Have a wonderful break

Here are a few last-day tidbits.

The college students in the picture below are my son Woodrow and his friend Olivia who came in to help out today (I am still struggling to format pictures + text in my blogging program).

As you may hear from your child, we changed table assignments today.  I am fairly sure that I managed to move everyone to a new table.  We also changed carpet letters.

The young scholars had the opportunity to visit with their reading buddies, write about our Star of the Week Issa, read several books, and visit all the kindergarten classrooms.

Our sad news is that we said goodbye to Issa, who is moving away.  We will miss her!

Thank you to everyone who brought in snacks -- we still can use an infusion after break.

Thank you to everyone this fall for kind words, snacks, volunteering, and making this a wonderful fall!

College students in Room 2

Learning about ducks and duck wings

Library Books Due Tomorrow

Don't forget those books!!

Looking at Puerto Rico pictures

We have been getting regular updates from Serena in Puerto Rico.

Tuesday writing

Late Start Tomorrow

Don't forget - tomorrow is a late start Wednesday, buses, bells, classes and everything will operate two hours behind schedule.  I look forward to seeing everyone at 9:50.

This week in kindergarten

The week before winter break is always a fun week; half of the focus is on routine and fundamentals,and the other half is on diversions and celebrating the winter and upcoming break.

We will be continuing to focus on writing (conventions and details), reading in reading groups and math (weights).

We will have our last guidance class with Ms. Cox, our school counselor, on Thursday.  She will be focusing her attention on higher grades in the winter and spring.

Issa is our star of the week, our song this week is Auld Lang Syne.

Instead of our usual switch to science and art, we will switch to fun activities around gingerbread people.

On Friday we will also do a winter celebration switch (e.g.. going to different classrooms) instead of going to the holiday sing-along.

Have a wonderful week.

Toys

Many toys have been smuggled into the classroom recently.  Today I reminded the kids (especially the boys) that toys should stay at home.  Please help your child remember to arrive at school toy-free.

Snacks needed

Our snack supplies are beginning to thin out.  Please think of us as you shop!

Ask your child

Here are a few questions for a Thursday afternoon...

What did you do at writing today? (letters to Serena)
What happened in Harry the Dirty Dog?
What happened in The Stray Dog?
What does Mr. Studt do that is different than what Mr. Doi did?
What song did you sing in music?
What library book did Cynthia read?
What did Ms. Cox talk about?
Did you play soccer at recess?

School is cancelled today!

A very interesting snow day!  Please be sure to check out the "Cold Weather" post for more information and thoughts on late openings and school closures.

Late Opening Today

Most of you should have gotten a phone call.  Hopefully I'll see everyone at 9:50!  Stay safe!

This week in kindergarten

Here are some things we are working on this week...

In reading we are continuing to blend sounds and letters to make words, and we are visiting the /sh/ and /th/ sounds.
New words: he, she, with
New letters Nn and Bb

The students are, for the most part, doing a great job at extending their writing and adding details. We will be revisiting spacing letters and handwriting.  We have created a list of winter words and have been cheerfully writing about the weather.

In math we will be counting by two's and measuring by weight.

We will be exploring different versions of the Gingerbread Man folktale.

Our star of the week is Lulu!  We may start learning the song "Auld Lang Syne".

Be sure to dress your child warmly.  We are spending lots of time tracking down missing hats and mittens.

Making snow-people

Cold recess

Cold weather

Several things to be aware of during this cold weather...

1) If schools are closed,  a phone call will (theoretically) go out to the primary phone number listed for your child.  You may also want to sign up for flash alerts at http://www.flashalert.net/news.html?id=69, or check your favorite news source frequently.

2) Safety is paramount!  When schools are open, please use your best judgement about coming to school.  This is particularly true for our families in the hills.

3) Be aware that sometimes Chapman gets phantom snow days.  This can happen when there is no snow on the ground at Chapman, but the conditions in the hills are treacherous. This can be vexing to families who assume that school is open and make the commute, only to find out that school is closed. (this is one more reason why it is important to walk your child into the school each day, rather than dropping them at the curb).  Be sure to check before you leave home!

4) The district will occasionally get it wrong, call a closure late, or otherwise make judgments that you may disagree with.  I do not envy the folks who have to make these calls.

Art at choice time

Parking issues Wednesday

I'm re-posting this so it will be at the top of the blog tonight and tomorrow morning.

Wednesday morning is the big street sweep.  There will be a host of tractors, dump trucks, street sweepers and, most notoriously, tow trucks.  If you park at the wrong time (which often happens to be 7:50) they will tow your car.

So Wednesday is the one day where dropping your kids at the curb might be the best plan.

Math workplaces

More fine writing

(I went to my aunt's and uncle's.  I ate mashed potatoes.)

Parking Issues Wednesday

Wednesday morning is the big street sweep.  There will be a host of tractors, dump trucks, street sweepers and, most notoriously, tow trucks.  If you park at the wrong time (which often happens to be 7:50) they will tow your car.

So Wednesday is the one day where dropping your kids at the curb might be the best plan.

Ask your child

Here are a few questions to ask your child this afternoon...

What center group are you in?
What center were you at today?
What did you write about when you wrote about Thanksgiving?
Did anyone else have a Thanksgiving story that you enjoyed?
What pictures are on the December calendar pieces?
How was your new P.E. Teacher?
What song did you learn in music?

This week in kindergarten

It was wonderful to see all of you last week at conferences.  Here are some of our plans for the week:

We are rolling out a new bunch of centers based on the book "Bear Snores On"
Students have new center groups
We will continue focusing on the letter Ii and the words "for" and "he"
Our writing will continue to focus on adding details, and on fundamental skills
In math we will be working on pattern block puzzles (shapes and spatial relations) and reading and writing numbers 0 - 8.
Our theme book is "Whose Garden Is It"
Our star of the week is Malvina

We will have a substitute teacher (probably Barbara Goldberg, a retired Chapman kindergarten and first grade teacher) on Thursday

An amusing "Art Response"

The young artists were asked to respond to Rosseau's "The Sleeping Gypsy"...



Below is one response...

I would be nervous too...

No Roundup Tomorrow

While it is officially our week for Roundup, we are giving up our space so we can accommodate all the 1st -5th graders to pay tribute to Mr. Doi our retiring P.E. teacher.

Transitions in PE

Today was our last day with Mr. Doi, who is retiring.  The young athletes have enjoyed getting to know our new PE teacher, Mr. Studt.

Library Book Kudos

Every Room 2 student returned their library book this week.  According to Cynthia, we are the first class to accomplish this since the 2011-2012 school year.

As a reward Cynthia put out a selection of special books for us to check out.

Conferences

I am looking forward to seeing everyone for conferences beginning this afternoon and continuing next Monday and Tuesday.  Here are a few things to keep in mind.

1) Please be early.  There are a few times when I have many conferences back to back; one late family can have major ripple effects.

2) Feel free to confirm times.  I made a few mistakes on the "pre-conference questionnaire" that I sent home. Your conference time is what you signed up for (and what is on the board)

3) There is no childcare.  Conferences are usually a little easier when children are not here, but I would MUCH MUCH rather see you and your children than to have you miss a conference.

4) I plan to meet with each family for 25 minutes -- beginning on the hour or half hour, and ending 25 minutes later.

5) I spend the first, say, ten minutes going through academic and other things from my point of view and I try to leave the final 15 minutes to answer questions or discuss whatever is on your mind.

6) Some parents find it helpful to bring notes of questions or concerns.

7) Let me know whether you find the classroom blog helpful.  This is my first year without a regular paper newsletter.  I want to make sure nobody is left out by this.

Finally, lost and found has been moved to the front hall.  Please check for those missing coats and more. Everything left after Thanksgiving will be sent to charity.

Recess

Philippines fund raiser Friday at Roundup

Lola Conopio-Mora, a fourth grade student, and one of my former kindergarten students, will be holding a fundraising bake sale outside of Roundup on Friday.  Lola's family has close ties to the affected areas of the Philippines.  All proceeds will go to Mercy Corps and Our City of Ormoc foundation.  This should be a great opportunity to support a great cause while satisfying that sweet tooth!

Writers at work

Centers with volunteer Emily

Art Volunteer(s) needed Friday

I am hoping to pull off a cool art project on Friday, but I need a volunteer or two from about 8:50 to 10:30. Please let me know if you can help!!

This week

Here are a few highlights from the week before Thanksgiving...

We will be learning the words he and for
We will be focusing on the letter Ii (vowels are often tricky for the k set)
Our book for the week is A Bed for the Winter
Our Star of the Week is Mads
In math we are working on comparing lengths, subitizing*, and more...
We hope to do a Picasso "Hand and Flowers" art project on Friday
We will be learning about Thanksgiving in social studies
We will be brainstorming Thanksgiving words for writing.

Have a great week

* Yes it is a word, here is the definition from dictionary.com

su·bi·tize

/ˈsubɪˌtaɪz/ Show Spelled [soo-bi-tahyz] Show IPA

verb (used without object), su·bi·tized, su·bi·tiz·ing. Psychology .

to perceive at a glance the number of items presented, the limit for humans being about seven.

Conferences

There may have been a few mistakes on the Pre-Conference Parent Worksheet that I sent out.  Everyone is still scheduled for their original day and time.  If there is any confusion, check the calendar as you drop off or pick up your child, or shoot me an email!

Another performance at Roundup Tomorrow

Another Friday, another quickly scheduled performance...

Tomorrow, we will join all the kindergarten classes in reciting a poem for Friday Roundup.  We will be performing the following poem...

Veteran’s Day

  

Let’s take a moment

to say a thank you

to brave US veterans

for all that they do.

They serve our great country

whether peace or at war.

Their job is important –

we must not ignore

their bravery, courage

and so we must say…

thank you to them

and Happy Veteran’s Day!

Hopefully I will get a copy of this home with your child to practice.  Have your child ready to enter the auditorium at 7:50!

All kindergartners practicing poem

Our drinking fountain is fixed!

Clowns

Yesterday the young artists made clowns during their art class in room 1.  You can see their fine artwork hanging on the wires in the classroom.

Check your child's backpack / library books due

Check your child's red folder for a "pre-conference questionnaire".  This is a great way for me to know what is on your mind as you come in for conferences.  Please return as soon as possible.

Tomorrow is library day.  Don't forget those books! 

Photos of Auction Project (at last!)

Auction News from Morgan

Hopefully you have all heard about the upcoming Chapman School Auction (this Friday evening at the Crystal Ballroom). I wanted to let everyone know that our class made three pieces of art that will be included in the auction. We have a larger piece called Font-Tastic in the live auction and two smaller pieces in the silent auction. I've included the descriptions below and attached a couple of photographs so you can see how beautiful they are. If you haven't bought tickets but would like to attend, do it before November 13th when registration closes. https://chaps.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/2013ChapmanAuction/BUYTICKETS/tabid/489723/Default.aspx

Font-Tastic        
Combining the discovery of graphic design and photography with mastering penmanship, Mr. Melling's Kindergarten class produced a cyanotype-printed font. Each student created a negative by tracing and decorating a letter onto a piece of acetate, which we then printed using light sensitive paper in the sun. Dimensions 20"" x 28"", cyanotype on watercolor paper

Put a Leaf On It #1 by Mr. Melling's Class
Working in teams, students from Mr Melling's Kindergarten class selected and arranged locally collected leaves onto light sensitive paper to make traditional cyanotype prints. Each frame measures 16" x 20". This pair is made from ginkgo leaves and maple seed pods

Put a Leaf On It #2 by Mr. Melling's Class

Working in teams, students from Mr Melling's Kindergarten class selected and arranged locally collected leaves onto light sensitive paper to make traditional cyanotype prints. Each frame measures 16" x 20". This pair is made from pine needles and ornamental grasses.

This Week

Here are some themes for this week.

Learning about the letter Cc and linking it to the /k/ sound
Continuing to work on the words we, my, and like
Making a chart of "friend words".
Work on "position words" such as above, under, behind...
Work on "subitation" (one of my favorite words) meaning something like: instantly recognizing patterns of symbols, such as dots on a dice.
Reading "Bear Snores On" and learning about bears.

Our Star of the Week is Milo.

Don't forget -- library books are due by Thursday!!

Teen agers helping with books

Jonah (Dana's son) and Grey came by to help organize our many new books.  Thank you to everyone who contributed classroom books, both through the book fair, and through contributions to the the PTA.

Parachute at p.e.

Working on counting books

This week

We are already to the middle of a short week.  Here is what we are working on...

Learning the words my, we and like.
Focusing on the letter Pp.
Making our own counting books.
Reading Animal Babies in the Grassland.
Learning about Veteran's Day in Social Studies.

Our star of the week is Nate.

We had a slight snafu with our library books.  Many children did not get them home this week.  If you have one at home, be sure it gets back Thursday!

Thank you to the families who contributed glue, a hole punch and two soccer balls!!

Our volunteer calendar for November is somewhat empty.  We would love help during center time!

Don't forget, there is no school Friday, due to a teacher planning day, and there is no school Monday due to Veteran's Day.

Leveled readers coming home

Check your child's red folder (or backpack) for one or two leveled readers!

What a day!

We had a wonderful day today which included...

A successful and fun time on stage singing "Jamaica Farewell" and "This Little Light of Mine".

A visit from Evri Kwong, Issa's dad, in which we learned about Filippo Brunelleschi (the inventor of single point perspective) and Jackson Pollock.  Using their concepts, we made our own art.

Later we opened a box full of new books and read a few before working on math.

After lunch we broke out the November calendar, enjoyed choice time, and read with our third grade buddies.

We ended the day with a visit from younger siblings.

Art with Evri (Issa's dad)

More Costumes

Halloween

Friday News

We should have an exciting Friday tomorrow.

We will start the day ON STAGE at the Roundup Assembly.  We will be singing two songs for the A group.  Sorry about the short notice here.  Kids should meet us on the stage before 8:00.

Later in the morning Evri, Issa's dad, will help us with an abstract art lesson.  It is always a treat to have artists join us in the classroom.

Finally, at the end of the day, we are inviting little brothers and sisters to join us in the classroom for a story.  Feel free to bring those younger siblings at 1:50 in the afternoon.

Library books and more!

Library books are due!

Find more information about the costume parade and grandparents / special friends day below.

Writing about Halloween

Our tree art

Every other Tuesday, the class goes to Ms. Rodhe's classroom for science.  Currently the topic is trees. Yesterday the students observed trees in Wallace park then went back to Room 4 and used chalk and starch to draw their tree.  See the results on the Room 2 wires.

Costume Parade and Grandparents Day

Thursday is our annual costume parade and grandparents / special friends day.  We are hoping for decent weather!

Here is the schedule for visitors

 8:00-8:30     Coffee

8:30-9:00     Chorus

9:00-9:40     Parade

9:40-10:00   Grandparents & special friends visit the classroom.

We hope to spend part of the early morning in the classroom admiring costumes, and then join our reading buddies for the parade.  Later we will host visitors, before changing out of our costumes and pretending it is a normal day.

Here are a few more details...

·    Please have your child wear their costume to school, and bring a change of clothes in their backpack.  We will change in to our “civvies” after the parade. 

      No weapons – leave those swords, guns, and other implements of destruction at home (bows are OK, arrows are not).  Please also make sure that your child’s costume is not too bloody or gross.

If your child does not have a costume, we will try to get one for him /her.  Please let me know if you DO NOT want your child in a costume.

The parade is super-fun, but depends on the weather.  If it rains, we will simply walk through the auditorium.

This is a great opportunity for your child to show a grandparent or special friend many things about life in kindergarten.

This should be a fun morning for all!

Classroom wish list

Here are a few things we need for the classroom:

Extra Elmer Glue bottles.  We are very close to having a full class set.
A 3 hole punch.
A soccer ball or two for our soccer-mad kids.

Also, I would love a volunteer to hang our super-cool texture animals outside the classroom.

Playing "Beat you to 10" at math workplaces.

Working on the auction project

Next Week

The big event next week is our Costume Parade and Grandparents and Special Friends day on the 31st.  Look for more information in the Spotlight, but here are a few tidbits.
1) The fun starts first thing with performances in the auditorium.  Grandparents and special friends are invited to be here from eight until around 10:00 (check the Spotlight to confirm the ending time).
2) Students should come in their costumes, but bring a change of clothes.  We will be back in our regular clothes before lunch.

Aside from that, next week looks to be a fairly normal week with a new bunch of centers, a fun art project on Wednesday and Thursday, lots of work on the auction project, and celebration of our star of the week Serena.

Your child should be learning:
Many things about the letter Ss
How shapes can be broken into smaller shapes
More about blending sounds to make words

Don't forget to return those library books!!

Roundup Tomorrow

Tomorrow morning is our Roundup in the Auditorium.  I look forward to seeing everyone there.  With our new schedule, there should be plenty of room for any parent to stay and watch.

Middle school volunteers

Lach and Chella, middle school students, and past Room 5 kindergartners, have been in helping out this week.

Library Books Due Tomorrow!

We have many, but a few students need to bring theirs in!

Mandarin with Tracy

Message from Morgan, our room parent

Dear Room 2 Parents,

Our students will be making a cyanotype (sunprint) to be sold at the up-coming Chapman Auction (November 15th). Sarah Groom (Luca's mom) and I have worked out most of the details and are hoping it will all come together smoothly next week.

I am ordering and gathering the supplies we'll need and am hoping some you have materials around the house that we can use.  The following is an initial list:

Acid free watercolor paper, or drawing paper (20 x 24, or other sizes)
Clear Acetate
Plexiglass (20 x 24, or any other size)
Rinsing tray - shallow tub, like an over-sized dish pan, it doesn't need to be deep
Drying rack/clothes line/or vinyl window screens (to dry the prints)

I will be conducting a few test runs this weekend and may have requests for additional materials. Please let me know if you're able and interested in coming into the classroom next week to help with the project, or if you are able to help cover the cost of materials.

Thank you again,

Morgan

Artists at choice time

Picture Retake Day

Wednesday is picture retake day.  If your child was absent on our first picture day, or if the photo your child brought home does not reflect his / her true beauty, tomorrow is the day!  If your child was absent, stop by the office for a form; if your child needs a better photo, return the packet.  Be sure to let me know so I can get your child sent up for a photo.  Thank you!

Monday music class

Volunteers Needed

It looks like we are a little light on volunteers during center time this week.  Please let me know if you might be able to come in from 9:30 to 10:15 (or later) on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday (or even Friday for our "Texture Animals" art project).

Next week

After a fun and crazy week, look for more routine next week.  No field trips and no late starts, but we will have Roundup Assembly Friday, and we do have picture retake day.

Expect your child to...
Write about Max and Tamir, stars of the week for the 14th and 21st, respectively.
Learn about tally marks, and compare different ways of notating numbers.
Work on our "Texture Animals" art project (thank you parents for the cool ovals...).
Focus on the Letter A.
Begin blending sounds together, particularly the letters M, A, and T.
Learn the song Do-Re-Mi from the Sound of Music.

In the long term, look forward to our costume parade and grandparents and special friends day on Thursday, October 31.  The fun lasts from 8:00 to about 10:00.

Thank you so much to the parents and family who have volunteered in the classroom and who helped make our field trip a success.

Check your child's backpack

Lots of stuff coming home today...  Look for your child's photo order.  These seem like a very cute bunch of photos, but be aware that photo retake day is next Wednesday, October 23rd.  Also look for two weeks worth of leveled readers.  Please have your child read these to you (and help where needed).  Finally look for another chicken pox letter and for several days worth of student work.

Class photo from the farm!

Thank you Elizabeth for forwarding this...

cauliflower?

I have two bags of cauliflower left over from the field trip!  Let me know if it is yours!

Kruger's Farm Field Trip

We had a great time at Kruger’s Farm.  We learned about vegetables, toured the farm market, met Matilda the pig and lots of chickens, took a hayride and enjoyed an outdoor lunch.  One child said that it was the best day of his life.  

Thank you to the volunteers who made this possible!