April 21st-25th

We have had a great week in kindergarten!

Math:
We are diving into our new math unit on addition! Using lots of different strategies that we have learned we are able to solve these problems. We have ten frames, tally marks, manipulatives and several basic math facts memorized from range cards that all help us solve equations! On Wednesday we got into groups to solve many addition problems using dot markers. Add paint and it makes everything fun! :) We are also still working on tally marks. At the end of the day we play a game where a certain amount of tally marks is shown, and everyone has to jump that many times. Cool!

Literacy:
We are learning a new site word tomorrow...where! Look for this word while reading and while out and about. A great conversation to have would be the difference between where and wear. We are also still working on examining characters, setting and the main events of stories. We completed a foldable yesterday that will go home today and we will be working through a character, setting and main event sort in groups today. As you are reading with your child, pause and discuss some of these story elements this week. That will help! Writer's Workshop was fun this week as we focused on writing Eric Carle style (he is the author we are looking to as a mentor). Some students also decided to write a "how to" book about how we planted our flowers on Earth Day. We are also enjoying adding onto our bare books. We are thinking and writing about our favorites of kindergarten. Our favorite field trip, center, movie etc.

Science:
On Monday we did two experiments with Peeps. We put a Peep in water as well as in the microwave. We predicted what would happen with both experiments and found that Peeps float in water and often lose their color. We found that when heated, Peeps just expand similar to marshmallows (as several kids figured out). They do not explode!

Thematic:
Our unit on Oceans is off to a great start! We made sand dough and discussed the items we may find in the sand. We started a two day project yesterday about many different types of fish! We read the Rainbow Fish book....a class favorite! Next week we will continue to study oceans and begin to really start learning the songs and play lines for our upcoming play called "Commotion in the Ocean!" Your child will receive play lines next week. Practice with your child each night and remember to keep them in their purple folder as we will often practice her at school as well!

Our Commotion in the Ocean play will be May 20th at 11:00 in the elementary gym. Details to follow regarding costumes and other various play things. ;)

If you have not brought an empty water bottle and old CD, please do so soon! We will need those for our centers next week!

Here is the sign up genius!
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0C4FA5A82BA4FF2-april1

Hugs,
Mrs. Schultz