Kindergarten News
Ms. Ashmore's Class - January 22, 2021
This Week in Kindergarten...
Pennies & Nickels
This week in Math, we took a closer look at coins, specifically pennies and nickels. We learned three new games which helped us practice identifying the coins, counting the value of the coins, and trading five pennies for a nickel. For homework this week, you will get to play one of those games - Money March. In this game, the idea is to count on from five by counting the nickel first and then counting on with pennies. I encourage you to get out some actual pennies and nickels while you are playing so that your child can practice with the real thing.
SImple Machines
As a part of our Force and Motion unit, we learned about simple machines this week. We identified the type and looked at examples of each one, noticing that simple machines help us do things better and/or faster. Next, we tried out three of the simple machines: lever, wheel and axle, and wedge. The kids used a popsicle stick lever with an eraser fulcrum to lift items of different sizes and weights. They built a paper car with washers as wheels and straws as axles to carry items across their desks. And finally, they used different wedges to cut and hold together Play-Doh, looking at which types work best. Next week, we will try out inclined planes, pulleys, and screws.
Working with Wedges
First Grade Enrollment
On Thursday, the First Grade teachers came to visit and talked about what's in store for next year! The kindergartners loved hearing about projects they will do and made a Kindness Penguin with the First Grade teachers. Ask your child to tell you all about it!
As you know, the enrollment process for the 2021-22 school year has begun. Although we are just in our second trimester, we are actively planning for the next academic year. On January 25th, enrollment is open to outside families and space is no longer guaranteed. Please let us know if you have any questions!
If you missed the Move-Up Night presentation from our First Grade teachers, you can view the recording here: https://springeducationgroup.zoom.us/rec/share/P6zi3GzzJMdEamrM0wacwi-WS91ITHTnVloVQvdR1CbMOvm3pmYtQJ8Rq9MolO4S.-bDkLrumbe8DOdoZ
Upcoming Dates & Reminders
1/25 - Last Day of Priority Enrollment
1/29 - Progress Reports & Personal Learning Plans go home
2/4 - The Toymaker Workshop (in-house field trip)
2/12 - Valentine's Day Party & 100th Day of School (more details soon)
2/15 - Presidents' Day (no school)
2/16-19 - Mid-Winter Break