Fall Conferences are just around the corner. I am eager to share your child's amazing progress and growth with you. Cottontail Fall Conferences will be held on:
Tuesday, November 11th from 3:30 - 6:30
Friday, November 14th from 8:00 - 4:00
and
Tuesday, November 18th from 3:30 - 6:30.
Due to our day of conferences on November 14th there will be no school and no BASP. There will be child care available during your child's 30 minute conference, so please let Rachel know if you will be interested in using this service. Also, please note that the Cottontails evening conference are scheduled for two days for your convenience as I will be out of town on the originally schedule Fall Conference Date of Thursday, November 20th. It is my hopes that opening up two evenings for Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences will help work around this change in conference dates.
Please click on the Fall Conference link to sign up for a 30 minute conference time slot. And, as always, please let me now if you have questions or concerns. I look forward to meeting with you.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Nov Scholastic Book Order
New Scholastic Book Order flyers will be sent home today, Monday, October 27th. Attached to these flyers you will find ordering instructions as well as TWO FREE BOOK coupons!
November's Book Order comes at a perfect time as the holiday season is right around the corner. When ordering online, can order books for any age infant to middle school. Looking for gifts for family members or friends? Wanting to stock up inexpensive gifts for all those birthday parties? Have a special gift that your ordering for your child? Let me know and I'll be sure to stow this book away from their excited attention. This month, too, all orders will receive a FREE collection of create-your-own snowman stickers - a perfect stocking stuffer, hanukkah gift, St. Nick toy, or advent treat.
In our classroom's online shop, you will also find book recommendations that I have personally selected for the classroom. Recommendations include some our classroom library favorites including books by Mo Willems and from The Berenstain Bears series. I have also recommended some great books that revolve around our curricular focuses including grit, life cycles of apples and pumpkins, and being thankful. You will also room find a classroom wish list in our online shop where your family can select special gifts to help our classroom library grow.
November's Book Order comes at a perfect time as the holiday season is right around the corner. When ordering online, can order books for any age infant to middle school. Looking for gifts for family members or friends? Wanting to stock up inexpensive gifts for all those birthday parties? Have a special gift that your ordering for your child? Let me know and I'll be sure to stow this book away from their excited attention. This month, too, all orders will receive a FREE collection of create-your-own snowman stickers - a perfect stocking stuffer, hanukkah gift, St. Nick toy, or advent treat.
Encouraging reading is one of the most important things we can do to help children succeed. Sometimes the right book is all it takes to nurture a child's love of reading. Take a look at the flyer sent home to access our online Scholastic Reading Club store where together, with your child, you can choose from a variety of books and then order right online or return the flyer's hard copy order form and payment to me. I have circled some books that I think your Kindergartener will enjoy and your child had a chance to "shop and circle" books today at school.
In our classroom's online shop, you will also find book recommendations that I have personally selected for the classroom. Recommendations include some our classroom library favorites including books by Mo Willems and from The Berenstain Bears series. I have also recommended some great books that revolve around our curricular focuses including grit, life cycles of apples and pumpkins, and being thankful. You will also room find a classroom wish list in our online shop where your family can select special gifts to help our classroom library grow.
With Scholastic Reading Club:
• every book you buy earns FREE books for our classroom library
• you can choose from handpicked, grade- AND reading-level specific books of your child
• find the best values on a variety of formats, including eBooks
Ordering through Scholastic Reading Club provides you with access to inexpensive books and also coupons for discounts on future orders. It also helps enhance our classroom library, too. November Scholastic Book Orders are due Friday, November 14th. Enjoy and have fun shopping! Thank you for your support!
We are Writers!
The Cottontails are excited about their new writing routine. On Tuesdays and Thursdays we watch our writing stamina and confidence grow. Kindergarten students are learning to be confident in their writing and are loving this time of day.
This crew is so eager to write. The Kindergarteners are making great leaps and bounds in their ability to write on their own. Many Kindergarten students are making the move from transcribed writing (a Kinder verbally dictates their thoughts and I write them down) to "post-it note" writing (a Kinder dictates their thoughts, I write them on a post-it note and they transfer the writing to their own page). They are so excited to write! They take their time and are proud of their work. Through "post-it note" writing, we are working on creating complete thoughts and using "finger spacing" (one finger between words and two fingers between sentence). We will also begin to focus on finishing our sentences with a period.
The last two weeks, we have been working on focusing our attention during our writing time. Supply keepers pass out writing supplies to their table mates, students work quietly and confidently while our "Writing Music" is playing, and they clean up efficiently when our "Writing Music" shifts to our "Writing Complete Music". They are eager to share their written work and stories with their friends and have been learning about "Talking Partners" in the Group Area.
This week, I will introduced the Cottontails to their Writing Portfolio. The Writing Portfolio is a special place for our "seeds" (ideas), writing pieces, and even a sight word dictionary to help us with our spelling. I am so excited for the growth that will occur throughout the school year. Continue to help your child with their growing writing confidence. Use "post-it note" writing at home or encourage their own kid spelling with their writing. Here's to strong writing!
This crew is so eager to write. The Kindergarteners are making great leaps and bounds in their ability to write on their own. Many Kindergarten students are making the move from transcribed writing (a Kinder verbally dictates their thoughts and I write them down) to "post-it note" writing (a Kinder dictates their thoughts, I write them on a post-it note and they transfer the writing to their own page). They are so excited to write! They take their time and are proud of their work. Through "post-it note" writing, we are working on creating complete thoughts and using "finger spacing" (one finger between words and two fingers between sentence). We will also begin to focus on finishing our sentences with a period.
The last two weeks, we have been working on focusing our attention during our writing time. Supply keepers pass out writing supplies to their table mates, students work quietly and confidently while our "Writing Music" is playing, and they clean up efficiently when our "Writing Music" shifts to our "Writing Complete Music". They are eager to share their written work and stories with their friends and have been learning about "Talking Partners" in the Group Area.
This week, I will introduced the Cottontails to their Writing Portfolio. The Writing Portfolio is a special place for our "seeds" (ideas), writing pieces, and even a sight word dictionary to help us with our spelling. I am so excited for the growth that will occur throughout the school year. Continue to help your child with their growing writing confidence. Use "post-it note" writing at home or encourage their own kid spelling with their writing. Here's to strong writing!
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Outside Gear
Fall is here and Winter is not far behind. Please be sure your child is dressed appropriately to go outside daily. Jackets, hats, and gloves are needed. Many students are without layers. Our morning snack and recess take us outside on most days and many children are without jackets on this chilly below 40 degree mornings.
On wet days, a change of shoes (boots) are recommended so they can run and play without the fear of soggy shoes for the rest of the day. When snow sticks, students will need boots and snow pants to play beyond the concrete. Outside shoes can be stored in the boot cubbies located next to the Recess (North) Door. As the snow comes for good please be prepared to bring snow pants for daily outside play.
In addition, please check your child's cubby. Is your child's cubby stocked with a change of Winter clothes? Accidents and spills happen when we least expect it so be sure your child has a warm change of clothes to change into just in case a change is needed during these Winter months.
In addition, please check your child's cubby. Is your child's cubby stocked with a change of Winter clothes? Accidents and spills happen when we least expect it so be sure your child has a warm change of clothes to change into just in case a change is needed during these Winter months.
Mid Week Reminders
A few reminders to send your way mid week.
1) Medium-Sized Pumpkin
Please be sure to bring in your child's medium-sized pumpkin for their Partner Family's pumpkin activity by Friday, October 24th. If your child is mentioning that they need to bring in other supplies please check in with me before doing so. Kindergarten students should only have to bring in a pumpkin.
2) Kindergarten Library Field Trip - NEXT Wednesday, October 27th
We will be traveling to the library next Wednesday so please be sure your child brings their library card. Looking forward to it!
3) Math Homework
Please be sure your child is only completing one two-sided page per day in their Math Homework Packet. This ensures that they are not attempting activities that have not been introduced at school. The Math Homework Packet is meant to build confidence in students and at-home routines in completing homework. If you are looking for additional math activities to work on at home please let me know and I'd be happy to suggest some wonderful workbooks, apps, and websites your child can work with.
4) School Wide Charity Drives
Please consider donating to the Canned Food Drive and the Costume Drive that are currently going on here at Willowwind. Both drives end this week, so get your donations in soon. See Paul's Weekly Note for more information.
1) Medium-Sized Pumpkin
Please be sure to bring in your child's medium-sized pumpkin for their Partner Family's pumpkin activity by Friday, October 24th. If your child is mentioning that they need to bring in other supplies please check in with me before doing so. Kindergarten students should only have to bring in a pumpkin.
2) Kindergarten Library Field Trip - NEXT Wednesday, October 27th
We will be traveling to the library next Wednesday so please be sure your child brings their library card. Looking forward to it!
3) Math Homework
Please be sure your child is only completing one two-sided page per day in their Math Homework Packet. This ensures that they are not attempting activities that have not been introduced at school. The Math Homework Packet is meant to build confidence in students and at-home routines in completing homework. If you are looking for additional math activities to work on at home please let me know and I'd be happy to suggest some wonderful workbooks, apps, and websites your child can work with.
4) School Wide Charity Drives
Please consider donating to the Canned Food Drive and the Costume Drive that are currently going on here at Willowwind. Both drives end this week, so get your donations in soon. See Paul's Weekly Note for more information.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Pumpkins!
Our Science studies have moved from apples to pumpkins. We have enjoyed learning about both fruits, their various parts, and how they are similar and different. In coming weeks, we will begin to focus on the pumpkin's life cycle. In the meantime, enjoy this picture walk of our pumpkin activities. Ask your child about our pumpkin lessons and the similarities and differences between the two fruits.
Also, please be sure to read the following Halloween blog posts on upcoming activities and pumpkin needs for a school wide project. Kindergarteners are in need of bringing in a medium-sized pumpkin by Friday, October 24th.
Also, please be sure to read the following Halloween blog posts on upcoming activities and pumpkin needs for a school wide project. Kindergarteners are in need of bringing in a medium-sized pumpkin by Friday, October 24th.
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| Running to the Pumpkin Patch |
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| Discussing Our Small, Medium, Large Pumpkins |
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| Fun in the Pumpkin Patch! |
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| Class Photo @ Wilson's Orchard (Pumpkin Patch) |
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| Comparing & Contrasting Apples & Pumpkins |
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| Using linking cubes to measure & compare the heights of our pumpkins. |
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| Sink or Float? What will pumpkins do? |
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| Using a tape measure to measure & compare the CIRCUMFERENCE of our pumpkins. |
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| Making Pumpkin Bread |
Friday, October 17, 2014
Halloween & Halloween Homework
The Willowwind community will be celebrating Halloween the afternoon of Friday, October 31. Please visit THIS sign-up sheet if you wish to donate snack items. Each snack donation is worth 30 minutes of volunteer time.
Students will be asked to bring their costumes to school. We ask that costumes not be too scary. No weapons, blood, or gore will be permitted. We understand that costumes often include these things, but please save them for trick-or treating to avoid the disruption at school. Students will change into their costumes for our afternoon celebration, but are expected to wear their normal clothes to school for morning activities. The schedule for our festivities is below. Families are invited to join our festivities from 2:00 - 3:15.
8:15 Classroom & Specials Classes Activities
Students will be asked to bring their costumes to school. We ask that costumes not be too scary. No weapons, blood, or gore will be permitted. We understand that costumes often include these things, but please save them for trick-or treating to avoid the disruption at school. Students will change into their costumes for our afternoon celebration, but are expected to wear their normal clothes to school for morning activities. The schedule for our festivities is below. Families are invited to join our festivities from 2:00 - 3:15.
8:15 Classroom & Specials Classes Activities
1:00 Change into Costumes
1:30 Preschool Parade
1:35 Reading Buddies
2:00 K-6 Parade (Families Invited)
2:05 Snacks and Pumpkin Guessing (Families Invited)
2:45 Costume and Pumpkin Reveal (Families Invited)
3:15 Dismissal
ASP is available per usual.
Each year, Partner Families cherish the Halloween season as it gives them opportunity to spend time and work together. Preparing for Halloween, each Partner Family spends GD time creating a "top secret" pumpkin character. This year, students are charged with designing their pumpkin to represent a person, real or fictional, that displays a "gritty" attitude. Next week, Partner Families will meet to plan out their pumpkin character and outline the pumpkins needed.
This year, Kindergarten students are in charge of bringing the pumpkin. Take time with your child early this week to select a medium sized pumpkin to bring into Willowwind. Pumpkins of all sizes can be found at HyVee for $3.99. Please be sure your child brings in their pumpkin by THIS Friday, October 24th. Pumpkin decorating will begin next week, so it is important that all supplies are here.
Let me know if you have questions. Happy pumpkin shopping and happy Halloween!
1:30 Preschool Parade
1:35 Reading Buddies
2:00 K-6 Parade (Families Invited)
2:05 Snacks and Pumpkin Guessing (Families Invited)
2:45 Costume and Pumpkin Reveal (Families Invited)
3:15 Dismissal
ASP is available per usual.
Each year, Partner Families cherish the Halloween season as it gives them opportunity to spend time and work together. Preparing for Halloween, each Partner Family spends GD time creating a "top secret" pumpkin character. This year, students are charged with designing their pumpkin to represent a person, real or fictional, that displays a "gritty" attitude. Next week, Partner Families will meet to plan out their pumpkin character and outline the pumpkins needed.
This year, Kindergarten students are in charge of bringing the pumpkin. Take time with your child early this week to select a medium sized pumpkin to bring into Willowwind. Pumpkins of all sizes can be found at HyVee for $3.99. Please be sure your child brings in their pumpkin by THIS Friday, October 24th. Pumpkin decorating will begin next week, so it is important that all supplies are here.
Let me know if you have questions. Happy pumpkin shopping and happy Halloween!
Harvest Fest TOMORROW 10.18 & No School MONDAY 10.20
Just a few quick reminders to send your way on this windy Friday.
Harvest Fest
Harvest Fest is TOMORROW, October 18th from 1:45 - 4:00. Please join us at Willowwind School for an afternoon of Fall Fun. Our activities will begin at 1:45 when we dedicate the K-6 Playground's new benches in honor of Willowwind supporters Margaret and Gail. Game festivities will begin at 2:00 and run until 4:00.
Please click HERE to read more details about our class's Book Walk game setup, supplies needed operation of game, and game shifts. This linked document has all the necessary information to successful set up and run or class's game, the Book Walk. Please be sure you are ready and available to take over our game at your volunteered time. This ensures that all parents have the chance to enjoy all the Harvest Fest's activities with their family, children, and friends.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all of you who stepped up and helped with volunteer shifts and book donations. We are set for a fun afternoon and your support is incredibly appreciated. See you then!
No School / No BASP on Monday
This coming Monday, October 20th there will be no school and no BASP due to a Faculty Professional Development Day. Students are off from school as Willowwind Faculty work together to better our program and further our desire to help your child succeed. Enjoy the long weekend!
Harvest Fest
Harvest Fest is TOMORROW, October 18th from 1:45 - 4:00. Please join us at Willowwind School for an afternoon of Fall Fun. Our activities will begin at 1:45 when we dedicate the K-6 Playground's new benches in honor of Willowwind supporters Margaret and Gail. Game festivities will begin at 2:00 and run until 4:00.
Please click HERE to read more details about our class's Book Walk game setup, supplies needed operation of game, and game shifts. This linked document has all the necessary information to successful set up and run or class's game, the Book Walk. Please be sure you are ready and available to take over our game at your volunteered time. This ensures that all parents have the chance to enjoy all the Harvest Fest's activities with their family, children, and friends.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all of you who stepped up and helped with volunteer shifts and book donations. We are set for a fun afternoon and your support is incredibly appreciated. See you then!
No School / No BASP on Monday
This coming Monday, October 20th there will be no school and no BASP due to a Faculty Professional Development Day. Students are off from school as Willowwind Faculty work together to better our program and further our desire to help your child succeed. Enjoy the long weekend!
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
New Routine: Star of the Week
As we continue to grow together as a class, I'm excited to present a new activity that brings us closer together - getting to know one another on a more personal level. I am so very excited to start our new STAR OF THE WEEK routine! Throughout the coming months, each child will get the chance to be the Star of the Week. Save the date, mark your calendar, and take a look at our Star of the Week Calendar to see when your child will be featured! This activity is the perfect way for Kindergarten classmates to get to know each other better.
This week, I am taking my turn to show students what Star of the Week entails by sharing fun things from my life through my own Star of the Week turn. The students are eager to learn about each day's events and sneak peeks into my life, my family, and my favorites. Next week, Meridith will take her turn continuing to provide your child with examples of Star of the Week activities and details.
The week prior to your child's Star of the Week, your child will take home our Star of the Week bag full of materials to help prepare for their Star of the Week to begin the following Monday. In the week before, activities to prepare include:
• Completing the "All About" Poster
• Filling out "About Me" Slips
• Taking Rufus or Ruby (our class rabbits) on a "week-in-your-child's-life" photo adventure.
• Gathering Special Photos and Memorabilia
• Filling the Estimation Jar
• Finding your child's Favorite Book
The week prior to your child's Star of the Week, I will send home a DETAILED parent letter in the Star of the Week bag and via email. The letter linked in the previous sentence is a blank Star of the Week letter template for your reference. Please take a look at it now to help your family plan for the tasks that lay ahead. I have also included a Timeline of Events that show you what components your child will be presenting each day of their week.
Below is a quick photo journey through my own Star of the Week preparation.
Left to right on the bulletin board you will see:
• my "About Me" Slips
• my special photos
My special photos include my wedding day, my little one, William, my niece & nephew, a childhood photo, my sister and me, and Brian and me at the beach - my favorite place.
• my "All About" poster - I colored my poster, wrote some words, included pictures of my family, my favorite food, my pet, and me. Your child may include photos and/or drawn pictures.
• my construction paper poster with Rufus's adventures from home
Below are just a few pictures of Rufus's adventures while at home with me. Please feel free to come into look at my Star of the Week display for more ideas on adventures to take with your child and our classroom stuffed animal rabbit. My photos include: going out to eat, running errands, playing with my dog, checking email, reading a book, crocheting, updating the website. In addition to my own examples I tried to create some examples that showcase activities your child may do during the week like helping with the dishes, brushing teeth, and picking out clothes to wear.
Some Rufus Examples:
This week, I am taking my turn to show students what Star of the Week entails by sharing fun things from my life through my own Star of the Week turn. The students are eager to learn about each day's events and sneak peeks into my life, my family, and my favorites. Next week, Meridith will take her turn continuing to provide your child with examples of Star of the Week activities and details.
The week prior to your child's Star of the Week, your child will take home our Star of the Week bag full of materials to help prepare for their Star of the Week to begin the following Monday. In the week before, activities to prepare include:
• Completing the "All About" Poster
• Filling out "About Me" Slips
• Taking Rufus or Ruby (our class rabbits) on a "week-in-your-child's-life" photo adventure.
• Gathering Special Photos and Memorabilia
• Filling the Estimation Jar
• Finding your child's Favorite Book
The week prior to your child's Star of the Week, I will send home a DETAILED parent letter in the Star of the Week bag and via email. The letter linked in the previous sentence is a blank Star of the Week letter template for your reference. Please take a look at it now to help your family plan for the tasks that lay ahead. I have also included a Timeline of Events that show you what components your child will be presenting each day of their week.
Below is a quick photo journey through my own Star of the Week preparation.
My Star of the Week Display
On the countertop I displayed some of my special memorabilia including my favorite book, my favorite game, a class photo, Rufus, my Star of the Week crown ;).
Left to right on the bulletin board you will see:
• my "About Me" Slips
• my special photos
My special photos include my wedding day, my little one, William, my niece & nephew, a childhood photo, my sister and me, and Brian and me at the beach - my favorite place.
• my "All About" poster - I colored my poster, wrote some words, included pictures of my family, my favorite food, my pet, and me. Your child may include photos and/or drawn pictures.
• my construction paper poster with Rufus's adventures from home
Below are just a few pictures of Rufus's adventures while at home with me. Please feel free to come into look at my Star of the Week display for more ideas on adventures to take with your child and our classroom stuffed animal rabbit. My photos include: going out to eat, running errands, playing with my dog, checking email, reading a book, crocheting, updating the website. In addition to my own examples I tried to create some examples that showcase activities your child may do during the week like helping with the dishes, brushing teeth, and picking out clothes to wear.
Some Rufus Examples:
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| Running Errands |
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| Reading a Book |
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| Brushing Teeth |
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| Doing Dishes |
AS ALWAYS, please email me with questions or concerns. I am happy to help. Remember to have fun! Your child is super excited! What a fun adventure it'll be, and what a fun way to further build our beautiful classroom community and strong friendships. Thank you for your helping in making this experience memorable.
Field Trip: Hickory Hill Park - November 13
A big thank you for your help with our Harvest Fest. We are collecting wonderful books for our Book Walk and our game shifts are covered. Thank you, thank you! I will be emailing out detailed instructions on how to run the Book Walk in the coming days for your reference when volunteering for your game shift. Your help is much appreciated.
Now....onto our next adventure! :) I am excited to share with you information about our upcoming school wide field trip.
Field Trip to Hickory Hill Park
Thursday, November 13th - ALL DAY
The K-6 students are looking forward to a field trip to Hickory Hill Park on Thursday November 13th. We will be working with Friends of Hickory Hill to harvest prairie seed. Students will also cooperate with their partner families for a variety of wildlife games and activities throughout the day.
Now....onto our next adventure! :) I am excited to share with you information about our upcoming school wide field trip.
Field Trip to Hickory Hill Park
Thursday, November 13th - ALL DAY
The K-6 students are looking forward to a field trip to Hickory Hill Park on Thursday November 13th. We will be working with Friends of Hickory Hill to harvest prairie seed. Students will also cooperate with their partner families for a variety of wildlife games and activities throughout the day.
On this day, at 8:15, families are asked to drop-off their children at the Bloomington Street entrance to Hickory Hill Park. Teachers will arrive by 7:30 for BSP (charges apply) and parents can begin regular school day drop-off AT HICKORY HILL PARK at 8:00 (no BSP charges apply). BSP AND the WHOLE SCHOOL DAY will occur at Hickory Hill Park.
At the end of our school day, students will be at the Bloomington Street pavilion in the park for 2:00 pick-up. Teachers will drive the students who need ASP to Willowwind at that time. Please plan ahead for this unique day and communicate with your classroom teacher if your child will need to go to ASP at Willowwind. All students still at Hickory Hill Park at 2:15 will be counted for and charged accordingly for ASP.
At drop-off and pick-up, it will be easiest if you do not pull into the parking lot, but just drop your child off on the curb. You will see teachers waiting there. If we can keep the cars moving, we can expedite the pick-up and drop-off process and avoid traffic congestion.
Each child will need to dress appropriately for the unpredictable November weather. It gets cold in November, so warm layers (pants and shirts) and comfortable, WARM hiking shoes are advised. Long pants and long sleeves are helpful to protect skin from prairie plants. We may be muddy, so please plan accordingly. Students will also need 2 snacks, a water bottle and a big lunch in order to have energy for the day. Any extra items in backpacks will only be extra weight for them to carry, so please consider reorganizing backpacks in preparation for this day.
Friday, October 10, 2014
Volunteer Opportunity: Harvest Fest - NEXT Saturday, October 18th - WE NEED YOU!
Hello,
We are in need of many Cottontail Rabbit parent volunteers to help facilitate our class sponsored Book Walk at NEXT Saturday, October 18th's Harvest Fest from 2:00 - 4:00.
We are in need of parents to volunteer to "run" the Book Walk for 15 minute increments. Our Room Parent, Tundi Brady sent out information about this earlier in the week. For your convenience, please use THIS link to sign up for a 15 minute sign up slot. If you have already indicated a 15 minute time slot that you would like to work with Tundi, please let me know and I'd be happy to fill in that spot for you. Tundi will do the same with any previous communication she has received. Your help is needed in making this class sponsored activity a success! Your 15 minute time slot can count towards your yearly volunteer hours.
Click HERE for more information on our Harvest Fest game. Traditionally, many Festivals host "Cake Walks" but in true Willowwind School fashion, we have transformed this game into a "Book Walk"
To make this Book Walk successful, we are in need of MANY GENTLY USED BOOKS. Please donate your unwanted, gently used books to Willowwind for the Book Walk. There is a drop off bin in the Front Entryway.
There are many other ways to volunteer for this event. Please click HERE to access our school wide Sign Up Genius Harvest Fest Volunteer Opportunities page. Remember, the Sign Up Genius password is Giraffe.
Finally, our Burrowing Owl friends (grades 3/4) need our Harvest Fest help, too. Please read the message below from them:
We are in need of many Cottontail Rabbit parent volunteers to help facilitate our class sponsored Book Walk at NEXT Saturday, October 18th's Harvest Fest from 2:00 - 4:00.
We are in need of parents to volunteer to "run" the Book Walk for 15 minute increments. Our Room Parent, Tundi Brady sent out information about this earlier in the week. For your convenience, please use THIS link to sign up for a 15 minute sign up slot. If you have already indicated a 15 minute time slot that you would like to work with Tundi, please let me know and I'd be happy to fill in that spot for you. Tundi will do the same with any previous communication she has received. Your help is needed in making this class sponsored activity a success! Your 15 minute time slot can count towards your yearly volunteer hours.
Click HERE for more information on our Harvest Fest game. Traditionally, many Festivals host "Cake Walks" but in true Willowwind School fashion, we have transformed this game into a "Book Walk"
To make this Book Walk successful, we are in need of MANY GENTLY USED BOOKS. Please donate your unwanted, gently used books to Willowwind for the Book Walk. There is a drop off bin in the Front Entryway.
There are many other ways to volunteer for this event. Please click HERE to access our school wide Sign Up Genius Harvest Fest Volunteer Opportunities page. Remember, the Sign Up Genius password is Giraffe.
Finally, our Burrowing Owl friends (grades 3/4) need our Harvest Fest help, too. Please read the message below from them:
The
Burrowing Owl class is organizing a food drive for people that do not have
enough money to afford good food. We are collecting it for the food pantry
supported by the River Community Church. We want to help the church help
others, because they allow us to use their parking lot and building for special
events. The food that we would like you to bring is anything canned, such as
canned meat, soup, beans, chili, fruit, and vegetables. Please bring the food
for the Harvest Festival on October 18. You can also bring the food anytime
between October 16 and October 21. You may put the canned goods in the two bins
in the entryway at the front of the school. Thank you
for helping those in need!
Year Long Goals
As we get into the swing of the school year, the students are thrilled by how much they have already learned. We talk continuously about growing our brain. We grow our brain in so many different ways - academically, socially, and physically. We are busy at school and our little brains are hard at work!
This week, Willowwind friends read Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It.
This week, Willowwind friends read Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It.
This book teaches children that they have the ability to stretch and grow their own brains. It delivers the crucial message that mistakes are an essential part of learning.
Mistakes are good - mistakes build grit
Grit and learning from our mistakes builds success and helps us meet our goals.
Setting goals is an important part of a child's educational journey. Your child's PEP sets goals for their Kindergarten year. These goals are a way for us to monitor your child's personalized progress. In addition to their PEP goals set forth by us as their educational cheerleaders, the Kindergarteners have also set their own goals. Together as a class, we defined the word "goals".
Then we wrote about our own individual goals. Take a look at your child's personalized goal they have set forth for their Kindergarten year. Their goals are so sweet and it is so fun to see what goals are important in their eyes!
Twice monthly, during our GD time, K-6 students get to enjoy the opportunity to have fun and sing and dance together at Sing Along. Sing Along is a time to learn and sing fun songs that various students have introduced to our school. Many of our Sing Along songs center around the idea of "being the best we can be". Check out the songs we have already learned this year. Their lyrics are incredibly motivating.
Am I Wrong? - Nico & Vinz
Roar - Katy Perry
Firework - Katy Perry
What I Am - Will I. Am & Seseme Street Characters
Other books we have read in recent weeks to help set (and achieve!) goals include:
We will continue to build grit in our students as we grow, stretch, and shape our brains. How do you facilitate the growth of grit at home? Thank you for your continued support in helping our children learn about ways to use their "fantastic, elastic brain." I am so proud of our kiddos!
Fire Prevention Week
In honor of Fire Prevention Week, we have spent last week and this week learning and understanding the importance of
• fire safety
• exit plans for our schools and homes
• the importance of meeting places
• "Stop, Drop, and Roll"
and
• "Get Low and Go"
Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, that left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began in October 8th, but continued into, and did most of its damage, on October 9th 1871. According to popular legend, the fire broke out after a cow kicked over a lamp, setting first the barn and then the whole city on fire. Recent research has helped to debunk this version of events, however.
This event in 1871 marked the beginning of Fire Prevention Week. Each year, the President declares a Fire Prevention week theme. This year's theme is "Working Fire Alarms Save Lives". In honor of Fire Prevention Week, the ICFD came to visit our school. They put on a fun play with songs and puppets. We learned that our homes should have fire alarms in each bedroom and on each floor. Batteries are an important part of smoke detectors and fire alarms and that we should test our fire alarms monthly.
Today, the Cottontails will be taking home their Fire Safety Coloring Book. Ask them about their hard work. They will also take home a Fire Inspection Checklist and a Home Fire Escape Plan worksheet that you can work together to complete.
To learn more about Fire Prevention week, click THIS link to visit the National Fire Protection Association website.
This weekend, check out our local fire department. The Coralville Fire Department is hosting an Open House on Sunday, October 12th from 12:00 - 4:00. View the fire trucks and other rescue vehicles, and firefighter equipment, talk with local firefighters, learn about fire prevention, play games, and enjoy popcorn and refreshments in honor of Fire Prevention Week. The event is FREE and open to the public.
• fire safety
• exit plans for our schools and homes
• the importance of meeting places
• "Stop, Drop, and Roll"
and
• "Get Low and Go"
Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, that left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began in October 8th, but continued into, and did most of its damage, on October 9th 1871. According to popular legend, the fire broke out after a cow kicked over a lamp, setting first the barn and then the whole city on fire. Recent research has helped to debunk this version of events, however.
This event in 1871 marked the beginning of Fire Prevention Week. Each year, the President declares a Fire Prevention week theme. This year's theme is "Working Fire Alarms Save Lives". In honor of Fire Prevention Week, the ICFD came to visit our school. They put on a fun play with songs and puppets. We learned that our homes should have fire alarms in each bedroom and on each floor. Batteries are an important part of smoke detectors and fire alarms and that we should test our fire alarms monthly.
Today, the Cottontails will be taking home their Fire Safety Coloring Book. Ask them about their hard work. They will also take home a Fire Inspection Checklist and a Home Fire Escape Plan worksheet that you can work together to complete.
The Cottontails were also introduced to a NEW book bin in our classroom library - Fire Safety. The students were thrilled by the new choices and enjoyed choose books as a Center Time option.
Check out Iowa City's Sparky the Fire Dog website for fun games and printables.
To learn more about Fire Prevention week, click THIS link to visit the National Fire Protection Association website.
This weekend, check out our local fire department. The Coralville Fire Department is hosting an Open House on Sunday, October 12th from 12:00 - 4:00. View the fire trucks and other rescue vehicles, and firefighter equipment, talk with local firefighters, learn about fire prevention, play games, and enjoy popcorn and refreshments in honor of Fire Prevention Week. The event is FREE and open to the public.
Coralville Fire Station #1
1501 Fifth Street
Coralville, Iowa
319.248.1835
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Reminders: Drivers, Boosters, & Clothing Layers
Just a reminder that we will be taking two field trips this week.
1) Wilson's Orchard Pumpkin Patch
TOMORROW, Wednesday, October 8th 10:30 - 12:45
WE ARE STILL IN NEED OF DRIVERS. Community field trips are not possible without your support. Please let me know if you can drive on tomorrow's field trip. We need your help to make these field trips a success! DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR CHILD'S BOOSTER SEAT. All Kindergarteners are required to sit in booster seats.
2) Fall Walk to Friendship Park
Thursday, October 9th 8:45 - 10:45
We will be walking to Friendship Park to take in Fall observations using our five senses. Please be sure your child has on comfy walking shoes and clothing layers. The morning will start chilly but may warm up.
1) Wilson's Orchard Pumpkin Patch
TOMORROW, Wednesday, October 8th 10:30 - 12:45
WE ARE STILL IN NEED OF DRIVERS. Community field trips are not possible without your support. Please let me know if you can drive on tomorrow's field trip. We need your help to make these field trips a success! DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR CHILD'S BOOSTER SEAT. All Kindergarteners are required to sit in booster seats.
2) Fall Walk to Friendship Park
Thursday, October 9th 8:45 - 10:45
We will be walking to Friendship Park to take in Fall observations using our five senses. Please be sure your child has on comfy walking shoes and clothing layers. The morning will start chilly but may warm up.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Cottontails Newsletter - Sept/Oct
Literacy
We are readers!! I hope you have enjoyed my updates on our reading fun. I am so proud of your child's enthusiasm. At the start of Kindergarten, we work hard to build confidence in our new reading skills. This week's discussion about our favorite books have us excited to share our love for books with one another.
We have been meeting in weekly small reading groups to work on developing reading skills. Our guided reading groups working on building fluency, using picture cues to solve tricky words, and discovering ways to sound out words. Please look to the recent email sent to learn more about your child's specific reading level and group activities. Daily, we use our canvas Book Bags to practice our reading at school. Please be sure your child brings their Book Bag AND the books within to school everyday.
To help you better understand the use of our black and white books please use the following key.
Star Book = "I can read this book all by myself!"
No Star Book = "I might need your help, please."
Checkmark Book = "We are all done with this book at school. I can keep this book at home."
If it does not have a checkmark on the book, please be sure to keep it in the Book Bag for classroom practice. Thanks for your help.
While we continue to build reading confidence at school continue to encourage your child's growing excitement at home. Daily reading time is essential. Take your child's lead in building their reading skills. In coming weeks, I will begin a Parent Blog Segment to provide you insight and support on how to encourage your child's positive journey in learning.
Scholastic Book Orders are a great (and inexpensive!) way to build home (and classroom) libraries. Thank you for those that ordered. The Kindergarten classes will provide a formal opportunity to order books every other month, but in the meantime you are always welcome to place orders through our classroom Scholastic website. Click HERE to visit.
New orders use the activation code NCNYY. October orders will receive a FREE book if you are interested. Book orders will go home again in November.
Math
Math time is a wonderful time for our Kindergarten friends. We enjoy breaking into small groups and working with friends from both Kindergarten classes. Students have been working in our Chapter 1 Math curriculum from our Kindergarten and First Grade Math in Focus curriculum. Students investigate by counting and sorting objects, identifying and writing numbers and discussing less than, greater than, and the same.
This combination of sorting and counting and understanding numbers is a necessary skill for analyzing data and the begin go math literacy. Countable items are used to develop the association between the physical representation of the number, the number symbol, and the number word. Continue to encourage your child's excitement for Math at home. Remember, to have your child complete ONE double-sided Math Homework Packet page per weekday. Math Packets are due each Monday. Thank you for your support.
Science
In September, we spent a lot of our time discussing the changing seasons and apples. As the weather grows cold, our brains continue to grow as budding scientists. We have discussed the uses for apples, how apples and apple trees grow, and the parts of an apple. It has been so much fun watching the Kindergarteners take their learning so seriously. They put on their "Scientist" caps and think about things from a real-life perspective. They enjoy trying to decide how to make their pictures and diagrams best represent the apples, trees and segments we are studying. Please take a look at the following blog post to learn more about our Apple fun.
In the coming weeks, we will continue to discuss the changing seasons and segue from the life cycle of apples to the life cycle of pumpkins. NEXT, Wednesday, October 8th we will be traveling to Wilson's Orchard's pumpkin patch. Please be sure to leave your child's booster seat. We are still in need of one more parent drive. Please click HERE to sign up if you are able to drive on the field trip. These opportunities are not possible without your support.
Yummy, Apples!
Our Apple Unit Highlights
Enjoy these exciting highlights from our apple unit.
~ taste testing apples
We taste tested and describe four different apples. We taste tested Jazz, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp. We graphed our favorites. Honeycrisps were our favorites.
~ estimating bites
How many bites to get to the core? We tallied our bites and surprised at how many bites it actually took!
~ Allen's Orchard field trip
We traveled to a new (to Willowwind) orchard where, from an Allen's Orchard expert, we learned about apples, the honey bees, and the bees' important job. We toured the orchard, saw their furry friends, - the goats - and watched the machine that cleans the apples before they are sold in the market.
We cut open apples to find the seed pockets within the apple's core. We pulled out our apples' seed and counted how many seeds we found. Did you know? Apples can have as few as two seeds and as many as ten seeds. We then graphed our findings.
~ identifying parts of an apple
The Cottontails loved finding and labeling the parts of an apple. Did you know that the apple has six parts? The seeds, core, flesh, skin, stem, and leaves. Come check out our art work soon on display in the classroom.
~ organizing the life cycle of an apple tree
We took time to study the phases of a growing apple tree. We organized each step and created a Apple Life Cycle Book. Take a look at our books on display on the classroom's rectangle table.
~ measuring with apples.
We used apples as a non-standard unit of measurement. We took apples and measured our heights. Take a look at our graph in the hallway. How many apples tall are you?
~ apple glyphs
We have been learning about using symbols to classify and display informations. We made Apple Glyphs that show our apple preferences - Do you like apples? How do you like to eat apples? Have you had apple pie before? etc. Take a look at our apple glyphs. Do you think you can decipher them? Use our key!
~ baking crock pot Applesauce
We took one morning to make Crock Pot Applesauce. We sliced and peeled and peeled and slice. We even ate the left over apple peel "snakes". Our applesauce filled the school with delicious smells of sweet apples and cinnamon. We sampled a little of our delicious applesauce but put the rest aside to freeze and save and share with our friends at our upcoming Thanksgiving Feast. Check out this LINK to our easy applesauce recipe.
Just like Amelia Bedelia in Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie we are so excited to make an apple pie. Tomorrow, with Ms. Eve, we will slice and peel apples with a special crank peeler/slicer. We will take turns measuring dry and wet ingredients and some friends will help in making and rolling out the pie's dough. Interested in the recipe? Check out this LINK to our tasty pie!
~ Apple Reflection
Next week, as we reach the end of our unit, we will create a "Graffiti Board" of all the facts we discussed and learned about. I am already so impressed with how much our Cottontails know about apples. We will take our thoughts from our "Graffiti Board" and write about our own individual growth and reflection. As we move on to discussing pumpkins, we will soon use our knowledge of apples to compare and contrast the two.
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