A few "don't forget" reminders...
1) Pumpkins Needed - By Tuesday, October 20
By Tuesday, October 20th, all Kindergarteners must bring in a medium-sized (standard-sized) pumpkin for our upcoming Halloween Partner Family project. Please bring pumpkin to our classroom.
2) Library Books Due - Wednesday, October 14
Our September library books are due TODAY - Wednesday, October 14th. Please be sure to return them directly to ICPL or the Eastside HyVee ICPL drop off bin. In addition, please be sure your child has their library card on Tuesday, October 27th for our October library field trip.
3) No School / No BASP - Monday, October 19
There is no school on Monday, October 19th due to a Faculty Professional Development Day.
4) Drivers Needed - Monday, October 26
We are still in need of drivers for our October 26th field trip to Colony Pumpkin Patch. Please let me know if you are available to drive. Students will need to leave their booster seats on the 26th.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Fall Fun!
We enjoyed our trip to Friendship Park yesterday. Fall is in the air, but we have been so grateful for the warm fall days and the beautiful weather. While on our walk to the park, we used our 5 senses to discover signs of fall.
Today we reflected on our observations.
I smelled the air.
I saw orange pumpkins.
I saw purple leaves.
I touched the hard stones.
I smelled flowers.
I smelled leaves.
I touched leaves.
I saw the creek.
I tasted my snack.
I heard the birds.
I touched the slide.
I heard crunchy leaves.
Enjoy these fun fall photos!
Today we reflected on our observations.
I smelled the air.
I saw orange pumpkins.
I saw purple leaves.
I touched the hard stones.
I smelled flowers.
I smelled leaves.
I touched leaves.
I saw the creek.
I tasted my snack.
I heard the birds.
I touched the slide.
I heard crunchy leaves.
Enjoy these fun fall photos!
Specials Update - Sept / Oct
Music w/ Ms. Katherine
Visit Ms. Katherine's blog for monthly updates.
Art w/ Mr. Ryan
Visit Mr. Ryan's website for monthly updates.
Espanol w/ Ms. Ximena
We are beginning an exciting journey together as your child will start learning a different language as well as other cultures and traditions of Spanish-speaking countries. I am always gratified and excited by what the students can accomplish in a relatively short time. We just started a few weeks ago! Their enthusiasm for learning Spanish makes it a pleasure to work with them.
The Pre-School students are learning colors and numbers by showing them different pictures, colored objects and singing a few songs.
The Kindergarten, first and second graders started with greetings, and polite words. I hope you have heard about the class and about the things we have been working on. They are very enthusiastic, eager to learn and say the words with the correct pronunciation. Also, we have listened a few songs: “¿Cómo te llamas tú?” (What is your name?) and “Buenos Días” (Good morning). Another activity my students enjoy is playing games, and learning while playing. The greeting questions and vocabulary words we have been working on are:
- ¡Hola!
- ¿Cómo te llamas?
- ¿Cómo estás? Bien, mal, así-así.
- ¿Cuántos años tienes?
- Adiós.
- Por favor.
- Gracias.
- Buenos días.
- Buenas tardes.
- Buenas noches.
- Amigo, amiga y amigos.
The 3rd and 4th graders are working hard, answering the greeting questions and writing complete sentences using the new words. Also, they are learning about in which situations to use a formal greeting versus others when is more appropriate to use an informal greeting.
The 5th and 6th graders are working with formal and informal introductions. They have enjoyed very much doing a real conversation with partners, and they are doing a very good job making dialogues and using the questions and the Spanish vocabulary.
The last week of October we are going to have a cultural topic about how Spanish speaking countries celebrate Halloween (El día de los muertos). I will continue giving you information about what we are doing! We have had an amazing time during the classes.
Since young children have a natural enthusiasm for movement, it is my goal as physical education teacher to have this natural enthusiasm become an educated enthusiasm for movement that will last a lifetime. I accomplish this goal by providing engaging, meaningful and enjoyable movement experiences that teach children to become physically educated persons as described by the Content Standards and Benchmarks NASPE National Standards. My teaching experiences at the Kindergarten level and elementary school level have enabled me to become knowledgeable on child development. My developmentally age appropriate lessons enrich learning in all domains and include a variety of teaching strategies and adaptations to meet the needs of the diverse learner. I provide my students with opportunities to take ownership of their learning by allowing them to choose their own method to accomplish the learning outcome. As a teacher of a performance class, I am sensitive to my students’ concerns, and create a risk-free environment where strengths are celebrated and challenges addressed. Healthy competition is presented in the form of a “challenge” where students are invited to challenge themselves by setting goals. I respect and understand the differences in children and never lose sight that first, I teach children and second, I teach physical education. I develop a relationship with my students based on respect, compassion and cooperation. I feel a personal and professional responsibility to all of my students.
Muscles and Bones
The body contains over 600 muscles that provide structure to the body and allows it to move. Students are learning the names of the major muscle groups and bones in their bodies. Students are participating in physical activities that improve muscular strength and endurance as well as bone strength.
Physical Education Procedures and Expectations:
- Wear appropriate clothing and gym shoes or close-toed shoes
- Walk in and out of the building quietly
- Be silent and listen when the teacher is speaking
- Follow directions
- Use equipment with permission only
Kindergarten, First Grade and Second Grade
The curriculum for Kindergarten and Primary School students promotes both gross and fine motor skill development through use of warm-ups, games and manipulatives. Warm-ups consist of stretching exercises. Games so far include t-ball, kickball, and soccer. Manipulatives like bean bags and parachutes are being incorporated . The joys of movement and play are important aspects of physical education at this level, and age appropriate activities are designed to develop fitness and fitness concepts.
As their Physical Education teacher I pay particular attention to social development among students, taking advantage of teachable moments that occur in the normal course of playing and movement. Such issues like problem solving, cooperation and even taking turns are critical to a successful program, one which encourages full participation and fair play in a safe environment. The goals for Physical Education are student-centered. Emphasis on each varies from one grade to another, and upon the activity as well. In general, students are expected to develop:
- Physical status which will enable them to function more effectively in all activities.
- Neuromuscular skills with which they can perform more competently in all activities.
- Social interaction to support positive participation in group situations. Stress is place on such qualities as leadership, teamwork and sportsmanship. Students frequently work with partners and small groups and need the skills necessary to both form these groups and work successfully within them. Safety awareness receives emphasis at all levels.
- Interest in physical activity so that satisfaction, fund and a feeling of well-being result from learning and playing. Opportunities for self-expression and creativity are inherent in the program.
- Knowledge of physical activities and the health benefits associated with being active so that students may participate more effectively and safely.
Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Grade Physical Education
Quote of the Month: “If it’s going to be, it’s up to me!”
Age-appropriate activities are designed to promote the psychomotor and affective development of students in team, individual, and fitness experiences. The emphasis is placed on basic skill development and organized games. Units, ranging from two to four weeks in length, are conducted so far in kickball, baseball and soccer.
The physical education program is designed to offer a wide variety of experiences and exposure to many activities for its participants. The focus is on success, a high level of participation, enjoyment and development of cooperative skills to enable our students to work well with others and to achieve group goals. As students move into sportsmanship and cooperative learning is stressed.
Students participate in a wide variety of activities from individual manipulative skills to team sports, it is hoped that these activities will help develop the health and vigorous energies of the students. Social and emotional development is recognized as being important adjunct in the educational process. A main concern is to instill a love for physical activity along with and understanding of the health benefits to be gained from involvement. The goals for the Physical Education is student-centered. The emphasis on each varies from one grade to another. In general, students are expected to develop:
- Physical status which will enable them to function more effectively in all activities.
- Neuromuscular skills with which they can perform more competently in all activities. Specific activity skills are stressed so that coordination patterns will develop and carry over in many activities.
- Social interaction to help them participate more effectively in group situations.
- Stress is place on such qualities as cooperation, leadership, team play, and sportsmanship, Safety awareness receives emphasis at all levels.
- Interest in physical activity so that satisfaction, fund, and a feeling of well-being results from learning and playing, Opportunities for self-expression and creativity are inherent within the curriculum.
- Knowledge of physical activities so that they may participate more intelligently, and of the health benefits well associated with being active.
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Willowwind Halloween 2015
The Willowwind community will be celebrating Halloween the afternoon of Friday, October 30. 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.a Families are invited to join our festivities from 2:00 - 3:15 for our parade and K-6 Halloween celebration.
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.a Families are invited to join our festivities from 2:00 - 3:15 for our parade and K-6 Halloween celebration.
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 is a "maker" and inspires others to go out and "do". Next week, Partner Families will meet to plan out their pumpkin character and outline the pumpkins needed.
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. Please be sure your child brings in their pumpkin by Tuesday, October 20th. 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!
We are Makers! Are you?!
Willowwind is calling all Makers!! We are looking for parents and family members to share the importance of doing with our student community. You can help change the way we learn, ideate, design, create, and build the feature. Does your career require you to think outside of the box? Do you like to get your hands dirty with your hobbies and passions? We'd love you to share your expertise with our students. If you are interested in coming in to talk with our students please let me know. Showing students how "doing" is an important life skill is essential. Your support in helping grow our makers is much appreciated. Make, collaborate and share!
Kindergarteners have begun studying the idea of doing and making. Throughout the school year, we will focus on famous makers that inspire us to make and do and positively impact the world. Before studying other makers, we have been looking at us and how we can be makers. We use our classroom activities to create and imagine.
We are looking to create a "Tinkering Table"! Do you have "things" the we can use to create and redesign into prototypes for possible inventions to help ourselves and others. We'd love your scraps... recyclables (plastic containers, towel / paper tubes, etc.), wood scraps, tools, nails, sand paper...you name it! The imagination is limitless and your "trash" could be our treasure. Please feel free to bring your items in with your Kindergartener.
Save the date! Barnes and Noble is hosting a mini Maker faire - November 6-8.
Click HERE to learn more about the Maker movement!
Kindergarteners have begun studying the idea of doing and making. Throughout the school year, we will focus on famous makers that inspire us to make and do and positively impact the world. Before studying other makers, we have been looking at us and how we can be makers. We use our classroom activities to create and imagine.
We are looking to create a "Tinkering Table"! Do you have "things" the we can use to create and redesign into prototypes for possible inventions to help ourselves and others. We'd love your scraps... recyclables (plastic containers, towel / paper tubes, etc.), wood scraps, tools, nails, sand paper...you name it! The imagination is limitless and your "trash" could be our treasure. Please feel free to bring your items in with your Kindergartener.
Building Roller Coasters
Building Homes
Building Ramps
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
October Field Trips!
Fall starts with F...
and so does...
FIELD TRIPS!
The weather may be getting cooler, but the Cottontails are just getting started with their Fall Field Trips. The month of October brings FOUR field trips to the Cottontail Rabbits classroom. Read carefully as parent volunteers are needed. Click HERE to see upcoming events on our website's calendar.
Field Trip #1: Fall Walk to Friendship Park
Tuesday, October 13th 1:30 - 3:00
Fall is here and we have been discussing the differences between Summer and Fall. We've been looking for signs of Fall and discussing how leaves change color. NEXT Tuesday, October 13th we will be taking a walking field trip to Friendship Park located off the bike trail just north of Willowwind. On this field trip, we will use our five senses to identify signs of Fall. Ms. Chesley will be joining us. We will plan to leave around 1:30 and will return to Willowwind by the end of the school day. Please be sure your child is wearing layers (you never know what the weather will be like) comfy walking schools, and has their water bottle.
Field Trip #2: Iowa City Fire Department Field Trip
Friday, October 16th 9:30 - 12:30
PARENT VOLUNTEER NEEDED
This week is Fire Prevention Week and we have been talking a lot about the importance of staying safe in fire emergency. We have discussed "Stop, Drop, and Roll" and the importance of smoke detectors on every floor and in every bedroom. We have practice what to do in case of a fire emergency at Willowwind at our class's meeting space, and we have talked about our family's meeting place at home. The ICFD even came in to perform a skit on the importance of "Hear it Beep Even in Your Sleep".
We will continue our fire safety talks next week and will end the week with a field trip to the downtown Iowa City Fire Department on Friday, October 16th. I am in need of ONE parent volunteer to join us on our field trip. We will travel to the fire department via the city bus (no booster seats needed) and will leave WW around 9:30 and return by 12:30. After touring the fire station we will eat our lunches from home downtown. Please let me know if you are available to join us.
Field Trip #3: Colony Pumpkin Patch Field Trip
Monday, October 26th 9:30 - 12:30
PARENT DRIVERS NEEDED
BOOSTER SEATS NEEDED
On Monday, October 26th the Kindergarten class will be traveling to Colony Pumpkin Patch in North Liberty to learn more about the life cycle of pumpkins and how they grow. Parent drivers are needed as are booster seats. We will leave WW at 9:30 and return around 12:30. After learning about pumpkins and where they grow, Kindergarteners will get the chance to eat lunch at the patch and play on the playground.
Field Trip #4: October Trip to Iowa City Public Library
Tuesday, October 27th 9:30 - 12:30
LIBRARY CARD NEEDED
On Tuesday, October 27th we will be making our October trip downtown to visit the public library. Please be sure your child has their library card. As a reminder, September field trip library books are due Wednesday, October 14th. It is your family's responsibility to be sure these are returned on time. After our library trip, students will get a chance to eat their lunches downtown and play on the Ped Mall playground.
Finally, don't forget. There is No School / No BASP on Monday, October 19th. The 19th is a Professional Development Day for Willowwind Faculty.
and so does...
FIELD TRIPS!
The weather may be getting cooler, but the Cottontails are just getting started with their Fall Field Trips. The month of October brings FOUR field trips to the Cottontail Rabbits classroom. Read carefully as parent volunteers are needed. Click HERE to see upcoming events on our website's calendar.
Field Trip #1: Fall Walk to Friendship Park
Tuesday, October 13th 1:30 - 3:00
Fall is here and we have been discussing the differences between Summer and Fall. We've been looking for signs of Fall and discussing how leaves change color. NEXT Tuesday, October 13th we will be taking a walking field trip to Friendship Park located off the bike trail just north of Willowwind. On this field trip, we will use our five senses to identify signs of Fall. Ms. Chesley will be joining us. We will plan to leave around 1:30 and will return to Willowwind by the end of the school day. Please be sure your child is wearing layers (you never know what the weather will be like) comfy walking schools, and has their water bottle.
Field Trip #2: Iowa City Fire Department Field Trip
Friday, October 16th 9:30 - 12:30
PARENT VOLUNTEER NEEDED
This week is Fire Prevention Week and we have been talking a lot about the importance of staying safe in fire emergency. We have discussed "Stop, Drop, and Roll" and the importance of smoke detectors on every floor and in every bedroom. We have practice what to do in case of a fire emergency at Willowwind at our class's meeting space, and we have talked about our family's meeting place at home. The ICFD even came in to perform a skit on the importance of "Hear it Beep Even in Your Sleep".
We will continue our fire safety talks next week and will end the week with a field trip to the downtown Iowa City Fire Department on Friday, October 16th. I am in need of ONE parent volunteer to join us on our field trip. We will travel to the fire department via the city bus (no booster seats needed) and will leave WW around 9:30 and return by 12:30. After touring the fire station we will eat our lunches from home downtown. Please let me know if you are available to join us.
Monday, October 26th 9:30 - 12:30
PARENT DRIVERS NEEDED
BOOSTER SEATS NEEDED
On Monday, October 26th the Kindergarten class will be traveling to Colony Pumpkin Patch in North Liberty to learn more about the life cycle of pumpkins and how they grow. Parent drivers are needed as are booster seats. We will leave WW at 9:30 and return around 12:30. After learning about pumpkins and where they grow, Kindergarteners will get the chance to eat lunch at the patch and play on the playground.
Field Trip #4: October Trip to Iowa City Public Library
Tuesday, October 27th 9:30 - 12:30
LIBRARY CARD NEEDED
On Tuesday, October 27th we will be making our October trip downtown to visit the public library. Please be sure your child has their library card. As a reminder, September field trip library books are due Wednesday, October 14th. It is your family's responsibility to be sure these are returned on time. After our library trip, students will get a chance to eat their lunches downtown and play on the Ped Mall playground.
Finally, don't forget. There is No School / No BASP on Monday, October 19th. The 19th is a Professional Development Day for Willowwind Faculty.
Highlights / Scholastic Order
Highlights Subscriptions:
See Take Home Folder for yellow slips with more information.
The Cottontail Rabbit class is partnering with Highlights magazine to bring a wonderful opportunity to your family and our classroom. On Wednesday, your child brought home TWO subscription forms – one for High Five Highlights Magazine and one for Highlights Puzzle Buzz books. You will find these forms in your child’s new Take Home Folder.
See Take Home Folder for yellow slips with more information.
The Cottontail Rabbit class is partnering with Highlights magazine to bring a wonderful opportunity to your family and our classroom. On Wednesday, your child brought home TWO subscription forms – one for High Five Highlights Magazine and one for Highlights Puzzle Buzz books. You will find these forms in your child’s new Take Home Folder.
If you are interested in ordering a subscription to High Five, or Puzzle Buzz, or both please provide your signature and the necessary information on each form. If you are not interested in one or neither subscriptions simply check the no line AND provide your parent signature.
There is absolutely no obligation to order, but returning the forms with a yes or no answer AND signature provides our classroom with free supplies. In years past, families have been able to earn the classroom math manipulatives, pocket charts, book bins, stickers, pencils, games and more.
So what are High Five and Puzzle Buzz subscriptions?
Highlights provides magazines and subscriptions that help children learn and grow. They encourage children to read regularly, makes reading and critical thinking fun, helps develop important learning skills such as concentration, logic, attention to detail, and word recognition, and fosters positive values.
Please return your order forms with a yes OR no answer by NEXT Friday, October 16th.
Scholastic Orders:
We will not be formally participating in Scholastic Book orders during the month of October; however the incentives to order this month are wonderful and I thought I'd share them with you. For each order received, each student will receive the book The Pout Pout Fish for FREE. In addition, I have TWO coupons for a FREE $5 book. If you are interested in placing an order and would like a $5 FREE book coupon gift certificate please let me know and I'd be happy to share the code with you. Remember you can order HERE. New orders only require the activation code NCNYY. I'll process all October orders on Friday, October 30th.
Enjoying a sample puzzle from Highlights' Puzzle Buzz.
Scholastic Orders:
We will not be formally participating in Scholastic Book orders during the month of October; however the incentives to order this month are wonderful and I thought I'd share them with you. For each order received, each student will receive the book The Pout Pout Fish for FREE. In addition, I have TWO coupons for a FREE $5 book. If you are interested in placing an order and would like a $5 FREE book coupon gift certificate please let me know and I'd be happy to share the code with you. Remember you can order HERE. New orders only require the activation code NCNYY. I'll process all October orders on Friday, October 30th.
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