January
Newsletter ...2008
To: Our Kindergarten Families
From: Mrs. Locke and Mrs. Thorne
Again, a very happy new year 2008 to all of you !! Just a reminder that if school is delayed 2 hours, the morning class children DO come with the rest of the school, and are dismissed at their usual time.
READING and ALPHABET/SOUNDS
We have been sending notes home each time we have started a new theme in our reading program. These notes will inform you of the new skills that we will be doing in each theme.
You will want to keep a close eye on the work that comes home with each theme. These will show the letter name and sound that we will be working on at school. The papers sent home will also show the words that are being introduced. It is important that you review these pages with your child.
We will be sending home the words and word families that have been introduced. We have introduced all the letters of the alphabet, but we are now reintroducing them to stress the name and the sound for our conferences in the spring.
Please continue to have your child do the wordless books that are coming home. This is a great help to them as we learn to read. We will soon be sending books with words. It is very important that you read these with your children and have them read the books to you.
A BEACH PARTY !!
On Tuesday, January 29, we have a fun day planned - a beach party - yes, really !! We will be doing a unit on the oceans- especially the animals that live in the oceans this month, and will conclude with this activity. We will have sand, shells, palm trees, and lots of sun. Try to remember where the bathing suits are as we’d like the children to wear their bathing suit UNDER their clothes. Then for about 45 minutes, we’ll have them get down to their suits, or shorts, and have a fun time at the “beach”. They will need to bring a towel, a beach hat, maybe some sun glasses - whatever they would take to the beach. They will also bring a light lunch to eat at the beach. We’ll send reminders, but wanted to give you advanced notice in case you need to locate the suits !!!
WRITING SUITCASE
By the end of January - or beginning of February - we will be circulating a writing suitcase. The goal of this activity is to develop the children’s interest in writing through access to books, paper, pencils, and many other writing materials. Please remember that it is very important for children to draw and write, as both skills are closely related. The suitcase will be filled with many varied items for your child to use. A letter to further explain will be included in the case. It is important to keep the case and the materials in the case in the best possible condition, as each child will have a turn taking it home for a night.
SNACKS
We’re all set with snacks and drinks at this time, however, the children love popcorn on Friday’s so if you would like to send in microwave popcorn we will pop it on FUN Friday’s. We could use coffee filters for the popcorn.
JANUARY DATES TO NOTE:
Jan. 18- Professional Development Day
Jan. 21 - Martin Luther King Day Observed
Jan. 29- Beach Party