This school seemed to fly by! It feels like yesterday we were enjoying our first school assembly as "Lenartians", marching around the school in our Halloween costumes, making turkey hats and decorating gingerbread houses.Ā
Every student has grown in many ways! Some major accomplishments according to the children include learning to tie their shoe, finally reaching the top of the monkey bars, learning to snap their fingers, learning how to do a cartwheel and building impressive structures. We've had the pleasure of watching some learn how to read, spell and write their name, create books, compose and decompose numbers, and skip counting up to 100 just to name a few.Ā Ā
We're sure you've noticed many other accomplishments and areas of growth and I hope that you will keep in touch over the summer and throughout the years as they continue to grow!
All students will continue to have access to RAZ-Kids throughout the summer to practice reading. Below are opportunities in the city for the family and our growing learners.Ā
Online registration is now open for various summer programs and activities for children, teens, and young adults, including camps, sports leagues, clubs, aquatics, and more
Summer Block Party at the Library!
CPS families are invited to kick off summer at the first-ever Summer at CPL Block Party on June 8, 2024. This event, which will be held from noonā2 p.m. at the Harold Washington Library Center, will include giveaways, live music, and special guests, along with information on summer programming that is available to students through the Chicago Public Library. These details are also available at chipublib.org/summer.
Fun Ideas for Engaging in Math This Summer
Many games rely on math skills such as counting, sorting, and spatial skills. Play a simple card game such as Memory or Go Fish, a board game like Chutes and Ladders, or take the fun outdoors for a game of hopscotch! Explore various free math games here (available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese).
You can also read math story books together! Check out your local library for children's books with a mathematical theme, such as these!Ā
Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg (counting and cardinality)
The Animals Would not Sleep by Sara Levins (sorting and data analysis)
Circle! Sphere! by Grace Lin (shapes)
Rosie's Walk by Pat Hutchins (spatial relations)
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires (patterns and structure)
What Will Fit? by Grace Link (measurement)Ā
If you are looking for more practice over the summer, I recommend these books for a few minutes of practice each day.Ā
The next few weeks are packed with activities! Please be sure to let us know which events you will be attending so we can plan accordingly. Based on the responses I received, we will have Muffins with Moms and Donuts with Dads during breakfast. This Friday students will be performing for our school's Summer Festival right after Muffins with Moms so we will need to end right at 8:45am.Ā
Transitions can be difficult and scary. Keep this in mind as we wind down the year. You may start to notice some regressive or new behaviors in the coming weeks.Ā
How to Support at Homešø
šļøAcknowledge your child's feelings. Know that some behaviors may be your child's way of communicating anxiety about the transition.Ā
šļøKeep your home routines and rituals consistent. This will help your child feel a sense of security and stability at home.
āļøRead books about moving up to kindergarten and talk with your child about the characters and their feelings.
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: How is kindergarten like preschool?
Literacy: I can change the beginning sounds in words to make rhyming words; segment the sounds in words; tell that letters form words.
Math: I can use vocabulary that describes and compares length, height, weight, capacity, and size.
Social Emotional: I can demonstrate focusing attention, listening, and using self-talk during an activity.Ā
Online registration is now open for various summer programs and activities for children, teens, and young adults, including camps, sports leagues, clubs, aquatics, and more
April 29-May 3, 2024
āļøABC Countdown
You may have noticed a different ABC Countdown in the Lenart Family Update. It was student created by our Student Council for students K-8th grade. There are a few differences including the start. I usually begin the countdown a day early so that all students can enjoy the last day as is, however, I will merge our calendar and follow the start of the rest of the school. Please note that some days are different because it is PreK specific!!
šGetting Ready for Kindergarten
As we prepare for the end of the school year, I invite you to visit our classroom to share stories and photos of you in kindergarten.
Many of us may have fond memories of kindergarten. What we might not remember is the anxiety and excitement we may have felt leading up to our entry to elementary school. I remember crying and not wanting to leave my table until another student held my hand and walked with me to the rug. I also remember enjoying story time and reading books to my classmates every chance I got. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is my favorite to this day.
The final weeks of school can be scary, fun, and exciting all at the same time, and not just for children! It's understandable for you to experience a range of emotions about your child moving from Pre-K to kindergarten.Ā
We will have a Moving Up Ceremony for students to celebrate their achievements throughout the school year. It will be about 30-45 minutes in the auditorium before our school picnic. Please be on the lookout for information from parent volunteers regarding the class shirt and items to bring for the picnic.
šSchool Picnic
The School Picnic is a Lenart Lions Pride sponsored event that will be held Friday May 24, from 10am-2pm. This is a time for the Lenart community to socialize and celebrate a successful school year!Ā
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: What is special about our building?
Literacy: I can delete parts of compound words, blend sounds in words; tell the difference between numbers and letters; say the final sound in words with help from my teacher
Math: I can use vocabulary that describes and compares length, height, weight, capacity, and size.
Social Emotional: I can demonstrate speaking up assertively in response to scenarios.
April 22-26, 2024
Today is Earth Day! This week we will learn what it means to reduce, reuse, and recycle to keep our communities clean.
As we begin winding down the year, please be on the lookout for our ABC Countdown. We will have a final countdown to the end of the school year. Each day we will engage in different activities related to a letter in the alphabet. Some days will require students to bring items from home. A hard copy will be shared at dismissal.Ā
Please be on the lookout for an email about the school picnic after the Moving Up Ceremony.
We are also looking forward to celebrating YOU parents/guardians for Muffins with Moms and Donuts with Dads. The time is TBD so we can choose a time that works for the majority of families. Our options are Morning (8:00-9:00am) and Afternoon (1:30-2:30pm). You are welcome to stay the whole time or as long as your schedule allows. Please share your preference via Remind or during arrival/dismissal.
Chaperones for the Shedd Aquarium field trip will be finalized Friday, April 26th. This means that all CPS requirements for volunteering must be completed by April 26th. We are limited to 5 chaperones per class which means we will have to choose chaperones who have completed all requirements.
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: How do trash and garbage affect our community?
Literacy: I can delete parts of compound words, blend syllables in words; tell the difference between numbers and letters; say the final sound in words with help from my teacher
Math: I can use vocabulary that describes and compares length, height, weight, capacity, and size.
Social Emotional: I can demonstrate speaking up assertively in response to scenarios.
April 8-12, 2024
We are in the home stretch of the school year! The children are more comfortable in our routine and adjusted to the new schedule without hesitation! We have enjoyed having extra time to focus on small groups and spend time with their friends before going to Specials. Hopefully this will begin to prepare students for the extended days in Kindergarten when there are no rest times!Ā
Next field trip is May 1 to the Shedd Aquarium. So far we have 5 chaperones but we will need 3 more volunteers for Brookfield Zoo on May 28. Ā If you would like to chaperone the trip, please let me know during dismissal or via Remind then complete the complete the Level 1 Volunteer Form.Ā
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: What do the buildings in our neighborhood and in other places look like?
Literacy: I can blend syllables in words; hear the same initial sound in words with help from my teacher; say the initial sound of words with help from my teacher
Math: I can model shapes in the world by building shapes using a variety of materials (blocks, playdough, sticks, etc.)
Social Emotional: I can demonstrate speaking up assertively in response to scenarios.
How to Support at Homešø
We welcome pictures of buildings from any source such as newspapers or magazines, postcards, printouts from the internet, and your family's photo collection.Ā
Study your house our apartment building with your child. What materials were used to build it? How many floors or stories does it have? How many rooms, windows, and doors does it have? Don't forget the basement if you have one! How old is your home? Who built it? What are its dimensions?
š£Announcementsš£
š«April 10 Parent Teacher Conferences
šApril 8-12 Spring Book Fair
The Spring Book Fair will be April 8th - April 12th. Parents are welcome to volunteer. Tasks include escorting students to and from class, reorganizing and restocking books between each class and working the cashier. No experience required, come one come all. Slots are estimated times, you may coordinate with Mr. Lin if you desire to stay longer or cannot fulfill the full slot. Please sign up using the link below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4AABA629A3F5C16-48076147-spring
April 2-5, 2024
Welcome back! I hope your Spring Break was a great balance of rest and adventure. It is the last quarter before students are off to Kindergarten!Ā
Our schedule has changed! First, Quiet Time will be moved from 11:30am to 1:30pm. Because students needs for rest are shifting, delaying Quiet Time will allow students to engage in more social emotional learning and academic activities before the day ends. Finally, our Specials schedule will change for the last time. Please see the changes below:
šµMusic: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday
šØArt: Tuesday
šSpanish- Thursday
As we begin our math focus on Geometry, Measurement, and Spatial Reasoning, we will also take this time to learn about buildings. As we study buildings we will learn concepts and skills in science, social studies, literacy, math, the arts, and technology. We will also be using thinking skills to investigate ask questions, solve problems, make predictions, and test our ideas.
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: What do we know about buildings? What do we want to find out?
Literacy: I can blend syllables in words; hear the same initial sound in words with help from my teacher; say the initial sound of words with help from my teacher
Math: I can sort collections of two- and three-dimensional shapes by type (e.g. triangles, rectangles, circles, cubes, spheres, and pyramids).
Social Emotional: I can demonstrate speaking up assertively in response to scenarios.
How to Support at Homešø
We welcome pictures of buildings from any source such as newspapers or magazines, postcards, printouts from the internet, and your family's photo collection.Ā
Study your house our apartment building with your child. What materials were used to build it? How many floors or stories does it have? How many rooms, windows, and doors does it have? Don't forget the basement if you have one! How old is your home? Who built it? What are its dimensions?
š£Announcementsš£
š«April 10 Parent Teacher Conferences
šApril 8-12 Spring Book Fair
The Spring Book Fair will be April 8th - April 12th. Parents are welcome to volunteer. Tasks include escorting students to and from class, reorganizing and restocking books between each class and working the cashier. No experience required, come one come all. Slots are estimated times, you may coordinate with Mr. Lin if you desire to stay longer or cannot fulfill the full slot. Please sign up using the link below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4AABA629A3F5C16-48076147-spring
March 18-22, 2024
We are 4 days away from Spring Break. When we return April 2nd, our schedule will change in 2 ways. First, Quiet Time will be moved from 11:30am to 1:30pm. Because students needs for rest are shifting, delaying Quiet Time will allow students to engage in more social emotional learning and academic activities before the day ends. Finally, our Specials schedule will change for the last time. Please see the changes below:
šµMusic: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday
šØArt: Tuesday
šSpanish- Thursday
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: What jobs are related to exercise?
Literacy: I can blend syllables in words; hear the same initial sound in words with help from my teacher; say the initial sound of words with help from my teacher
Math: I can sort collections of two- and three-dimensional shapes by type (e.g. triangles, rectangles, circles, cubes, spheres, and pyramids).
Social Emotional: I can demonstrate speaking up assertively in response to scenarios.
Announcementsš£
š½ļøMarch 20 Parent Workshop & Cooking Demonstration
šMarch 22 Field Trip to Children's Museum
š· March 26th-April 1st: No School- Spring BreakĀ Ā Ā
š«April 10 Parent Teacher Conferences
šApril 8-12 Spring Book Fair
The Spring Book Fair will be April 8th - April 12th. Parents are welcome to volunteer. Tasks include escorting students to and from class, reorganizing and restocking books between each class and working the cashier. No experience required, come one come all. Slots are estimated times, you may coordinate with Mr. Lin if you desire to stay longer or cannot fulfill the full slot. Please sign up using the link below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4AABA629A3F5C16-48076147-spring
March 11-15, 2024
Spring is coming in full force. If you notice your child has a slight cough, please consider giving them non-drowsy allergy medicine before school to soothe them throughout the day. Masks are available as needed.Ā
Our first field trip is happening Friday, March 22. We will be going to the Children's Museum at Navy Pier! Chaperones were chosen based on the responses from the Family Volunteer Form first.Ā
We need 1 more volunteer for the Shedd Aquarium (May 1) and 5 for the Brookfield Zoo (May 28). If you would like to chaperone the trip, please let me know during dismissal or via Remind then complete the complete the Level 1 Volunteer Form.Ā
Sign up for Parent Teacher Conferences (April 10) and the Family Workshop (March 20) will take place during arrival/dismissal.
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: What do our bodies need in order to move and exercise?
Literacy: I can recognize the difference between print and pictures, identify Ā words with the same beginning sound, and segment compound words into two words.
Math: I can describe the difference between two-dimensional (lying in a plane, "flat") and three-dimensional shapes ("solid").
Social Emotional: I can demonstrate speaking up assertively in response to scenarios.
Announcementsš£
š½ļøMarch 20 Parent Workshop & Cooking Demonstration
šMarch 22 Field Trip to Children's Museum
š· March 26th-April 1st: No School- Spring BreakĀ Ā Ā
š«April 10 Parent Teacher Conferences
šApril 8-12 Spring Book Fair
The Spring Book Fair will be April 8th - April 12th. Parents are welcome to volunteer. Tasks include escorting students to and from class, reorganizing and restocking books between each class and working the cashier. No experience required, come one come all. Slots are estimated times, you may coordinate with Mr. Lin if you desire to stay longer or cannot fulfill the full slot. Please sign up using the link below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4AABA629A3F5C16-48076147-spring
March 4-9, 2024
I hope you and your family were able to enjoy the sunshine yesterday! I enjoyed riding my bike by the lake and the energy boost from the sunshine.Ā
It was brought to my attention that you may not have been receiving the weekly updates from Principal Sims. I hope that you are now signed up as there was a lot of information shared in last week's update regarding upcoming events and changes here at Lenart. If you are not yet signed up, please go to our school's website linked here and complete the form that says "Join Our Newsletter."Ā
Our first field trip is happening Friday, March 22. We will be going to the Children's Museum at Navy Pier! We will need 5 chaperones. Chaperones will be chosen based on the responses from the Family Volunteer Form first. If you would like to chaperone the trip, please let me know during dismissal or via Remind.
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: How do our bodies work when we exercise?
Literacy: I can say the initial sound of words, recognize words that rhyme, and blend two words together to make a compound word.
Math: I can describe the difference between two-dimensional (lying in a plane, "flat") and three-dimensional shapes ("solid").
Social Emotional: I can demonstrate speaking up assertively in response to scenarios.
Announcementsš£
š½ļøMarch 20 Parent Workshop & Cooking Demonstration
šMarch 22 Field Trip to Children's Museum
š· March 26th-April 1st: No School- Spring BreakĀ Ā Ā
š«April 10 Parent Teacher Conferences
šApril 8-12 Spring Book Fair
The Spring Book Fair will be April 8th - April 12th. Parents are welcome to volunteer. Tasks include escorting students to and from class, reorganizing and restocking books between each class and working the cashier. No experience required, come one come all. Slots are estimated times, you may coordinate with Mr. Lin if you desire to stay longer or cannot fulfill the full slot. Please sign up using the link below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4AABA629A3F5C16-48076147-spring
February 26-March 1, 2024
February zoomed by and Spring is rapidly approaching. The Winter Checkpoints will be finalized Friday, March 1 and shared during Parent/Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, April 10. All sessions are in person. If you need to schedule a virtual conference, please let me know by Friday, April 5. There will be a sign up sheet during arrival/dismissal.
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: What kind of different exercises are there?
Literacy: I can tell that letters form words, delete one small word in a compound.
Math: I can represent teen numbers as ten and some ones.
Social Emotional: I can think of solutions to problems.
Announcementsš£
What: Let's Play! At Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
When: Saturday, March 2 10:00am-12:00pm
Where: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
2340 N Cannon Drive, Chicago
Ā
FREE Registration Required!Ā Ā Ā
February 20-23, 2024
Our camera study is almost complete! As a school we are learning about historically black colleges and universities. Our class looked at images of Spelman and Morehouse Colleges and took pictures wearing Future Spelman Women and Future Morehouse Men shirts.
Over the last few weeks students have been learning about healthy food choices through the University of Illinois Chicago Hip Hop to Health Program (UIC HH2H). Students have learned about "go and grow" foods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, and protein. This learning has lead us to our new study of exercise. Students will explore different types of exercise and what our bodies need to move and exercise.Ā
UIC Hip Hop to Health in partnership with our Pre-K Program will host a Family Workshop on Wednesday, March 20th 3:30pm to 4:30pm in the auditorium. Please save the date as more information will be available soon!
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: How do people use cameras for work and play?
Literacy: I can say the last sound in words with help from my teacher.
Math: I can represent teen numbers as ten and some ones.
Social Emotional: I can demonstrate calming down and using words to say the problem.
Announcementsš£
Friday, February 23rd: Picture Day!
February 12-16, 2024
Last week we celebrated the 100th Day of School. I can truly say each student is 100 days smarter and I enjoy being their teacher. We will continue developing number sense, base ten, and addition/subtraction in a variety of ways.Ā
You will begin to see more of student work in these specific areas on Seesaw. As students share their learning with you, begin to ask them to explain their thinking by saying, "How do you know?" or "Can you show me another way?"
Wednesday is Valentine's Day. Students are welcome to bring Valentines but aren't required. We will have family volunteers leading students in arts and crafts activities to create valentines and friendship bracelets. Any treats shared will be sent home to be shared at family's discretion. There are 18 students in the class, 11 girls and 7 boys.
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: How do people use cameras for work and play?
Literacy: I can segment words in sentences.
Math: I can represent teen numbers as ten and some ones.
Social Emotional: I can come up with lots of ideas for play and identify positive ways to join in.
February 5-8, 2024
Our camera unit is coming to an end but that doesn't mean students will stop using cameras. We will continue to embed technology into our learning. Last week students created their own videos describing different ways to make 5. This week we will add on to that learning by adding number sentences and representing teen numbers as ten and some ones.
For Black History Month, our school is learning about Historically Black Colleges and Universities. As a graduate of Spelman College, we will learn about Spelman and Morehouse so students can see themselves and their interests reflected in each school's rich history and dedication to academic excellence in the liberal arts and sciences.Ā
Our school will also be celebrating the 100th Day of School on Thursday as well as the Lunar New Year. Please share any pictures or videos of you and your family celebrating throughout the month!
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: How do people use cameras for work and play?
Literacy: I can point to words as my teacher reads them.
Math: I can represent teen numbers as ten and some ones.
Social Emotional: I can demonstrate how to use inviting language and invite others to play.Ā
January 29-February 2, 2024
This week was exciting! The children used cameras to take pictures of our classroom experiences. We explored digital cameras, cameras on devices (phones and ipads), and a disposable camera. In STEM, students began learning how to use the microphone, camera, and drawing tools on Seesaw. The children will continue learning how to use Seesaw to document their learning experiences and engage in personalized learning activities. Please be on the lookout for their individual QR Codes so you can see their progress.
Please don't forget to complete the Ā Family Volunteer Survey to share how you would like to volunteer and/or chaperone field trips. The dates and times will shared here ahead of time to help with planning your availability.
We need your help gathering cameras and camera-related materials for the children to investigate. We'll need different types of cameras that are commonly used at home and at school. Below you will find a list of suggested items, but you may also send in items that are not the list. Please label without name any items you would like returned to you. We'll take good care of them so we can return them to you at the end of the study.
digital cameras
disposable cameras
old smartphones
toy cameras
film strips
books and photographs that feature different types of photography, such as nature, sports, portraits, and still life
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: What can we do with cameras?
Literacy: I can blend syllables into words.
Math: I can represent math stories with number sentences.
Social Emotional: I can identify how they feel when other children do or do not play in fair ways; name ways they have fun with their friends.Ā
January 22-26, 2024
Thank you for all of the birthday wishes last week! I enjoyed my birthday and the extra long weekend (thanks to the negative degree weather).Ā
Our investigation of cameras has begun and I am excited to partner with our STEM teacher Mrs. Chorba to extend students learning in her class. Students will learn how to navigate Seesaw, a learning platform which allows children to demonstrate what they know through pictures, videos, and more. Mrs. Chorba and I will orient students to the platform in the coming weeks and explore ways to keep you connected as well.
We need your help gathering cameras and camera-related materials for the children to investigate. We'll need different types of cameras that are commonly used at home and at school. Below you will find a list of suggested items, but you may also send in items that are not the list. Please label without name any items you would like returned to you. We'll take good care of them so we can return them to you at the end of the study.
digital cameras
disposable cameras
old smartphones
toy cameras
film strips
books and photographs that feature different types of photography, such as nature, sports, portraits, and still life
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: What different types of cameras are there? How do we use cameras?
Literacy: I can recognize words that rhyme.
Math: I can represent math stories with number sentences.
Social Emotional: I can demonstrate asking to play together, trade, or take turns when playing with another child.
Announcementsš£
If you would like to volunteer in the classroom or chaperone a field trip please complete the following steps:
Step 1: Complete the CPS Volunteer Form to be a Level 1 Volunteer.
Step 2: Complete this Family Volunteers survey to share how you would like to volunteer and/or which field trip you would like to chaperone.
January 15-19, 2024
This week we readjusted to being back in school by reviewing our classroom schedule and routines. We also read Martin's Big Words and discussed why we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Monday can be a day of much needed rest but also a day of service in the community. I am sharing a few family events but please be mindful of the weather warnings!
We will be starting a new investigation of Cameras. Most children like having their picture taken and enjoy looking at photos of themselves and others. In the classroom, we encourage the children to discuss different photos they see, play with toy phones, and showing interest in the way we use cameras to take pictures of their work and experiences.
We need your help gathering cameras and camera-related materials for the children to investigate. We'll need different types of cameras that are commonly used at home and at school. Below you will find a list of suggested items, but you may also send in items that are not the list. Please label without name any items you would like returned to you. We'll take good care of them so we can return them to you at the end of the study.
digital cameras
disposable cameras
old smartphones
toy cameras
film strips
books and photographs that feature different types of photography, such as nature, sports, portraits, and still life
As we study cameras, we will learn concepts and skills related to language and literacy, math, science, social studies, the arts, and technology. We will also use thinking skills to investigate, ask questions, solve problems, make predictions, and test our ideas.
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: What do we know about cameras? What do we want to know about cameras?
Literacy: I can recognize words that rhyme.
Math: I can represent math stories with number sentences.
Social Emotional: I can demonstrate waiting in a game.Ā
Announcementsš£
Calling all chaperones! We are planning field trips to DuSable Museum and Shedd Aquarium. All chaperones must be a Level 1 Volunteer. The ratio for most field trips is 1 adult per 10 children so we may not be able to accommodate entrance fees for all adults. We are asking for 3 chaperones for each trip. I will share a google form with dates and times to sign up for the field trip of your choice.
How to Support at Homešø
Take a lot of photos and videos. Share them with me via Remind! What can you take pictures and videos of? Anything you and your child can think of! Show your child the cameras you have at home. Point out the difference between parts of the camera (e.g., lens, viewfinder, shutter button, display), show your child how to properly hold the camera, demonstrate how to aim the camera, and explain how to press the button independently. These meaningful interactions between you and your child will help them gain a deeper understanding of the study topic. Thank you for being a part of our study and our learning!
December 18-21, 2023
We are 4 school days away from Winter Break! This week will be packed with activities for students to enjoy time with each other before the holidays.Ā
Grandparents Day is Wednesday. All adults who plan to attend grandparents day must complete the Volunteer Form below and be prepared to scan their ID when they arrive. If you completed the form during this school year, you do not have to complete it again. If you completed the form in previous school years, you will have to complete the form again. This is to ensure the safety of all students.Ā
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: How can we make music with our voices?
Literacy: I can identify character feelings in a story.
Math: I can describe attributes of shapes.
Social Emotional: I can demonstrate the Calming-Down Steps in response to scenarios.Ā
Announcements
šGrandparent's Day at Lenart is Wednesday, December 20th 8:00-10:00am.
December 11-15, 2023
Last week students explored percussion instruments and the different ways people play them. This week we will explore string instruments and how to play them.Ā
Student Council is selling Candy Grams for students to share candy canes with their friends. All students will receive a free candy cane from Student Council. Students aren't required to purchase 6 but I would suggest maybe 1 for a special friend.
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: What other instruments are there? How do people play them?
Literacy: I can identify character feelings in a story.
Math: I can describe attributes of shapes.
Social Emotional: I can name feelings in response to scenarios.
Announcements
šGrandparent's Day at Lenart has been rescheduled to Wednesday, December 20th 8:00-10:00am.
šµ Lenart Winter Performance will be Thursday, December 14th at 9:00am and 6:00pm.Ā
How to Support at Home
Hot or Cold 3D Shapes
Show and name a few three-dimensional shapes, e.g., a can (cylinder), a ball (sphere), and a box (cube). Explain that you will hide one of them.
Ask your child cover their eyes while you hide one of the shapes.
Say, āHot!ā when your child gets closer to the object and āCold!ā when they move away from it.
Encourage your child to name the shape and say where it was hidden.
Repeat the activity using another three-dimensional shape.
Invite your child to play a shape game with you. Explain that you will each take turns drawing and naming shapes.
Draw a simple shape (circle, square, triangle) on a sheet of paper.
Ask your child to name the shape you drew. Help them name any shapes they do not know.
Invite your child to draw a shape. Try to guess what shape your child has drawn, and invite them to share what shape it is.
December 4-8, 2023
We have a solid 3 weeks before winter break. The children are enjoying the music making investigation so far! This week we will have visitors who play percussion instruments: Ms. Winslow plays drums from Guinea West Africa and Mr. Flowers, our nutritionist, plays piano.
Students will have the opportunity to play instruments in the classroom as well as make their own! We will continue with the same learning goals from last week as we learn about percussion instruments and discuss rhythm, tempo, sound effects, vibration, musical notes and rest.
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: What instruments can we play by hitting, tapping, or shaking them?
Literacy: I can use descriptive words to talk about music.
Math: I can count and compare groups of objects by using words like more, less, fewer, the same as.
Social Emotional: I can recognize and name when someone is feeling frustrated.
Announcements
šGrandparent's Day at Lenart has been rescheduled to Wednesday, December 20th 8:00-10:00am.
šµ Lenart Winter Performance will be Thursday, December 14th at 9:00am and 6:00pm.Ā
How to Support at Home
Explain to your child that you will create a list together (e.g., grocery list, to-do list). Ask him to share what he would like to add. Letās create a grocery list of things we need to buy from the store. What would you like to add first?
Write your childās suggestions on the list.You said bananas. I am going to write ābananasā on the list.
After creating the list, review the items with your child. Talk about individual words and letters. We added milk to the list. Milk starts with the letter m!
Gather a collection of objects for your child to sort and compare, e.g., toys, blocks, clothes, or shoes.
Ask your child questions about the objects and how they can be sorted: What kind of objects are these? Can you tell me how all of these objects are the same?
3. Support your child to compare and sort the items into two categories, e.g., red blocks and blue blocks, short-sleeved shirts and long-sleeved shirts, or adult shoes and baby shoes.
Invite your child to compare the two groups, describe their differences, and count them:You picked up red block and a blue block. What is different about them? Youāre right, the red blocks are a different color than the blue blocks. Letās count how many red blocks there are.
November 27-Decmeber 1, 2023
Welcome back to a new week of learning. I hope you had a restful Thanksgiving holiday. I flew to San Francisco to visit some of my family and enjoy some warm weather. I am rested and excited for the next 4 weeks before we break again for the winter holidays.
We concluded our Tree Unit before the break by creating not one but TWO class books! This week we will begin a new investigation of Music Making. We will discuss what the children already know about music and what they want to learn over the next few weeks. We will celebrate their learning with a mini performance. If you or a family member play an instrument or have experience with making music, we would love to have you share your knowledge and wisdom with the class. We are flexible with scheduling but looking for volunteers on the following days:Ā
Tuesday, December 5
Thursday, December 14
Wednesday, December 20
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: What can we do with parts of trees?
Literacy: I can use descriptive words to talk about music.
Math: I can count and compare groups of objects by using words like more, less, fewer, the same as.
Social Emotional: I can identify worry as an uncomfortable feeling and identify a grown-up to talk to when they feel worried.
Announcements
šGrandparent's Day at Lenart has been rescheduled to Wednesday, December 20th 8:00-10:00am.
šµ Lenart Winter Performance will be Thursday, December 14th at 9:00am and 6:00pm.Ā
November 13-17, 2023
Is it just me or do short weeks actually feel longer? Students had an action packed week applying existing skills in new ways. Thanksgiving Break is quickly approaching and I am thankful for your continued support and active engagement. Please see the article below for ways to explain the meaning of Thanksgiving and what it looks like for your family.
During dismissal, I kindly ask that all families and caregivers wait near our designated door (Door 1). Part of our end of day routine is to review and close out our day the same way we begin our day. The end of day routines just like our routines throughout the day support each child's developing independence and executive functioning skills.Ā
As the season is changing we need to allow time for students to put on their coats, hats, gloves, etc. Help us keep our routines consistent by waiting at Door 1.Ā I understand things happen and everyone has tight schedules, however, if you need to pick up your child closer to 2:45pm please let me know and they will be waiting in the main office. The class will be ready at Door 1 at 2:55pm.Ā
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: What can we do with parts of trees?
Literacy: I can identify the initial sound of words; segment compound words into two words.
Math: I can sort and classify objects and describe the similarities and differences among the groups.
Social Emotional: I can demonstrate saying something kind in response to scenarios and helping behaviors during an activity.
Announcements
šGrandparent's Day at Lenart has been rescheduled to Wednesday, December 20th 8:00-10:00am.
Ā
š„«Lenart Food Drive
The National Junior Honor Society at Lenart is collecting cans for their annual food drive benefiting the Commonwealth Church until next Friday, November 17th.Ā The room that brings in the most cans will win a movie day from the NJHS. Thank you for supporting NJHS!Ā
How to Support at Home
How to Teach Children the Meaning of Thanksgiving
Click the link above to read the full article fromĀ Bright Horizons.
Talk about family traditions and tell stories. If your celebration involves multiple generations or multiple families, talk about traditions, "the good old days," and your own childhood. Stories teach children about life and history.
Talk about your Thanksgiving feast. Talk to children about where food comes from and how it was prepared. Everyone can share what their favorite food is and why.
Be thankful. Focus on the things you are thankful for; ask everyone at the table to say what they are thankful for or make a list of what your family is thankful for.
Share and donate. Thanksgiving is a celebration of sharing and abundance. Develop a tradition of sharing with those who have less and involve children in contributing to a food shelter or other charities. This can help children to be thankful for what they have and learn the importance of helping others.
Create something for Thanksgiving together. Whether you're cooking with your children or creating a craft, involving kids in the preparation or an activity is a great way to celebrate and enjoy family time. Donāt worry if the potatoes have a lump or twoāthe memory-making experience is worth it.
Have fun. Sometimes children spend long hours at the kidsā table while grown-ups talk and talk. Be sure fun family activities and enjoying one another is a top priority on Thanksgiving.
November 6-9, 2023
As we are getting closer to the holiday season, we will begin discussing how families celebrate holidays. This week we discussed Halloween and Dia de los Muertos. We read books and watched videos about these holidays to help children develop an understanding of similarities and differences between people and how they live.
The students did an excellent job acting out the story Henny Penny! They chose costumes and painted the various settings of the story. Students are able to experience the elements of stories through dramatization. We discussed characters, setting, and plot (what happens in the beginning, middle, and end of a story). Try acting out a familiar story at home!
Grandparent's Day at LenartĀ
Wednesday, December 20th
8:00-10:00am.Ā
Grandparents are encouraged to join us in our classroom for breakfast, morning meeting, and interest areas. Students created invitations as well as a list of activities they would like to share with their family. We look forward to sharing this day with you!
Specials Schedule Change
Monday- STEM with Mrs. Chorba
Tuesday- Music with Mr. Delgado and Teacher Puck
Wednesday- Spanish with Ms. Torres
Thursday- Art with Mr. O'Connor and Ms. Smith
Friday- Spanish with Ms. Torres
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: How do trees change?
Literacy: I can retell stories by acting them out.
Math: I can sort and classify objects and describe the similarities and differences among the groups.
Social Emotional: I can identify when something happens by accident and demonstrate by saying, "I didn't mean to, it was an accident. Are you okay?" in response to scenarios.
How to Support at Home
You may have noticed playing a board game or card game is on the homework choice board. Playing board games helps children build skills in teamwork, patience, and turn taking. It also boosts their brain and language development. Consider getting board games as birthday gifts or family time. Here's a list of games to consider that encourages turn-taking and strategic thinking.
October 30- November 3, 2023
Thank you for your patience while I was ill. Please take this time to replace your child's spare clothes with more weather appropriate items such as long sleeve shirts, sweaters, and pants. We will continue to go outside until the weather drops below 32 degrees per CPS Recess Weather Guidelines.
Join us for our Halloween Parade around the school!Ā Students are also welcome to join Ms. Lisenby for fun fall themed activities as an alternative for students who choose to opt out of the Halloween parade. Let me know if your family prefers this option.
We will begin wrapping up our tree unit soon. If you would like to join us in making applesauce or snacks with your child's favorite fruit please reach out to me via email or Remind to plan for the activity.
Friday you received an email from Jasmine Bell regarding the Fall Festival taking place Friday, November 3. Jasmine Bell and Carla Curry are our Room Representatives. They will communicate information about school wide events and specific class needs such as supplies and/or volunteers for various activities.
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: What food grows on trees?
Literacy: I can retell stories by acting them out.
Math: I can use objects to solve simple story problems.
Social Emotional: I am learning people can have different feelings about the same thing; it is okay for people to have different feelings about the same thing.
How to Support at Home
š§¦š„With your child, gather several objects in a box or bag, including some that start with the same sound (sock, spoon, button, ball) and some that do not start with the same sound (ribbon, car, marker). Ask your child to name the items in the box, and take turns sorting the objects that have names that begin with the same sound. Join your child to look around your home for items that match the remaining objects. Say the name of the object slowly to emphasize the beginning letter sounds.
šGather some pieces of print found in a grocery store, such as product containers or labels and a grocery bag. Invite your child to explore the grocery store items. Take an item from the grocery bag and talk about the print by pointing out the words, letters, and letter features. You might say, Chase, your name ends with an āeā just like this word: cheese. Do you see another āeā in this word?
šPractice comparing your feelings and your child's feelings about the same event. Use events such as bedtime, tooth-brushing time, snack time, clean up time, and story time.
October 16-20, 2023
Children who know how to identify emotions tend to have better social skills and be less aggressive and more accepted by peers. Children who can identify their own and other peopleās feelings at age five are more likely than others to show academic gains by age nine.Ā
This week children learn another important part of empathy: understanding typical causes of emotions. Paying attention to situational clues, or what is happening, is a way to identify a personās feelings. When possible, help children understand whatās causing their emotions. This week we are focused on the feelings surprised and scared.
Parent/Teacher Conferences. Conferences will be held Thursday, October 26, 2023. Please sign up using the link below.
Click on an open appointment slot to sign up. If no slots are available, please try a different time range. To cancel an appointment slot you've already booked, leave this sign-up page and delete the event from your own calendar. Please make sure you are looking at the correct date: October 26.
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: Who lives in trees?
Literacy: I can ask and answer questions about details in a nonfiction book; use sticks to create different letters.
Math: I can use objects to solve simple story problems.
Social Emotional: I can identify the feelings surprised and scared using physical (face or body) and situational clues.
How to Support at Home
āļøGather a collection of craft sticks, toothpicks, chopsticks, or small branches from a neighborhood walk. Explain that you will work together and use the sticks to make letters. Show your child how to make a letter with the sticks.
Talk about the letters that are made with only straight lines. Write or show letters for reference. Letās say the alphabet together and think about the shape of each letter.
Discuss the difference between forming upper- and lowercase letters. Names always start with uppercase letters. See how big they are compared to the lowercase letters?
š§©Explain that a riddle is a word puzzle, or word problem, that your child can figure out. Pose a riddle that prompts them to share a rhyming word. For example, Iām thinking of something you wear on your head that rhymes with cat, or For lunch we will be having a fruit that rhymes with danana. After your child has solved the riddles, invite them to share a riddle for you to guess.Ā
šPlay a game with your child to practice using the two different ways to tell how other people are feeling:Ā
š®look at their faces and bodies for cluesĀ
šļøfocus attention on what is happeningĀ
October 9-13, 2023
Thank you for your patience and understanding while I was under the weather. Please be on the lookout for information about scheduling Parent/Teacher Conferences. Conferences will be held Thursday, October 26, 2023. I look forward to sharing progress and setting goals for Quarter 2!Ā
Identity Maps due Monday, October 16, 2023.
The identity maps will help students connect with classmates and begin new friendships through similar hobbies, favorite food, and even experiences. Did you know we have three sets of students who share the same birthday? Students are beginning to develop what I hope will be lifelong friendships. Please connect with the families of their friends to arrange playdates outside of school and nurture their abilities to make and keep friends.Ā
Friendship Skills & Problem Solving
Mr. O'Connor and I are aware of the moments and times when children have a hard time keeping their bodies to themselves. I've noticed that students are most physically active during recess and play times. They enjoy playing together but often get carried away when playing tag and engaging in imaginative play.
One of the big rules in our classroom is "Keep your body to yourself." We tell the students that our rules help them learn and keep them safe. Please continue encouraging your children to let an adult know if/when someone is playing too rough so we can address the situations. We will continue to follow up with you to make sure all students get the most out of their learning time with us.
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: What are the characteristics of trees?
Literacy: I can ask and answer questions about details in a nonfiction book; describe characteristics of trees.
Math: I can explore and identify geometric solids (sphere, cylinder, cube, cone).
Social Emotional: I can identify the feelings happy and sad using physical (face or body) clues.
How to Support at Home
šChoose a familiar childrenās book. Ask your child to point to letters they know. Say a letter and ask your child to find it on the page. Begin with the letters in your childās name, turning to new pages in the book as needed.Ā
šPlay a game with your child to practice finding happy or sad clues on other people. Play while taking a walk, watching tv, or doing an activity in which you see other people. Review happy clues or sad clues.
šHappy Cluesš:
Eyes not wide open.Ā
Mouth smiling.
Cheeks pushed up.
ā¹ļøSad Cluesā¹ļø:
Eyes looking down.
Mouth turned down.
Head down.
October 2-6, 2023
Last week students shared what they know about fall and explored books about fall with a buddy. We are practicing following text from left to right and using the pictures to gather information. Students also practiced writing by tracing lines and using whiteboards.Ā
Students began using iPads to read using RAZ Kids. I encourage creating a routine throughout the week to listen and record your child reading at least 1 book each night. This will provide context for sight words they may know and encourage reading behaviors necessary for Kindergarten and beyond.Ā
Student Identity Map will be due Monday, October 16, 2023. Posters are encouraged but please try to limit it to no bigger than a 18x24 poster. We keep the posters up throughout the year, however, space is limited.Ā
Picture Day is Friday, October 6th! Students will take pictures at 8:15am.
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: What do we know about trees? What do we want to know about trees?
Literacy: I can ask and answer questions about details in a nonfiction book; describe characteristics of trees.
Math: I can demonstrate understanding of sorting by characteristics or attributes.
Social Emotional: I can demonstrate asking for what I need or want.
How to Support at Home
Take a walk around a park and/or your neighborhood to examine the trees you see. Take pictures and help your child gather interesting tree parts that have fallen (leaves, twigs, acorns, and bark) to share with the class.
Ask your child to sort their toys, clothes, or shoes into two groups according to an attribute like color (for example, red and not red), shape (for example, box and not box) size (for example, big and not big) or according to another attribute (for example, laces and no laces, or stripes and not striped). Decide which group has more by pairing an item from one group to an item in the other group.
Create a routine throughout the week to listen and record your child reading at least 1 book each night using RAZ Kids or library books. This will provide context for sight words they may know and encourage reading behaviors necessary for Kindergarten and beyond.Ā
š¢Announcementsš¢
Picture Day is Friday October 6th
Literacy Night is Thursday, October 12th.
Week of September 25-29, 2023
We are halfway through the first quarter! Students are settling into our daily routine and beginning to engage in more instructional activities. We practiced creating patterns through movement, classroom objects, and writing. Students also created friendship bracelets to add joy and practice fine motor skills.
Next week we will begin preparing for our next unit. As the seasons are changing we will explore ideas related to fall and investigate trees. We hope that you enjoy this unit as we embed opportunities for students to explore their understanding of self and others through the Identity Map and Family Tree projects. Click the link below for more information about what to expect in this unit.
If you were unable to attend the Selective Enrollment Information Session, please see the presentation below. Enrollment in the Lenart Pre-K program does not guarantee enrollment in Lenart's Gifted Pogram. All families must apply through the GoCPS platform.
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: How do the seasons affect living things?
Literacy: I can ask and answer questions about details in a nonfiction book; describe characteristics of seasons.
Math: I can demonstrate understanding of sorting by characteristics or attributes.
Social Emotional: I can demonstrate asking for what I need or want.
How to Support at Home
Ask your child to sort their toys, clothes, or shoes into two groups according to an attribute like color (for example, red and not red), shape (for example, box and not box) size (for example, big and not big) or according to another attribute (for example, laces and no laces, or stripes and not striped). Decide which group has more by pairing an item from one group to an item in the other group.
Make grocery lists together. Organize the items by group (for example, cereals, dairy products, meat, fruits, and vegetables).
Help your child survey relatives or friends to find out what they like to eat, favorite colors, and so on. Have your child report their findings to interested relatives or friends.
š¢Announcementsš¢
Picture Day is Friday October 6th
Application Opens: September 13 at 10:00am
Application Closes: November 9th at 5:30pm
Week of September 18-21, 2023
This week was busy with Spirit Week, the Scholastic Book Fair, and beginning of year assessments. Big shout out to one of our classroom parents, Chef Ny, for leading being our first visitor and leading our first cooking experience for the school year. The students enjoyed tasting non-dairy yogurt dip with watermelon, cantaloupe, and zucchini. It was the quietest snack time ever!š
Please be on the look out for the Ages and Stages Questionnaire in your child's backpack. Mr. O'Connor and I will begin administering REACH Performance tasks next week. All results will be shared with Progress Reports. Yes! It is already time for progress reports.
The first week of school I shared an activity to make a family album. This activity was shared to encourage conversation, storytelling, and enjoyment of books, pictures, and print. Please feel free to share your child's family album as they would be helpful in the Calming Corner when students are feeling strong feelings as well as fostering relationships with their peers through shared reading.
Students are learning how to listen, follow directions, and repeat directions to remember what to do. Listening and following directions help your child be successful at school and at home.Ā
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: How do we make and keep friends?
Literacy: I can identify the beginning sounds in words and discuss how a character feels in a story.
Math: I can demonstrate understanding of patterns.
Social Emotional: I can demonstrate listening and following directions while doing activities.
How to Support at Home
Play a game with your child to practice repeating directions. Say: Weāre going to play Repeat After Me. I will ask you to clear something from the table. You will repeat what I say and then do it. Pick up two forks from the table and put them on the kitchen counter. Wait for your child to repeat and follow the directions. When your child repeats and follows the directions correctly, it is his or her turn to give the directions.Ā
š¢Announcementsš¢
Picture Day is Friday October 6th
See details below.
Week of September 11-15, 2023
Thank you to everyone that participated in Curriculum Night. Hopefully you enjoyed learning more about our school and a brief overview of the school year. Below you will find more information about how to participate in the book fair, becoming a room representative, and an information session about the selective enrollment process for kindergarten.Ā
The first six weeks of school are crucial for building skills that help children learn.Ā Each student has their own set of goals but first we must make sure that each student has the tools needed to control their emotions, thoughts, and actions - a set of skills called self-regulation. Self-regulationĀ skills provide a foundation for development of social-emotional competence, helping prepare children to be successful in school and life.
This week students will learn that self-talk is talking to yourself in a quiet voice or inside your head. They will practice using self-talk to help them focus on what they need to do. Over time, children typically internalize self-talk and no longer speak aloud to themselves.Ā
To self-regulate, children need to know how to:
pay attention
use their memory
control their behavior
Children with high self-regulation skills are more likely to:Ā
have higher math, literacy, and vocabulary skills
have high academic achievement
graduate from high school
avoid aggression
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: When do things happen at school?
Literacy: I can identify the beginning sounds in words and discuss how a character feels in a story.
Math: I can demonstrate understanding of patterns.
Social Emotional: I can demonstrate using self-talk during a game.Ā
How to Support at Home
Engage your child in helping out at home! Support them in learning how to clean up and do simple jobs around the house independently.Ā
Children need unscheduled time to relax and rest. Set aside time each day for Quiet Time. If your child no longer naps, they can engage in quiet activities during this time.Ā
At the end of the day, take time to review the day and reflect together. What were some highlights? What did you learn? What did you not get to do that you would like to do tomorrow? Celebrate accomplishments and plan for the day ahead.Ā
š¢Announcementsš¢
The GoCPS application will open Wednesday, September 13 at 10amĀ and close Thursday, November 9th at 5pm.Ā
Lenart Room Representative Program
The Room Representative (RR) Program is an important volunteering opportunity in your studentās classroom. All caregivers (parents, guardians) are invited to participate in the RR Program and be a key resource for classroom information and a great support for our teachers. RRs are critical for sending out clear and timely information, especially about opportunities to be more active in the classroom and school.
Click here or contact the RR Program Coordinator, Claudia Hindo (cmhindo@gmail.com) for more information about how you can volunteer with the Room Representative Program and play an important role in the Lenart community.Ā
Week of September 5-8, 2023
Week 2 is complete and we are full steam ahead! Students are beginning to understand the daily routines within our schedule which allows us to incorporate more activities. Students created feeling monsters to demonstrate their growing understanding of feelings.
This week we will add on to this understanding and practice skills for focusing attention. To succeed in school, children need to be able to focus their attention. All learning requires that children pay attention to what is important in the classroom. Paying attention to peers in play situations helps children get along with others.Ā
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: What are our rules?
Literacy: I can name two words that rhyme and discuss how a character feels in a story.
Math: I can demonstrate understanding of numbers, number names, and numerals.
Social Emotional: I can demonstrate focusing attention during a game.Ā
How to Support at Home
This week we discussed what to do when we feel sad or scared at school. Invite your child to read a book with you. It could be their favorite book or a new book.Ā
Explain that you want them to pay attention to the charactersā feelings as you read. Talk about the bookās title and the cover. Encourage your child to make predictions about the story and the charactersā feelings.Ā
As you read, use your voice and facial expressions to show the charactersā feelings. Ask questions about what a character is feeling. For example, "What makes the turtle feel frustrated? What do you think would make her feel better?"
Invite your child to talk about a time when they felt the same way a character felt. For example, "You were excited yesterday? What made you feel excited? Oh, when we saw Pop-Pop on his video call. That was very exciting!"Ā
š¢Announcementsš¢
š«Curriculum Night is Wednesday September 6th 5:30-7:00pm.Ā
Parents will have the opportunity to gain information regarding content, standards, expectations, procedures and communication avenues. This evening will be a great time to ask questions and clarify procedures.Ā We encourage parents to find childcare to provide for adult communication. This evening will allow us to partner together in complete understanding of goals and strategies to accomplish them. This is also an evening to turn in consent forms and other outstanding paperwork such as medical compliance forms.Ā
šThe Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Lenart September 12th-16th. We are in need of parent volunteers to assist with set-up, helping students with making selections, and running the cash register. If you have an hour, or a few, we'd love to have you as a volunteer. All volunteers must have at least level 2 status. Please contact Mr. Lin with any questions.Ā
š»Please look out for the weekly update at the end of each week from Lenart Principal with all school related updates, volunteer opportunities, and upcoming events.
A calm down corner is a designated space in a home or classroom with the sole intent of being a safe space for a child to go to when they feel their emotions are running too high and they need to regain their emotional and physical control. Students can choose to hold a stuffed animal, draw/write a note, or read a book. We will add calm down tools to the corner as a class.
Mission: Kindness Makes Us Strong
Week of August 28-September 1, 2023
Week 1 is in the books! I know this isn't the first school experience for some students, however, adjusting to a new classroom environment and new people can be overwhelming. The students jumped in ready to learn and make new friends.Ā
Our focus was learning names of people, places, and things at our school as well as classroom routines. At the end of each day students reflected on their favorite part of their day and who they played with to practice using their friends names.Ā
We want each child to be ready as possible for kindergarten. This is not just about knowing letters and numbers. It's also about knowing how to learn and get along with others. Building childrenās welcoming skills creates a sense of connection and comfort in the classroom community. This allows children to participate fully in classroom learning experiences. Having a positive experience of belonging in the early-learning setting helps children look forward to belonging to the learning communities of kindergarten and beyond.
Please see our learning goals for the upcoming week.
šOur Learning Goalsāļø
Focus Question: What should I do if I feel sad or scared at school?
Literacy: I can count syllables and tell my favorite part of a story.
Math: I can demonstrate understanding of numbers, number names, and numerals.
Social Emotional: I can describe what to do when I feel sad or scared at school; I can demonstrate our Listening Rules.Ā
Week of August 21-25, 2023
The first day of school was great. There were minimal tears and tons of smiles! I am looking forward to learning and growing with your family. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions tab for general information about our class.
Questions you can ask your child:
What was your favorite part of your day?
Who did you play with?
What names do you know at school?
š¢Announcementsš¢
Heat Advisoryš„µ
Heat Advisory for Wednesday and Thursday! Please feel free to send your child in loose fitting clothing and a water bottle. The water bottle can be refilled using the water fountain in our classroom.Ā
School Suppliesšļø
School supplies can be brought throughout the week. We ask that you wait until dismissal so that all students are with an adult and Mr. O'Connor and I can both put away items.
Gym Uniformsš½
If you purchased gym uniforms, they will be placed in your child's bookbag. Please send your child dressed in their gym uniform at the beginning of the day.Ā
Week of August 14-17, 2023
Week of July 31- August 3, 2023
This week students will continue to engage in our themed days. Today students enaged in Make it Monday in many different ways. Students used playdough with playdough toys that strengthen hand muscles and support fine motor activities such as writing. During small group time we created a graph to be used throughout the week to practice sorting, counting, and data analysis. Students also made a fruit smoothie with bananas, strawberries, and kiwis. All students practiced cutting strawberries and bananas into smaller pieces then added them to the blender. Please check out this article to learn How Cooking Can Help Preschoolers.
Ask your child to sort their toys, clothes, or shoes into two groups according to an attribute like color (for example, red and not red), shape (for example, box and not box) size (for example, big and not big) or according to another attribute (for example, laces and no laces, or stripes and not striped). Decide which group has more by pairing an item from one group to an item in the other group.
Make grocery lists together. Organize the items by group (for example, cereals, dairy products, meat, fruits, and vegetables).
Help your child survey relatives or friends to find out what they like to eat, favorite colors, and so on. Have your child report their findings to interested relatives or friends.
š¢Announcementsš¢
Water Wednesday
We will learn outside again for Water Wednesday this week. Students will play outside with balls, books, bubbles, musical instruments, and of course water. Students may dress comfortably for these activities and a change of clothes is encouraged. Also, please consider sending a pair of water shoes or sandals for this time.
Week of July 24-28, 2023
This week we started our Preview to Pre-K! Each day students will meet their teachers, classmates, and administration. They will explore their classroom and school environment. Each day will have themed activities to prepare students for learning throughout the year.Ā
Make It Monday- Students will engage in artmaking and/or cooking experiences.Ā
Take a Trip Tuesday- Students will walk around the school to see different learning spaces and meet other teachers in the building.Ā
Water Wednesday- Students will have an outside fun day with stations for books, blocks, bubbles, and the water table.Ā
Thoughtful Thursday- Students will engage in reflection and conversation about their play experiences. Students will be encouraged to draw and discuss their experiences with teachers and classmates.
š¢Announcementsš¢
Bookbags
Students do not need bookbags at this time, however, a change of clothes for emergencies is encouraged. Student belongings can/will be placed in the cubbies outside of the classroom. Also, all activities completed during this time will be able to be carried home.Ā
Restroom Breaks
We will have restroom breaks as needed throughout the day. As students are still becoming familiar with classroom rules and procedures, Ms. Burton and I will walk students to the restroom, however, we won't enter the restroom with them. If this is something your child needs more practice with please let me know and I will be happy to support this transition.
Water Wednesday
As a heads up, we will learn outside for Water Wednesday. Students will have opportunities to play outside with balls, books, bubbles, musical instruments, and of course water. Students may dress comfortably for these activities and a change of clothes is encouraged.