Welcome to ECS!

The first week of Kindergarten is done! We spent the week becoming used to rules and routines. We worked very hard.

Special Helper
Every day we have a special helper. The special helper assists me with the morning calendar by:
- telling me how to spell his/her name
- adding the day to our calendar
- telling us what day it is today, was yesterday and will be tomorrow
- adds a straw to our days in school pocket chart (When we reach 100 we have a party!) 
- counts the children: all of the children, then the boys and the girls. Then we add and subtract the numbers.

This routine is added to throughout the year as we learn more and progress. For example: patterns, reading the room and helping with the morning message. 

All About Me

Our theme for this week was "All About Me". We worked on completing a flip book all week. I found the book from Reagen Tunstall. We completed a page every day and will send home the completed book on Tuesday. 

We created self portraits using a variety of materials. They look awesome!

Math

We began sorting this week by looking at what makes things same and different. We looked at shoes and attribute blocks. We talked about colours, shapes, size and type as ways of sorting. Once the children understand how to sort we can begin learning about patterns. 

 No laces or velcro (slip on).

 Laces

 Velcro

 Velcro. Sparkles. White.

Black. Laces.

We practiced sorting buttons. The kids loved this activity and it will be a new centre. 

At home practice sorting a variety of materials: laundry by type or colour, snacks by shape, toys by type, etc. 

Writing

We started our journals this week. The children were asked to draw a picture showing their favourite part of Kindergarten. This activity was an introduction to our writing process. At this stage they are beginning with pictures but by the end of the year they will be writing as well.  As the year progresses the children will become more confident and learn how to sound out simple words. 

Animated Literacy:

We began our Animated Literacy program on Friday. It teaches letters and sounds (phonics) to the children as well as many language and reading concepts. Every sound has a character, gesture and song. 

On Friday, we learned about Polly Panda who likes to paint purple and pink P's on items. 

Please go over the handout that has been sent home with your child to review the sound and letter. They can colour the picture and then circle the special sound within the song at the bottom. Also, try to find the letter or sound all around you: in books, on signs, on clothes or toys. 

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

Handwriting Without Tears

We learned about Mat Man and practiced drawing people. We are focussing on correct pencil grip and encourage you to practice writing at home or completing fine motor activities. I have a variety of activities that you can do at home posted on pinterest  (follow the link on the side to see). Next week we will begin learning how to write letters. 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

Tying Shoes:
Many of the children are interested in learning how to tie their shoes. I created a fine motor centre and started teaching how to tie. I started by showing how to do the simple knot or the beginning step. Once they found that easy, we started practicing "bunny ears". Practice with your child at home if they are interested and ready. We will be working on this concept throughout the year.

Here is a video on how to do the "bunny ear method" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsFKxElIr_A


Don't Forget:

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).