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Annaleise Jones

 

Ms. Jones

Ms. Jones’ Kindergarten Kaleidoscope
March 2009
Welcome to our class monthly newsletter! Please read to find out more about what we have planned for the month of March, and a preview of what’s coming up in April.
 
Language Arts
      Our reading program is Voices Reading, by Zaner-Bloser. In the program, not only do students learn about becoming great readers, but they also learn important character development skills. Every week students experience rich literature, and then write an entry in a connection journal. These journals help tie in what we’ve read with real life experiences, making their reading more meaningful. (They also practice becoming great writers this way!) 
For March, the class began the next reading theme of Love and Friendship. It focuses on the central question: “What makes a family?” This month, we started off the theme by reading literature like Families by Ann Morris which addresses how families can be different, but also alike in many ways. Also, this month we studied two great authors: Dr. Seuss and Jan Brett. The children had a great time exploring the literature through crafts, plays, and activities that integrate well with science and math. Next month, the class will delve deeper into the reading theme as we continue to read great literature!
 
Mathematics
 
          Our math program Trailblazers is organized into four strands that address concepts in patterns, geometry, measurement, and number sense. Another emphasis in our math program is problem solving through cognitive guided instruction where the students explore different strategies to find answers to math story problems. During the month of March, the class we focused on partitioning the numbers 7, 8, 9, and 10 using a circus train of three cars. They had to problem solve different ways that every animal could make it to the circus, even if there might be 8 animals going, and only three cars available. We also measured how many cups of beans would fill various sizes of containers, and then put them in order from least to greatest. In calendar, we learned new coin poems to help us identify pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters as well as learn their values. Next month, we will learn about different ways to partition the number 10, fractions with an emphasis on halves and wholes, and sorting by weight using a balance.
 
Science and Social Studies
 
          In science this month, the class has been busy testing to see which objects are attracted to magnets, and how objects move using a ramp. We also explored weather and the seasons, focusing on spring, wind, and rain.  In April, we will focus on animals and their habitats, and begin to explore changes in life cycles of animals and plants.
For social studies, our class enjoyed learning about St. Patrick’s Day. We read the story The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day and even had a leprechaun visit the classroom! Also this month, we celebrated the value of giving with Ms. Correll, the school counselor. We learned that giving does not have to involve things, but goes beyond. We can also make gifts of our time, our help, or even a hug or a compliment. The class explored this concept by giving coupons to their families that offered some sort of gift that was not a “present.” Some students offered to help with chores around the house, while others offered hugs and kisses!
 
Scholastic Book Orders
 
          Each month a book club order will be sent home in your child’s folder. The book club offers many inexpensive books. If you are interested in ordering, you can easily place your order online or send a check written to “Scholastic Book Club” and I will place the order for you. Remember, your purchases earn bonus points for our classroom that can be used for more classroom materials! 
 
Volunteers
 
          Volunteers are always welcome in the classroom! If you would like to come in and read a story, make copies, put paper books together, or work with the students either in small groups or one-on-one tutoring, please send me an email or write a note in your child’s folder. I can also send work home to be colored, cut, and/or glued. Reading work stations are in the morning from 10:00 to lunch at 11:00. Math stations occur in the afternoon at 12:30. This time may vary from day to day, so let me know if you’re interested and we’ll work something out. My email is adhelm@smcps.org.