Email Apologies

Parents,
     Several of you have emailed me the past couple of days and probably noticed I didn't respond. I just discovered that my email isn't working properly and that is why you aren't getting my responses! My email server is being picky and will only send to addresses @communityschool.net. I'm not ignoring you, promise! :) I will write in your child's folder today if this pertained to you.

     This morning, Sylvia lead us through morning meeting up until Pattie came to read to us. Today, she read The Biggest, Best Snowman by Margery Cuyler. In this book, little Nell wants to do big things like BIG Mama and her older sisters do. "No you can't" they tell her, "You're just too small". In this story The Biggest, Best Snowman, Little Nell learns that she can do big things, despite what her family says. This delightful tale teaches children that they, like Little Nell, are never too small to do big things when they really try.

     Pattie then read Froggy gets Dressed by Jonathan London. One morning Froggy wakes up and discovers snow--glorious snow! Of course he immediately wants to frolic outside, but his sleepy mother reminds him that frogs are supposed to sleep all winter. "Wake up when the snow melts," she calls out from her cozy bed. But Froggy insists. So off he goes after putting on his socks--"zoop," his boots--"zup," his hat--"zat," and his scarf--"zwit." As soon as Froggy gets outside his mother calls out to remind him to put on his pants. This, as any child knows, means laboriously pulling off all footwear. "Zwit, zat, zup, zut." Then he forgets his coat and it's more "zut, znap, zum." And then--horror of horrors!--his mother yells out in front of all his animal playmates, "Froggy, your underwear!" Of course the children loved that part of the book!

     We also had music class today with Kim and came back to the room for some unplanned math workshop. The children asked me how tall I was, so we figured it out using some cubes. They just happen to be one inch cubes so the children discovered I'm approximately sixty-seven cubes tall (give or take a few!). The children then had fun measuring each other. This was a fun and spontaneous math lesson! The children had been working so hard, we took a couple extra minutes before recess to have a dance party in Katie's room with her kids. They LOVED it! The children have done this a few times, but hadn't really gotten into it yet. Today was the day! They were showing me all kinds of new moves.

     Also, remember there are NO CLASSES tomorrow(1/28)! Conferences tomorrow are scheduled as follows:

9:00am - Lindsay

12:30pm - Essie

3:00pm - Syliva

     In the event you are unable to make your conference on time tomorrow, please call the school so I am aware. 540-563-5036. I'm willing to reschedule anyone's conference if you can't make it. If you opted out of this conference but have since changed your mind, please let me know! I'd love to arrange a day to meet with you and your child. :)

Tuesday

      This morning, Tallulah lead us through morning meeting and we then talked a bit about opposites. I'm sure you all knew this, but just in case, today is National Opposites Day. We read Maisy Big, Maisy Small  by Lucy Cousins. This book is set up so every two pages has opposites on them.

     I read the first page, and the children would "read" the second. They did great with it. There were only a couple pages that stumped them, and to be honest, they were pretty tricky. 

     The children also had drama and Spanish class today. In drama, the children are working on learning all about plays and performances. They're learning about the different parts of a play and what all is involved. Soon, the children will be practicing for a small performance they'll be doing for parents/guests in early Spring.  They will be performing a play about ducks adapted from a story originally from France. I'll be sure to let you all know their performance date and time. Usually, the performance at this level is only about 5 or so minutes and is around mid-morning. I totally understand if you are unable to leave work and come for it, I will try my best to get it recorded! 

     Please check Quick Notes today. The link should be posted by 5pm.

Remember: Check Channel 10's website for school closings and delays. We do not follow Roanoke Co. or Roanoke City schools for closings. It will read "Community School - Roanoke." You can also call the school and the answering machine will have a recording on it if we're closed or delayed.

 

Monday

     This morning, we were lead through morning meeting by Ashlynn. I then shared the news that one of our friends in Ruth Ann's class, Andy, was moving and today is his last school day. We discussed how that makes us feel and decided we loved Andy so much we would make him some cards. Each child colored a beautiful card for Andy and "wrote" their name on the inside. I dictated their words for them as well. Many of them said they'd miss him, but were happy for having met and played with him.
     After fruit break, we had music class with Kim and then went to Ruth Ann's room to give Andy our cards. We got to enjoy a cookie with Ruth Ann's class that she baked and brought in for the children. We also had some play time with her class.
     After recess, we went back to Ruth Ann's room and had lunch with her class. Today was a special day and the children were all so loving and kind to one another. We sure will miss Andy!


Please take a look at the conference schedule for our class:

Conferences, Friday, Jan. 28th

9:00am - Lindsay

12:30pm - Ezperanza

2:30pm - Tallulah

3:00pm - Sylvia

Please let me know if these times are incorrect or will not work in your schedule this time. We can rearrange if necessary!

Friday

     This morning, after Ashlynn lead us through morning meeting, we had a few quick moments for some math workshop before fruit break. I got out a new sorting set and the children were in awe. Part of introducing a math concept in our classroom is familiarizing yourself with the objects at hand. Our sorting set is a large yellow tray that looks a lot like a chips and salsa tray you can find at the dollar store. This one has nine different compartments and a bunch of things to fill them with. There are cubes, teddy bears, wild animals, circles, shapes, and stacking counters you can sort by attributes. Today, I called the children over to the rug and literally dumped them all out on the floor, accidentally of course. I asked the children to help me sort them back out. They all jumped in and got it done in no time. Next week the children will continue in math workshop, working first on spatial relationships(right, left, top, bottom, etc.) and then on some more challenging sorting. Today we sorted by type of object, next time it may be by color or size.

     After fruit break and a bathroom visit, we bundled up and walked over to Hollins with our big buddies from Betsy's class to watch The Little Mermaid. The children were in awe once again. The performers on stage were magnificent and the children had a great time. Ask your child what their favorite part was. We then headed back to campus just in time for recess.

     Have a great weekend and I'll see you all Monday!

Thursday

     Yesterday, we were lead through morning meeting by Sylvia. We jumped right into literacy afterwards and worked more on our names and becoming familiar with the symbols that make up our names. We also worked on putting those symbols in the correct order. Later we worked on some conference work. Even if your child isn't having a conference, they're busy working on some paperwork for their file. I like to have solid reference points for their work when determining their progress throughout the school year.
     During dismissal yesterday, we saw the most beautiful rainbow. The children were amazed and excited. I loved watching their faces light up as they discovered it!
     Today, Dawson lead us through morning meeting. Pattie then came and read to us. She read Hooray for You! A Celebration of You-ness by Marianne Richmond first.

     Then, she read Owen by Kevin Henkes.

     Lastly, she read The Turtle and the Monkey (Philippine Tale) by Joanna C. Galdone and Paul Galdone.

     Later this morning, we had music with Kim and came back to the classroom to finish up our conference work.We had a fire drill this morning, so you may hear about that! While playing in the room today, the children informed me it had been a while since We'd taken a class photo. Well, ask and you shall receive! I got the camera out and we took two.

Discovery Ducks 

Silly Discovery Ducks

     Your children are too funny! They demanded a silly one. I love it! I hope you enjoyed them as well.

     TOMORROW, January 21st, we will be attending a play at Hollins University. We have the opportunity to come be an audience for the dress rehearsal of The Little Mermaid. This is not the Disney version, but an adaptation of the version written by Hans Christian Andersen and is geared towards young children. We will be leaving campus around 9:40am and will be back by 11:30am. This shouldn't effect half-day students. Weather permitting, we will walk over to Hollins with our buddies in Betsy's class. PLEASE make sure your child is dressed for the weather and has on appropriate shoes for walking. Thanks so much!

Tuesday

     When we have a delayed Tuesday, I don't see the children much! at 10:15am, the children went to Drama, and later, Spanish class. We had a bit of time for some literacy fun the classroom before heading out for recess. The children practiced writing anything they wanted to. They were to think of a word they wanted to write and I wrote it on a sticky note. They took the sticky note and used it as a guide, forming the letters to spell their word on a white board. I got words like "cat" and "book" but got some big words too like "popcorn" and "rainbow". They did great and were so excited to be writing. That is what preschool is all about! :)

Couple reminders:

• Quick Notes came out today with a Conference Schedule. Don't worry when you see your child's name on it, but signed up to not have a conference. By default, the school lists everyone on the schedule. It's between us if you're coming for a conference or not. 
• When your child is going to be absent, PLEASE call the school (563-5036) and leave a message for me. It really helps me out when planning the day for the children.
• A couple children didn't come in with sleep items today. No worries! I have an "extra sheet" stash for such an occasion. The children who needed sheets have borrowed them from that stash. No need to send in a sheet tomorrow, but your child may want their stuffed guy and blanket/pillow to be brought in. Thanks!

Thursday

     Even with the delayed school days, we've stayed busy, busy, busy! The past couple of days we've continued our work with colors. Lots and lots of colors. We read White Rabbit's Color Book by Alan Baker. 

     In this story, White Rabbit starts out white, but decided to go for a dip in different colored paints, changing his color several times. We then played "I Spy" with colors and spotted different colors around the room. Today, we finger painted with two different colors. I allowed the children to pick two from red, blue, orange, purple, yellow, and green. Some discovered their two colors made another color, while others didn't. After their paintings dry, we'll discuss what happened(and didn't) on their papers.

     Pattie came back to read to us today and read two books. She first read Frederick by Leo Lionni.

      In Frederick, the other mice gather food for the winter, but Frederick seems to daydream the summer away. When dreary winter comes, it is Frederick the poet-mouse who warms his friends and cheers them with his words. 

     She then read Chester Raccoon and the Acorn Full of Memories by Audrey Penn. In this story, Chester returns home from school, he tells his mother that the teacher said Skiddil Squirrel had an accident and would not be coming back. Mrs. Raccoon explains that his classmate's "heart quit beating and his body didn't work any more." She comforts her sad child by suggesting that he "make a memory of Skiddil Squirrel."

We read this story because one of our classmates had a pet that passed away this week. We discussed that things like that happen sometimes, but that our memories of our friend will last with us forever. As a comfort to our classmate, we made cards yesterday in honor of their pet. 

REMINDER: Optional Conference Forms are due to me tomorrow! I'm still missing a couple. Please let me know if you need another copy. I must have this form for your child's folder, even if you don't wish to have a conference. Thanks!

Monday

     After morning meeting, we dove right into literacy. We practiced matching up letters to spell our names and then put that to practice. The children worked on another tracing sheet to write their name. It has been amazing to watch their development in action since the beginning of the school year! The children have excellent letter formation happening on their papers. So exciting!
     Later this morning we had fruit break and music class. Kim was out today, Lynn was her substitute. After music, we had reading buddies with our big buddies in Katie's literacy group. This has also been something neat to watch. The children have really developed a relationship with their reading buddy and are so engaged with them while they visit.

     Thank you to everyone who has turned in their optional conference form. Remember they are due to me by Friday, Jan. 14th.


Since we have the threat of inclement weather, don't forget to wear your pj's inside out tonight! ;)
Check HERE for closings and delays or call the school phone(540-563-5036) in the morning when you wake up. If we're closed, someone on staff will update the message for the answering machine to inform you.

Friday

     What a fun day! The children had such an exciting day in their pajamas.We had morning meeting lead by Tallulah this morning and afterwards had Spanish. This morning in Spanish class, the children were told to leave their shoes by the door. During Spanish class, three wise men came in and filled their shoes with candy. This is a tradition Elena does with the children every year. I believe the children found candy canes in their shoes after Spanish class from the three wise men.
     After the excitement of that, we topped it with watching Happy Feet with friends from other classes. The children had the option of Happy Feet or March of the Penguins and everyone chose Happy Feet. Such a cute movie! The children get to snack on popcorn and sip on hot chocolate while watching.  We soon had lunch and finished up just in time to watch a snow shower before quiet rest. It wasn't hard for the children to drift to sleep while in their comfy pajamas! They all looked so cozy and warm. I found myself wishing I'd had a mat to sleep on today!

Have a great weekend and see you Monday.

Thursday

     This morning, after Henry lead our morning meeting, Pattie (our Director of Development and Marketing) came to our class to read. Her surprise visit had the children engaged in three different books. She first read Wise Up, Silly Owl! by Steve Metzger and Hans Wilhelm. She then read Llama Llama Red Pajamas by Anna Dewdney, followed by Little Bear's Trousers by Jane Hissey.
     After all of that reading and discussing, we barely had time for fruit break and recess. Afterwards, we went to Music class with Kim and returned for a late math workshop. We worked on sorting things into categories today. We had all sorts of things - magnets, figurines, cars, blocks, etc. We discussed why they were grouped together and why they weren't, practicing vocabulary like "vehicle", "person", and "transportation". 
     Before recess, we had time for another Harold story, so we read Harold's Fairy Tale by Crockett Johnson before heading out.




I've now heard from 3 of you about Scholastic Flyers...who will be next? 



Please don't forget to fill out and send back in the yellow paper in your child's folder. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. 


Thank you for all you do!

A Colorful Wednesday

     Today has been all about color! After Lindsay lead us through morning meeting, we read Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson. In this story, Harold uses his imagination to discover all kinds of things - he draws everything from his imagination with a purple crayon. He goes for a walk with the moon and discovers a forest, dragon, the ocean, the city, and eventually, his bedroom where he falls fast asleep. We used our imaginations and went on an adventure with a purple crayon of our own. The children's creations will be hanging in the room soon, so be sure to stop in and take a look.
     After our Early Learner music class with Kim, the children wanted to do an art project. They decided on "dot marker" drawings (they're similar to bingo markers). While using these markers, a lot of ink comes out allowing the colors to blend together. They turned out beautifully and we had many discussions about what happens when two - or sometimes three - colors mix. Orange seemed to amaze the children the most. Ask them which colors make orange when mixed.

     Please check your child's folder for an important yellow paper. This form is regarding our upcoming conference (Jan. 28) and needs to be filled out and returned by Friday, Jan. 14.

     I only received one response to my request yesterday! Please email me (katlync@communityschool.net) or write in your child's folder regarding Scholastic Book Club flyers. I need to know if you would like to continue receiving the flyers. If not, I will put them in recycling! Please let me know either way you decide that way I have your preference accounted for. Thanks!

Correction!

Conference Day is Friday, January 28th.

Sorry for any confusion!

A Couple Things

Important Upcoming Dates:

• Friday, January 7th - Pajama Day
• We will have popcorn and cocoa while either watching Happy Feet or March of the Penguins. Both movies will be shown, and the children will have their choice of which one they'd like to watch. Please keep in mind we will still have recess outside, weather permitting.
• Monday, January 17th - SCHOOL CLOSED
• Friday, January 25th - Conference Day
• Please watch Quick Notes for your scheduled time and contact the school with any changes.

     Also, with the couple Scholastic Book Club flyers that have been sent home, I have had little response. PLEASE let me know either in your child's folder or email (katlync@communityschool.net) if you're interested in receiving them for the remainder of the year. I would rather put the flyers in recycling than to send home unwanted papers!

Happy New Year!

      Happy New Year to everyone! I hope you had a great couple of weeks with your children. I know I sure missed them and am glad to be back. We didn't waste any time this morning after Sylvia lead us through our morning meeting. We quickly jumped into literacy and practiced writing our names and then worked on a journal page about something we did over winter break.
     Later this morning, we had music class and reading buddies with Katie's class. Our class had to come up with something they'd like to do this year and Katie's class wrote their words for them. Katie's class then read books to their little buddy.
     I know several of the children were disappointed to have missed pajama day, and trust me - the teachers were too! We're in process of rescheduling it campus-wide and I'll be sending you the date as soon as I have it.

Please check your child's folder today! There are a couple things taped inside for you. Enjoy!

Also, you may have noticed I've removed the slideshows from the right sidebar of our blog. No worries, they're all still located at THIS LINK(bookmark it!). Our blog page was loading a bit slow, so I'm removing all slideshows from 2010 and will start filling the page up with 2011 pictures soon.