Mrs. Crooks's Kindergarten News
2016-2017 Volume 19
English Language Arts (ELA)
The kindergarten ELA program is dividing into different components. Below is a description of what your child will be learning the upcoming week.
Daily Message
This week in Daily Message we will...
- edit the daily message by finding and fixing the errors.
- find and edit common and proper nouns.
- find singular and plural nouns.
- find sight words we have learned in the message.
Word Work
This week in Word Work we will...
blend word parts to identify and say a word.
identify and write upper case and lower case Bb and Ll.
blend words with short I, O, E and A.
identify the sight words is and little.
Shared Reading
This week in Shared Reading we will...
identify the characters and setting of a story.
identify key details in the story.
reread to find details to help better understand the story.
make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface.
discuss tools used to predict the weather.
discuss the different types of weather we find throughout the year.
Grammar/Writing
This week in Grammar/Writing we will...
draw and write in order to respond to a text.
identify sounds in words, then writing the matching letters.
write an opinion statement.
use a checklist/rubric to proofread and edit our sentences.
Centers
This week in Centers we will...
- practice writing the letters and sight words of the week.
- follow directions in order to create a seasons poster
- practice math skills on the computer using Dreambox.
- add sight words in order to complete a book.
- work with the teacher on specific skills .
Math
Unit 4: Measurement
Essential Question: How might we compare and represent the size and weight of objects we have measured?
This week in math we will...
- practice measuring and recording objects using a variety of nonstandard units.
- develop strategies for accurately counting a set of objects.
- create a set of a given size.
- develop and analyze and analyze visual images for quantities up to ten.
Computer
Thank you to the families that had their child practice his/her user name and password. They are doing a great job on the devices at school. Please keep me informed of you success or struggles.
Below are the steps that you and your child can use to get onto Dreambox.
- Go to www.bcps.org.
- Go to students and click on BCPS One.
- Have your child log into their BCPS One account using their personal user name and password.
- Click on Digital Content.
- Click on the "d" for Dreambox.
- Have students complete at least 1 lesson (activity).
Social Studies
In Social Studies we will...
- learn about famous African American.
Valentine's Day and 100th Day
Tuesday, February 14th
- The kindergarten team will be celebrating two very important events/ milestones. On this day, we will celebrate Valentine’s Day and the 100th day of kindergarten.
Valentine’s Day Celebration
- This event will take place in the morning, from 9:45am- 11:10 am. As always, parents and guardians are welcome to join. Please keep in mind that if you are not volunteer certified, you will be unable to interact with students in the classroom other than your child. Please also keep in mind that no younger siblings will be allowed to attend as per BCPS policy.
Things to remember for this celebration:
Handmade Valentine’s Day Cards for each student in the class (Please make sure these are turned in no later than Monday, February 13th.)
100th Day of Kindergarten
- In the afternoon, only students and teachers will engage in 100th day of kindergarten activities to celebrate this special day.
- Since this day combines two important events, please feel free to dress your child in Valentine’s Day colors (pink, red, purple) and/ or what your child thinks they will look like when they are 100 years old. Be mindful when helping your child choose their attire that these celebratory activities may include movement activities.
Specials
Monday - Art (wear an art smock)
Tuesday - Music
Wednesday - P.E. (wear sneakers)
Thursday - Library (return library books)
Friday - Dance (wear sneakers)
Volunteer Training
Birthday Celebration
We will celebrate monthly birthdays on the last Friday (if possible) of each month. Parents are welcome to celebrate their child's birthday with us. Please make sure that you have completed and returned the volunteer application and training/certificate. There is no food allowed at these celebrations. However, your child may choose to share a book for our class library, a game for indoor or outdoor recess, a small item like a pencil, or a craft to do during the celebration.
September 30th (includes August birthdays)
October 14th
November 21st (Change of date)
December 16th
January 27th
February 24th
March 24th
April 28th
May 26th
June 9th (includes July birthdays)
Important Dates
- 2/14 - Valentine's Day Celebrations (9:45-11:10)
- 2/17 - Half Day (professional development for staff)
- 2/20 - School Closed (President's Day)
Mystery Reader
Winter or Spring?
Mystery Object
Contact Information
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Here is my contact information:
Lynn Crooks: lcrooks@bcps.org
West Towson Phone: 410-887-3869
Assignment Book/ Take Home Folder: write a note in either
**I will try to get back to you as soon as possible, but sometimes I am unable to, so please allow me 24 hours to respond.