This week the Cottontails have been talking about ways we will become strong readers. The students are so excited to take such a big step in learning how to read. We brainstormed activities strong readers do and we discussed three ways strong readers read (1. Read the Pictures, 2. Read the Words, 3. Retell the Story). After each class discussion, the Cottontails were given the opportunity to pick a book and a special quiet place to read and practice becoming strong readers. This week we took three or four minutes to practice being strong readers. While the class is reading quietly, and independently, it is their goal to immerse their whole selves into their story being able to tune out all distractions creating their own quiet reading environment for themselves. As the school year progresses our quiet reading times will grow minute by minute, bit by bit. The Cottontails excitement to read is breathtaking. Photos coming soon!
Ms. Kathy, Iowa City's children's librarian, paid a visit to the Cottontail classroom on Friday. This first visit marked the beginning of her monthly story times with the Kindergarten class. It is a monthly ritual that the students grow to love and enjoy. At this month's visit, Ms. Kathy read books and talked about the importance of applying for a library card. With our monthly field trips to the Iowa City Public Library it is important that you set aside an upcoming evening to help your child journey through the momentous occasion of obtaining their first library card. Please look for a library card application (and other fun handouts) to go home in your child's take home folder on Monday. Fill out the application, make a trip to the library, and help your child get their FIRST library card. This is an activity that Cottontails always look forward to! When your child gets their library card, don't forget to stop by the Children's Library desk so they can get a FREE book to celebrate their new library card.
Does your child already have a library card? If so, great! Make sure to still stop by the Children's Library desk to receive your child's FREE book.
A September date will soon be set for our first field trip to the library. Please make sure that your child has their library card before this date. It is an important part of their monthly trip to the library.
Thank you for all your help in encouraging your child to embrace a new love for reading as they strengthen their own reading skills.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Reminders
1) Personalized Education Plans
Thank you so much for taking time to visit your child's recent PEP conferences. It is always so nice to meet with families and discuss your child's hopes and progression for the year. Please look for an upcoming email in the next couple of weeks that further detail your child's academic and social goals. As always, don't hesitate to ever contact with questions or concerns.
2) Picture Day
Picture Day is scheduled for Monday, October 1st. School photos will take place outside, so in case of rain, the rain date is Tuesday, October 16. Willowwind parent, Sarah Neighbors, of Sarah Neighbors Photography, will be taking school photos this year. Linked, you will find a picture order form for you to fill out and return to the Front Desk. Forms are also available at the Front Desk. Please return your photo order form and payment by Thursday, September 27. You will receive a CD with your child's individual portrait and class photo. The Cottontails will be taking photos at 10:45. Your child may wear their picture day outfit to school or you can bring it for them to change into prior to our slotted photo time.
3) Health & Wellness
Johnson County's Department of Public Health wants you to be aware that there are confirmed cases of pertussis (whooping cough) around Johnson County. Currently, Willowwind does not have any identified cases within our student body or staff. Linked is a letter from the Department of Public Health with more information on Whooping cough.
In addition, the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) will host a "Fight the Flu" clinic here at Willowwind on Wednesday, September 26th from 3:30 - 5:30. The will offer flu shots, FluMist, and a pneumonia vaccine. The VNA can directly bill your insurance company, Medicare B, or Medicare replacement policies. If you are interested, bring your current medical insurance or Medicare card with you. Free vaccines will be available to children enrolled in Medicaid or children who are uninsured. For in-person payment for vaccines, please bring cash or check. The cost for the flue shot is $25; FluMist is $31, and the pneumonia vaccine is $80.
4) University of Iowa's Homecoming Parade
Join the Homecoming Parade on Friday, September 28th. Sign up to join the parade at Sign-Up Genius. The parade officially begins at 5:45. Please arrive by 5:00. Once the parade started, the walk takes about 30 minutes. It is helpful to bring water bottles and snacks for young children. The Willowwind community can share their school spirit by handing out Willowwind treats and displaying posters that highlight our favorite Willowwind traditions created by the K-6 students. Wear your blue or gold or your Willowwind apparel. Decorate your bikes, strollers, wagons and scooters to support the theme - Willowwind School, a Tradition of Igniting a Passion of Learning! See you there!
Thank you so much for taking time to visit your child's recent PEP conferences. It is always so nice to meet with families and discuss your child's hopes and progression for the year. Please look for an upcoming email in the next couple of weeks that further detail your child's academic and social goals. As always, don't hesitate to ever contact with questions or concerns.
2) Picture Day
Picture Day is scheduled for Monday, October 1st. School photos will take place outside, so in case of rain, the rain date is Tuesday, October 16. Willowwind parent, Sarah Neighbors, of Sarah Neighbors Photography, will be taking school photos this year. Linked, you will find a picture order form for you to fill out and return to the Front Desk. Forms are also available at the Front Desk. Please return your photo order form and payment by Thursday, September 27. You will receive a CD with your child's individual portrait and class photo. The Cottontails will be taking photos at 10:45. Your child may wear their picture day outfit to school or you can bring it for them to change into prior to our slotted photo time.
3) Health & Wellness
Johnson County's Department of Public Health wants you to be aware that there are confirmed cases of pertussis (whooping cough) around Johnson County. Currently, Willowwind does not have any identified cases within our student body or staff. Linked is a letter from the Department of Public Health with more information on Whooping cough.
In addition, the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) will host a "Fight the Flu" clinic here at Willowwind on Wednesday, September 26th from 3:30 - 5:30. The will offer flu shots, FluMist, and a pneumonia vaccine. The VNA can directly bill your insurance company, Medicare B, or Medicare replacement policies. If you are interested, bring your current medical insurance or Medicare card with you. Free vaccines will be available to children enrolled in Medicaid or children who are uninsured. For in-person payment for vaccines, please bring cash or check. The cost for the flue shot is $25; FluMist is $31, and the pneumonia vaccine is $80.
4) University of Iowa's Homecoming Parade
Join the Homecoming Parade on Friday, September 28th. Sign up to join the parade at Sign-Up Genius. The parade officially begins at 5:45. Please arrive by 5:00. Once the parade started, the walk takes about 30 minutes. It is helpful to bring water bottles and snacks for young children. The Willowwind community can share their school spirit by handing out Willowwind treats and displaying posters that highlight our favorite Willowwind traditions created by the K-6 students. Wear your blue or gold or your Willowwind apparel. Decorate your bikes, strollers, wagons and scooters to support the theme - Willowwind School, a Tradition of Igniting a Passion of Learning! See you there!
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Try and Try and Try Again!
This week the Cottontail Rabbits have been discussing perseverance. Our discussions have been so thoughtful and the students have been eager to identify ways in which story characters persevered. Today, we read the classic picture book The Little Engine That Could, a perfect example of perseverance - "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can." What was most amazing when reading this book was listening to the students make text-to-text connections identifying characters that were being "bucket fillers" and characters that were been "bucket dippers". I was so proud of their natural ability to connect two of our newly favorites stories.
We also read Quiet Bunny, a story about a bunny who uses his eyes and ears to discover his own sound he can make as he "thumps, thumps, thumps" along to the meadow's night song. We ended our day with a cute book, Oops-a-Daisy, a book that follows a little rabbit's tricky journey in learning how to hippity-hoppity.
Our discussions of perseverance continued beyond story time. It was a pure joy listening in on Kindergarten conversations as students shared, over snack times, moments where they have persevered. I watched as they took risks and tried new adventures on the playground and with older friends. I interacted with students as they shared goals they had for areas they hope to persevere in. It is clear that this group of Cottontails understands the importance of "practice makes perfect". Throughout the day students reminded one another to "try and try and try again!" What a wonderful day it was in Kindergarten! Please continue our perseverance conversations at home! How can you help your child persevere?
We also read Quiet Bunny, a story about a bunny who uses his eyes and ears to discover his own sound he can make as he "thumps, thumps, thumps" along to the meadow's night song. We ended our day with a cute book, Oops-a-Daisy, a book that follows a little rabbit's tricky journey in learning how to hippity-hoppity.
Our discussions of perseverance continued beyond story time. It was a pure joy listening in on Kindergarten conversations as students shared, over snack times, moments where they have persevered. I watched as they took risks and tried new adventures on the playground and with older friends. I interacted with students as they shared goals they had for areas they hope to persevere in. It is clear that this group of Cottontails understands the importance of "practice makes perfect". Throughout the day students reminded one another to "try and try and try again!" What a wonderful day it was in Kindergarten! Please continue our perseverance conversations at home! How can you help your child persevere?
Upcoming Events: Curriculum Night, Kindness Hearts, PEP Conference
Don't Forget!
1) Kindness Hearts
should return to school TODAY, Thursday, September 6th.
2) Curriculum Night
is TONIGHT, Thursday, September 6th from 6:30 - 7:30. This is an informational night for parents. If you would like to bring your child to Willowwind during this time, there will be child care available. Contact Amber if you are in need of a child care spot. See you there!
3) PEP Conferences
are NEXT Tuesday, September 11th from 3:30 - 6:00 and NEXT Thursday, September 13th from 2:30 - 6:00. Please take a moment to sign up for a 20 minute conference slot. Also, if you have NOT filled out the Parent Survey please do so ASAP. This is an important part in preparing for your child's PEP conference and year long goal setting process.
As always, let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you.
1) Kindness Hearts
should return to school TODAY, Thursday, September 6th.
2) Curriculum Night
is TONIGHT, Thursday, September 6th from 6:30 - 7:30. This is an informational night for parents. If you would like to bring your child to Willowwind during this time, there will be child care available. Contact Amber if you are in need of a child care spot. See you there!
3) PEP Conferences
are NEXT Tuesday, September 11th from 3:30 - 6:00 and NEXT Thursday, September 13th from 2:30 - 6:00. Please take a moment to sign up for a 20 minute conference slot. Also, if you have NOT filled out the Parent Survey please do so ASAP. This is an important part in preparing for your child's PEP conference and year long goal setting process.
As always, let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you.
Website Updated
In preparation for Thursday, September 6th's Curriculum Night I have updated our class website. We will go over the website's changes at Curriculum Night but in the meantime, here are a list of recent updates.
~ Sign Up Genius Button - On the website's Welcome page, you will find a "Volunteer" button. Click this button to access Willowwind's Sign Up Genius page. Here you can find school wide volunteer opportunities. Simply enter in Rachel's email address (racheld@willowwind.org) to view WW's opportunities.
~ Calendar - The Calendar tab has been updated to reflect special events, field trips, conference dates, and no school days scheduled throughout the year. As additional events are scheduled I will continue to update the calendar.
~ Cottontails - This year's Cottontails have had fun learning about our class name. Take a look at some of our Cottontail brainstorming exercises and an updated list of our favorite Cottontail Rabbit books!
~ Curriculum Subpages - Each Curriculum subpage has been updated to reflect this year's changes, revisions, and growth in our Kindergarten program. Use this link to guide you to the Curriculum tab. From there click on each of the subpages for more information on specific curricular areas. I have also added a Specials page, Technology page, and an iPad page.
~ September 2012 Photo Album - I have uploaded a few pictures that showcase how busy we've been in the first few days of September.
~ Websites - I have added some of our favorite websites! Check out websites your child may enjoying visiting while at home. Also take a look at the links to our other friends' websites. Enjoy!
~ Cottontail Handbook - On the right side of the Welcome Page you will find a link to this year's Cottontail classroom handbook. Over the next few days, take your time reviewing it. We will discuss this handbook more at Curriculum Night.
~ Sign Up Genius Button - On the website's Welcome page, you will find a "Volunteer" button. Click this button to access Willowwind's Sign Up Genius page. Here you can find school wide volunteer opportunities. Simply enter in Rachel's email address (racheld@willowwind.org) to view WW's opportunities.
~ Calendar - The Calendar tab has been updated to reflect special events, field trips, conference dates, and no school days scheduled throughout the year. As additional events are scheduled I will continue to update the calendar.
~ Cottontails - This year's Cottontails have had fun learning about our class name. Take a look at some of our Cottontail brainstorming exercises and an updated list of our favorite Cottontail Rabbit books!
~ Curriculum Subpages - Each Curriculum subpage has been updated to reflect this year's changes, revisions, and growth in our Kindergarten program. Use this link to guide you to the Curriculum tab. From there click on each of the subpages for more information on specific curricular areas. I have also added a Specials page, Technology page, and an iPad page.
~ September 2012 Photo Album - I have uploaded a few pictures that showcase how busy we've been in the first few days of September.
~ Websites - I have added some of our favorite websites! Check out websites your child may enjoying visiting while at home. Also take a look at the links to our other friends' websites. Enjoy!
~ Cottontail Handbook - On the right side of the Welcome Page you will find a link to this year's Cottontail classroom handbook. Over the next few days, take your time reviewing it. We will discuss this handbook more at Curriculum Night.
Cottontail Handbook
Each year, I published a "Cottontail Handbook" to provide parents with more information about their child's classroom. Linked, you will find this year's Cottontail Handbook. You will note, that this handbook is rather lengthy. This is to provide you with as much information as you'd like. So, grab a cup of coffee and a cozy spot to peruse at your leisure. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Below is a list of "top 10 topics" to review. We may further review these topics and more at Thursday, September 6th's Curriculum Night.
Top 10 Handbook Topics:
1. Attendance - page 4
2. Birthdays - page 8
3. Book Bags - page 8
4. Communication - page 9
5. Cottontail Communicator - page 10
6. Health - page 16
7. Lunch Routine - page 19
8. Pick Up - page 23
9. School Cancellations - page 25
10. Snacks - page 25
Top 10 Handbook Topics:
1. Attendance - page 4
2. Birthdays - page 8
3. Book Bags - page 8
4. Communication - page 9
5. Cottontail Communicator - page 10
6. Health - page 16
7. Lunch Routine - page 19
8. Pick Up - page 23
9. School Cancellations - page 25
10. Snacks - page 25
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Folder Contents - Kindness Hearts & Brain Breakfast
Hello Cottontail Families!
I wanted to send a quick note home regarding two items you will find in your child's Take Home Folder.
1) Kindness Hearts
Last week, we read a very special book called, Kindness is Cooler Mrs. Ruler. This book was all about doing nice things for others in our home, school, and community. We were so excited about this book that they decided they wanted to spread kindness just like the characters did. We want to write down our own acts of kindness on a paper hearts. We will hang these hearts in our project room and see if we can cover an entire bulletin board. You will see three paper hearts coming home tonight. Please return these hearts to school NO LATER THAN THIS Thursday morning.
Please take a moment to sit with your child and talk about something kind they could do or have done today. Please write down their act of kindness and have them trace over your writing. OR, you could also write down the act of kindness on a piece of paper and have them copy it onto the heart themselves. If you have more then three acts of kindness please feel free to make your own paper hearts and bring them in (by Thursday). Let's fill up that bulletin board! Take a look at the sample hearts below.
2) Brain Breakfast Items
Today, your child cleared out the "Finished" side of their Brain Breakfast Folder. They put the finished work in their Take Home Folders to show you. Take some time with your child to look over their hard work and share in their successes. I am so proud of them for all the work they have done. Brain Breakfast time is an amazing part of our school day. It is so fun to start the day with quiet workers. They have become so independent grabbing their own Brain Breakfast Folders and self-selecting the work they are interested in completing for that morning. It has been the best way to build independence and responsibility in each child. Way to go, Cottontails! This Brain Breakfast work can stay at home. It doesn't not need to come back to school. Enjoy their hard work!
I wanted to send a quick note home regarding two items you will find in your child's Take Home Folder.
1) Kindness Hearts
Last week, we read a very special book called, Kindness is Cooler Mrs. Ruler. This book was all about doing nice things for others in our home, school, and community. We were so excited about this book that they decided they wanted to spread kindness just like the characters did. We want to write down our own acts of kindness on a paper hearts. We will hang these hearts in our project room and see if we can cover an entire bulletin board. You will see three paper hearts coming home tonight. Please return these hearts to school NO LATER THAN THIS Thursday morning.
Please take a moment to sit with your child and talk about something kind they could do or have done today. Please write down their act of kindness and have them trace over your writing. OR, you could also write down the act of kindness on a piece of paper and have them copy it onto the heart themselves. If you have more then three acts of kindness please feel free to make your own paper hearts and bring them in (by Thursday). Let's fill up that bulletin board! Take a look at the sample hearts below.
2) Brain Breakfast Items
Today, your child cleared out the "Finished" side of their Brain Breakfast Folder. They put the finished work in their Take Home Folders to show you. Take some time with your child to look over their hard work and share in their successes. I am so proud of them for all the work they have done. Brain Breakfast time is an amazing part of our school day. It is so fun to start the day with quiet workers. They have become so independent grabbing their own Brain Breakfast Folders and self-selecting the work they are interested in completing for that morning. It has been the best way to build independence and responsibility in each child. Way to go, Cottontails! This Brain Breakfast work can stay at home. It doesn't not need to come back to school. Enjoy their hard work!
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