Today's Centers

Job:  Write your numbers in your math journal from 1-9

Practice using stencils when you are done

Job:  Put together a floor puzzle

Work together or alone

Job:  Sort blocks by color, shape, and size

Work together to finish the job

Job:  Make a picture using matching shapes

Job:  Sort the counters by color or shape

Everyone sorts their own 

Job:  Quietly enjoy looking at books in the Reading Nook

"Ms. Tacke, I'm Done!"

It is very typical for a 5 and  6 year old to rush through their work so they can be the first one to say, "DONE!"  Our class is working on slowing down and focusing on our work.  We are also sharing examples of quality work and how that should look.  Other times we know we are practicing and the work will not be shared.

But there are some students who just plain work faster than others.  When that happens, children who are done with their work are encouraged to go to the circle and look at a book quietly while they wait for the other students to finish.  The tubs of books in the circle get rotated at least seasonally to keep it interesting for the student!

Meet Ms. Rakke

Each day the Kindergarteners get a chance to go to music class with Ms. Rakke.  It is one of their favorite times of the day!

If you have not had a chance to meet Ms. Rakke yet, she is always available in Commons B on conference nights to say hello and discuss your child's progress in music class.

No Fair! :)

I often hear this when older students realize that the Kindergarten students do not have to clean up at the bell.  Students in our room get an extra 10 - 15 minutes to 'play' before clean up.  This is important learning time!  Children are practicing their social skills, student manners, and learning as they manipulate different toys in different ways.  It is also a great time for them to stretch their imaginations! I love listening in on the games they make up!

Each week I try to take out a few tubs of toys and replace them with new ones so that there is something fresh to 'play' with.  During this time children can also be reading in the reading nook or writing/coloring at the tables.  

What a great way to learn and practice important skills at school.  Sounds fair and a like wise use of time to me!  

Meet Shar

Shar is a very important person in our Kindergarten classroom!  She helps us with snack, recess, lunch, testing, manners, bathroom, tutoring, fun projects, and so much more!  If you hear Shar's name a lot in the stories at home, it is because she is so important to us!  Thank you Shar!!!

I think the students had a GREAT first week of school.  They are learning to use their classroom manners and share tools and toys with other children.  We are practicing all the names in the room.  Ask your child for the name of a new friend they have made this week!

I look forward to seeing them all again next week!  Have a great weekend!

Help Needed!

Each child is given a lunch number.  They keep the same number all through elementary school.  The Kindergarten students are having trouble remembering their numbers.  There are people to help, but lunch would go so much smoother if you could have them practice their number at home.  Then students will spend a lot less time standing in line and waiting.  THANK YOU!!

First Day of Kindergarten

"So what did you do at school today?"

If your child answers, "Stand in a line," they are correct!  It seems like we spend a great deal of the first day standing in lines.  Good to know that the children get faster at it over a few days so we don't continue to line up so much after the first few days!

Our BEST line today:

Our BEST circle today:  

Lining up to come in from recess:

Finally we get to play!!!!!