Our website has been updated. Check out the latest additions. I hope you are having a wonderful break. Happy New Year to you and your family! I miss you all. See you on Thursday, January 3rd!
~ December/January Newsletter
This newsletter is full of new information. Take a look!
~ December Photo Album
Check out pictures from the month of December. While these photos highlight some of our day-to-day activities, you will find that the newly added Random Acts of Kindness photo album displays photos from our RAK preparations and adventures. Don't forget you can save these photos for your family's collection by dragging them to your desktop or right clicking and selecting "Save Image As…" or "Add Image to iPhoto Library" for Mac users.
~ Random Acts of Kindness Photo Album - (album titled RAK '12)
Take a look at all of our Random Acts of Kindness adventures. There are some videos, too, of your child reading and/or interacting with our new friends at Oaknoll Retirement Community. It has been a so rewarding watching your child embrace the importance of showing kindness to others. I am grateful for the wonderful experience and look forward to the continuation of kindness following Winter Break.
~ Welcome Page's Upcoming Events and Calendar Page
On the right hand side of the Welcome page, you will find an updated list of upcoming events (through Spring Break). The Calendar page has also been updated! Mark your calendars!
Monday, December 31, 2012
New Year Reminders
Happy New Year! I can't believe 2013 is here! Where does the time go?!? As we ring in a new year, help your child start 2013 off right by putting their best foot forward. Use this New Year as a way to re-evaluate the necessity in routines and structure. Here are a few friendly reminders for you as we prepare to return from a wonderful Winter Break! See you Thursday!
1) ICPL Books Due TOMORROW , Wednesday, January 2nd
Our December field trip's library books are due tomorrow, Wednesday, January 2nd. Please be sure to return your child's library books on time so they don't accrue fines. Many cards have accumulated some fines. Please be sure to check your child's library card fine status to ensure they can check out books on our next field trip to the library (January date to be determined.)
2) School begins at 8:15.
Remember, the school day begins promptly at 8:15. Learning begins the moment your child walks into the classroom. Their punctuality is an important part in establishing a concrete school day routine in Kindergarten and the school years to follow. Prompt arrival is an important trait to build in your child for success inside school, and out, for many years to come. For your morning convenience, the classroom opens up as early as 8:00 to help with drop-off routines and work schedules. If this helps your family with an early or on-time arrival please take advantage of this 15 minute window. BSP (Before School Program) is also available. BSP goes from 7:30 - 8:00 am. Please see Amber at the Front Desk for pricing information.
3) Outdoor winter clothing is needed.
The snow is here and we will continue to go outside as long as the air temperature remains above 0 degrees. Please be sure your child is prepared for outdoor play time when they return to school on Thursday, January 3rd. The following items are a MUST for outdoor play:
~ winter jacket
~ snow pants
~ boots
~ hats
~ gloves
Please be sure your child is able to safely and warmly play in Iowa's Winter elements. If your child does not have their boots or snow pants they will have to remain on the concrete sidewalk for the duration of recess. Boots are needed for outside and shoes (or slippers) are needed for inside. To protect Willowwind's 80+ year-old wood floors all boots must be removed when entering the building. Convenient boot cubbies (painted by 2010-2011 Willowwinders) are located by the North Recess Door for storage convenience.
4) Please help your child with all nightly homework.
Homework is expected to be completed each night. The homework your child receives is meant to help them review concepts learned at school while at home. This homework should be a review for your child rather than an impossible challenge. If your child is having difficulties with their homework please let me know. You should not have to teach your child the concepts at hand. Rather they should thrive on the ability to be your teacher.
The completion of nightly homework is also important in preparing your child for activities that we complete during the day. Cutting, and initialing, of spelling sorts should always be done at home. In doing so, this provides your child with the necessary supplies ready to complete school sort activities. If your child is having to cut sorts at school this task is taking away from the new activities they could be completing to strengthen their area of word study focus. Here you can find a link to our class's weekly, at-home Word Study Routine. You can also find this link on the right hand side of the website's Welcome page for quick and easy access.
At the return from Winter Break your child will receive their much anticipated Reading Tool Kit (see the Dec/Jan Newsletter and upcoming blog post for more information) will be handed out. Please be sure your child is using the tools within the kit during their nightly at-home reading time. Your child will also be taking home sight word flashcards and basic math fact flashcards to add to their homework routine (see the Dec/Jan Newsletter and upcoming blog post for more information). This is a great time to add this into their nightly routine as the students are showing eagerness in learning these concepts, and their current homework routine should all ready be consistently in place.
As a quick breakdown of timing your child should spend 10 minutes on nightly spelling and 10 minutes on math packet and math facts. Your family should also establish a nightly reading routine that includes practicing sight words (see more information to come), has your child reading to you, and you reading to your child. The amount of time your family focuses on reading is up to you; at least 10 minutes is ideal as your child has demonstrated the ability to build their reading stamina to 10+ minutes within the classroom.
As always, please don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions or concerns about your child's homework. I'd be happy to discuss. Thank you for your teamwork in building your child's academic success!
1) ICPL Books Due TOMORROW , Wednesday, January 2nd
Our December field trip's library books are due tomorrow, Wednesday, January 2nd. Please be sure to return your child's library books on time so they don't accrue fines. Many cards have accumulated some fines. Please be sure to check your child's library card fine status to ensure they can check out books on our next field trip to the library (January date to be determined.)
2) School begins at 8:15.
Remember, the school day begins promptly at 8:15. Learning begins the moment your child walks into the classroom. Their punctuality is an important part in establishing a concrete school day routine in Kindergarten and the school years to follow. Prompt arrival is an important trait to build in your child for success inside school, and out, for many years to come. For your morning convenience, the classroom opens up as early as 8:00 to help with drop-off routines and work schedules. If this helps your family with an early or on-time arrival please take advantage of this 15 minute window. BSP (Before School Program) is also available. BSP goes from 7:30 - 8:00 am. Please see Amber at the Front Desk for pricing information.
3) Outdoor winter clothing is needed.
The snow is here and we will continue to go outside as long as the air temperature remains above 0 degrees. Please be sure your child is prepared for outdoor play time when they return to school on Thursday, January 3rd. The following items are a MUST for outdoor play:
~ winter jacket
~ snow pants
~ boots
~ hats
~ gloves
Please be sure your child is able to safely and warmly play in Iowa's Winter elements. If your child does not have their boots or snow pants they will have to remain on the concrete sidewalk for the duration of recess. Boots are needed for outside and shoes (or slippers) are needed for inside. To protect Willowwind's 80+ year-old wood floors all boots must be removed when entering the building. Convenient boot cubbies (painted by 2010-2011 Willowwinders) are located by the North Recess Door for storage convenience.
4) Please help your child with all nightly homework.
Homework is expected to be completed each night. The homework your child receives is meant to help them review concepts learned at school while at home. This homework should be a review for your child rather than an impossible challenge. If your child is having difficulties with their homework please let me know. You should not have to teach your child the concepts at hand. Rather they should thrive on the ability to be your teacher.
The completion of nightly homework is also important in preparing your child for activities that we complete during the day. Cutting, and initialing, of spelling sorts should always be done at home. In doing so, this provides your child with the necessary supplies ready to complete school sort activities. If your child is having to cut sorts at school this task is taking away from the new activities they could be completing to strengthen their area of word study focus. Here you can find a link to our class's weekly, at-home Word Study Routine. You can also find this link on the right hand side of the website's Welcome page for quick and easy access.
At the return from Winter Break your child will receive their much anticipated Reading Tool Kit (see the Dec/Jan Newsletter and upcoming blog post for more information) will be handed out. Please be sure your child is using the tools within the kit during their nightly at-home reading time. Your child will also be taking home sight word flashcards and basic math fact flashcards to add to their homework routine (see the Dec/Jan Newsletter and upcoming blog post for more information). This is a great time to add this into their nightly routine as the students are showing eagerness in learning these concepts, and their current homework routine should all ready be consistently in place.
As a quick breakdown of timing your child should spend 10 minutes on nightly spelling and 10 minutes on math packet and math facts. Your family should also establish a nightly reading routine that includes practicing sight words (see more information to come), has your child reading to you, and you reading to your child. The amount of time your family focuses on reading is up to you; at least 10 minutes is ideal as your child has demonstrated the ability to build their reading stamina to 10+ minutes within the classroom.
As always, please don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions or concerns about your child's homework. I'd be happy to discuss. Thank you for your teamwork in building your child's academic success!
December's Random Acts of Kindness
December has been an amazing month in the Kindergarten classroom. I am blessed with your child's eagerness to spread love and kindness throughout our community. Our kindness interactions with friends, family, and community members has brought some of THE most rewarding experiences in my teaching career. Thank you for encouraging your child to embrace the importance of thinking about others and spreading the love. Please remember, that we hope to continue Random Acts of Kindness throughout our school, neighborhoods, and larger community throughout 2013. If your child and/ or your family complete a RAK, remember to document it with a photo (email me the photo), fill out a index card (found in front entryway near Conference Room door), and drop the index card in the white basket. We want to watch our school's RAK wall grow! Here are some highlights of our RAK adventures. Also take a look at the Random Acts of Kindness photo album (RAK '12) for many more photos and videos, too!
Our RAK Wall - Help us make it grow!
WW RAK - Holding doors open.
WW RAK - Delivering secret messages, puzzles, & coloring sheets to the other classes.
WW RAK - Delivering message & sweets to all WW families' mailboxes.
Preparing for RAK Day - Baking treats!
Preparing for RAK Day - Filling treat bags for UI college students.
RAK Day - A candy bar for our IC Transit - Towncrest bus driver.
RAK Day - Delivering treats to the ICFD.
RAK Day - Delivering treats to the ICPD.
RAK Day - Waving and giving a friendly hello to those we see.
Student Quote: "I love making people happy! Watch this (waves to gentleman). See! He just smiled!"
RAK Day - Delivering treats to our favorite ICPL children's librarians.
RAK Day - Handing out treats and "good luck" wishes to college students studying for finals.
Student Quote" Did you see their faces when I gave them a baggie? I think I made their day!"
RAK Day - Delivering treats to the UI Med School.
RAK Day - Delivering treats to the College of Public Health's IT Department
RAK Day - A group photo!
Oaknoll RAK Field Trip - Reading to our new friends!
Oaknoll Field Trip RAK - Reading to our new friends!
I must say that our Oaknoll field trip is one of the highlights of my career. It was the most amazing day, and I was so proud of our kiddos! The morning leading up to our field trip was full of pre-Winter Break eagerness, excitement, and sillies; however, the moment we arrived at Oaknoll the students showed the most beautiful level of respect and admiration for our elder friends. We all know that a new environment can make anyone nervous (especially a young five- or six-year old), but the WW Kindergarteners swallowed any nervousness or apprehension the may have had and were incredible guests. They read beautifully, interacted respectfully, were incredibly gracious with their words and actions, and a true bond was formed between young and old. I stood in the middle of the room and was moved to tears as I watched your child so beautifully interact with the elder residents. This, I must say, was the first time an educational interaction has brought me to such tears. Thank you for your wonderful child. This field trip was truly amazing. It was clear that we had made the day or month (maybe even the week or year!) of those elderly we visited. It was the most amazing experience and I am hopeful that we can make a return trip to Oaknoll in the coming months.
Our RAK Wall - Help us make it grow!
WW RAK - Holding doors open.
WW RAK - Delivering secret messages, puzzles, & coloring sheets to the other classes.
WW RAK - Delivering message & sweets to all WW families' mailboxes.
Preparing for RAK Day - Baking treats!
Preparing for RAK Day - Filling treat bags for UI college students.
RAK Day - A candy bar for our IC Transit - Towncrest bus driver.
RAK Day - Delivering treats to the ICFD.
RAK Day - Delivering treats to the ICPD.
RAK Day - Waving and giving a friendly hello to those we see.
Student Quote: "I love making people happy! Watch this (waves to gentleman). See! He just smiled!"
RAK Day - Delivering treats to our favorite ICPL children's librarians.
RAK Day - Handing out treats and "good luck" wishes to college students studying for finals.
Student Quote" Did you see their faces when I gave them a baggie? I think I made their day!"
RAK Day - Delivering treats to the UI Med School.
RAK Day - Delivering treats to the College of Public Health's IT Department
RAK Day - A group photo!
Oaknoll RAK Field Trip - Reading to our new friends!
Oaknoll Field Trip RAK - Reading to our new friends!
I must say that our Oaknoll field trip is one of the highlights of my career. It was the most amazing day, and I was so proud of our kiddos! The morning leading up to our field trip was full of pre-Winter Break eagerness, excitement, and sillies; however, the moment we arrived at Oaknoll the students showed the most beautiful level of respect and admiration for our elder friends. We all know that a new environment can make anyone nervous (especially a young five- or six-year old), but the WW Kindergarteners swallowed any nervousness or apprehension the may have had and were incredible guests. They read beautifully, interacted respectfully, were incredibly gracious with their words and actions, and a true bond was formed between young and old. I stood in the middle of the room and was moved to tears as I watched your child so beautifully interact with the elder residents. This, I must say, was the first time an educational interaction has brought me to such tears. Thank you for your wonderful child. This field trip was truly amazing. It was clear that we had made the day or month (maybe even the week or year!) of those elderly we visited. It was the most amazing experience and I am hopeful that we can make a return trip to Oaknoll in the coming months.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
RAK Donations Needed!
Random Acts of Kindness Donations Needed!
We will be traveling downtown on Wednesday, December 12th to perform many random acts of kindness. We are in need of supplies to help spread the kindness. If you can donate any of the following please click HERE and sign up. Please bring all donations by Monday, December 10th! Thank you so much for your help and support!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Volunteer Opportunity: Drivers for Oaknoll Field Trip
The Kindergarteners are excited to spread our kindness! On Friday, December 14th, we will be traveling to Oaknoll Retirement Community to share treats and read with our eldest community members. We are in need of parent drivers. We will leave Willowwind at 10:00 and return to school around 11:30. Please let me know if you are available to drive and how many booster seats you can fit in your car.
All Kindergarteners will need to leave a booster seat to travel on this field trip.
Thank you so much! We are looking forward to a morning of kindness!
PS: Volunteers are still needed to help with partner book writing. Thank you!
All Kindergarteners will need to leave a booster seat to travel on this field trip.
Thank you so much! We are looking forward to a morning of kindness!
PS: Volunteers are still needed to help with partner book writing. Thank you!
A Message from the Burrowing Owls
We are having a paper drive for the food pantry at the River Community Church. Please bring paper products such as toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex, and napkins. Bring your things from December 12th to December 17th. You can put your things in the boxes in the entryway at Willowwind School. The Burrowing Owl class will deliver the paper products on December 18th at 9:00 a.m. This is a random act of kindness organized by The Burrowing Owls Class.
Sincerely,
The Burrowing Owls Class
Sincerely,
The Burrowing Owls Class
A Message from Ms. Danielle
As part of our work with "frutas y verduras" (fruits and vegetables), Kindergarten students have been practicing the expressions "Me gusta" (I like) and "No me gusta" (I don't like). We have been watching this video on YouTube from a children's show in Peru similar to Sesame Street - Los Pimpollos.
Conejito and Cottontail students will share this song and tell us their favorite vegetables during GD on Tuesday, December 11. As the song is a little fast, we will only sing the chorus. I encourage you to view the video together and practice the lyrics with your Spanish student. And have fun with the CHA - CHA - CHAS!
~Danielle
PS: This link will be added to our new "Grooveshark-Music subpage". Enjoy!
Conejito and Cottontail students will share this song and tell us their favorite vegetables during GD on Tuesday, December 11. As the song is a little fast, we will only sing the chorus. I encourage you to view the video together and practice the lyrics with your Spanish student. And have fun with the CHA - CHA - CHAS!
~Danielle
PS: This link will be added to our new "Grooveshark-Music subpage". Enjoy!
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