Congratulations to our spelling bee reps! Zoe and Ellie will be representing our class in the spelling bee.  Leo is our alternate.  Nice going, Kindergarteners!

Reading
This week we learned about being an avid reader.  Avid readers read EVERYWHERE!  You might point out when your child is reading in unexpected places!  A restaurant menu! A cereal box!  A street sign!  We even read directions on a tablet.  Avid readers don't stop reading! 

Writing
We started our opinion writing unit.  During this unit we write about strong feelings and try to convince our reader with reasons.  This is (in my opinion) the most difficult unit in Kindergarten.  Next week we will write about books and seasons.

Word Study
We are all focusing on vowels when we read and write!  Here we are using our Vowel Shields to search for vowels around the room. We also used them to check Mabel's writing for words that were missing a vowel.

Math
During math we focused on fact fluency.  If you can believe it we are already doing addition fact sprints.  We practice these facts over and over until we don't have to think about them!

Social Studies
Thanks PTO for sponsoring an Earth Friendly assembly.  If your child says they need to BYOBB- they know that it means Bring Your Own Bag and Bottle!

A Field Trip permission slip is going home on Friday and needs to be returned the following Friday.  We will be going to see a play based on Pete the Cat.

Reading:  We have been focused on establishing good reading habits and finding word parts in our books.  Students are becoming independent readers and they are really using their extra strength reading powers!  So often I see the kids utilizing more than one strategy for decoding and unknown word.  That is awesome!

Writing:  We finished our HOW TO and we are working on handwriting.  We also wrote a class book using our word parts and rhyming words.  Some of the kids wanted to take their book home and some are leaving them in their book boxes.

Math:  We have been working on a lot of assessments as I prepare for report cards. The students are making so much progress in naming and writing numbers, understanding number sentences, and subitizing.
Math Bins are working on solidifying the concept of addition and subtraction as adding to or taking apart.  We are also working on fact fluency.

 We are learning that counting on from 10 is a great strategy!

 Smelly markers make number writing practice fun!

Today we had a visit from author (and mom of Mr. Degman!), Lori Degman.  She talked about how she had to work very hard to learn how to read and to become and author but she never gave up.  It was inspirational and fun!

If you know of anyone who has a student who will be entering Kindergarten in Oak Park please encourage them to register with the district.  Registration begins Thursday, March 7.  Here is more information.  KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

If you know of anyone who is looking for quality preschool please consider supporting our very own Room Parent, Jaime Moran. She is starting an intergenerational preschool program and it will be amazing.  It opens next year and there are still some spots available.  More information here:  KINDNESS CREATORS preschool.


Upcoming Dates:

March 15 Joey Fine Rhyme- a PTO presentation

March 15 Report Cards sent home

March 19 Field Trip to see Pete the Cat- Permission slips go home 3/8 due 3/15

March 25-29 Spring Break