Safeway Demolition

All of Lafayette was out to see the west wall of the Safeway be torn down. It was an exciting and fun experience! We used 3 senses to observe the demolition. We saw the wall crumble, we heard crunching and we felt the ground shake!

Taller and Shorter

Students in Room 9 compared their own body heights to objects around the classroom. The key vocabulary of the lesson was taller and shorter. Try it out at home :)!

Body Cut-Outs

Today students cut out and colored in outlines of their bodies. They are now put up throughout the classroom.

I would like to give a huge thanks to those who assisted with the project. We couldn't have done it without you!

Room 9 News- September 27th, 2010

Homework:
Read at least 15 minutes each night.
Do at least 3 items from homework calendar.
Math Home-Link 1.11



Specialist this Week: Fine Arts

Academic Update
In math this week students will compare their body heights to other objects. We also will be doing an assortment of number and counting activities to develop number sense. Students will finish the last of the class number books (1-10) this week as well.

In literacy students will be learning about the letter C. They also will practice using information in pictures to understand books.

Room 9 writers are working on stretching out words to write them. I also am encouraging students to include details in their illustrations that help tell their stories. We are continuing to focus on writing about true events that we experience.

Important Calendar Information
Wednesday, September 29th is a two-hour early dismissal. Students will need to be picked up at 1:25pm in the cafeteria.
There will be no school on Friday, October 8th. It is a professional development day for teachers.

Graphs and Art

Here are a couple of projects that students have worked on. They made a graph of birthday months and also created circus scenes using pastels and watercolor on construction paper.

Room 9 News- September 20th, 2010

Homework:

Read at least 15 minutes each night.

Do at least 3 items from homework calendar.

Math Home-Link 1.5

Practice writing phone number.

Specialist this Week: Physical Education

Academic Update

In math this week students will be learning about counting, comparing heights, and coins. We also will start on a class phone book. Please practice for this as much as possible. Students who do not know how to write numbers yet can simply memorize and dictate.

Students filled their book bags Friday! It was a very exciting event and I was impressed with how everyone got right to the task of reading. The kindergarteners used picture and context clues very well. We will continue to work on independent reading this week.

Writing Workshop will continue as well, I am encouraging students who are ready to begin sound spelling words to describe the objects and actions in their pictures.

Containers

Kindergarteners will begin using the water table this week. If you can, send in assorted containers for us to use. This is in preparation for introducing concepts of volume and capacity. Unusually shaped containers are especially interesting.

I look forward to another wonderful week!

Turnips!

Room 9 kindergarteners listened to and discussed The Enormous Turnip, a Russian Folktale. They also colored and cut out their own turnips for a class turnip garden.

Room 9 News- September 13th 2010

Homework:
Read at least 15 minutes each night.
Do at least 3 items from homework calendar.
Math Home-Link 1.3

 

 

 

Specialist this Week: Computers

 

The first full week of school has begun. It has been very exciting for me to learn about the unique interests and abilities of all the students in Room 9.

MAP Testing

This week students will be taking a computer based test to assess their reading and math skills. This is a district-mandated test for all grade levels. It will be one of many ways that we will measure student growth throughout the year. If you would like more information go to www.seattleschools.org/area/mapassess/

VIP

Next week we will have our first class VIP! Every week we will learn about and celebrate a different Room 9 Kindergartener. The schedule will be sent home Monday.

Show and Tell

Show and Tell has started this week. Each child in the class has a day assigned to do show and tell. If you need an additional copy of the schedule please let me know.

Volunteer Coordinator

I would like to introduce our class volunteer coordinator, Catherine Darwin (Avery's mom). She will be helping arrange and schedule volunteer help. Thanks Catherine for taking on this important job!

 

Student Teacher

I would also like to introduce Casey Pelton. He is a student intern who will be assisting and observing on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for the first part of the school year. Welcome Casey, we are excited to have you!

Book Orders

Book orders are a great way to get books for your child. The books are delivered to the classroom to be sent home. I encourage you to use online ordering, it is quick and easy. Go to http://www.scholastic.com/bookclubs and use the activation code: DLDBJ

Class Potluck

I am hoping to have a class potluck sometime between parent conferences and the winter holiday. It will be an evening event where families can get to know each other and enjoy some food. Stay tuned for more information.

 

Let's have a great first full week! The days are long and there is a lot to do. Remember to support and encourage your child as they begin this important work.

 

 

 

Thick and Thin Lines

Here are some photos of the artwork students made on Friday. They learned about thick and thin lines.

First Day!

It was wonderful to get started today. We listened to a story and did some writing. There was also a lot of learning about how to do things in school. I’m impressed with how well all the kindergarteners hung in there through a long first day.

A packet of information and forms was sent home. Please return the forms in the envelope with your child’s name written on the front. If a packet did not make it home please let me know.



Water Bottles
It is important we all stay hydrated to be at our best. I will be asking students to bring home their water bottles daily to be cleaned and refilled as necessary. Make sure those return each day.

Thanks!