Burr! The Winter's cold is here to stay I'm afraid. As a reminder, please be sure your child's cubby is well stocked with all the necessary cold-weather gear. As long as the air temp is above 0 we will head outside for recesses. Movement class will also take place outside as long as possible. It is very important that your child comes to school each day with the following items…
~ warm winter coat
~ thick gloves
and
~ a hat.
Other helpful items include a scarf to block the wind from little faces and pants for those friends that like to wear dresses without tights.
When the first snow falls, snow pants and boots will be required to play in the snow. Please prepare ahead of time to bring these snow supplies in as the snow seems to fall when we least expect it. Some friends have already brought their snow gear to school. Thank you to those for thinking ahead. Leading by their example, I encourage you to bring a set of winter weather clothing to leave here at school. In doing so, your child will be prepared to have fun in the cold each and every day. Thanks for helping us stay warm while we run and play in the cold, winter fun!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Library Field Trip TOMORROW 11.28
Don't forget, TOMORROW, Wednesday, November 28th, we will be traveling to the Iowa City Public Library for our monthly field trip.
While there, we will enjoy shopping for books, using the self-checkout, listening to story time, and eating lunch INSIDE the library's story time room. How fun!
Don't forget your library card!
While there, we will enjoy shopping for books, using the self-checkout, listening to story time, and eating lunch INSIDE the library's story time room. How fun!
Don't forget your library card!
Willowwind's Annual Fund Update - Thank You!
We want to thank you so much for giving to this year's annual fund. Willowwind's excellent educational program is the direct result of the generosity of Willowwind families, friends, alumni, grandparents, board, faculty and staff. We sincerely appreciate our supporters for making Willowwind School the exceptional school it is today.
If you haven't had the opportunity to give to the annual fund, please take the time this week to either pledge or donate using the donation envelopes at the front desk. Pledges or gifts can be made all year long, but our fall annual fund campaign ends THIS Friday, November 30th. Remember, the class with the highest participation will earn a FREE field trip to the Iowa Children's Museum. The Cottontails would love a chance to play at learn at the Children's Museum! Your participation at ANY level is MUCH appreciated.
Also, THIS Thursday, November 29th, we will be making coffee, available in the foyer. Inspired by a grandmother of a current student, we're asking that you save what you'd normally spend on a Thursday coffee and donate it to Willowwind. Sincere thanks for all your past, present, and future support.
If you haven't had the opportunity to give to the annual fund, please take the time this week to either pledge or donate using the donation envelopes at the front desk. Pledges or gifts can be made all year long, but our fall annual fund campaign ends THIS Friday, November 30th. Remember, the class with the highest participation will earn a FREE field trip to the Iowa Children's Museum. The Cottontails would love a chance to play at learn at the Children's Museum! Your participation at ANY level is MUCH appreciated.
Also, THIS Thursday, November 29th, we will be making coffee, available in the foyer. Inspired by a grandmother of a current student, we're asking that you save what you'd normally spend on a Thursday coffee and donate it to Willowwind. Sincere thanks for all your past, present, and future support.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Msg from the Wolves - Plant Forum 11.20 @ 9:00am
Here is a message from our Wolf friends…
The Wolf Class will be hosting a forum about plants tomorrow, Tuesday, November 20, from 9:00-9:45 am. The forum will include presentations which overview the importance of plants, ways in which plants impact society, and issues regarding their growth and production (use of heirloom and genetically modified plants). The forum will conclude with a science-fair-style opportunity to visit individual student booths at which students will be sharing what they learned about the individual plant he/she researched and how it has impacted society. Students' formal papers on their plants will also be available to read. We hope you will join us!
The Wolf Class will be hosting a forum about plants tomorrow, Tuesday, November 20, from 9:00-9:45 am. The forum will include presentations which overview the importance of plants, ways in which plants impact society, and issues regarding their growth and production (use of heirloom and genetically modified plants). The forum will conclude with a science-fair-style opportunity to visit individual student booths at which students will be sharing what they learned about the individual plant he/she researched and how it has impacted society. Students' formal papers on their plants will also be available to read. We hope you will join us!
Sunday, November 18, 2012
We Are Thankful
It has been a wonderful week gearing up for Thanksgiving. We have been discussing the meaning of Thanksgiving and have been writing, writing, writing about all the things we are thankful for.
I am most thankful for your child. I am incredibly grateful for their smiling faces and happy laughs. They have grown so much in the first 65 days of school, and their love for writing has grown tenfold overnight. The Cottontails were eager to brainstorm their thankful for ideas in their "Seed Journals". Then they picked four items to list on their "Thankful Leaves". What I was most impressed was their eagerness to use their "kid-spelling". Their writing confidence was at an all time high, and they were so excited to write on their own. When finished with the leaves, I asked, "Friends, would you like to move into Centers or would you like to spend some more time writing about what you are thankful for?"
They all responded with, "We want to write some more!"
So, I quickly gathered the supplies for the writing activity I had planned for the next day and we continued to write some more. This time we wrote on feathers for our Feast centerpieces. They were excited to continue to write about how thankful they are. Cottontails are thankful for…
~ family
~ friends
~ their homes
~ clean water
~ penguins
~ teachers
~ school
As we finished our writings, we talked about their next steps. They were so excited to see their "Thankful Leaves" on display for friends and families to see, and they were eager to hear about how we would use their "Thankful Feathers". The next day we continued to discuss the feathers they so eagerly created. When we realized that they would go on our pumpkin turkeys and that because of this not all of their writing would be seen we began to talk about ways to make our work even better. An unexpected discussion of revision occurred and the Cottontails were eager to try writing on feathers again, this time paying closer attention to where they wrote on the feathers ensuring that their writing would be seen when adhered to the turkey's pumpkin body. When they realized that we'd be able to see both sides of the feathers on the centerpieces they asked, "Can we write on the backs, too?"
While in awe of their excitement, I eagerly replied, "Of course, friends! Of course!"
It goes to show how meaningful authentic writing pieces can be. Give a child a topic that they care about and they will run with it. They were engaged, they were excited, and they quickly became confident writers! This small moment in our classroom will leave a large impact on my heart. Thank you for allowing me to share these moments with your child. I am truly thankful!!
PS: Be sure to check out our Thankful Tree and your child's touching handprint leaves. Also, your child's Thankful Feathers will be a part of their larger Pumpkin Turkey centerpiece for our K-6 feast. Centerpieces will go home on Tuesday so you can further enjoy your child's beautiful work and writing over your Thanksgiving Break. Happy Thanksgiving, friends!
I am most thankful for your child. I am incredibly grateful for their smiling faces and happy laughs. They have grown so much in the first 65 days of school, and their love for writing has grown tenfold overnight. The Cottontails were eager to brainstorm their thankful for ideas in their "Seed Journals". Then they picked four items to list on their "Thankful Leaves". What I was most impressed was their eagerness to use their "kid-spelling". Their writing confidence was at an all time high, and they were so excited to write on their own. When finished with the leaves, I asked, "Friends, would you like to move into Centers or would you like to spend some more time writing about what you are thankful for?"
They all responded with, "We want to write some more!"
So, I quickly gathered the supplies for the writing activity I had planned for the next day and we continued to write some more. This time we wrote on feathers for our Feast centerpieces. They were excited to continue to write about how thankful they are. Cottontails are thankful for…
~ family
~ friends
~ their homes
~ clean water
~ penguins
~ teachers
~ school
As we finished our writings, we talked about their next steps. They were so excited to see their "Thankful Leaves" on display for friends and families to see, and they were eager to hear about how we would use their "Thankful Feathers". The next day we continued to discuss the feathers they so eagerly created. When we realized that they would go on our pumpkin turkeys and that because of this not all of their writing would be seen we began to talk about ways to make our work even better. An unexpected discussion of revision occurred and the Cottontails were eager to try writing on feathers again, this time paying closer attention to where they wrote on the feathers ensuring that their writing would be seen when adhered to the turkey's pumpkin body. When they realized that we'd be able to see both sides of the feathers on the centerpieces they asked, "Can we write on the backs, too?"
While in awe of their excitement, I eagerly replied, "Of course, friends! Of course!"
It goes to show how meaningful authentic writing pieces can be. Give a child a topic that they care about and they will run with it. They were engaged, they were excited, and they quickly became confident writers! This small moment in our classroom will leave a large impact on my heart. Thank you for allowing me to share these moments with your child. I am truly thankful!!
PS: Be sure to check out our Thankful Tree and your child's touching handprint leaves. Also, your child's Thankful Feathers will be a part of their larger Pumpkin Turkey centerpiece for our K-6 feast. Centerpieces will go home on Tuesday so you can further enjoy your child's beautiful work and writing over your Thanksgiving Break. Happy Thanksgiving, friends!
Our Thanksgiving Feast
Tuesday brings our much loved tradition, the Thanksgiving Feast. Each year, the K-6 students prepare dishes to share with their school mates, teachers, and office friends. This year, the students will be preparing for an unprecedented 75+ guests (students, teachers, administration, and a few special community members).
On Monday, the Cottontails will cook SIX dozen Pumpkin Cookies to serve at Tuesday's feast. We are set with ingredients and supplies and are excited to spend the Morning baking together. In addition to our Pumpkin Cookies the rest of Feast menu includes:
Homemade Applesauce - Kindergarten Friends
Pumpkin Seeds - Cottontails
Pumpkin Soup - Conejitos
Sauteed Zucchini - Prairie Racerunners
Corn Muffins - Burrowing Owls
Mac & Cheese - Wolves
Mashed Potatoes - Wolves
Turkey & Ham - Family Donations
We are so excited for a special Monday and Tuesday. Your child will not need a lunch for Tuesday. Please let me know if you have any questions. I know that your child will be excited to share all the fun we have when they see you Tuesday after school.
On Monday, the Cottontails will cook SIX dozen Pumpkin Cookies to serve at Tuesday's feast. We are set with ingredients and supplies and are excited to spend the Morning baking together. In addition to our Pumpkin Cookies the rest of Feast menu includes:
Homemade Applesauce - Kindergarten Friends
Pumpkin Seeds - Cottontails
Pumpkin Soup - Conejitos
Sauteed Zucchini - Prairie Racerunners
Corn Muffins - Burrowing Owls
Mac & Cheese - Wolves
Mashed Potatoes - Wolves
Turkey & Ham - Family Donations
We are so excited for a special Monday and Tuesday. Your child will not need a lunch for Tuesday. Please let me know if you have any questions. I know that your child will be excited to share all the fun we have when they see you Tuesday after school.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
The Season of Giving - Willowwind's Annual Fund
The season of giving is here and Willowwind is reaching the end of its Annual Fund drive. As of Friday, Willowwind is excited to have a 33% parent participation rate in our Annual Fund! Thank you parents! Your support helps us in so many ways. No amount is too small or too large. If you haven't had a chance to donate please do so before November 30th. Donation envelopes are found at the Front Desk. If the Cottontails can bring in the largest percentage of parental support per class then we can earn the coveted field trip prize to the Children's Museum. Help us earn that field trip! We'd love to take a trip to one of our favorite places! Remember, no amount is too small. Your participation is what matters most. Thank you in advance!!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Quiet Observations 1:
One of the joys of being a Kindergarten teacher are the moments when I can sit back and just watch and listen to the excited chatter that occurs throughout the school year. I love to watch these tender moments and write them down to capture and remember before the flit on by.
It is my pleasure to share them with you. Welcome to my favorite segment of Kindergarten blogging….Quiet Observations. Here I can share them with you - sometimes, they make take form in interactions between a group of students and sometimes they are the cutest quotes imaginable. This segment includes some sweet words from your children. I have been collecting quotes over the last few weeks for your enjoyment. Thank you for allowing me to share in their sweetness.
Studying the Half-Dollar on the 50th Day of School
Michelle: (after students inquired about going to the "bank" to trade in our two quarters for "that big coin") You know friends, we don't use the half dollar anymore. We no longer trade in two quarters. People think it is just as easy to carry around quarters.
Student 1: What?!?!
Student 2: Why?!?!
Michelle: Perhaps it is because people think the half dollar was too big and heavy.
Student 3: This is unfair!
Student 4: Yeah! The president on the half dollar has rights, too!
Students Coming in at the Start of the School Day
Student 1: Michelle! Michelle! We saw a deer on our way to school. It was huge! It was THIIIIISSS big (holds out arms)!
Michelle: Wow! That is so neat! Was it a boy deer or a girl deer?
Student 1: I don't know, but it was huge! It was even bigger than you! It was so big!
Student 2: Michelle! Michelle! Guess what?
Michelle: What!
Student 2: You'll never believe this. I AM A READER!!
Michelle: You are! How do you know?
Student 2: See when I read words like (reads name off of name plate) that is reading! See how easy it is!
Michelle: Wow! You are a reader!
Student 2: Yeah, and I'm a writer, too!
Michelle: Really?
Student 2: Yeah when I spell words on paper like (spells out name) that is writing. Easy peasy!
Reading My Teacher for President
We get to the page when the story discusses how teachers are involved in "health care" (band-aids and TLC) just like the president.
Student 1: Yeah! Obama Care rocks!
Student 2: Hey! There are Republicans in the room.
Student 3: I think Romney care sound sooo much better.
Regardless of political beliefs, it was clear that their excitement for the election was contagious.
Reading Interesting Facts About Pumpkins
Pumpkin Fact: Pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles.
Michelle: Huh?!? Maybe I should use pumpkin!
Student 1: No! No! No! You can't!
Michelle: Why?
Student 2: Because we like your freckles.
Student 3: We love your freckles!
Student 2: Yeah! They are you! You should love them, too!
Michelle: You're right! I do love them. No pumpkin on my freckles.
Student 1: Yeah! No pumpkins allowed!
Preparing to Attend the ISACS Conference in Louisville
Student: Michelle? When are you leaving?!?
Michelle: In about 2 hours.
Student: 2 hours?!?! Ugh! We can't wait for Ms. Kim!
I only knew that a comment like that came from the heart and is a sign of how wonderful it is to build routine with substitute teachers. The Cottontails have equal love for all teachers and comments like this make me realize that my days away are filled with love, structure, routine, and fun.
It is my pleasure to share them with you. Welcome to my favorite segment of Kindergarten blogging….Quiet Observations. Here I can share them with you - sometimes, they make take form in interactions between a group of students and sometimes they are the cutest quotes imaginable. This segment includes some sweet words from your children. I have been collecting quotes over the last few weeks for your enjoyment. Thank you for allowing me to share in their sweetness.
Studying the Half-Dollar on the 50th Day of School
Michelle: (after students inquired about going to the "bank" to trade in our two quarters for "that big coin") You know friends, we don't use the half dollar anymore. We no longer trade in two quarters. People think it is just as easy to carry around quarters.
Student 1: What?!?!
Student 2: Why?!?!
Michelle: Perhaps it is because people think the half dollar was too big and heavy.
Student 3: This is unfair!
Student 4: Yeah! The president on the half dollar has rights, too!
Students Coming in at the Start of the School Day
Student 1: Michelle! Michelle! We saw a deer on our way to school. It was huge! It was THIIIIISSS big (holds out arms)!
Michelle: Wow! That is so neat! Was it a boy deer or a girl deer?
Student 1: I don't know, but it was huge! It was even bigger than you! It was so big!
Student 2: Michelle! Michelle! Guess what?
Michelle: What!
Student 2: You'll never believe this. I AM A READER!!
Michelle: You are! How do you know?
Student 2: See when I read words like (reads name off of name plate) that is reading! See how easy it is!
Michelle: Wow! You are a reader!
Student 2: Yeah, and I'm a writer, too!
Michelle: Really?
Student 2: Yeah when I spell words on paper like (spells out name) that is writing. Easy peasy!
Reading My Teacher for President
We get to the page when the story discusses how teachers are involved in "health care" (band-aids and TLC) just like the president.
Student 1: Yeah! Obama Care rocks!
Student 2: Hey! There are Republicans in the room.
Student 3: I think Romney care sound sooo much better.
Regardless of political beliefs, it was clear that their excitement for the election was contagious.
Reading Interesting Facts About Pumpkins
Pumpkin Fact: Pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles.
Michelle: Huh?!? Maybe I should use pumpkin!
Student 1: No! No! No! You can't!
Michelle: Why?
Student 2: Because we like your freckles.
Student 3: We love your freckles!
Student 2: Yeah! They are you! You should love them, too!
Michelle: You're right! I do love them. No pumpkin on my freckles.
Student 1: Yeah! No pumpkins allowed!
Preparing to Attend the ISACS Conference in Louisville
Student: Michelle? When are you leaving?!?
Michelle: In about 2 hours.
Student: 2 hours?!?! Ugh! We can't wait for Ms. Kim!
I only knew that a comment like that came from the heart and is a sign of how wonderful it is to build routine with substitute teachers. The Cottontails have equal love for all teachers and comments like this make me realize that my days away are filled with love, structure, routine, and fun.
Library Books & Library Field Trip
Don't forget! Your child's library books from our October field trip are due TOMORROW (Wednesday, November 14th). Please be sure to drop them off at the Eastside HyVee ICPL Book Bin (in the pharmacy drive though) before school tomorrow or directly at the ICPL to ensure an on time return.
Also, the Kindergarten classes will be making their November field trip to the library on Wednesday, November 28th. Please be sure they bring their library card.
We love library days!
Photo from our ICPL Storytime!
Also, the Kindergarten classes will be making their November field trip to the library on Wednesday, November 28th. Please be sure they bring their library card.
We love library days!
Photo from our ICPL Storytime!
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