A Full Week In September

Apples

We discussed the life cycle of an apple and an apple tree this week.
Apple trees start as seeds, with water and sun they grow into a tree, they grow apples and then we get seeds again.
Apples start growing in the spring with flowers, then the bees pollinate them, the petals fall and a small apple (ovary) remains, the apple grows and turns either red, yellow or green and then we pick them.

We also created a sensory poem about apples. This is the new poem that we will start reading in the morning. They loved being writers and thought that it was so cool that we could write our own poem.

Apple Art
We strengthened our fine motor skills this week by creating some apple art. The children had to trace the apple shape, cut it out and then glue the tissue paper. The finished project looks great!

Math

On Monday we practiced counting objects and remembered touch each object with our finger to help us.

On Tuesday we reviewed what we had learned by playing "Number BINGO". I would say a number and they had to count the objects and colour in the space with that number. The game was over when the board was all coloured in.

For the remainder of the week we began learning about patterns. We completed patterns with our movements and with objects.

Patterns with Movements

Stand Up, Sit Down

Clap, Lap

2, 1

Touch Your Head, Touch Your Shoulder

(AB Pattern)

 Stomp, Stomp, Clap

Reach, Reach, Jump

Jump, Jump, Squat 

(AAB Pattern)

Patterns with Objects

Animated Literacy:

On Monday we used word substitution and learned the song "I Caught A Fish Alive". We replaced the word fish with other animals such as snake, shark, lion and dinosaur.

On Wednesday we learned about Ollie Ostrich who is a doctor that heals patients with magic olive omelettes.

On Friday we drew pop (or dad).

The Ollie Ostrich character page and the words for "I Caught A Fish Alive" were sent home, please go over the handout with your child to review the sound, letter and song. They can colour the picture and then circle the special sound within the song at the bottom. 

For more information on this program please visit http://www.animated-literacy.com/Animated_Literacy_Home.html

Handwriting Without Tears

This week we learned how to hold our pencil properly and practiced the "flip trick". For more information on pencil grip please go here: http://www.hwtears.com/getagrip

We also learned how to write the letters F and E. 

For information on the order that I will be teaching letters please go to their website: http://www.hwtears.com/hwt/why-it-works/teaching-order

Reading:
I am slowly introducing the students to sight words and sentences. We have learned six words over the past three weeks: I, a, am, the, up, is. I created sentences with these words and they loved being able to read them. Try to find these words all around you to practice. They can be found in books, signs and newspapers. 

French:

This week we continued practicing:

"Bonjour" (hello)
"Comment ça va" (how are you?)
"ça va très bien." (I am very good)
"ça va bien." (I am good)
"ça va mal." (I am not good) 
"Comme ci, comme ça." (So-so)

The children also learned "Comment t'appelle tu?" (What is your name?) and the response "Je m'appelle __________." (My name is ______.)

Don't Forget:

Remember that this is school and attendance is important. Each term the report card will show how many lates and absences there has been. Your child's learning is dependant on being at school and participating in the lessons taught.

Send a healthy snack with your child. A list has been sent home or you can visit 100 Days of Real Food for some awesome ideas.

Each child needs to have indoor shoes, a backpack and appropriate clothing for the weather.

Feel free to contact me anytime with any questions or concerns. I can be reached at the school, by email or just drop in (I am usually around before school).