Dear Parents,
Hang on tightly as we enter the final five-week crunch of the 2006-2007 school year. We will continue to introduce new concepts and challenge the children with critical thinking and problem solving opportunities. We ask for your support in keeping the children focused on their school work through June 15th.
On Monday we will begin our final thematic unit, Blooming Trees. Our spring visit to Ladew Topiary Gardens was a perfect introduction to this unit. During this unit we will explore seasonal changes, the growth cycle of trees, parts of a tree, animals that use trees for shelter and/or food, human needs for and uses of trees, and conservation and preservation.
Listed below is our integrated language arts (ILA) content:
We will focus on the following ILA outcomes: Use story events to predict our way through the story Confirm or adjust our predictions along the way Connect the stories to personal views and experiences Use knowledge of story elements and text type as a comprehension strategy Retell a story in correct order using linking words and including story elements Write to express an opinion and illustrate the text Write to inform Use print conventions such as period, spacing, and stretch spelling Respond to peers’ writing with questions, compliments, and comments Use a Writer’s Checklist to evaluate writing Identify and apply plural ending (-s) to our words Identify, read, and write sight words in context (down, she, be, run, and did)
Our Songs for this unit include: Theme Song: Growing Plants Movement Song: Bug Old Favorite: Rain, Rain
Our math outcomes will expand to include: Make double-digit numbers; write and use 3-digit numbers; Practice counting on and interrupted skip counting by 10s Explore place value using calculators Write address; make a mural; identify and think about numbers all around; Order numbers; read numbers; display numbers as 10s and 1s; Practice counting on and interrupted backward counting Make groups of 10s; exchange; count; Find an unknown number using addition and subtraction clues Add numbers from dice throws Find the missing addend Explore equivalent numbers using addition and subtraction Solve and read various number-model formats Cover pattern blocks with other pattern blocks Explore solid shapes; compare four-sided shapes; Identify the $10.00 bill; make exchanges; use equivalent terms;
Our thematic unit block (social studies) outcomes are: Changes in temperature from one season to the next cause changes in the growth cycle of trees. In spring and summer, trees change by growing from seeds (seasonal growth) or by growing bigger roots and stems, and more leaves (life cycle). In order to grow, trees need warmth, light, water, and food (minerals). Artists express their feelings and views about the changes that take place in trees in spring or summer by varying the way they use color, lines and space. Many animals use different parts of trees for food, shelter and protection. Children and adults use trees differently in spring and summer than in winter. Children, acting as poets, can express those differences through rhyme. Musicians and actors express their feelings and views about the changes that take place in spring and summer trees by varying the essential elements of their craft. Trees sustain life and keep the world a healthy and beautiful place to live. People share responsibility for respecting, preserving and planting new trees.
Please be aware of the following upcoming events:
In response to Kindergarten Parent Survey feedback, the kindergarteners will not be required to complete and submit a reading log for homework throughout the remaining weeks of school. Although the reading log has been terminated, the daily 10 minutes or more reading homework assignment continues throughout the school year. Please encourage your child to maintain good reading habits by participating in the Harford County Public Library Summer Reading Program.
The kindergarten team would like to thank you for a thoughtful and fun-filled week of teacher appreciation festivities. As always, we thank you for your continued support.
We encourage interested authors to take advantage of the Jarrettsville Elementary School Publishing Company. Please continue to practice the following concepts with your child:
You can contribute to your child’s early school success by checking homework, reading theme-related books together, listening attentively as your child talks about school activities, and enjoying theme-related experiences together. Please send photos of your child participating in theme-related activities for inclusion in the Blooming Trees Photo Album.
Please check your child’s book bag and school folder every day. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Sincerely,