced the rhyme "When two vowels go a-walking, the first one does the talking!" to be aware of vowel digraphs (examples: ea, oa)
we are practicing dictation with letters, words, and whole sentences that use heart words and CVC words
we continue to practice long and short vowel sounds
we learned that sounds are called phonemes
we are blending and segmenting sounds for many different words like:
/b/ /e/ is be (blending sounds and saying the word)
/f/ /or/ is for
help is /h/ /e/ /l/ /p/ (saying a word and segmenting sounds)
her is /h/ /er/
we are focusing on tapping (segmenting), blending, reading, and writing CVC words
we are identifying and using digraphs: wh (like in whistle), ch (like in chin), sh (like in ship), th (soft or voiceless like in 'thumb' and hard or voiced like in 'the'), ck (at the end of words like sock)
we are segmenting and blending sounds to make and read CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, both real words (like mop, chap) and nonsense words (like zum, tig)
new words this week: they, this
I, a, me, we, see, the, and, go, to, is, it, he, you, in, by, or, can, love, on, for, do, my, of, at, she, have, like, so, am, an, from, will, are, look, was, has, his, all, if, here, one
Math -
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We are focusing on
teen numbers using a group of 10 and extra ones
writing numbers correctly 0-20
partners and unknown partners (7 = 4 + ?)
partners of 10
Compare (War): play with with greater winning and then with less winning!
We are adding and subtracting within 10 in our Math Expressions workbooks.
We are using 5-groups and 10-groups to help us subitize larger sets/groups.
Favorite Books from the Week
Franklin Endicott and the Third Key;
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
If you had your very own garden, what would you plant in it? Why?
What is your favorite things to eat from a garden? Why?
Upcoming Dates
April 24: All-School Lasagna Dinner
April 28: 900 LEAP Star Celebration - kids can bring SMALL stuffies and blankets to school
NEW DATE May 11: K/1 Field Day from 12:30-2:00pm
May 21: last day of school for students AND end-of-year celebration (more info coming in May)
May 22: last day of school for teachers
🎵 The K/1 music concert is Monday, April 20 @ 8:10-8:55. 🎵
School starts at our regular time.
We need to line up in our classrooms and be in the Heart by 8:05.
Hope to see you there!
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are oldest or only children receive everything)
student work
Specials Next Week: B - specials are back to 1:05-1:55!
music
library day is Tuesday - return books by Tuesday morning
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
As we settle into our morning, we watch and listen to calming videos. Here is an example of one from this chimpanzee week!
Morning Meeting Mindfulness with Mr. Ozzie: we did deep breathing standing in different poses - mountain, rainbow, and giraffe.
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading
Our class family really go into learning about Jane Goodall and chimpanzees. We watched some videos to expand our learning and explore about our interests!
Module 7: Zoom In!
Essential Question: What can I learn when I look closely?
Week 3: Discovering New Worlds - watching closely and asking questions
Texts: Me...Jane and Jane Goodall and the Chimpanzees
We read biographies, a special kind of informational text.
Focus: we are introducing many topics that kids will continuing learning about, even in high school
picture it/visualize - using our 5 senses to picture in our minds what is going on in the text we are reading
make and check predictions
making inferences - use text and picture clues along with what you know (background knowledge)
character clues: how a character acts, feels, speaks, and thinks
onset and rime: in the word "cat", /c/ is the onset and /at/ is the rime
rhyming words: identifying words that rhyme and giving our own rhyming words
informational texts: books that teach about a topic
text features: glossary, index, heading, table of content, pictures and diagrams with labels, maps
topic: what the text is about in a few words
central idea: the most important idea in a text
key details: facts or examples that give information about the central idea
synonyms (words that mean the same) and antonyms (words that mean the opposite)
alliteration - words that start with the same sound
Writing
This week we learned how to write our own animal riddles. The kids LOVED writing riddles and everyone wrote at least four sentences. We shared our riddles with friends on Friday. It was so much fun getting to see everyone so engaged. Way to go authors and illustrators!
We focus on - so many of us are doing all of this!!!
leaving spaces between our words
drawing and writing about characters and setting
using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and for names
using end punctuation (period, question mark, exclamation mark) at the end of sentences
We continue learning about nouns, verbs, past-tense verbs, and adjectives.
Fundations
we are learning about blends (examples: br, sw, pl, sk)
we introduced the rhyme "When two vowels go a-walking, the first one does the talking!" to be aware of vowel digraphs (examples: ea, oa)
we are practicing dictation with letters, words, and whole sentences that use heart words and CVC words
we continue to practice long and short vowel sounds
we learned that sounds are called phonemes
we are blending and segmenting sounds for many different words like:
/b/ /e/ is be (blending sounds and saying the word)
/f/ /or/ is for
help is /h/ /e/ /l/ /p/ (saying a word and segmenting sounds)
her is /h/ /er/
we are focusing on tapping (segmenting), blending, reading, and writing CVC words
we are identifying and using digraphs: wh (like in whistle), ch (like in chin), sh (like in ship), th (soft or voiceless like in 'thumb' and hard or voiced like in 'the'), ck (at the end of words like sock)
we are segmenting and blending sounds to make and read CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, both real words (like mop, chap) and nonsense words (like zum, tig)
new words this week: here, one
I, a, me, we, see, the, and, go, to, is, it, he, you, in, by, or, can, love, on, for, do, my, of, at, she, have, like, so, am, an, from, will, are, look, was, has, his, all, if
Math -
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We are focusing on
teen numbers using a group of 10 and extra ones
writing numbers correctly 0-20
partners and unknown partners (7 = 4 + ?)
partners of 10
We learned a new math game - Compare (War) and played with with greater winning and then with less winning!
We are adding and subtracting within 10 in our Math Expressions workbooks.
We are using 5-groups and 10-groups to help us subitize larger sets/groups.
Favorite Books from the Week
Stella Endicott and the Anything-Is-Possible Poem; A Hungry Lion or a Dwindling Assortment of Animals; Norman Didn't Do It (Yes, He Did!)
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
Dr. Jane Goodall learned how to communicate/talk with chimpanzees. What animal would you like to learn to talk with and why?
What was the most surprising thing you learned about Jane Goodall or chimpanzees? Why was it surprising!
Upcoming Dates
April 20: K/1 Music Concert from 8:10-8:55am
April 22: Bike/Walk to School
April 24: all-school lasagna dinner
NEW DATE May 11: K/1 Field Day from 12:30-2:00pm
May 21: last day of school for students AND end-of-year celebration (more info coming in May)
May 22: last day of school for teachers
🏆 A message from Mrs. Butler, our librarian teacher! 🏆
Help the students shop for prizes!
Please join us in the library April 16 and 17 to help the first graders and kindergartners select their prizes from the arcade unit!
Sign up at Help at Schools. Thank you so much!
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are oldest or only children receive everything)
Creekside Cougars Dodgeball information
BVSD Community Fundraiser/Colorado Rockies info
student work
Specials Next Week: A - due to CMAS, our specials will be in the mornings from 9:40-10:30
PE - wear sneakers that tie or Velcro
library day is Tuesday - return books by Tuesday morning
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Sometimes we need to move our bodies. Here is a favorite Danny Go: Glow in the Dark Shapes Dance - and it is a fun way to review 2D shapes and move our bodies in a pattern.
Morning Meeting Mindfulness with Mr. Ozzie: we chose an animal pose to help us focus after breathing deeply. Try one of these poses!
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading
We took binoculars and magnifying glasses outside to the back of the school so we could "zoom in" to nature. We found ladybug larvae and pupas, a flicker, mites, ants, lots of flowers on trees, leaves, sand, dried rice, dried mung beans, dirt, dandelions in various stages, and so much more! You can watch the ladybug life cycle HERE!
Module 7: Zoom In!
Essential Question: What can I learn when I look closely?
Week 2: Appreciating Nature - connecting with the world around us and comparing
Texts: I Know the River Loves Me (we listened to it in English and Spanish) and Look Alike Animals
Focus: we are introducing many topics that kids will continuing learning about, even in high school
picture it/visualize - using our 5 senses to picture in our minds what is going on in the text we are reading
make and check predictions
making inferences - use text and picture clues along with what you know (background knowledge)
character clues: how a character acts, feels, speaks, and thinks
onset and rime: in the word "cat", /c/ is the onset and /at/ is the rime
rhyming words: identifying words that rhyme and giving our own rhyming words
informational texts: books that teach about a topic
text features: glossary, index, heading, table of content, pictures and diagrams with labels, maps
topic: what the text is about in a few words
central idea: the most important idea in a text
key details: facts or examples that give information about the central idea
synonyms (words that mean the same) and antonyms (words that mean the opposite)
alliteration - words that start with the same sound
Writing
This week we completed sentences and drew illustrations: My animal is a _____. My setting is _____. Then we shared our drawings and sentences with a partner and compared our animals and settings.
We focus on - so many of us are doing all of this!!!
leaving spaces between our words
drawing and writing about characters and setting
using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and for names
using end punctuation (period, question mark, exclamation mark) at the end of sentences
We continue learning about nouns, verbs, past-tense verbs, and adjectives.
Fundations
we are learning about blends
we introduced the rhyme "When two vowels go a-walking, the first one does the talking!" to be aware of vowel digraphs (examples: ea, oa)
we are practicing dictation with letters, words, and whole sentences that use heart words and CVC words
we continue to practice long and short vowel sounds
we learned that sounds are called phonemes
we are blending and segmenting sounds for many different words like:
/b/ /e/ is be (blending sounds and saying the word)
/f/ /or/ is for
help is /h/ /e/ /l/ /p/ (saying a word and segmenting sounds)
her is /h/ /er/
we are focusing on tapping (segmenting), blending, reading, and writing CVC words
we are identifying and using digraphs: wh (like in whistle), ch (like in chin), sh (like in ship), th (soft or voiceless like in 'thumb' and hard or voiced like in 'the'), ck (at the end of words like sock)
we are segmenting and blending sounds to make and read CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, both real words (like mop, chap) and nonsense words (like zum, tig)
new words this week:
I, a, me, we, see, the, and, go, to, is, it, he, you, in, by, or, can, love, on, for, do, my, of, at, she, have, like, so, am, an, from, will, are, look, was, has, his, all, if
Every month, Ms. Jeri helps us make a Morning Message book. We are reading left to right and top to bottom. We are finding and reading Heart Words. We are matching our voice to the word that our finger is pointing to (called voice-print match or one-to-one correspondence)
Math -
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We learned two new math games
Counters in a Cup: helps us learn partners and you can PLAY IT AT HOME!
Take It Away Again: helps us become more fluent at "take 1 away"
We are adding and subtracting within 10 in our Math Expressions workbooks.
We are using 5-groups and 10-groups to help us subitize larger sets/groups.
Favorite Books from the Week
The Peace Book; Stella Endicott and the Anything-Is-Possible Poem
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
What do you like to "zoom in" on? A sound? Something you like to look at? Something you like to feel? Why?
Explore your 5 senses: What is your favorite thing to see? To hear? To smell? To taste? To touch? Why?
Upcoming Dates
April 20: K/1 Music Concert from 8:10-8:55am
April 22: Bike/Walk to School
April 24: K/1 Field Day from 12:30-2:00pm
April 24: all-school lasagna dinner
May 21: last day of school for students AND end-of-year celebration (more info coming in May)
May 22: last day of school for teachers
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are oldest or only children receive everything)
class picture information or a class picture if you ordered one
student work
Specials Next Week: C
art - due to CMAS, our specials will be in the mornings from 9:40-10:30
library day is Tuesday - return books by Tuesday morning
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Melting is a favorite mindfulness activity!
Morning Meeting Mindfulness with Mr. Ozzie: one breathing technique we reviewed is a Hobermann Sphere breath. If you don't have a sphere, you can use your hands!
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading
Module 7: Zoom In!
Essential Question: What can I learn when I look closely?
Week 1: Noticing New Things: thinking differently and using our senses - we used sensory words in our writing and noticed LOTS of new things at Growing Gardens!
Texts: The Last Stop on Market Street and Not a Box
Focus: we are introducing many topics that kids will continuing learning about, even in high school
make and check predictions
making inferences - use text and picture clues along with what you know (background knowledge)
character clues: how a character acts, feels, speaks, and thinks
onset and rime: in the word "cat", /c/ is the onset and /at/ is the rime
rhyming words: identifying words that rhyme and giving our own rhyming words
informational texts: books that teach about a topic
text features: glossary, index, heading, table of content, pictures and diagrams with labels, maps
topic: what the text is about in a few words
central idea: the most important idea in a text
key details: facts or examples that give information about the central idea
synonyms (words that mean the same) and antonyms (words that mean the opposite)
alliteration - words that start with the same sound
Writing
This week we completed a sentence: It is not a box. It is a ____. We created a Not-a-Box and had so much fun letting our imaginations run wild! We used sensory words/adjectives to describe our not-a-box.
We focus on - so many of us are doing all of this!!!
leaving spaces between our words
drawing and writing about characters and setting
using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and for names
using end punctuation (period, question mark, exclamation mark) at the end of sentences
We continue learning about nouns, verbs, past-tense verbs, and adjectives.
Fundations
we are learning about blends
we introduced the rhyme "When two vowels go a-walking, the first one does the talking!" to be aware of vowel digraphs (examples: ea, oa)
we are practicing dictation with letters, words, and whole sentences that use heart words and CVC words
we continue to practice long and short vowel sounds
we learned that sounds are called phonemes
we are blending and segmenting sounds for many different words like:
/b/ /e/ is be (blending sounds and saying the word)
/f/ /or/ is for
help is /h/ /e/ /l/ /p/ (saying a word and segmenting sounds)
her is /h/ /er/
we are focusing on tapping (segmenting), blending, reading, and writing CVC words
we are identifying and using digraphs: wh (like in whistle), ch (like in chin), sh (like in ship), th (soft or voiceless like in 'thumb' and hard or voiced like in 'the'), ck (at the end of words like sock)
we are segmenting and blending sounds to make and read CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, both real words (like mop, chap) and nonsense words (like zum, tig)
new words this week:
I, a, me, we, see, the, and, go, to, is, it, he, you, in, by, or, can, love, on, for, do, my, of, at, she, have, like, so, am, an, from, will, are, look, was, has, his, all, if
Every month, Ms. Jeri helps us make a Morning Message book. We are reading left to right and top to bottom. We are finding and reading Heart Words. We are matching our voice to the word that our finger is pointing to (called voice-print match or one-to-one correspondence)
Math -
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We took a pre-assessment for Unit 4.
We learned a new math game - 10s Go Fish. Have your child teach you how to play. Check out the resource to use with a deck of playing cards!
We are adding and subtracting within 10 in our Math Expressions workbooks.
We are using 5-groups and 10-groups to help us subitize larger sets/groups.
Favorite Books from the Week
Not A Box; Not A Stick; Eugenia Lincoln and the Unexpected Package
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
If you had the best stick in the world, what would your Not-a-Stick be? Why?
What was your favorite part of Growing Gardens? Why?
Upcoming Dates
April 24: all-school lasagna dinner
May 21: last day of school for students AND end-of-year celebration (more info coming in May)
May 22: last day of school for teachers
OUR FIELD TRIP IS THURSDAY, APRIL 2! EVERYONE NEEDS:
a sack lunch from home
a water bottle labeled with your child's name
good walking shoes - sneakers that tie or Velcro
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are oldest or only children receive everything)
Sweet Cow fundraiser information
scavenger hunt from our Jeff and Paige concert (without power... on Tuesday)
student work
Specials Next Week: B
music
library day is Tuesday - return books by Tuesday morning
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Bee Breathing is a favorite mindfulness activity!
Morning Meeting Mindfulness with Mr. Ozzie: one breathing technique we learned this week is to look at something in the room we are in or something outside. Really use your 5 senses to look at the object, imagine how it would feel and sound, what it might smell like, and how it would taste (if it is safe to eat). Next, close your eyes and picture, or visualize, that object in your mind. Take some deep breaths into your nose and exhale out through your mouth.
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading - We pulled out the most important concepts from Module 6 and condensed this module into one week
Module 6: Home of the Free and the Brave
Essential Question: What makes the USA special?
Week 1: Our Land
Week 2: Our Traditions
Texts: In Our Country (different land formations), American the Beautiful (the poem and song, each page highlights a different illustrator to show how our differences make us special; Ray Charles), Take Me Out to the Yakyu (comparing American and Japanese baseball; Take Me Out to the Ball Game), Apple Pie 4th of July (different ways we celebrate holidays and celebrating different cultures)
Main Ideas
our country has many different types of land
our country is a beautiful place because of different types of land and people, and because we have opportunities to celebrate what makes each of special and unique
Focus: we are introducing many topics that kids will continuing learning about, even in high school
make and check predictions
making inferences - use text and picture clues along with what you know (background knowledge)
character clues: how a character acts, feels, speaks, and thinks
onset and rime: in the word "cat", /c/ is the onset and /at/ is the rime
rhyming words: identifying words that rhyme and giving our own rhyming words
informational texts: books that teach about a topic
text features: glossary, index, heading, table of content, pictures and diagrams with labels, maps
topic: what the text is about in a few words
central idea: the most important idea in a text
key details: facts or examples that give information about the central idea
synonyms (words that mean the same) and antonyms (words that mean the opposite)
alliteration - words that start with the same sound
Writing
This week we completed a sentence: I like the __________ because __________. An example is: I like the mountains because I love smelling trees. Some of them smell like vanilla!
We are learning about narrative writing: characters, setting, beginning, middle, end and signal words (first, then, next, at the end, last)
We focus on - so many of us are doing all of this!!!
leaving spaces between our words
drawing and writing about characters and setting
using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and for names
using end punctuation (period, question mark, exclamation mark) at the end of sentences
We continue learning about nouns, verbs, past-tense verbs, and adjectives.
Fundations
we introduced the rhyme "When two vowels go a-walking, the first one does the talking!" to be aware of vowel digraphs (examples: ea, oa)
we are practicing dictation with letters, words, and whole sentences that use heart words and CVC words
we continue to practice long and short vowel sounds
we learned that sounds are called phonemes
we are blending and segmenting sounds for many different words like:
/b/ /e/ is be (blending sounds and saying the word)
/f/ /or/ is for
help is /h/ /e/ /l/ /p/ (saying a word and segmenting sounds)
her is /h/ /er/
we are focusing on tapping (segmenting), blending, reading, and writing CVC words
we are identifying and using digraphs: wh (like in whistle), ch (like in chin), sh (like in ship), th (soft or voiceless like in 'thumb' and hard or voiced like in 'the'), ck (at the end of words like sock)
we are segmenting and blending sounds to make and read CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, both real words (like mop, chap) and nonsense words (like zum, tig)
new words this week: if
I, a, me, we, see, the, and, go, to, is, it, he, you, in, by, or, can, love, on, for, do, my, of, at, she, have, like, so, am, an, from, will, are, look, was, has, his, all
Every month, Ms. Jeri helps us make a Morning Message book. We are reading left to right and top to bottom. We are finding and reading Heart Words. We are matching our voice to the word that our finger is pointing to (called voice-print match or one-to-one correspondence)
Math -
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We took our end-of-unit assessment - wow, we are all good thinking mathematicians!
We are sorting in different ways - by shape, color, size, number of edges and corners, and so many other ways!
We are composing and decomposing 2D shapes.
We are working on teen numbers, using 10-groups, writing teen numbers ALWAYS starting with a one!
We are adding and subtracting within 5 in our Math Expressions workbooks. We are playing games and doing other adding and subtracting activities within 10.
We are using 5-groups and 10-groups to help us subitize larger sets/groups.
Favorite Books from the Week
All Are Welcome; Take Me Out to the Yakyu; Eugenia Lincoln and the Unexpected Package
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
What is different about baseball in America and Japan? You may enjoy watching how a bus transforms into a train!
What is one of your favorite places to visit and why?
Upcoming Dates
March 31: Sweet Cow fundraiser
April 2: field trip to Growing Gardens
April 24: all-school lasagna dinner
May 21: last day of school for students AND end-of-year celebration (more info coming in May)
May 22: last day of school for teachers
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are oldest or only children receive everything)
FIELD TRIP PERMISSION FORM- sign and return if you haven't already
Creekside Cougar dodgeball info
class picture info
family math letters
student work
Specials Next Week: A
PE - wear sneakers that tie or Velcro
library day is Tuesday - return books by Tuesday morning
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Butterfly Hug is a favorite mindfulness activity that helps us regulate our emotions by tapping and breathing.
Morning Meeting Mindfulness with Mr. Ozzie: one breathing technique we learned this week is to imagine standing by a stream. With each breath in, we imagine a negative thought as a leaf. Wtih each breath out, we toss that leaf into the stream and watch it float away.
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading - HERE is a great video showing Emmanuel visiting a school
Module 5: I Can Do It!
Essential Question: What does it mean to try hard?
Week 4: setting goals - mini-goals and steps, celebrating success
Texts: Emmanuel's Dream and Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Power Words - vocabulary
disability
hero
respectful
allow
energized
inspire
practice
proud
success
important
scared
surprise
lovely
several
spy
Focus: we are introducing many topics that kids will continuing learning about, even in high school
we read a new type of informational text - biography
make and check predictions
making inferences - use text and picture clues along with what you know (background knowledge)
character clues: how a character acts, feels, speaks, and thinks
folktales: made-up story from long ago that people tell over and over
onset and rime: in the word "cat", /c/ is the onset and /at/ is the rime
rhyming words: identifying words that rhyme and giving our own rhyming words
informational texts: books that teach about a topic
text features: glossary, index, heading, table of content, pictures and diagrams with labels, maps
topic: what the text is about in a few words
central idea: the most important idea in a text
key details: facts or examples that give information about the central idea
synonyms (words that mean the same) and antonyms (words that mean the opposite)
alliteration - words that start with the same sound
Writing
We are learning about narrative writing: characters, setting, beginning, middle, end and signal words (first, then, next, at the end, last)
we are working toward publishing our own books
We focus on
leaving spaces between our words
drawing and writing about characters and setting
using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and for names
using end punctuation (period, question mark, exclamation mark) at the end of sentences
We continue learning about nouns, verbs, past-tense verbs, and adjectives.
Fundations
we introduced the rhyme "When two vowels go a-walking, the first one does the talking!" to be aware of vowel digraphs (examples: ea, oa)
we are practicing dictation with letters, words, and whole sentences that use heart words and CVC words
we continue to practice long and short vowel sounds
we learned that sounds are called phonemes
we are blending and segmenting sounds for many different words like:
/b/ /e/ is be (blending sounds and saying the word)
/f/ /or/ is for
help is /h/ /e/ /l/ /p/ (saying a word and segmenting sounds)
her is /h/ /er/
we are focusing on tapping (segmenting), blending, reading, and writing CVC words
we are identifying and using digraphs: wh (like in whistle), ch (like in chin), sh (like in ship), th (soft or voiceless like in 'thumb' and hard or voiced like in 'the'), ck (at the end of words like sock)
we are segmenting and blending sounds to make and read CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, both real words (like mop, chap) and nonsense words (like zum, tig)
new words this week: has, his, all
I, a, me, we, see, the, and, go, to, is, it, he, you, in, by, or, can, love, on, for, do, my, of, at, she, have, like, so, am, an, from, will, are, look, was
Every month, Ms. Jeri helps us make a Morning Message book. We are reading left to right and top to bottom. We are finding and reading Heart Words. We are matching our voice to the word that our finger is pointing to (called voice-print match or one-to-one correspondence)
Math -
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We are sorting in different ways - by shape, color, size, number of edges and corners, and so many other ways!
We are composing and decomposing 2D shapes.
We are working on teen numbers, using 10-groups, writing teen numbers ALWAYS starting with a one!
We are adding and subtracting within 5 in our Math Expressions workbooks. We are playing games and doing other adding and subtracting activities within 10.
We are using 5-groups and 10-groups to help us subitize larger sets/groups.
Favorite Books from the Week
If Rocks Could Sing; Where Are You Going, Baby Lincoln?;
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
How did you show perseverance?
What is something you really want to learn how to do? Why do you want to learn? How are you going to practice?
Upcoming Dates
March 16-20: Spring Break - no school
April 2: field trip to Growing Gardens - SIGN AND RETURN FIELD TRIP FORM
April 24: all-school lasagna dinner
May 21: last day of school for students AND end-of-year celebration (more info coming in May)
May 22: last day of school for teachers
Ms. Tatum from Growing Gardens visited kindergarten this week.
We learned about seeds, photosynthesis, and slow and fast sugars to help give us energy.
Slow sugars from foods like fruits and vegetables give us energy that last for a longer time.
Fast sugars from foods like candy, cakes, and cookies give us a sugar rush that doesn't last.
It's okay to have fast sugars but we don't want to eat them all the time
We tried spinach, green grapes, and beets.
MATH - practice sorting at home! Here are some ideas from AI:
Simple, daily sorting activities for kindergarteners include organizing laundry (socks, shirts), sorting cutlery, arranging toys by color/size, and sorting nature items (leaves, rocks) by type. Use baskets or hula hoops to categorize, helping children develop logical thinking, early math, fine motor skills, and an understanding of attributes.
Everyday Household Sorting Activities
Laundry Day: Have children sort clean clothes into piles by person, type (socks vs. pants), or color.
Kitchen Cleanup: Sort silverware into the tray (spoons, forks, knives) or organize plastic containers by lid size.
Toy Cleanup: Sort toy cars by color, blocks by shape, or stuffed animals by size.
Button/Coin Sorting: Sort a jar of mixed buttons or coins by color, size, or number of holes.
Snack Sorting: Sort colored candies, fruits, or crackers before eating.
Educational & Creative Sorting Games
Nature Walk Sorting: Collect leaves, sticks, or rocks and sort them by texture, color, or shape.
Color Sorting Bags: Use colored bags or construction paper and have children place toys of corresponding colors on them.
Shape Detective: Cut out shapes and ask children to sort them by type (e.g., all circles together, all squares together).
The "What's My Rule?" Game: Start sorting items (like blocks) yourself, and have the child guess the rule (e.g., "Oh, you are putting all the red ones together!").
Pom-Pom Transfer: Use tongs or tweezers to sort different colored pom-poms into a muffin tin.
Tips for Parents
Ask Questions: Ask, "Why did you put these together?" or "How are these different?" to encourage reasoning.
Vary Attributes: Sort by one attribute (color) first, then challenge them to sort by a different attribute (size or shape).
Use Visuals: Use colorful boxes or labeled trays to make it easier for children to understand the categories.
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are oldest or only children receive everything)
FIELD TRIP PERMISSION FORM- sign and return!
lasagna dinner information
student work
Specials Next Week: C
art
library day is Tuesday - return books by Tuesday morning
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
This Rainbow Relaxation is a favorite mindfulness breathing activity.
Morning Meeting Mindfulness with Mr. Ozzie: one breathing technique we learned this week is to imagine we are breathing in a wonderful flower smell on our inhale and blowing out a candle on our exhale. Try it HERE!
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading
Module 5: I Can Do It!
Essential Question: What does it mean to try hard?
Week 3: perseverance: feelings about work and practicing
Texts: Ish and Let's Make Music
Power Words - vocabulary
allow
energized
inspire
practice
proud
success
important
scared
surprise
lovely
several
spy
Focus: we are introducing many topics that kids will continuing learning about, even in high school
make and check predictions
making inferences - use text and picture clues along with what you know (background knowledge)
character clues: how a character acts, feels, speaks, and thinks
folktales: made-up story from long ago that people tell over and over
onset and rime: in the word "cat", /c/ is the onset and /at/ is the rime
rhyming words: identifying words that rhyme and giving our own rhyming words
informational texts: books that teach about a topic
text features: glossary, index, heading, table of content, pictures and diagrams with labels, maps
topic: what the text is about in a few words
central idea: the most important idea in a text
key details: facts or examples that give information about the central idea
synonyms (words that mean the same) and antonyms (words that mean the opposite)
alliteration - words that start with the same sound
Writing
We are learning about narrative writing: characters, setting, beginning, middle, end and signal words (first, then, next, at the end, last)
we are working toward publishing our own books
We focus on
leaving spaces between our words
drawing and writing about characters and setting
using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and for names
using end punctuation (period, question mark, exclamation mark) at the end of sentences
We continue learning about nouns, verbs, past-tense verbs, and adjectives.
Fundations
we are practicing dictation with letters, words, and whole sentences that use heart words and CVC words
we continue to practice long and short vowel sounds
we learned that sounds are called phonemes
we are blending and segmenting sounds for many different words like:
/b/ /e/ is be (blending sounds and saying the word)
/f/ /or/ is for
help is /h/ /e/ /l/ /p/ (saying a word and segmenting sounds)
her is /h/ /er/
we are focusing on tapping (segmenting), blending, reading, and writing CVC words
we are identifying and using digraphs: wh (like in whistle), ch (like in chin), sh (like in ship), th (soft or voiceless like in 'thumb' and hard or voiced like in 'the'), ck (at the end of words like sock)
we are segmenting and blending sounds to make and read CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, both real words (like mop, chap) and nonsense words (like zum, tig)
new words this week: was
I, a, me, we, see, the, and, go, to, is, it, he, you, in, by, or, can, love, on, for, do, my, of, at, she, have, like, so, am, an, from, will, are, look
Every month, Ms. Jeri helps us make a Morning Message book. We are reading left to right and top to bottom. We are finding and reading Heart Words. We are matching our voice to the word that our finger is pointing to (called voice-print match or one-to-one correspondence)
Math - PRACTICE SORTING AT HOME!
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We are sorting in different ways - by shape, color, size, number of edges and corners, and so many other ways!
We are composing and decomposing 2D shapes.
We are working on teen numbers, using 10-groups, writing teen numbers ALWAYS starting with a one!
We are adding and subtracting within 5 in our Math Expressions workbooks. We are playing games and doing other adding and subtracting activities within 10.
We are using 5-groups and 10-groups to help us subitize larger sets/groups.
Favorite Books from the Week
Ish, The Dot, Beautiful Oops, After the Fall
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
What couldn't you do that you can do now?
How do you show perseverance? What are you practicing and not giving up on?
Upcoming Dates
March 16-20: Spring Break - no school
April 2: field trip to Growing Gardens - SIGN AND RETURN FIELD TRIP FORM
April 24: all-school lasagna dinner
May 21: last day of school for students AND end-of-year celebration (more info coming in May)
May 22: last day of school for teachers
Please look at last weeks for reading, writing, and math.
Due to the short week last week, we continued our learning into this week!
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are oldest or only children receive everything)
Rocky Mountain Day Camp summer camp information
student work
Specials Next Week: B
music
library day is Tuesday - return books by Tuesday morning
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Ms. Jeri painted our hands and we created hearts with a friend on a special friend poem.
We learned a new math game called Teen Number Memory. The cards will be coming home later!
We like Bubble Bounce to help us focus our minds and bodies.
Morning Meeting Mindfulness with Mr. Ozzie: one breathing technique we learned this week is to think about or picture in our minds, the small things we are grateful for. Thinking about small favorites help us to learn how to be grateful. Some small favorites examples: a special blanket or stuffie, our favorite flavor of ice cream, playing outside, looking at clouds, listening to birds.
Favorite Books from the Week
Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon; three different versions of The Little Red Hen
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
What is your favorite chore to do at home? At school? Why is it your favorite?
What is your least favorite chore to do at home? At school? Why?
Upcoming Dates
March 2: Boulder Bach Violinist all-school assembly
March 12: Talent Show
March 16-20: Spring Break - no school
April 2: field trip to Growing Gardens - more info coming
May 21: last day of school for students AND end-of-year celebration (more info coming in May)
May 22: last day of school for teachers
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are oldest or only children receive everything)
Garden to Table summer camp information
mClass home connect data sheets (if you did not attend conferences or need an extra copy)
student work
Specials Next Week: A
PE - wear sneakers that tie or Velcro
library day is Tuesday - return books by Tuesday morning
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
We like Swirling to help us calm our minds and bodies.
Morning Meeting Mindfulness with Mr. Ozzie: one breathing technique we learned this week is to imagine we are Elsa from Frozen. We breathe in the wonderful chocolate fountian smell and breathe out a frozen sculpture.
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading
Module 5: I Can Do It!
Essential Question: What does it mean to try hard?
Week 1: working together: asking for help and community
Texts: The Little Red Hen (Makes a Pizza) and The Little Red Hen on Stage
Power Words - vocabulary
practice
proud
success
important
scared
surprise
lovely
several
spy
Focus: we are introducing many topics that kids will continuing learning about, even in high school
character clues: how a character acts, feels, speaks, and thinks
folktales: made-up story from long ago that people tell over and over
onset and rime: in the word "cat", /c/ is the onset and /at/ is the rime
rhyming words: identifying words that rhyme and giving our own rhyming words
informational texts: books that teach about a topic
text features: glossary, index, heading, table of content
topic: what the text is about in a few words
central idea: the most important idea in a text
key details: facts or examples that give information about the central idea
synonyms (words that mean the same) and antonyms (words that mean the opposite)
alliteration - words that start with the same sound
Writing
We are starting narrative writing: characters, setting, beginning, middle, end and signal words (first, then, next, at the end, last)
We focus on
leaving spaces between our words
drawing and writing about characters and setting
using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and for names
using end punctuation (period, question mark, exclamation mark) at the end of sentences
We continue learning about nouns, verbs, past-tense verbs, and adjectives.
Fundations
we are practicing dictation with letters, words, and whole sentences that use heart words and CVC words
we learned long vowel sounds
we learned that sounds are called phonemes
we are blending and segmenting sounds for many different words like:
/b/ /e/ is be (blending sounds and saying the word)
/f/ /or/ is for
help is /h/ /e/ /l/ /p/ (saying a word and segmenting sounds)
her is /h/ /er/
we are focusing on tapping (segmenting), blending, reading, and writing CVC words
we are identifying and using digraphs: wh (like in whistle), ch (like in chin), sh (like in ship), th (soft or voiceless like in 'thumb' and hard or voiced like in 'the'), ck (at the end of words like sock)
we are segmenting and blending sounds to make and read CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, both real words (like mop, chap) and nonsense words (like zum, tig)
new words this week:
I, a, me, we, see, the, and, go, to, is, it, he, you, in, by, or, can, love, on, for, do, my, of, at, she, have, like, so, am, an, from, will, are, look
Every month, Ms. Jeri helps us make a Morning Message book. We are reading left to right and top to bottom. We are finding and reading Heart Words. We are matching our voice to the word that our finger is pointing to (called voice-print match or one-to-one correspondence)
Math
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We are composing and decomposing 2D shapes.
We are working on teen numbers, using 10-groups, writing teen numbers ALWAYS starting with a one!
We are adding and subtracting within 5 in our Math Expressions workbooks. We are playing games and doing other adding and subtracting activities within 10.
We are using 5-groups and 10-groups to help us subitize larger sets/groups.
Favorite Books from the Week
Bringing In the New Year; David's Father; Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon; The Three Little Pigs Count to 100
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
How do you help at home?
How do you help at school?
Upcoming Dates
March 16-20: Spring Break - no school
April 2: field trip to Growing Gardens - more info coming
May 21: last day of school for students AND end-of-year celebration (more info coming in May)
May 22: last day of school for teachers
LIBRARY WILL BE ON WEDNESDAY THIS COMING WEEK!
No school on Monday, February 16 and Tuesday, February 17. Enjoy the long weekend!
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are oldest or only children receive everything)
art and talent show information
mClass home connect data sheets (if you did not attend conferences or need an extra copy)
student work
Specials Next Week: A, B, C Week
A on Wednesday: PE - wear sneakers that tie or Velcro
B on Thursday: music
C on Friday: art
library day is Tuesday - return books by Tuesday morning
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
we made valentine bags and practiced being positive sharers and friends
Morning Meeting Mindfulness with Mr. Ozzie: one breathing technique we learned this week is imagining you are in nature - what do you hear, see, smell, feel, taste
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading
We started Module 5: I Can Do It!
Essential Question: What does it mean to try hard?
Week 1: trying new things: taking on hard tasks and sticking with it (perseverance)
Texts: Jabari Jumps and All By Myself
Focus: we are introducing many topics that kids will continuing learning about, even in high school
character clues: how a character acts, feels, speaks, and thinks
onset and rime: in the word "cat", /c/ is the onset and /at/ is the rime
rhyming words: identifying words that rhyme and giving our own rhyming words
informational texts: books that teach about a topic
text features: glossary, index, heading, table of content
topic: what the text is about in a few words
central idea: the most important idea in a text
key details: facts or examples that give information about the central idea
synonyms (words that mean the same) and antonyms (words that mean the opposite)
alliteration - words that start with the same sound
Writing
We made valentines for someone special, practicing our writing skills.
We focus on
leaving spaces between our words
drawing and writing about characters and setting
using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and for names
using end punctuation (period, question mark, exclamation mark) at the end of sentences
We continue learning about nouns, verbs, past-tense verbs, and adjectives.
Fundations
we are practicing dictation with letters, words, and whole sentences that use heart words and CVC words
we learned long vowel sounds
we learned that sounds are called phonemes
we are blending and segmenting sounds for many different words like:
/b/ /e/ is be (blending sounds and saying the word)
/f/ /or/ is for
help is /h/ /e/ /l/ /p/ (saying a word and segmenting sounds)
her is /h/ /er/
we are focusing on tapping (segmenting), blending, reading, and writing CVC words
we are identifying and using digraphs: wh (like in whistle), ch (like in chin), sh (like in ship), th (soft or voiceless like in 'thumb' and hard or voiced like in 'the'), ck (at the end of words like sock)
we are segmenting and blending sounds to make and read CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, both real words (like mop, chap) and nonsense words (like zum, tig)
new words this week: look
I, a, me, we, see, the, and, go, to, is, it, he, you, in, by, or, can, love, on, for, do, my, of, at, she, have, like, so, am, an, from, will, are
Every month, Ms. Jeri helps us make a Morning Message book. We are reading left to right and top to bottom. We are finding and reading Heart Words. We are matching our voice to the word that our finger is pointing to (called voice-print match or one-to-one correspondence)
Math
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We are adding and subtracting within 5 in our Math Expressions workbooks. We are playing games and doing other adding and subtracting activities within 10.
We are using 5-groups and 10-groups to help us subitize larger sets/groups.
Favorite Books from the Week
Leroy Ninker Saddles Up; Valentine's Day, Love Is My Favorite Thing; Love, Z; Will You Be My Valentine?
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
How can you show someone you love them?
What are you afraid to try but really want to learn how to do? Why are you afraid? What can you do to practice?
Upcoming Dates
February 19: Spring Conferences
February 16: Presidents Day: no school
Febrary 17: conference exchange day: no school
March 16-20: Spring Break - no school
May 21: last day of school for students AND end-of-year celebration (more info coming in May)
May 22: last day of school for teachers
The 100th day of school was so much fun! This is what we did:
made 100 bead necklaces using 10 groups of 10
colored crowns and glasses
made a picture out of the number 100 - you can see these creative works of art at conferences!
made snowmen by counting to 100 by 10s
jumped for 100 seconds - it was really challenging
danced and moved to brain breaks all about the number 100
watched and listened to 100 children share what makes them happy
did a 100 item I Spy
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are oldest or only children at our school receive everything)
spring after school classes information
student work
Specials Next Week: C Week
art
library day is Tuesday - return books by Tuesday morning
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
We made a book for Mr. Eric for School Counselor Week. We will give it to him next week.
We made posters for the Kindness Walk.
Morning Meeting Mindfulness with Mr. Ozzie: one breathing technique we learned this week is TRIANGLE BREATHING.
HERE is a LINK to Reboot, the mindfulness program we use at Creekside. If you scroll down to the bottom of this page, you can here a sample activity.
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading - we finished up week 4 and will take an end of module assessment next week before we start Module 5
We continue Module 4: Happy Healthy Me!
Essential Question: How can I be my healthiest me?
Week 4: getting enough rest: relax and sleep
Texts: Getting Rest
Focus: we are introducing many topics that kids will continuing learning about, even in high school
fairy tale - a genre of texts
onset and rime: in the word "cat", /c/ is the onset and /at/ is the rime
rhyming words: identifying words that rhyme and giving our own rhyming words
informational texts: books that teach about a topic
text features: glossary, index, heading, table of content
topic: what the text is about in a few words
central idea: the most important idea in a text
key details: facts or examples that give information about the central idea
synonyms (words that mean the same) and antonyms (words that mean the opposite)
alliteration - words that start with the same sound
Writing
We are done writing our class book about germs. We are almost done illustrating it, too!
We are taking the information we learned from books, online, and our expert, Ms. Johanna, and are writing the words together (shared writing). We have 15 pages so everyone will get to illustrate a page of our book.
We have been practicing writing in our writing journals and learning more about how to write. You will see all of this during conferences!
We focus on
leaving spaces between our words
drawing and writing about characters and setting
using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and for names
using end punctuation (period, question mark, exclamation mark) at the end of sentences
We continue learning about nouns, verbs, past-tense verbs, and adjectives.
Fundations
we learned long vowel sounds
we learned that sounds are called phonemes
we are blending and segmenting sounds for many different words like:
/b/ /e/ is be (blending sounds and saying the word)
/f/ /or/ is for
help is /h/ /e/ /l/ /p/ (saying a word and segmenting sounds)
her is /h/ /er/
we are focusing on tapping (segmenting), blending, reading, and writing CVC words
we learned correct letter formation for uppercase letters - here are verbal paths for UPPERCASE LETTERS and you can also find them at the top of the Kronicles!
we are identifying and using digraphs: wh (like in whistle), ch (like in chin), sh (like in ship), th (soft or voiceless like in 'thumb' and hard or voiced like in 'the'), ck (at the end of words like sock)
we are segmenting and blending sounds to make and read CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, both real words (like mop, chap) and nonsense words (like zum, tig)
new words this week: will, are
I, a, me, we, see, the, and, go, to, is, it, he, you, in, by, or, can, love, on, for, do, my, of, at, she, have, like, so, am, an, from
Every month, Ms. Jeri helps us make a Morning Message book. We are reading left to right and top to bottom. We are finding and reading Heart Words. We are matching our voice to the word that our finger is pointing to (called voice-print match or one-to-one correspondence)
Math
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We are adding and subtracting within 5 in our Math Expressions workbooks. We are playing games and doing other adding and subtracting activities within 10.
We are using 5-groups and 10-groups to help us subitize larger sets/groups.
We made count to 100 by 10s snowmen. It looked like winter in our room even though it didn't feel like it outside!
Favorite Books from the Week
Leroy Ninker Saddles Up; Octopus's Garden
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
What was your favorite 100th Day of School activity? Why was it your favorite?
What are ways to show someone you love them?
Upcoming Dates
February 12, 17, 19: Spring Conferences - please sign up for a conference and let me know if you would like a virtual conference
February 13: Valentine's Day
March 16-20: Spring Break - no school
May 21: last day of school for students AND end-of-year celebration (more info coming in May)
May 22: last day of school for teachers
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are oldest or only children at our school receive everything)
Blue Sky Bridge handout
The Great Kindness Challenge checklist
student work
Specials Next Week: B Week
music
library day is Tuesday - return books by Tuesday morning
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Blue Sky Bridge helped us brainstorm all the people we know who are trusted adults (moms, dads, aunts, uncles, grandparents, teachers, neighbors, doctors, etc).
Mr. Eric taught us about The Great Kindness Challenge. We always try to be kind but this week...we were extra kind!
Morning Meeting Mindfulness with Mr. Ozzie: we learned how to make a Hoberman sphere with our hands to breath in and out deeply. Press fingertips together - breath in and press and stretch fingers up, breath out and "collapse" fingers. Have your child show you! HERE is an example of breathing ball breathing.
HERE is a LINK to Reboot, the mindfulness program we use at Creekside. If you scroll down to the bottom of this page, you can here a sample activity.
We had an Indigenous Dance assmebly this afternoon.
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading - we continued Week 3 this week
We continue Module 4: Happy Healthy Me!
Essential Question: How can I be my healthiest me?
Week 3: eating right - fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, dairy (the 5 food groups) and food variety
Texts: Edible Colors and Jack and the Hungry Giant Eat Right with MyPlate
Focus: we are introducing many topics that kids will continuing learning about, even in high school
fairy tale - a genre of texts
onset and rime: in the word "cat", /c/ is the onset and /at/ is the rime
rhyming words: identifying words that rhyme and giving our own rhyming words
informational texts: books that teach about a topic
text features: glossary, index, heading, table of content
topic: what the text is about in a few words
central idea: the most important idea in a text
key details: facts or examples that give information about the central idea
synonyms (words that mean the same) and antonyms (words that mean the opposite)
alliteration - words that start with the same sound
Writing
We started writing a class book about germs. We are taking the information we learned from books, online, and our expert, Ms. Johanna, and are writing the words together (shared writing). We have 15 pages so everyone will get to illustrate a page of our book.
We have been practicing writing in our writing journals and learning more about how to write. You will see all of this during conferences!
We focus on
leaving spaces between our words
drawing and writing about characters and setting
using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and for names
using end punctuation (period, question mark, exclamation mark) at the end of sentences
We continue learning about nouns, verbs, past-tense verbs, and adjectives.
Fundations
we learned that sounds are called phonemes
we are blending and segmenting sounds for many different words like:
/b/ /e/ is be (blending sounds and saying the word)
/f/ /or/ is for
help is /h/ /e/ /l/ /p/ (saying a word and segmenting sounds)
her is /h/ /er/
we are focusing on tapping (segmenting), blending, reading, and writing CVC words
we learned correct letter formation for uppercase letters - here are verbal paths for UPPERCASE LETTERS and you can also find them at the top of the Kronicles!
we are identifying and using digraphs: wh (like in whistle), ch (like in chin), sh (like in ship), th (soft or voiceless like in 'thumb' and hard or voiced like in 'the'), ck (at the end of words like sock)
we are segmenting and blending sounds to make and read CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, both real words (like mop, chap) and nonsense words (like zum, tig)
new words this week: from
I, a, me, we, see, the, and, go, to, is, it, he, you, in, by, or, can, love, on, for, do, my, of, at, she, have, like, so, am, an
Every month, Ms. Jeri helps us make a Morning Message book. We are reading left to right and top to bottom. We are finding and reading Heart Words. We are matching our voice to the word that our finger is pointing to (called voice-print match or one-to-one correspondence)
Math
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We are adding and subtracting within 5 in our Math Expressions workbooks. We are playing games and doing other adding and subtracting activities within 10.
We are using 5-groups and 10-groups to help us subitize larger sets/groups.
We are playing Roll and Move. Ask your child about it and see what they did in Friday Folders!
Favorite Books from the Week
Mercy Watson Something Wonky This Way Comes; Pete the Cat and the Bedtime Blues; we started the Tales from Deckawoo Drive and the first book is Leroy Ninker Saddles Up
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
What are the four types of germs? (bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa)
How long should you wash your hands? (at least 20 seconds - that's singing the ABCs once or Happy Birthday twice)
Upcoming Dates
February 12, 17, 19: Spring Conferences - please sign up for a conference and let me know if you would like a virtual conference
February 6: Kindness March
February 13: Valentine's Day - more info coming
March 16-20: Spring Break - no school
May 21: last day of school for students AND end-of-year celebration (more info coming in May)
May 22: last day of school for teachers
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are oldest or only children at our school receive everything)
NO Friday Folders this week!
Specials Next Week: A Week
PE - wear sneakers that tie or Velcro
library day is Tuesday - return books by Tuesday morning
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Blue Sky Bridge taught us that our private parts are just for us and are covered by a swimsuit.
Morning Meeting Mindfulness with Mr. Ozzie: we learned a version of box breathing and HERE is a similar version of box breathing.
HERE is a LINK to Reboot, the mindfulness program we use at Creekside. If you scroll down to the bottom of this page, you can here a sample activity.
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading
We continue Module 4: Happy Healthy Me!
Essential Question: How can I be my healthiest me?
Week 3: eating right - fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, dairy (the 5 food groups) and food variety
Texts: Edible Colors
Focus: we are introducing many topics that kids will continuing learning about, even in high school
fairy tale - a genre of texts
onset and rime: in the word "cat", /c/ is the onset and /at/ is the rime
rhyming words: identifying words that rhyme and giving our own rhyming words
informational texts: books that teach about a topic
text features: glossary, index, heading, table of content
topic: what the text is about in a few words
central idea: the most important idea in a text
key details: facts or examples that give information about the central idea
synonyms (words that mean the same) and antonyms (words that mean the opposite)
alliteration - words that start with the same sound
Writing
Ms. Johanna, our school nurse, came in and taught us about germs and the best way to wash our hands. We used a special kind of lotion that had pretend germs in it. When we rubbed it into our hands, we could see the "germs" with a special black light. We washed our hands with water and soap and dried them. We looked again with the black light to see if we washed the "germs" away. We found that under our nails and around our nails were the places we needed to wash better!
We are learning and exploring how to do research in Module 4. Our research question is "What color are germs?" and we found out that this question led us to many other questions like "What are germs?" and "How do germs make us sick?" and "Can germs be good and bad?"
We are learning that there are three main sources we can use to do research: books, online sites, and asking an expert. Mrs. Butler is helping us do some research in library.
We focus on
leaving spaces between our words
drawing and writing about characters and setting
using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and for names
using end punctuation (period, question mark, exclamation mark) at the end of sentences
We continue learning about nouns, verbs, past-tense verbs, and adjectives.
Fundations
we are blending and segmenting sounds for many different words like:
/b/ /e/ is be (blending sounds and saying the word)
/f/ /or/ is for
help is /h/ /e/ /l/ /p/ (saying a words and segmenting the sounds)
her is /h/ /er/
we are focusing on tapping (segmenting), blending, reading, and writing CVC words
we are learning correct letter formation for uppercase letters - here are verbal paths for UPPERCASE LETTERS and you can also find them at the top of the Kronicles!
we are identifying and using digraphs: wh (like in whistle), ch (like in chin), sh (like in ship), th (soft or voiceless like in 'thumb' and hard or voiced like in 'the'), ck (at the end of words like sock)
we are segmenting and blending sounds to make and read CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, both real words (like mop, chap) and nonsense words (like zum, tig)
Heart Words - we have learned 32 words so far!
new words this week: like, so, am, an
I, a, me, we, see, the, and, go, to, is, it, he, you, in, by, or, can, love, on, for, do, my, of, at, she, have
Every month, Ms. Jeri helps us make a Morning Message book. We are reading left to right and top to bottom. We are finding and reading Heart Words. We are matching our voice to the word that our finger is pointing to (called voice-print match or one-to-one correspondence)
Math
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We are adding and subtracting within 5 in our Math Expressions workbooks. We are playing games and doing other adding and subtracting activities within 10.
We are using 5-groups and 10-groups to help us subitize larger sets/groups.
We are playing Roll and Move. Ask your child about it!
Favorite Books from the Week
Mercy Watson Something Wonky This Way Comes; Mother Bruce; Out Cold
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
What is your favorite kind of exercise to do inside? Why is it your favorite?
What is your favorite kind of exercise to do outside? Why?
Upcoming Dates
February 12, 17, 19: Spring Conferences - more info coming
February 13: Valentine's Day - more info coming
March 16-20: Spring Break - no school
May 21: last day of school for students AND end-of-year celebration (more info coming in May)
May 22: last day of school for teachers
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are oldest or only children at our school receive everything)
activity we did with Mr. Eric
talent show information
student work
Specials Next Week: C Week
art
library day is Tuesday - return books by Tuesday morning
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
We are learning more about a growth mindset with Mr. Eric. You can learn more about growth mindset and fixed mindset HERE.
Blue Sky Bridge thought us about good touches and bad touches.
Morning Meeting Mindfulness with Mr. Ozzie: we did a visualization activity about walking in the snow and catching snowflakes on our tongues. Try this guided beach meditation!
HERE is a LINK to Reboot, the mindfulness program we use at Creekside. If you scroll down to the bottom of this page, you can here a sample activity.
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading
We started Module 4: Happy Healthy Me!
Essential Question: How can I be my healthiest me?
Week 1: moving my body - exercise adn stretch
Texts: Get Up and Go and Stretch
Focus: we are introducing many topics that kids will continuing learning about, even in high school
onset and rime: in the word "cat", /c/ is the onset and /at/ is the rime
rhyming words: identifying words that rhyme and giving our own rhyming words
informational texts: books that teach about a topic
text features: glossary, index, heading, table of content
topic: what the text is about in a few words
central idea: the most important idea in a text
key details: facts or examples that give information about the central idea
synonyms (words that mean the same) and antonyms (words that mean the opposite)
alliteration - words that start with the same sound
Writing
We are learning and exploring how to do research in Module 4. Our research question is "What color are germs?" and we found out that this question led us to many other questions like "What are germs?" and "How do germs make us sick?" and "Can germs be good and bad?"
We are learning that there are three main sources we can use to do research: books, online sites, and asking an expert. Mrs. Butler is helping us do some research in library.
We focus on
leaving spaces between our words
drawing and writing about characters and setting
using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and for names
using end punctuation (period, question mark, exclamation mark) at the end of sentences
We continue learning about nouns, verbs, past-tense verbs, and adjectives.
Fundations
we are blending and segmenting sounds for many different words like:
/b/ /e/ is be (blending sounds and saying the word)
/f/ /or/ is for
help is /h/ /e/ /l/ /p/ (saying a words and segmenting the sounds)
her is /h/ /er/
we are focusing on tapping (segmenting), blending, reading, and writing CVC words
we are learning correct letter formation for uppercase letters - here are verbal paths for UPPERCASE LETTERS and you can also find them at the top of the Kronicles!
we are identifying and using digraphs: wh (like in whistle), ch (like in chin), sh (like in ship), th (soft or voiceless like in 'thumb' and hard or voiced like in 'the'), ck (at the end of words like sock)
we are segmenting and blending sounds to make and read CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, both real words (like mop, chap) and nonsense words (like zum, tig)
new words this week: have
I, a, me, we, see, the, and, go, to, is, it, he, you, in, by, or, can, love, on, for, do, my, of, at, she
Every month, Ms. Jeri helps us make a Morning Message book. We are reading left to right and top to bottom. We are finding and reading Heart Words. We are matching our voice to the word that our finger is pointing to (called voice-print match or one-to-one correspondence)
Math
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We are adding and subtracting within 5 in our Math Expressions workbooks. We are playing games and doing other adding and subtracting activities within 10.
Favorite Books from the Week
Mercy Watson Something Wonky This Way Comes; Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.?; research books about germs and the human body
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
How can you stay healthy?
What is your favorite healthy food? Why is it your favorite? What is your favorite "junk" food? Why is it your favorite?
Upcoming Dates
January 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - no school
February 12, 17, 19: Spring Conferences - more info coming
March 16-20: Spring Break - no school
May 21: last day of school for students AND end-of-year celebration (more info coming in May)
May 22: last day of school for teachers
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are oldest or only children at our school receive everything)
letter from Mr. Eric
student work
Specials Next Week: B Week
music
library day is Tuesday - return books by Tuesday morning
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
We have been discussing empathy and thinking about others' feelings.
Morning Meeting Mindfulness with Mr. Ozzie: we learned the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, grounding activity!
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading
We started Module 4: Happy Healthy Me!
Essential Question: How can I be my healthiest me?
Week 1: Taking care of myself - be fit and stay clean
Texts: Being Fit and Germs are Not for Sharing
Focus: we are introducing many topics that kids will continuing learning about, even in high school
onset and rime: in the word "cat", /c/ is the onset and /at/ is the rime
rhyming words: identifying words that rhyme and giving our own rhyming words
informational texts: books that teach about a topic
text features: glossary, index, heading, table of content
topic: what the text is about in a few words
central idea: the most important idea in a text
key details: facts or examples that give information about the central idea
synonyms (words that mean the same) and antonyms (words that mean the opposite)
alliteration - words that start with the same sound
Writing
We are learning and exploring how to do research in Module 4.
We focus on
leaving spaces between our words
drawing and writing about characters and setting
using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and for names
using end punctuation (period, question mark, exclamation mark) at the end of sentences
We continue learning about nouns, verbs, past-tense verbs, and adjectives.
Fundations
we are focusing on tapping (segmenting), blending, reading, and writing CVC words.
we are practicing correct letter formation for all the lowercase letters - you can find the writing paths HERE and at the top of the Kronicles
we learned about digraphs: wh (like in whistle), ch (like in chin), sh (like in ship), th (soft or voiceless like in 'thumb' and hard or voiced like in 'the'), ck (at the end of words like sock)
we are segmenting and blending sounds to make and read CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, both real words (like mop, chap) and nonsense words (like zum, tig)
new words this week: am, an
I, a, me, we, see, the, and, go, to, is, it, he, you, in, by, or, can, love, on, for, do, my, of, at, she
Every month, Ms. Jeri helps us make a Morning Message book. We are reading left to right and top to bottom. We are finding and reading Heart Words. We are matching our voice to the word that our finger is pointing to (called voice-print match or one-to-one correspondence)
Math
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We took a Unit 3 pre-test.
TRASH is a great game to play at home!
Favorite Books from the Week
Thomas' Snowsuit, I Have to Go!, Mercy Watson Thinks Like a Pig
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
What is something that is fun to do? Why?
What is something that is challenging for you? Why ?
Upcoming Dates
January 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - no school
February 12, 17, 19: Spring Conferences - more info coming
March 16-20: Spring Break - no school
May 21: last day of school for students AND end-of-year celebration (more info coming in May)
May 22: last day of school for teachers
📖 December 19 from 8:15-9:00am: Winter Celebration in the Heart and Café ☕
❄️ Next week is Spirit Week! ❄️
💚 Monday: Grinch Day - wear as much green as you can
🛌 Tuesday: Winter Pajama Day - wear comfy winter pajama
🎨 Wednesday: Winter Craft Day - we will do an art project provided by me and Jeri
🥳 Thursday: Festive Fun Day - wear your favorite holiday hats, headbands, sweaters, socks
⛄ Friday: Dress Like a Snowman Day - wear a scarf and dress in white OR you can wear pajamas for our winter celebration!
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are oldest or only children at our school receive everything)
student work
Specials Next Week: C Week
art
library day is Tuesday - return books by Tuesday morning
In library, Mrs. Butler is teaching us some simple coding by playing Beaver Achiever.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
We learned different breathing activities with Mr. Ozzie this week.
guided winter visualization - we did a similar one with Mr. Ozzie
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading
Module 3, Week 4: My Community Heroes
Essential Question: What makes a community?
Week 4: working together - helping each other and learning together
Texts: A Piece of Home and poems "Welcome" and "My Neighborhood"
Power Words: vocabulary found in our texts - try using them at home!
brave
expect
ordinary
Focus: we are introducing many topics that kids will continuing learning about, even in high school
onset and rime: in the word "cat", /c/ is the onset and /at/ is the rime
rhyming words: identifying words that rhyme and giving our own rhyming words
informational texts: books that teach about a topic
retell a story: using your own words to tell the characters, setting, and the plot (beginning, middle, end, problem and solution)
topic: what the text is about in a few words
central idea: the most important idea in a text
key details: facts or examples that give information about the central idea
text features: table of contents, glossary, index, and headings
synonyms (words that mean the same) and antonyms (words that mean the opposite)
alliteration - words that start with the same sound
Writing
We are learning about informational writing and lists.
We are writing lists about fun places in the neighborhood around Creekside. We made a map with a key.
We are learning more about adjectives and focusing on words to describe shapes and numbers.
We focus on
leaving spaces between our words
drawing and writing about characters and setting
using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and for names
using end punctuation (period, question mark, exclamation mark) at the end of sentences
We learned about adjectives for color, size, and feelings.
We continue learning about nouns, verbs, past-tense verbs.
Fundations
we learned how to correctly write qu and z - our last lowercase letters!
we are practicing correct letter formation for: t, b, f, n, m, u, i, c, o, a, g, d, s, e, r, p, j, l, h, k, i, v, w, x, y
we learned about digraphs: wh (like in whistle), ch (like in chin), sh (like in ship), th (soft or voiceless like in 'thumb' and hard or voiced like in 'the'), ck (at the end of words like sock)
we are segmenting and blending sounds to make and read CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, both real words (like mop, chap) and nonsense words (like zum, tig)
new words this week: do, my, of, at, she
I, a, me, we, see, the, and, go, to, is, it, he, you, in, by, or, can, love, on, for
Every month, Ms. Jeri helps us make a Morning Message book. We are reading left to right and top to bottom. We are finding and reading Heart Words. We are matching our voice to the word that our finger is pointing to (called voice-print match or one-to-one correspondence)
Math
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We are composing and decomposing shapes.
We are doing more challenging dot-to-dots.
We are practicing correct numeral formation.
We are using 5-groups and 10-groups to help us count more efficiently. We chant: 5 is a group of 5 and 0 extra ones. 6 is a group of 5 and 1 extra one. 7 is a group of 5 and 2 extra ones... We just started our 10-group chant: 11 is a group of 10 and 1 extra one, 12 is a group of 10 and 2 extra ones...
We are practicing telling adding and subtracting stories (word problems) and are learning how to show our work by drawing it out and using manipulatives, including our fingers.
Favorite Books from the Week
Mercy Watson Fights Crime, My Favorite Things, A Piece of Home
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
How can you help someone who is new to your neighborhood?
Where is your favorite place to visit in your neighborhood? Why?
Upcoming Dates
December 19: kindergarten winter celebration 8:15-9:00am in the Heart and Café - please RSVP
December 22-January 5: Winter break - no school
January 5: PD for teachers - no school for students
January 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - no school
We had special guests join us to help us learn more about community heroes. Firefighters Rob and Andrew met us at Martin Park and told us all about how they help keep our community safe, work and live together to get a job done, and go to classes to learn about their jobs. I hope you enjoyed the photos!
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are the oldest or only children at our school receive everything)
after school classes information (new classes starting in January)
student work
Specials Next Week: B Week
music
library day is Tuesday - return books by Tuesday morning
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
We learned different breathing activities with Mr. Ozzie this week. Melting is like a mindfulness activity we learned.
We are practicing different ways to solve problems. One strategy we are learning is to just walk away when someone is not being kind and your words aren't working. We can try talking with that friend again when we are both calmer and can really listen to each other.
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading
Module 3, Week 3: My Community Heroes
Essential Question: What makes a community?
Week 3: working together - helping each other and learning together
Texts: A Bucket Full of Blessings (a fable) and Bo and Peter
Power Words: vocabulary found in our texts - try using them at home!
wonderful
worried
hope
Focus: we are introducing many topics that kids will continuing learning about, even in high school
onset and rime: in the word "cat", /c/ is the onset and /at/ is the rime
rhyming words: identifying words that rhyme and giving our own rhyming words
informational texts: books that teach about a topic
retell a story: using your own words to tell the characters, setting, and the plot (beginning, middle, end, problem and solution)
topic: what the text is about in a few words
central idea: the most important idea in a text
key details: facts or examples that give information about the central idea
text features: table of contents, glossary, index, and headings
synonyms (words that mean the same) and antonyms (words that mean the opposite)
alliteration - words that start with the same sound
Writing
We are learning about informational writing.
We wrote thank you notes to the firefighters!
We are learning more about adjectives and focusing on words to describe shapes.
We focus on
leaving spaces between our words
drawing and writing about characters and setting
using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and for names
using end punctuation, like a period, at the end of sentences
We learned about adjectives for color, size, and feelings.
We continue learning about nouns, verbs, past-tense verbs.
Fundations
we learned how to correctly write x and y
we are practicing correct letter formation for: t, b, f, n, m, u, i, c, o, a, g, d, s, e, r, p, j, l, h, k, i, v, w
we are segmenting and blending sounds to make and read CVC words, both real words and nonsense words (consonant-vowel-consonant words)
new words this week: on, for
I, a, me, we, see, the, and, go, to, is, it, he, you, in, by, or, can, love
Every month, Ms. Jeri helps us make a Morning Message book. We are reading left to right and top to bottom. We are finding and reading Heart Words.
Math
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We are composing and decomposing shapes.
We are doing more challenging dot-to-dots.
We are practicing correct numeral formation.
We are using 5-groups and 10-groups to help us count more efficiently. We chant: 5 is a group of 5 and 0 extra ones. 6 is a group of 5 and 1 extra one. 7 is a group of 5 and 2 extra ones...
We are practicing telling adding and subtracting stories (word problems) and are learning how to show our work by drawing it out and using manipulatives, including our fingers.
Favorite Books from the Week
Mercy Watson to the Rescue, Penguin in Love,
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
How are you a community hero?
What can you do in your community (school, neighborhood) to make it a better place to live and work?
Upcoming Dates
December 19: kindergarten winter celebration 8:15-9:00am
December 22-January 5: Winter break - no school
January 5: PD for teachers - no school for students
January 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - no school
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are the oldest or only children at our school receive everything)
Scholastic Book Orders (optional) - great way to purchase gifts
student work
Specials Next Week: A Week
PE - wear sneakers that tie or Velcro
library day is Tuesday - return books by Tuesday morning
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
We did Buddies on Friday and drew turkeys together!
We learned Rainbow Bubble mindful breathing from Mr. Ozzie.
Try this Thanksgiving Yoga breathing activity.
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading
Module 3, Week 2: My Community Heroes
Essential Question: What makes a community?
Week 3: working together - helping each other and learning together
Texts: Quinito's Neighborhood and The Alphabet from the Sky
We read Quinito's Neighborhood in English and then we listened to it being read in Spanish!
Power Words: vocabulary found in our texts - try using them at home!
busy
help
neighborhood
Focus: we are introducing many topics that kids will continuing learning about, even in high school
onset and rime: in the word "cat", /c/ is the onset and /at/ is the rime
rhyming words: identifying words that rhyme and giving our own rhyming words
informational texts: books that teach about a topic
give a summary: using your own words to tell the central idea and most important details
topic: what the text is about in a few words
central idea: the most important idea in a text
key details: facts or examples that give information about the central idea
text features: table of contents, glossary, index, and headings
synonyms (words that mean the same) and antonyms (words that mean the opposite)
alliteration - words that start with the same sound
Writing
We are learning about informational writing.
We wrote letters to a special person telling them a central idea and one or two key details about a place in our school community. Some wrote about the garden, some about the art room, and some about the gym! We included nouns (people, places, and things).
We focus on
leaving spaces between our words
drawing and writing about characters and setting
using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and for names
using end punctuation, like a period, at the end of sentences
We learned about adjectives for color, size, and feelings.
We continue learning about nouns, verbs, past-tense verbs.
Fundations
we learned how to correctly write v, w
we are practicing correct letter formation for: t, b, f, n, m, u, i, c, o, a, g, d, s, e, r, p, j, l, h, k, i
we are segmenting and blending sounds to make and read CVC words, both real words and nonsense words (consonant-vowel-consonant words)
new words this week: or, can, love
I, a, me, we, see, the, and, go, to, is, it, he, you, in, by
Every month, Ms. Jeri helps us make a Morning Message book. We are reading left to right and top to bottom. We are finding and reading Heart Words.
Math
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We are doing more challenging dot-to-dots.
We are practicing correct numeral formation.
We are using 5-groups and 10-groups to help us count more efficiently. We chant: 5 is a group of 5 and 0 extra ones. 6 is a group of 5 and 1 extra one. 7 is a group of 5 and 2 extra ones...
We are practicing telling adding and subtracting stories (word problems) and are learning how to show our work by drawing it out and using manipulatives, including our fingers.
Favorite Books from the Week
Penguin and Pinecone, Penguin and Pumpkin, Coyote Places the Stars, Mercy Watson to the Rescue
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
What are you thankful for? Why?
What are you excited to do during Thanksgiving break and why? What do you NOT want to do and why?
Upcoming Dates
November 24-28: Thanksgiving Break - no school
December 19: kindergarten winter celebration 8:00-8:45am
December 22-January 5: Winter break - no school
Spirit Week: Nov 17-21
Monday: jersey day - wear a sports shirt or Creekside colors (blue & yellow)
Tuesday: board games - we will play games in the morning and afternoon...and celebrate our 400 LEAP stars (see below)
Wednesday: Zoom day - dress fancy on top (above waist) and comfy below (below waist)
Thursday: 80s - big hair and bright colors are always in fashion ;-)
Friday: pajamas
400 LEAP Star Celebration
we earned our 400th LEAP star on Friday!
Tuesday: we are celebrating with bringing a stuffie to school and having extra Choice
stuffies MUST fit in backpacks (not too little, not too big...just right!)
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are the oldest or only children at our school receive everything)
Snarf's and Sweet Cow fundraiser information
Creekside Bood Fair information
Lupita McClanahan storytelling information
Mr. Eric handout
student work
Specials Next Week: C Week (this week we had PE, music, and art!)
art
library day is Tuesday - return books by Tuesday morning
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
We learned about "reporting" with Mr. Eric. He sent home a handout!
We learned with Mr. Ozzie how to think of people and things that help us to feel safe. While our brains were busy thinking about being safe, we took deep breaths. Here is another mindfulness activity called Thought Bubbles that is similar.
We also learned Butterfly Hug which using self-soothing and bilaterial tapping to help us get back into the green zone when we have big emotions.
We had a great discussion about Ruby Bridges and how we are thankful for strong and brave people like her that helped make our wonderful Creekside community!
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading - see last week
we continued Module 2 from last week due to the short week
Writing - see last week
We used a graphic organizer to help us with central idea and key details. We wrote about Martin Park, a favorite place in our community. It was our first informational writing!
We focus on
leaving spaces between our words
drawing and writing about characters and setting
using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and for names
using end punctuation, like a period, at the end of sentences
We continue learning about adjectives for color, size, and feelings.
We continue learning about nouns (people, places, things), verbs, past-tense verbs.
Fundations - see last week
new words this week: love, or, can
I, a, me, we, see, the, and, go, to, is, it, he, you, in, by, no
Every month, Ms. Jeri helps us make a Morning Message book. We are reading left to right and top to bottom. We are finding and reading Heart Words.
Math - see last week
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Favorite Books from the Week
A Piglet Name Mercy, Count the Monkeys, Penguin and Pinecone
we started the Mercy Watson series
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
How many Heart Words can you find...in the kitchen? At the grocery store? On a box of cereal?
Where is somewhere in your community you don't like to go? Why don't you like it?
Upcoming Dates
November 18: Snarf's and Sweet Cow fundraisers
November 24-28: Thanksgiving Break - no school
December 22-January 5: winter break - no school
January 5: PD for teachers
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are the oldest or only children at our school receive everything)
student work
Specials Next Week: C Week
art
library day is Tuesday - return books by Tuesday morning
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
We did our first Buddies time on Monday! We are paired with one or two third graders. We a learned a little bit about each other, read books, and colored. We will do Buddies about once a month. We will follow our Buddies for another two years - when we are in 1st grade, our Buddies will be in 4th grade, and when we are in 2nd grade, our buddies will be in 5th grade. We are building community and friendships across the whole school!
We are learning the difference between tattling and telling or reporting.
Tattling is when you tell a grown up something that will get another person INTO trouble. Tattling is usually over something small that you can probably handle yourself.
Telling or reporting is when you tell a grown up something that will help get you or another person OUT of trouble.
Try this starfish hand breathing activity we learned this week with Mr. Ozzie.
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading - we took a Module 2 assessment and started a new module
Module 3, Week 1: My Community Heroes
Essential Question: What makes a community?
Week 1: Places: places to work and play; places to live and learn
Texts: Places in My Community and Map My Neighborhood
Power Words: vocabulary found in our texts - try using them at home!
community
location
neighbor
earn
safe
together
Focus: we are introducing many topics that kids will continuing learning about, even in high school
onset and rime: in the word "cat", /c/ is the onset and /at/ is the rime
rhyming words: identifying words that rhyme and giving our own rhyming words
informational texts: books that teach about a topic
give a summary: using your own words to tell the central idea and most important details
topic: what the text is about in a few words
central idea: the most important idea in a text
key details: facts or examples that give information about the central idea
text features: table of contents, glossary, index, and headings
synonyms (words that mean the same) and antonyms (words that mean the opposite)
alliteration - words that start with the same sound
Writing
We are starting to learn about informational writing. More to come next week!
We focus on
leaving spaces between our words
drawing and writing about characters and setting
using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and for names
using end punctuation, like a period, at the end of sentences
We learned about adjectives for color, size, and feelings.
We continue learning about nouns, verbs, past-tense verbs.
Fundations
we learned how to correctly write "l", "h" and "k"
we are practicing correct letter formation for: t, b, f, n, m, u, i, c, o, a, g, d, s, e, r, p, j
we are segmenting and blending sounds to make and read CVC words, both real words and nonsense words (consonant-vowel-consonant words)
new words this week: no
I, a, me, we, see, the, and, go, to, is, it, he, you, in, by
Every month, Ms. Jeri helps us make a Morning Message book. We are reading left to right and top to bottom. We are finding and reading Heart Words.
Math
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We are doing more challenging dot-to-dots.
We are practicing correct numeral formation.
We are using 5-groups and 10-groups to help us count more efficiently. We chant: 5 is a group of 5 and 0 extra ones. 6 is a group of 5 and 1 extra one. 7 is a group of 5 and 2 extra ones...
We are practicing telling adding and subtracting stories (word problems) and are learning how to show our work by drawing it out and using manipulatives, including our fingers.
Favorite Books from the Week
Don't Be Silly, Mrs. Millie; Pick a Pumpkin, Mrs. Millie; The Hungry Thing (a book from my childhood with LOTS of silly rhymes and a community working together!)
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
Where is your favorite place in your community? Why do you like it?
What do you like about your community? Why do you like it?
Upcoming Dates
November 10: professional development for teachers - no school for students
November 11: Veterans Day - no school
November 24-28: Thanksgiving Break - no school
Parade and Pumpkin Day
A very special thank you to all the parents who watched the parade and helped make our kindergarten Pumpkin Day a huge success! We appreciate your time, donations, and extra love to our school family. Thank you and thank you, again!
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are the oldest or only children at our school receive everything)
CPO Parent's Night Out info
basketball info
student work
Specials Next Week: B Week
Mrs. Young: music
Ms. Ellie: PE
library day is Tuesday for both Mrs. Young and Ms. Ellie - return books by Tuesday morning
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
We are practicing using our words to tell our friends what we need. Our words are powerful...more powerful than just crying ;-)
Rainbow Breathing Singalong is similar to a rainbow coloring breathing activity we learned this week.
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading - see last week
Module 2, Week4: There's Only One Me!
Essential Question: What makes each of us special?
Texts: Tiny Rabbit's Big Wish and My Friends
Focus:
onset and rime: in the word "cat", /c/ is the onset and /at/ is the rime
adding details to drawing and words for characters and setting
identifying the topic (what the book is about in 1-3 words) and theme (the lesson or message that the author wants us to learn) of a text
the theme in our books this module is " Be yourself. You are special."
understanding plot: beginning, middle, end, problem, and solution
checking for understanding: rereading, using pictures/details, asking questions
synonyms (words that mean the same) and antonyms (words that mean the opposite)
alliteration - words that start with the same sound
Writing
We are exploring narrative (another word for a story, real or made up) writing.
We revised and edited our narrative about the WOW! Children's Museum. We published it on Thursday!
We focused on
leaving spaces between our words
drawing and writing about characters and setting
using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and for names
using end punctuation, like a period, at the end of sentences
We learned about adjectives for color, size, and feelings.
We continue learning about nouns, verbs, past-tense verbs.
Fundations
we learned about "p" and "j"
we are practicing correct letter formation for: t, b, f, n, m, u, i, c, o, a, g, d, s, e, r
we are segmenting and blending sounds to make and read CVC words, both real words and nonsense words (consonant-vowel-consonant words)
new words this week: in, by
I, a, me, we, see, the, and, go, to, is, it, he, you
Every month, Ms. Jeri helps us make a Morning Message book. We are reading left to right and top to bottom. We are finding and reading Heart Words.
Math
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We started Unit 2, focusing on 5-groups to make counting and subitizing easier.
We are using 5-groups and 10-groups to help us count more efficiently. We chant: 5 is a group of 5 and 0 extra ones. 6 is a group of 5 and 1 extra one. 7 is a group of 5 and 2 extra ones...
We are practicing telling adding and subtracting stories (word problems) and are learning how to show our work by drawing it out and using manipulatives, including our fingers.
Favorite Books from the Week
Mrs. Young: Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock, Creepy Carrots, Creepy Pair of Underwear, I Am Going!
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
What is your favorite book character? Why (some ideas: Piggie, Elephant, Pete the Cat, Leonardo the Terrible Monster, Pigeon)
What is your favorite setting (the where and the when)? Why? Make sure to add details! (example: One of my favorite settings is Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. I love to watch the fuzzy ducklings. The tall trees are beautiful all year long. I like to listen to the delightful birds singing.)
Upcoming Dates
November 10: professional development for teachers - no school for students
November 11: Veterans Day - no school
November 24-28: Thanksgiving Break - no school
Reminder: Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Day on Friday, October 31
all-school parade starts at 8:10 and families can gather around the outside of the school to watch the fun
Pumpkin Day starts after the parade and changing out of costumes
Pumpkin Day SignUp Genius LINK - find more information about the day and there are still spaces left for volunteering and donating items
if your child chooses to wear a costume, they need to wear it to school and then must change out of it after the parade
pajamas can be worn all day
keep masks, face paint, toy/pretend weapons at home
it may be helpful for your children to have a bag to put their costumes in if they don't fit in backpacks
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are the oldest or only children at our school receive everything)
student work
Specials Next Week: A Week
Mrs. Young: PE - wear sneakers that tie or Velcro
Ms. Ellie: art
library day is Tuesday for both Mrs. Young and Ms. Ellie - return books by Tuesday
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
We are finding new ways to practice LEAP. Our class family is wonderful at being partners and working together!
The Mindfulness Teacher is a great site for mindfulness activities.
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading - see last week
Module 2, Week 3: There's Only One Me!
Essential Question: What makes each of us special?
Texts: Snail and Worm Again and Pete the Cat Too Cool for School
Focus:
adding details to drawing and words for characters and setting
identifying the topic (what the book is about in 1-3 words) and theme (the lesson or message that author wants us to learn) of a text
checking for understanding: rereading, using pictures/details, asking questions
synonyms (words that mean the same) and antonyms (words that mean the opposite)
alliteration - words that start with the same sound
Writing
We are exploring narrative (another word for a story, real or made up) writing.
We are planning and drafting a narrative about the WOW! Children's Museum.
We focused on
leaving spaces between our words
drawing and writing about characters and setting
using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and for names
using end punctuation, like a period, at the end of sentences
We learned about adjectives for color, size, and feelings.
We continue learning about nouns, verbs, past-tense verbs.
Fundations
we learned about "e" and "r"
we are practicing correct letter formation for: t, b, f, n, m, u, i, c, o, a, g, d, s, e, r
we are segmenting and blending sounds to make and read CVC words, both real words and nonsense words (consonant-vowel-consonant words)
Heart Words
new word this week: you
I, a, me, we, see, the, and, go, to, is, it, he
Math
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We started Unit 2, focusing on 5-groups to make counting and subitizing easier.
We learned a game called Hexagon Fill In where the goal is to try to compose six hexagons using different shapes. We used triangles, trapezoids, hexagons, and rhombuses.
Favorite Books from the Week
Mrs. Young: Pete the Cat Too Cool for School, Not a Box, Snail and Worm Again
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
What makes you special? Why?
What is something you would like to learn how to do? Why would you like to learn it?
Upcoming Dates
October 31: Halloween Parade and Kindergarten Pumpkin Day
November 10: professional development for teachers - no school
November 11: Veterans Day - no school
November 24-28: Thanksgiving Break - no school
🎒 Reminder 🚍
Our field trip to the WOW! Children's Museum is on Monday, October 20.
Every child needs:
a sack lunch from home
a water bottle
sneakers for safe exploring
a backpack - kids will carry their own lunch and water bottle
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are the oldest or only children at our school receive everything)
Creekside Parent Game Night Out information
Second Steps information
student work
Specials Next Week: C Week
Mrs. Young: art
Ms. Ellie: music
library day is Tuesday for both Mrs. Young and Ms. Ellie - return books by Tuesday
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
We learned Leaves on a Stream visualization with Mr. Ozzie.
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading - see last week
Module 2, Week 2: There's Only One Me!
Essential Question: What makes each of us special?
Texts: I Like Myself! and ABC I Like Me!
Writing
We are learning about narratives (another word for a story, real or made up) writing.
We planned, organized, drafted, and published a narrative titled "Meeting My Friend." I modeled about the time that I met Ms. Jeri on the old Creekside playground about 23 years ago!
We focused on
leaving spaces between our words
drawing and writing about characters and setting
using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and for names
using end punctuation, like a period, at the end of sentences
We continue learning about nouns, verbs, past-tense verbs.
Fundations - see last week
Heart Words
new words this week: it, he
I
a
me, be, we, see
the
and
go
to
is
Math
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
It was a week of assessing our learning.
We did a practice end of unit assessment on Wednesday.
We did an end of unit assessment on Thursday and a pre-assessment on Friday!
We played Shape Fill In and ZAP! Have your children explain the two games.
Favorite Books from the Week
Mrs. Young: The Lady with the Alligator Purse, Can I Play, Too?, A Big Guy Took My Ball
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
What was challenging for you today? Why was it challenging?
What is one thing you are really good at? Why do you think you are so good at it?
Upcoming Dates
October 20: Field trip to WOW! Children's Museum in Lafayette - Sack lunch from home needed!
November 10: professional development for teachers - no school
November 11: Veterans Day - no school
November 24-28: Thanksgiving Break - no school
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are the oldest or only children at our school receive everything)
Clinica Family Health dental services information
Problem Solving Wheel - we use this on the playground and in classrooms
student work
Specials Next Week: C Week
Mrs. Young: art
Ms. Ellie: music
library day is Tuesday for both Mrs. Young and Ms. Ellie - return books by Tuesday
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
We learned Pizza Breathing with Mr. Ozzie. Hot Chocolate Breathing is similar!
We listen to Mr. Ozzie every morning during announcements. We are learning different mindfulness strategies and breathing techniques to help us regulate.
We continue to practice LEAP behavior: Leadership, Empathy, Accountability, Pride. We had our first LEAP assembly on Friday!
Our pajama trip to Martin Park was a little chilly but a lot of fun!
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading
Module 2, Week 2: There's Only One Me!
Essential Question: What makes each of us special?
Texts: I Like Myself! and ABC I Like Me!
Main Concepts
topic: what the text is about in one or two words
theme: the message or lesson the author wants the reader to learn
reviewed the genre of fiction
story elements
characters: people animals or creatures in a story
setting: where and when the story takes place
plot: what happens in the story - beginning, middle, end, problem, and solution
check for understanding - Do I understand what is happening?
reread
use what you know
look for clues
Power Words (vocabulary)
bother
change
same
counting syllables in words (segmenting) (ex: rain-bow has 2 syllables; mo-tor-cy-cle has 4 syllables; sun has 1 syllable)
blending syllables: sun, shine...sunshine!
omitting syllables: we are learning how to omit syllables - Say "reread". Now say "reread" but don't say "re". READ!
Writing
We are learning about narratives (another word for a story, real or made up) writing.
We edited, revised, and published How Sparkle Got Her Name!
We focused on identifying characters and settings from stories. We are creating a story together about our class "pet", a stuffed dog. We named it Sparkle because the eyes shined in the light! We are focusing on the order of events, using the language of "first", "next", and "last". We connected this to our math language for adding and subtracting stories - "first", "then", "at the end"!
We continue learning about nouns and verbs. We learned about past-tense verbs this week, adding an "ed" to some verbs (talk/talked, play/played, etc)
Fundations
We focused on "d" and "s" this week, learning letter-keyword-sound, and correct letter formation.
We have learned letters: t, b, f, n, m, i, u, c, o, a, g
"c" is a magic letter because once you know how to form it, you can write "o", "a", "g", "d", and "q"!
We are counting words in a sentence.
We are rhyming.
We are learning how to stretch out words to hear the individual sounds (segmenting sounds)
We are learning how to blend sounds to read and write CVC words: consonant-vowel-consonant words like cat, dog, tub.
Heart Words: the words that are most commonly used in written English - being able to read and write these words increases reading comprehension and fluency, builds confidence, supports writing development, and helps children move from decoding to becoming proficient readers. You can find Heart Words at the top under "USE THESE RESOURCES AT HOME"!
So far, Mrs. Young's class has been learning these Heart Words:
I
a
me, be, we, see
the
and
go
to
is
Math
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We are learning different ways to tell adding and subtracting stories, using the the language, "first", "then", and "at the end".
We are learning how to share our math thinking in different ways: telling, drawing, using our fingers, using manipulatives (plastic bears or other counters, crayons, tiles, etc).
We are learning the correct way to write numbers 1-10.
We are comparing numbers and quantities using the vocabulary of greater, less, more, longer, shorter, and taller.
We continue to subitize!
We are learning about basic 2D shapes and the characteristics or properties that make shapes special.
SQUARE: has 4 equal sides, 4 corners, and it's flat
CIRCLE: is round, has 0 sides, 0 corners, and it's flat
RECTANGLE: has 4 sides, 2 long sides and 2 short sides, 4 corners, and it's flat
Favorite Books from the Week
Mrs. Young: Our Class is a Family, I Don't Like Koala, The Big Umbrella (we all squeezed under my big umbrella like the characters in the story!), Watch Me Throw the Ball
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
If you could do anything during Fall Break (Monday & Tuesday), what would you do? Why?
Would you rather have a dinosaur or a butterfly for a pet? Why?
Upcoming Dates
October 13 & 14: Fall Break - no school
October 20: Field trip to WOW! Children's Museum in Lafayette - RETURN PERMISSION FORMS
November 10: professional development for teachers - no school
November 11: Veterans Day - no school
November 24-28: Thanksgiving Break - no school
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are the oldest or only children at our school receive everything)
permission form for our WOW! Children's Museum field trip - please sign it, date it, and return it!
sticker from the Fun Run
Blue Sky Bridge caregiver information
Scholastic Book Club flyer
student work
Specials Next Week: B Week
Mrs. Young: music
Ms. Ellie: PE - wear sneakers that tie or Velcro
library day is Tuesday for both Mrs. Young and Ms. Ellie - return books by Tuesday
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
We like Melting!
We listen to Mr. Ozzie every morning during announcements. We are learning different mindfulness strategies and breathing techniques to help us regulate.
We continue to practice LEAP behavior: Leadership, Empathy, Accountability, Pride.
We are earning individual LEAP tickets and whole class LEAP starts. Ask your children about them!
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading
Module 2, Week 1: There's Only One Me!
Essential Question: What makes each of us special?
Texts: I Am René, the Boy and Being Different Rocks!
Main Concepts
reviewed the genre of fiction
story elements: characters (people animals or creatures in a story), setting (where and when the story takes place) and plot (what happens in the story - beginning, middle, end, problem, and solution)
check for understanding - Do I understand what is happening?
reread
use what you know
look for clues
Power Words (vocabulary)
celebrate
different
special
participate
pronounce
research
counting syllables in words (segmenting) (ex: rain-bow has 2 syllables; mo-tor-cy-cle has 4 syllables; sun has 1 syllable)
blending syllables: sun, shine...sunshine!
Writing
We introduced narrative (another word for a story, real or made up) writing.
We focused on identifying characters and settings from stories. We are creating a story together about our class "pet", a stuffed dog. We named it Sparkle because the eyes shined in the light! We are focusing on the order of events, using the language of "first", "next", and "last". We connected this to our math language for adding and subtracting stories - "first", "then", "at the end"!
We continue learning about nouns and verbs. We learned about past-tense verbs this week, adding an "ed" to some verbs (talk/talked, play/played, etc)
Fundations
We focused on "a" and "g" this week, learning letter-keyword-sound, and correct letter formation.
We have learned letters: t, b, f, n, m, i, u, c, o
"c" is a magic letter because once you know how to form it, you can write "o", "a", "g", "d", and "q"!
We are counting words in a sentence.
We are rhyming.
We are learning how to stretch out words to hear the individual sounds (segmenting sounds)
We are learning how to blend sounds to read and write CVC words: consonant-vowel-consonant words like cat, dog, tub.
Heart Words: the words that are most commonly used in written English - being able to read and write these words increases reading comprehension and fluency, builds confidence, supports writing development, and helps children move from decoding to becoming proficient readers. You can find Heart Words at the top under "USE THESE RESOURCES AT HOME"!
So far, Mrs. Young's class has been learning these Heart Words:
I
a
me, be, we, see
the
and
go
to
is
Math
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We are learning different ways to tell adding and subtracting stories, using the the language, "first", "then", and "at the end".
We are learning how to share our math thinking in different ways: telling, drawing, using our fingers, using manipulatives (plastic bears or other counters, crayons, tiles, etc).
We are learning the correct way to write numbers 1-10.
We are comparing numbers and quantities using the vocabulary of greater, less, more, longer, shorter, and taller.
We continue to subitize!
We are learning about basic 2D shapes and the characteristics or properties that make shapes special.
SQUARE: has 4 equal sides, 4 corners, and it's flat
CIRCLE: is round, has 0 sides, 0 corners, and it's flat
RECTANGLE: has 4 sides, 2 long sides and 2 short sides, 4 corners, and it's flat
Favorite Books from the Week
Mrs. Young: My Friend is Sad, Woo Hoo! You're Doing Great!, Should I Share My Ice Cream?
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
If you were a character in a story, what would your story be about? Why did you pick that topic?
Where and when (setting) would your story take place? Why?
Upcoming Dates
October 7, 8, 9: Conferences
October 13 & 14: Fall Break - no school
October 20: Field trip to WOW! Children's Museum in Lafayette - RETURN PERMISSION FORMS
November 10: professional development for teachers - no school
November 11: Veterans Day - no school
November 24-28: Thanksgiving Break - no school
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are the oldest or only children at our school receive everything)
Fund-Run-Raiser Campaign information
from CPO
In this week's Friday Folder you will find a message from the CPO about their fundraising campaign and an envelope for contributions. They're hoping every family will contribute something to help reach the goal of raising $75K for our school community. More than half of those funds pay for para-educators and tutors, vital classroom support for our students. The CPO also pays for field trips for all grades, including bussing, which is often the most expensive portion of a field trip. If you are able, please consider making a donation via the website (https://givebutter.com/Creekside2526) or by sending a check or cash back in the envelope in your Friday Folder.
And most importantly, please join us in cheering on your Creekside Cougar at the Fun Run on Friday, October 3rd. Start times for each grade are below. Thank you!
8:15-8:35 - PreK
8:45-9:10 - Kindergarten
9-9:25 - 4th Grade
9:15-9:45 - 1st Grade
9:40-10:10 - 2nd Grade
10-10:30 - 3rd Grade
10:20-10:50 - 5th Grade
student work
Specials Next Week: A Week
Mrs. Young: PE - wear sneakers that tie or Velcro
Ms. Ellie: art
library day is Tuesday for both Mrs. Young and Ms. Ellie - return books by Tuesday
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Mindfulness Sites: We learn about neuroscience and talk a lot about "flipping our lids" and being in the green zone to learn. Here are some resources that you might find helpful:
We listen to Mr. Ozzie every morning during announcements. We are learning different mindfulness strategies and breathing techniques to help us regulate. We like Bee Breathing!
We continue to practice LEAP behavior: Leadership, Empathy, Accountability, Pride.
We are earning individual LEAP tickets and whole class LEAP starts. Ask your children about them!
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading
Module 1, Week 4: Curious About Kindergarten - noticing the world around us: we are the same and different; we are kind
Essential Question: What will I discover in kindergarten?
Texts: Schools Around the World and Annie, Bea, and Chi Chi Dolores: A School Day Alphabet
Main Concepts
introduction of the genre of informational texts - books that teach us about a topic
using meaning clues to figure out unknown words - reading the pictures and using other words in the sentence
identifying and producing rhyming words (ex: hat/cat; goat/boat)
counting syllables in words (ex: rain-bow has 2 syllables; mo-tor-cy-cle has 4 syllables; sun has 1 syllable)
blending syllables: sun, shine...sunshine!
central idea: the most important idea in a text
topic: what a text is about in one or two words
key details: facts or examples that give information about the central idea
Writing
We focused on thinking about, sharing, and writing our opinions and reasons about why we like fall. We used our writing journals for the first time this week!
We are learning about the writing process: plan, organize, draft, revise and edit, publish
We are learning about nouns and verbs.
Fundations
We focused on "c" and "o" this week, learning letter-keyword-sound, and correct letter formation.
We have learned letters: t, b, f, n, m, i, u
We are counting words in a sentence.
We are rhyming.
We are learning how to stretch out words to hear the individual sounds.
We are learning how to blend sounds to read and write CVC words: consonant-vowel-consonant words like cat, dog, tub.
Math
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topic are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We are learning different ways to tell adding and subtracting stories, using the the language, "first", "then", and "at the end".
We are learning how to share our math thinking in different ways: telling, drawing, using our fingers, using manipulatives (plastic bears or other counters, crayons, tiles, etc).
We are learning the correct way to write numbers 1-10.
We are comparing numbers and quantities using the vocabulary of greater, less, more, longer, shorter, and taller.
We continue to subitize!
We are learning about basic 2D shapes and the characteristics or properties that make shapes special.
SQUARE: has 4 equal sides, 4 corners, and it's flat
CIRCLE: is round, has 0 sides, 0 corners, and it's flat
RECTANGLE: has 4 sides, 2 long sides and 2 short sides, 4 corners, and it's flat
Favorite Books from the Week
Mrs. Young: Soaked!, It Came in the Mail, It's Okay to Be Different
Ms. Ellie:
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
Sharing opinions and reasons to support opinions, help develop critical thinking skills, effective communication skills, and help kids develop ways to disagree respectfully. Sharing reasons help organize thoughts.
If you could be any animal for a day, which animal would you be? Why?
If you could change one rule at your house, what rule would you change? Why?
Upcoming Dates
October 3: Fun Run
October 7, 8, 9: Conferences - please sign up for a conference!
October 13 & 14: Fall Break
October 20: Field trip to WOW! Children's Museum in Lafayette - permission form coming soon
November 10: professional development for teachers - no school
November 11: Veterans Day - no school
November 24-28: Thanksgiving Break - no school
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are the oldest or only children at our school receive everything)
Fund-Run-Raiser Campaign information
Zones of Regulation - we use this in school. Now you can use it at home to recognize and name feelings, plan a strategy to get calm and be in the green zone.
school photos
student work
Specials Next Week: C Week
Mrs. Young: art
Ms. Ellie: music
library day is Tuesday for both Mrs. Young and Ms. Ellie
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Mr. Eric visited our classrooms this week. He reinforced using Zones of Regulation.
We listen to Mr. Ozzie every morning during announcements. We are learning different mindfulness strategies and breathing techniques to help us regulate. Here is a great breathing strategy: Swirling
We practice mindful listening and mindful looking.
We continue to practice LEAP behavior: Leadership, Empathy, Accountability, Pride.
We are earning individual LEAP tickets and whole class LEAP starts. Ask your children about them!
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading
Module 1, Week 3: Curious About Kindergarten - solving problems: being curious and learning from mistakes
Essential Question: What will I discover in kindergarten?
Texts: Kindergarten Kids (poems) and School Bus
Main Concepts
introduction of the genre of poetry
using meaning clues to figure out unknown words - reading the pictures and using other words in the sentence
identifying rhyming words (ex: hat/cat; goat/boat)
counting syllables in words (ex: rain-bow has 2 syllables; mo-tor-cy-cle has 4 syllables; sun has 1 syllable)
story elements: characters, setting, main events, plot (beginning, middle, end)
Writing
We focused on thinking about, sharing, and writing our opinions and reasons about favorite activities and books in kindergarten.
We are learning about the writing process: plan, organize, draft, revise and edit, publish
We are learning about nouns and verbs.
Fundations
We focused on "i" and "u" this week, learning letter-keyword-sound, and correct letter formation.
We have learned letters: t, b, f, n, m
We are counting words in a sentence.
We are rhyming.
Math
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topic are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We are learning the correct way to write numbers 1-10.
We are comparing numbers and quantities using the vocabulary of greater, less, more, longer, shorter, and taller.
We continue to subitize!
We are learning about basic 2D shapes and the characteristics or properties that make shapes special.
SQUARE: has 4 equal sides, 4 corners, and it's flat
CIRCLE: is round, has 0 sides, 0 corners, and it's flat
RECTANGLE: has 4 sides, 2 long sides and 2 short sides, 4 corners, and it's flat
Favorite Books from the Week
Mrs. Young: The Duckling Gets a Cookie!?, It's Okay to Make Mistakes, How Will I Get to School This Year?
Ms. Ellie:
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
Sharing opinions and reasons to support opinions, help develop critical thinking skills, effective communication skills, and help kids develop ways to disagree respectfully. Sharing reasons help organize thoughts.
What is your favorite game to play with your family? Why is it your favorite?
Would you rather have super strength or super speed? Why?
Upcoming Dates
October 7, 8, 9: Conferences - more info coming soon
October 13 & 14: Fall Break
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are the oldest or only children at our school receive everything)
BVSD calendar
CPO (Creekside Parent Organization) 100% Creekside information
student work
Specials Next Week: B Week
Mrs. Young: music
Ms. Ellie: PE - wear sneakers that tie or Velcro
library day is Tuesday for both Mrs. Young and Ms. Ellie
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
We continue to do Morning Meeting from 8:00-8:30.
We listen to Mr. Ozzie every morning during announcements. We are learning different mindfulness strategies and breathing techniques to help us regulate.
We practice mindful listening and mindful looking. This is an example of mindful listening. This is an example of mindful looking.
We continue to practice LEAP behavior: Leadership, Empathy, Accountability, Pride.
We are earning individual LEAP tickets and whole class LEAP starts. Ask your children about them!
into Reading & Writing and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Reading & Writing
We focused on thinking about, sharing, and writing our opinions and reasons about favorite activities and books in kindergarten.
We are learning about the writing process.
We are learning about nouns and verbs.
Fundations
We focused on "n" and "m" this week, learning letter-keyword-sound, and correct letter formation.
We are counting words in a sentence.
We are identifying rhyming words.
Math
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topic are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We are comparing numbers and quantities using the vocabulary of greater, less, more, longer, shorter, and taller.
We are learning about basic 2D shapes and the characteristics or properties that make shapes special.
SQUARE: has 4 equal sides, 4 corners, and it's flat
CIRCLE: is round, has 0 sides, 0 corners, and it's flat
RECTANGLE: has 4 sides, 2 long sides and 2 short sides, 4 corners, and it's flat
Favorite Books from the Week
Mrs. Young: Chicka, Chicka Boom Boom (Miss Rory read this book because it was her favorite when she was in kindergarten), A Busy Creatures Day of Eating, Chalk
Ms. Ellie:
Questions to Ask Your Child - have them respond in complete sentences
Sharing opinions help develop critical thinking skills, effective communication skills, and helps kids develop ways to disagree respectfully.
What is your favorite food? Why is it your favorite food?
Would you rather spend the day exploring outer space or the ocean? Why?
Upcoming Dates
September 12: International Festival TONIGHT
October 7, 8, 9: Conferences - more info coming soon
October 13 & 14: Fall Break
This was a catch-up week since it was so short.
School picture day is Monday, September 8th!
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are the oldest or only children at our school receive everything)
a note from Mr. Eric
student work
Specials Next Week: A Week
Mrs. Young: PE
Ms. Ellie: art
library day is Tuesday for both Mrs. Young and Ms. Ellie
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
We continue to do Morning Meeting from 8:00-8:30.
We listen to Mr. Ozzie every morning during announcements. We are learning different mindfulness strategies and breathing techniques to help us regulate.
We learned "Give Me 5" (whole body listening): eyes watching, ears listening, mouths quiet, body still, hearts open to learning
We continue to practice LEAP behavior: Leadership, Empathy, Accountability, Pride.
into Reading (reading & writing) and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
Math
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topic are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We played a fun math game called Racing Bears. You can play at home - HERE are the DIRECTIONS and GAME BOARD!
instrucciones y tablero de juego
Favorite Books from the Week
Mrs. Young: Knuffle Bunny; Knuffle Bunny Too; Knuffle Bunny Free; Leonardo the Terrible Monster; Sam, the Most Scaredy-Cat Kid in the Whole World
Ms. Ellie:
Questions to Ask Your Child
What is your favorite book? Why is it your favorite?
What was the funniest thing that happened at school? Why do you think it is so funny?
Upcoming Dates
September 8: individual school pictures
September 12: International Festival
October 7, 8, 9: Conferences - more info coming soon
Coming Home in Friday Folders
(you may not see all the information - students who are the oldest or only children at our school receive everything)
Individual School Photo information - Sept 8 is the date!
International Festival information
Creekside Fundraiser information
Scholastic Book Club order
student work
Specials Next Week: C Week
Mrs. Young: art
Ms. Ellie: music
library day is Tuesday for both Mrs. Young and Ms. Ellie
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
We continue to do Morning Meeting from 8:00-8:30.
We listen to Mr. Ozzie every morning during announcements. We are learning different mindfulness strategies and breathing techniques to help us regulate.
We learned "Give Me 5" (whole body listening): eyes watching, ears listening, mouths quiet, body still, hearts open to learning
We continue to practice LEAP behavior: Leadership, Empathy, Accountability, Pride.
into Reading (reading & writing) and Fundations (phonics and handwriting)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We focused on counting words in a sentence and rhyming. You may hear and see your child "scoop" rhymes with their hands - examples: Cat, bat. They both end with "at"! Boat, goat. They both end with "oat"!
We continue to:
learn and practice letter names, keywords, and sounds. For example: a-apple-/a/, b-bat-/b/. You can find a video HERE showing letter-keyword-sound.
learn about authors, illustrators, titles, and title pages
practice The 5 Elements of Shape to make drawings and practice how to label our drawings!
Module 1: Curious About Kindergarten
Essential Question: What will I discover in kindergarten?
texts: A Squiggly Story and School Days!
this week's focus:
learning about the genre of fiction
using pictures to help us figure out the meaning of words
plot: beginning, middle, and end
characters and setting of a story
Power Words (vocabulary)
idea
offer
stuck
Math
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topic are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We use 10-frames to help us see 5-groups, 10-groups, and organize our counting.
We continue to
practice counting 1-10 fluently and accurately
practicing finger patterns 1-10
engage in daily math routines to help us be more efficient mathematicians
draw scenes after reading Anno's Counting Book
SUBITIZE - watch Subitize Up to 5 and Subitize Up to 5 Rap!
Favorite Book from the Week
Mrs. Young: I Say Ooh, You Say Ahh, We Don't Lose Our Class Goldfish, Penelope Rex and the Problem with Pets
Ms. Ellie:
Questions to Ask Your Child
What was the most interesting thing you learned today? Why was is interesting to you?
How were you kind today? Was someone kind to you? How were they kind?
Upcoming Dates
September 1: Labor Day - no school
September 2: Professional Learning for teachers - no school for kids
September 8: individual school pictures
September 12: International Festival
Coming Home in Friday Folders (you may not see all the information as students who are the oldest or only children at our school receive all the information)
walking field trip form - please sign and RETURN
FRS After School Registration forms - fill out and return ASAP if your child wants an after school class (if you haven't already, this is optional!)
CPO (Creekside Parent Organization) information
Cub Scout information
BVSD School Lunch Menu
Specials Next Week: B Week
Mrs. Young: music
Ms. Ellie: PE - all children need shoes that tie or Velcro!
Welcome Days
We learned The Freeze Dance and Dancing Machine.
We read The Gingerbread Man and he left us a note at the end of the book. We followed his clues all over the school and when we returned to the classroom, he left us a present! The present was apples, oranges, a craft, and gingerbread people sticks that we are using at school.
We had fun getting to know each other!
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
We learned how to do Morning Meeting, practicing each other's names and learning how to do different activities.
We practiced Mindful Listening to calm our bodies and brains to regulate. We learned Mindful Breathing.
We practiced LEAP behavior: Leadership, Empathy, Accountability, Pride.
into Reading (reading & writing)
HMH into Reading is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topic are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We started learning and practicing letter names, keywords, and sounds. For example: a-apple-/a/, b-bat-/b/. You can find a video HERE showing letter-keyword-sound.
We learned about authors, illustrators, titles, and title pages.
We learned to count words in a sentence
We learned about and practiced The 5 Elements of Shape to make drawings. Then we learned how to label our drawings!
Module 1: Curious About Kindergarten
Essential Question: What will I discover in kindergarten?
texts: Keisha Ann Can! and School Days!
we focused on characters and setting
Power Words (vocabulary)
discover
dream
partners
plan
polite
share
Math
Math Expressions is a spiraling curriculum, meaning that topic are introduced and revisited throughout the year.
We practiced counting 1-10 fluently and accurately and practiced finger patterns 1-10.
We learned daily math routines.
We drew scenes of 2 and 3 after reading Anno's Counting Book.
We learned the rich math word SUBITIZE. Watch Subitize Up to 5 and Subitize Up to 5 Rap!
Favorite Book from the Week
Mrs. Young: We Don't Eat Our Classmates, I Will Surprise My Friend, Pigeon Has To Go To School
Ms. Ellie: The Invisible String, The King of Kindergarten
Questions to Ask Your Child
Did you meet a new friend? How were you a kind friend this week?
What was your favorite thing to do in specials this week? (Mrs. Young's class had PE and Ms. Ellie's class had art)
Upcoming Dates
September 1: Labor Day - no school
September 2: Professional Learning for Teachers - no school for kids
September 12: International Festival