Science Explorations

Our Five Senses

We have been busy exploring our five senses through a variety of science, literacy, and writing activities. Today, we talked specifically about our sense of touch with a mystery bag. We passed around a bag with an object hidden inside. We took turns reaching in the bag to touch the object and together compiled a list of describing words that would tell about the object. The last person reached inside the bag and took the object out. It was a pineapple! We passed it around the circle one more time to add to our list of words, this time using touch and sight. Then, of course we ended our science time by cutting it up and using our senses of taste and smell. Delicious!

Preparing for Open House

We were busy today cooking for open house, which is on Thursday, at 6:00. We worked together to make apple bread using some of our local Hackett's Orchard apples! This provided the opportunity for a wealth of learning opportunities such as working collaboratively, reading a developmentally appropriate recipe, using new vocabulary (ingredients, recipe, cooking utensils, etc), measuring, pouring and many more science and math concepts. We hope you come sample the result at open house!

Fire Drill

We had our first fire drill today and the kindergarten did an amazing job! They lined right up, walked outside quickly and quietly, and remained still and quiet in line throughout the entire drill. When we came back in they got right back to work on the project we had to leave when the alarm sounded. They are very proud of themselves and I think a little relieved that the first one is over and they now know what to expect. Great job Kindergarten, I am very proud of you!!!!

Our Hackett's Orchard Trip

Hackett's Orchard Trip

We had a great time at Hackett's Orchard! We learned a lot about apples and a working orchard, enjoyed some time on the playground, and finished the trip with a tractor ride around the orchard and then back to Folsom. We were also lucky enough to have Riley's Dad and Sophia's Dad join us as well as my sons Landon and Mac with their Nannie! It was such a nice way to spend a Fall morning in South Hero :)

The Fruits of our Labor

Land, Farms & Me

We have been spending a lot of time learning about apples, using them as a vehicle for our 5 senses unit,  as well as learning about local food sources. Today, our focus was what we get from an apple. We brainstormed an extensive list of apple foods and then used an apple grab-bag that had items we never even thought of. I will let your child fill you in about that! Next, we used choppers, spoons, strainers and a lot of energy to make our own apple cider! It was very exciting! Tomorrow we head to Hackett's Orchard to experience an actual apple orchard.  

Pattern Block Designs

Listening Center

Our listening center is now open! Students have really enjoyed listening to stories on tape this week. Before opening the center we completed a guided discovery where we were able to practice appropriate, independent use of the equipment and books. This has allowed us the opportunity to independently use the listening center during learning centers and free choice time. Our books this week are, Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten and The Apple Pie Tree.

Library

Great job bringing library books back yesterday!

Disappearing Willie

Meet our friend Willie! He was on the white board when we got to school. When we guessed the clue in a rhyming riddle we were able to erase part of Willie. Here is an example:

He can't smell a rose,

If you erase his _________!

Poor Willie, we are so good at rhyming that before we knew it, he had disappeared!

Hanging Out Together

Fundations

Today was day one of our Fundations lessons. Fundations is a systemaitc and sequetial phonics program. Skills taught include letter identification, letter formation, phonological awareness. sound mastery (letter to sound and sound to letter) and phonics (sound-symbol knowledge and sound blending into words). During our lesson today we met an owl puppet named Echo, became familar with our writing gird, practiced our pencil grips and used the dry erase boards. Fundations lessons are interactive and taught directly by the teacher with modeling and active learning. I will let your student fill you in on the rest!

Belonging

Classroom Puzzle

Students worked collaboratively to create a classroom puzzle to create a visual representation of the concept of belonging. Each student decorated a unique puzzle piece and then fit them together in one class puzzle. This activity comes from the Supportive Classroom Curriculum; a school wide social curriculum aimed at creating safe and supportive classroom environments. The core concepts are belonging, trust, sharing and respect.

A Great Beginning!

We have had a great couple of days. Each day the children seem to feel more and more comfortable. I have slowly introduced materials this week and will continue to do so. Please feel free to call with any questions or concerns. The school number is 372-6600. My school email address is tarcout@gisu.org

Our Class

A Great First Day!

We had a wonderful first day together. We participated in 3 guided discoveries, thereby opening books, pop-cubes and watercolors. We read The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn and created a special project to take home based on the book. After lunch we went to library and then to art class. I am looking forward to another fun day tomorrow!

Welcome!

School begins for kindergarten students September 7 at 8:00. I will meet students at the door. We have a busy fun day planned!