This week we will begin our exciting gingerbread unit. The students love this unit and they learn a lot about the structure of a story. During the next two weeks we will read MANY versions of the gingerbread story including ones from other cultures. Each time we read a version of the gingerbread man we compare the characters, setting, problem, and solution. Students will also work on retelling, writing, and reading skills as we complete gingerbread related activities. The class will get to vote on their favorite version and share what makes it their favorite with the class. I hope your child comes home and shares all the exciting things they learn with you! At the end of our unit on December 18, we will travel to downtown Naperville to search for the gingerbread sculptures. We are SO EXCITED to go on this field trip…what a GREAT way to take our learning out of the classroom. Please be sure to send back the permission slip that allows your child to participate in this field trip as well as have the special snack when we return. Remember we will be going on this trip no matter the weather, so please check the weather report for the 18th and have your child dress accordingly.
In math we will finish up our shape unit and move on to addition. In K we focus on the facts up to 10. Students are expected to be FLUENT with adding/subtracting within 5. Remember that common core math is about understanding the underlying concepts and going deeper. We will play games and look at math problems in multiple ways. We really want our students to have a strong foundation for their future math learning. Many students have been returning their math homework pages. I hope you are finding these to be a good opportunity to practice math with your child. Our team is thankful you are embracing the idea of working together with your child to complete the sheets. The discussions you will have about their work is the most valuable part. Remember the sections on the sheets should be completed one at a time.
Remember this week is our OPTIONAL food group snack week. You can choose to have
your child partciapate daily or even just once or twice. The purpose of this
activity is to introduce your child to healthy food choices from each food
group and for them to try out some new things. Listed below is the schedule for
the week. Thanks in advance for participating! Happy snacking!
Monday Dec. 9 – Grain Group (bread and cereal)
Tuesday Dec. 10 – Vegetable Group
Wednesday Dec. 11 – Fruit Group
Thursday Dec. 12 – Milk Group (cheese, yogurt)
Friday Dec. 13 – Meat and Bean Group
As I am writing this, it is SNOWING... it is important to remember the snow policies at May Watts. We do still go outside everyday (if the blacktop is not too slippery or messy and the real feel temperature is above 5), and students are encouraged to wear boots and snow pants if they want to play in the snow. If students get wet because they did not wear boots/snow pants, they will not be sent to the office to change. It is important for kids to wear their hats and gloves everyday as well. We are outside for at least 30 minutes in the afternoon, and it is COLD! Thank you all for helping your children learn to zip and pull their sleeves out of their coats…things are going smoother...we will see how it goes with snow pants and boots added into the mix! :) I have been trying to teach the students to place their hats/gloves into their sleeves when they take them off, this keeps the winter items from getting lost. EVERY night there are several hats, mittens, and sweat jackets left behind. Please label your child's winter items so it is easier to find their owners! Thank you.
