Home Reading in Action!

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Class News Update

1) Well, it's official. The puppet shows are a hit! Next week, all the children will have had a chance to be puppeteers in the puppet area. Last week, we had the Little Red Hen story characters. This week we will also have the Wolf and the Three Little Pigs. Some parents may be wondering where the puppet centre is. Aha! You can't see it in the classroom. The puppet area is set up during centre time in the little hallway at the back of the coat area. Feel free to ask me and I can show you the little stage etc. We always welcome puppet donations or puppet loans. Thank you to Kelsey and her son (C) for lending us the Three Little Pigs set.

2) Health. There's another yucky cold going around. If your child feels sluggish, watch for signs of a cold or flu virus. It's wonderful to hear that your Kindergartener doesn't want to miss any school. However, assure your child that I support your decision to keep him/her home to recover from illness.

3) Buddies. Since this is Division 14's last week of mornings, we will have another chance to work with our Buddies in Mr. Bartlett's class on Friday.

4) The Switch. Yes, this is the last week of Division 14 in the mornings 5 days a week and Division 15 in the afternoons 4 days a week. Remember, that there is not any school on Wednesday afternoons. The first day of the switch is Monday, February 4.

5) Home Reading. All the children have started taking home reading books in their folder. Before your child brings home more difficult books, you can make these easy ones more challenging. The second time or third time reading through the book try these reading development activities:
i) Ask you child to try "finger-tracking" while reading. Even when the child has quickly memorized the book, tracking the words with the finger develops the concept of matching the oral words with the text.
ii) Ask your child to find a word on the page. For example, if the sentence is "A is for apple," you may ask your child to find the word for. Your child will probably reread while finger tracking or look at the words that start with the letter f. These are both reading strategies.
iii) Pick any letter and play a game of how many times it appears in the book. When you find a word with the letter say the word together and see if you can hear the letter sound in the word.

6) Kindergarten Registration. If you know of anyone who has a Kindergarten- aged child in the community, please let them know to register for Kindergarten by going to the office. We have LOTS of children already registered for next year. However, the more the merrier. Plus, if people register now rather than at the last minute, it can help with school planning. In other words, we won't turn people away if they register on time. Then we can adjust our school planning to accommodate everyone. It's very possible to have 3 Kindergarten classes next year as long as registrations are in the next month or so.

7) Word of Mouth. If you love our school like I do, let people know. It's unfortunate how many children hop in cars to go to other schools when their community school is such a magical place. Until Public Schools start advertising like private school, it's up to you to spread the good news.

Stay tuned for a student reading on You Tube!
Hope you had a great healthy weekend!
Love Mrs. App

Division 14 Puppet show

The Puppet Centre is open! Check it out! Love Mrs. App.

Puppet Show #1

We have been doing various literacy activities based on Folk Tales in the class. The class is taking turns at this drama/ literacy activity. Here is two Division 15 students acting out The Little Red Hen during Centre Time. It was tricky trying to shorten the show for the computer. Still, they were very entertaining!
Love Mrs. App

Puppet Show #2 - Division 15

Here's two puppeteers putting on their own creative show. The background activity of the class is louder than the performers at times. You may have to watch it a few times to hear them. Turn up the volume and enjoy!

Journal Writing - Division 14

Here's a peek at the morning class working on their Journals. You'll also also see our platter project at the end.

First Steps

I've tried emailing this little clip to family members, but it doesn't work. So, I'm posting it here for anyone to enjoy. Of course if I knew the moment to record James walking was coming, James would be in a cute outfit, the room would be clean, and my husband wouldn't be in his pj's! Ah, well! I was incredibly lucky to be standing near a camera when I saw Jamesie standing upright! Enjoy!

What a Great Night!

I'm now home after a great night of seeing a series of wonderful parents. Thank you for all your kind words and concern for you children. Teaching the kids is a pleasure for both Michelle and me.

Here's a couple notes about what is going on in the class. We are fully into our Folk Tale Theme. We have been reading and comparing versions of The Little Red Hen, The Three Pigs, and other tales. We made Red Hen puppets today. We will make the three other characters tomorrow. When the children bring home their puppets, ask them to act out the story for you!
I hope to bring the puppet stage into school tomorrow.
In Math, we are developing calendar awareness, patterns, shapes, and of course numbers.

Home Reading will start on Monday. (See below)
Love Mrs. App
P.S. I hope there is not any typos! I'm up after bedtime and must go!

Scholastic Book Orders are Due

Scholastic Book orders are due on Friday (Jan. 18.) Thank you to the families that order through our classroom. When there is a large order, schloastic donates some books to the class.

Check your emails. I'll be asking your input regarding the switch and a possible change for next year.

Thanks.

Love Mrs. App