Kindergarten

Ms. Lee, Ms. Roth, Ms. Dowd,

Ms. Bohlman & Ms. Reid

As we begin the new year, our classroom pillar is Respect. We are intentionally focusing on the IB PYP Learner Profile attributes of being Communicators, Open-Minded, and Risk-Takers. Students are learning how to respectfully share their ideas, listen to different perspectives, and express their thinking with confidence. We are also encouraging them to take risks by trying new strategies, asking questions, and embracing challenges as part of the learning process.

Through hands-on, engaging, and meaningful learning experiences, students are exploring new concepts across all subject areas while building strong social and academic skills. We are excited for a fresh start to the year and look forward to learning, growing, and discovering many new things together!

Transdisciplinary Unit: Who We Are (Part 2)

Central idea: We are part of many cultures.

Key Concepts: Responsibility, function, connection

ATL Skills: Communication skills & social skills

In this unit, students are learning about families, friends, communities, and cultures. We are exploring how we are part of many cultures, our rights and responsibilities, and the rules that help keep our community safe. Students will also learn about holidays around the world.

This unit helps students grow as Communicators, Open-Minded, and Risk-Takers while building strong communication and social skills through sharing, listening, and working together.

Communicator

This month in Kindergarten, we have been growing as Communicators! In our classroom, students are learning to be strong Communicators in everyday moments, like helping a friend tie their shoes! By using their words, gestures, and modeling, students practice explaining their thinking and listening to others, building confidence and kindness along the way.

Open-Minded

During dance class in afterschool, our kindergarteners showed what it means to be open-minded by pretending to be bees working together in a beehive. They tried new movements, followed creative ideas, and respected different ways their classmates moved and expressed themselves. What a fun way to learn and grow together!

Risk-Taker

This month, our kindergarteners showed what it means to be risk-takers! They bravely tried new things, especially during our winter concert, by singing and performing in front of an audience. Even when it felt a little scary, they gave it their best and showed confidence, courage, and growth. We are so proud of our risk-takers!

Math

In math, students are comparing more and less, as well as length, height, and volume through hands-on, interactive activities using real-life materials. By exploring, measuring, and discussing their thinking, students are developing problem-solving skills and math vocabulary. These lessons encourage our learners to be inquirers and thinkers, aligning with the IB approach of learning through exploration and meaningful experiences.

Phonics

In phonics, students have been practicing their letters and letter sounds while beginning to read and build CVC words (consonant-vowel-consonant). Through hands-on activities, songs, and word building, students are strengthening their early reading skills and growing more confident as readers and writers.

Reading

In reading, we have been learning about main idea through a fun, hands-on activity! Students explored three “mystery bags” filled with different objects and worked together to investigate what the items had in common. By observing, discussing, and sharing their thinking, students practiced identifying the main idea while building their communication and critical-thinking skills.

Writing

In writing, students have been working on sequencing a story by identifying the beginning, middle, and end. Through pictures, discussions, and shared writing, they are learning to put events in order and retell stories using their own words. This helps build strong storytelling and comprehension skills as students learn that stories follow a clear sequence.

Holidays Around the World

This month in kindergarten, students are learning about holidays around the world and how families and communities celebrate in different ways. We are exploring traditions, foods, music, and special customs from various cultures while learning that no two celebrations look the same. Through stories, discussions, and hands-on activities, students are practicing being Communicators and Open-Minded learners as they share, listen, and respect one another’s traditions. This unit helps children understand that diversity makes our classroom and world special.

Bee's Art & Crafts Studio Field Trip

During our visit to the art studio, students explored painting different kinds of plaster while expressing their creativity. They were able to choose what they wanted to paint, make artistic decisions, and experiment with colors and textures. This experience supported the IB pillars of choice, creativity, and reflection, as students demonstrated being Risk-Takers and Open-Minded learners while trying new materials and sharing their ideas. It was a joyful opportunity for self-expression and creative exploration!

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