Monday, December 19, 2016

List Writing

We have been working on list writing!  We have learned that lists have: a topic, numbers, and words and pictures.  We teamed up with a partner to practice some different topics:








Lists are a great way to involve your child in writing at home.  Next time you make a shopping list, work together with your child to write it! :)  Talking about your plans for the weekend?  Work together to make a list of things you need to do!

Click here for a quick article on ways to support writing at home.  If you'd like some list writing paper for home, click here for downloadable paper!

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

The Snow Is Here!

Burrrrrr!  The snow and cold are here, so here are some things you need to know and some helpful tips for preparing your child for school in this weather.

1.  First, get a re-usable and sturdy bag.  This will help your child store and carry the extra winter gear that he or she will need for outdoor recess.  Your child can also easily hang this on the hook or store it below the coat rack on the floor.
2.  Your child should have:  a hat, gloves or mittens, boots, & snow-pants.  Scarfs aren't a bad idea either!
Outdoor recess is generally 25 minutes after lunch and this can lead to cold and tearful kiddos when they are not prepared for the weather.
I also usually have a few students that don't want to wear all of their gear.  I will hear, "I don't have a hat," or "I forgot my gloves."  But when I look in backpacks, I often find them.  Please have a conversation at home about the importance of wearing all the gear to stay warm.

I strongly suggest water-proof & warm gloves like these:



These stretchy, cotton ones quickly get wet in the snow & aren't great for keeping hands warm for long periods of time outdoors:


3.  Make sure your child has a pair of tennis shoes or sneakers to wear on P.E. days (Tuesdays).


4.  Teach your child how to get dressed in winter gear.  First, snow pants.  Second, boots.  Then, jacket & zip.  Then, hat.  And last, gloves.  This order can be difficult for some students and can take some time when students are not used to doing it for themselves.  "Supervise" this process at home;  don't do it for your child!  He/she needs to learn!


Recess Routine:
We will go outside unless the windchill is below 20 degrees.
For indoor days, your child may bring a toy in his/her backpack to play with at recess.  We do have recess activities in the classroom, so this is not necessary but some students like to.  Please make sure that the toy does not make sounds.  It also should fit in your child's backpack and should remain there during all other parts of the day.  Please discuss these expectations at home.

Thank you for your support with this process!

Friday, December 9, 2016

Oak Room Working Hard!

Well, it's been a while and for that I am sorry!  We have been busy learning!  Take a look:

The Farm: Plural Nouns

Doubles Addition Facts

Time for Kids Reports

Proper Nouns: Writing names, months, and days with a capital letter

Pin-Pushing the Continents

Upcoming Events:
*Wednesday, Dec. 21st:  Taking Care of Each Other Community Concert & Potluck
*Thursday, December 22nd, we will have a Polar Express PJ Day!  Students can wear pjs, robes, and slippers in school.  We will also watch the Polar Express in the afternoon.

Other Classroom News:
*On Monday, we will have a new student joining our class.  Carley is a Kindergarten student.  Welcome Carley!
*Baby Aylsworth is a GIRL! :)  I shared this news with the students on Monday.
*Looking for ways to support our classroom?  Check out our classroom wishlist: http://a.co/ae95NNL
We are also in-need of quart-sized ziploc bags with zippers and baby wipes.  Thank you!