Second Week In...

Well folks, your little one has made it through their first FULL week of school! What an EXCITING accomplishment! It is such a big transition to not only go from summer to school mode, but also to get used to a new schedule and routine. I am simply floored by how well the class is adjusting and catching on to all of our school expectations. We are working hard on raising our hands, sitting criss-cross applesauce at the carpet, and looking forward while walking in the hallway. They are learning about appropriate voice levels at school. School-wide, we use a numbered system where level 1 is no talking, 2 is whispering, 3 is regular talking, 4 is yelling (appropriate for recess), and 5 is only used for emergencies (like if someone is hurt). 

The classroom is starting to look more like their own. Right away in the mornings, they are greeted by their photos posted on our front door. They love to look at them as they walk in and out every day.

Each kindergartner colored their own name card and then we posted them on our Word Wall. As the year continues, we will add sight words and color words. 

The class is slowly but surely learning each other's names. We did a special project called rainbow names where we ripped up colored construction paper and glued them into the letters of our names.

We spent a few days talking about why we go to school and what we hope to learn this school year. Then each child picked their own "Hope and Dream" for what they hope to accomplish in kindergarten. We will have these posted in our classroom to remind us of our goals. Some of them are academic while others are social. Some are about using new and different materials at school and others are about doing certain activities, such as going on field trips. 

My dream is to learn all about numbers and to write the number 5.

My dream is to read books and play with friends.

My dream is to make friends and read new books.

My dream is to go on field trips. 

My dream is to build LEGOs and to make friends.

My dream is to read books.

My dream is to be respectful to all our friends.

My dream is to plant flowers. (in science)

My dream is to use clear glue.

The ABC letter bag has started to circulate and make its rounds. When your child gets the letter bag, they are assigned a letter of the alphabet and have to find around 5 things at home that begin with that letter. Here's an example for letter A.

American flag, ABC book, Anna from Frozen, Apple, Alligator, and Airplane

The ABC letter bag is a great opportunity for students to come up and talk while also working on listening skills.

We started social studies and learned about doing our best at school. The class will receive weekly flyers from Scholastic called Let's Find Out that focuses on different social studies concepts. 

At playtime, I opened up more stations. 

Foam blocks

K'Nex

Crazy pipes

LEGOs

Constitution Day was on Thursday--I LOVED all the red. white, and blue that showed up in my room. We learned about the Pledge of Allegiance and why we say it (to respect and honor our flag and country). We will start our days by saying the Pledge before we do morning meeting. 

I am all for the sillies, every now and then! :)

What a happy and successful week together! I am so excited for many more to come. Next week, we will be learning about bus safety and have our Read-a-Thon kick-off Tuesday night with Kona ice cream truck.