Week 3 - Rules and Routines

Monday

Our first full-day of school went really well. We started the day off in music class with Mrs. Kiel. Back in the classroom we started to introduce regular classroom routines and expectations. Our first Special helper led the "Word of the Day". At this time of the year the word of the day is the first name of the special helper. We go through a sequence of activities to help develop letter recognition, phonological and phonemic awareness.

Example:

Pete (the Cat)

Say it (in a funny way)                Count it (How many letters?)

Clap it (How many syllables?)     Cheer it (Give me a "P", etc.)

Fix it (Unscramble "e P t e")

The kids are now going out for lunch with the whole school. They have handled this very well and all know who the supervisors are and where to go if the need help with anything. The Kindergarten teachers are all continuing to supervise during recess. Aside from several reminders to keep hands and bodies to themselves and line-up at their designated meeting area when they hear the bell, they have been doing an amazing job! 

Here are a few photos of some of the activities the students have been doing during free-choice time.

Tuesday

Today we started to enforce our morning routine of signing in and choose one of the activities set out at each of the tables. Everyday these activities will differ. The activities are designed to develop literacy and numeracy skills. Here are some examples of morning activities this week:

The kids were very excited to visit the library today. After library we read a book about how books should be treated. The kids were all horrified when they saw the scribbling, ripped page, and mud. They kept asking,"Who DID that?" I told them my son Max helped me make the book, and now they think Max is quite naughty.



Some of the students created their own library in the classroom during free choice. Here is the scanner to check-out books.

We went to the gym for the first time with the other Kindergarten classes. It was quite exciting as we had our first Fire Drill while we were there. The kids did a great job staying calm, lining up, staying nice and quiet, and following directions. Way to go!

During quiet time today I introduced our "Quiet Critters" to help enforce the noise level during our afternoon quiet time. These critters only come out when it is extremely quiet and if it is too noisy they want to go back to their quiet jar. We are working at getting the students to choose books, drawing, play-doh, or puzzles during this time.

Wednesday

Today we focussed on school and classroom rules. We read a few stories to help the students think about why we have rules and what would happen if we didn't have any. We had several classroom discussions. We met our big buddy class, Mrs. Leeper's Grade 5/6. We rotated the students so that they had a chance to meet many different big buddies. The kids will be matched up with one or two big buddies to read, play, and learn with. Throughout the year, Mrs. Leeper and I will collaborate to design events and activities for the kids to participate in together.

We finished our "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" art project. They are on display in the hallway... if you get a chance, pop in to see them. The students had to use their cutting, counting, and letter recognition skills to complete this project and they all did an excellent job.

Thursday

Today we read three "No, David!" stories. They students really loved the books and each one prompted interesting discussions amongst the kids. A lot of students made connections and were eager to share stories with the class.

We started to practice recognizing dot patterns at a glance using giant dice in a whole-class game.

We practiced using white boards and dry erase markers at the carpet in a whole class drawing lesson. The students completed self portraits on their white boards and then drew them independently on paper. We have created a hanging display of these adorable portraits. 

Friday

I am so sorry that I wasn't there today with the kids. I hear that they had a good day. I am proud of them for being flexible and working to make the day a nice one for our TTOC.


Stories this Week:

We Share Everything by Robert Munsch

Mortimor by Robert Munsch

DUDE! by Aaron Reynolds

No David! by David Shannon

David Gets in Trouble by David Shannon

David Goes to School by David Shannon

The Okay Book by Todd Parr

Songs and Games

Who Took the Cookie from the Cookie Jar?

Simons Says by the Learning Station

Place your Hands by The Learning Station

The Shimmy by Kira Wiley

Thank you to the families who have brought in coins for the Terry Fox Foundation!

If you have yet to send in a change of clothes to keep at school, please do as the weather is starting to change and the mud puddles are starting to grow. 

Important Dates Next Week

Monday, September 23rd- Professional Development

Thursday, September 27th- First Hot Lunch
Terry Fox Run 1pm on back field
Meet the Teacher 6pm (This is an optional school visit, as most of you have already had a chance to meet me, but this is a nice opportunity to have the kids show you around the classroom and school, as well as a chance to meet our librarian, Mrs. Leslie, and music teacher, Mrs. Kiel.)

Friday, September 28th- Orange shirt day

Thank you so much for the lovely messages, I feel so fortunate to be working with such caring and compassionate families. 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

I will be curled up on the couch, catching up on all my cartoons with Max. See you all on Tuesday!