Play, Learn, and Grow in 4K
October 19th
Friendship Problem-Solving Lessons
Be Respectful & Be Responsible
Be Responsible
* I can wash my hands.
* I can hang up my backpack.
* I can use the bathroom all by myself.
* I can clean up after myself.
* I can put my coat on all by myself.
Be Respectful
* I can use good manners.
* I can raise my hand.
* I can use a quiet voice.
* I can keep my hands to myself.
Discussing these agreements at home is a great way to bridge school and home. It also helps to reinforce the rules from home :)
Literacy Learning
Our literacy learning focus this month continues to be on identifying the letters in our name. Many children have also started to take notice of the letters in their friend's names. The children have also begun to practice writing their names. Right now the children are learning to write their names in all uppercase letters. The uppercase letters are easier to form than the lowercase letters, which is why we start with them. In order to support them with the correct pencil grip, the children have been doing activities to build fine motor strength. We build fine motor strength by playing with play dough, coloring, lacing beads, tearing paper and cutting.
Math Learning
Our math learning focus continues to be on identifying shapes, but we have also begun to practice rote counting and counting objects up to 5. We practiced this skill this week with the poem Five Little Pumpkins. The children created their own book in which they had to count out pumpkins from 1-5.
Many children come to school already able to count. However, to develop a good understanding of number as quantity, children need to encounter quantities in many different ways. Strong counting skills are required before moving on to more complex number concepts, such as addition and subtraction. We will be engaging in lots of opportunities for counting in the coming weeks!
PreK PALS Testing
Over the next few weeks all 4K children will complete Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening for Preschool (PALS-PreK). PALS-PreK is an informal assessment tool used to measure young children's early literacy development. The tasks on this assessment, which include Name Writing, Upper-Case Alphabet Recognition, Lower-Case Alphabet Recognition, Letter Sounds, Beginning Sound Awareness, Print and Word Awareness, and Rhyme Awareness, reflect skills that are vital for children's future reading success. PALS-PreK supports teachers as they plan, implement, and assess appropriate classroom literacy experiences in order to meet each child's individual literacy needs.
If you would like more information about specific tasks on the assessment please ask me. You can support your child's literacy development during the preschool years by reading books together, singing songs, providing opportunities for writing, as well as noticing print and letters in the world. With help from both home and school, your child will be on their way to becoming a successful reader!
Fall Party
If you would like to contribute supplies or create goodie bags for the children to take home please let me know :)
Classroom Volunteers
I have shared a link below to the classroom volunteer calendar. Assisting in the classroom is a great way to get involved and to learn what your child's school day is like. You can choose to stay for the whole class session or if it works better for your schedule you can just stop by to be a special story time reader. While in the classroom I may have a special project for you or I may just have you interacting and playing with the kids. Please sign up for a date and time that works best for you.
Before your first time volunteering you have to complete a background check with the school district. Here is a link for the background check:
School District of Waukesha Background Check
I look forward to and appreciate any time you can share!
Important Dates
Tuesday, October 23- Parent-Teacher Conferences 4:30-8:00 pm
Wednesday, October 24- Early Release Day (No school for afternoon 4K students)
October 25 & 26- No School: Professional Development for Teachers
October 31st- Fall Celebration
Friday, November 9- Parent-Teacher Conferences 12:30-4:00