Pre-K

August, 2021

Welcome to the 2021-22 school year! We are so excited to welcome our Pre-K  students back to campus this year. We have been working away to prepare and loving, safe, welcoming classroom for your children.

We will be communicating with you via Google Classroom once we get up and running. You’ll be hearing from me soon about how to log in.

As always, reach out if you have any questions!

Warmly,

Tauna, Sara, Sister, and Tina

tevans@holyrosaryws.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Pre-K families,

Welcome to our (unusual) 2020-2021 school year! We are so excited that your family is embarking on this journey with us.

I want to reiterate that we are committed to making this remote portion of our year as loving and academically robust as possible. As you know, once the Covid numbers in King County drop and stabilize, we plan to begin to return to class (All safety protocols in place, including small groups of students, socially distanced, and masked.)

But for now, we would love to get to know you and to give you an opportunity to get to know each other. Would you please submit a family photo to me via email. Please label all family members, left to right (pets are fine, too!). Please submit this photo by next Wednesday, August 26 and we’ll put it into an album type document to be shared among the class.  *We would love a hard copy of this photo as well.

Attached to this note, you will find a Student Emergency Information form to download, print and fill out. Please return these when you come to your upcoming meet and greet. We would like to have this on file for when the children return to school in person.

Speaking of Meet and Greet, here is the link to sign up. Please choose a time during the week of August 31.  ( If none of these blocks work for you, just email me.)  This will come to you in an email from the Big School and I will also forward the link.

**If you have not done so in the past, please be sure to send your email to the following address to be sure that you receive notifications from the Big School:

mailing-list@holyrosaryws.org

Thank you for your survey responses. I am attaching our tentative schedule which has been created thanks to your feedback. We will adjust this accordingly to meet the needs of the children.

We’ve got so much to share and imagine that you have many questions. We look forward to talking at our upcoming meeting. In the meantime, reach out anytime!

Warmly,

Tauna, Sara, and Sister

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 8, 2020 – Monday

Pre-K

Zoom Slideshow tomorrow, Tuesday, June 9 at 1pm!  Remember that since this is usually our Ice Cream Social, feel free to set your child up with ice cream to enjoy while we watch. After the show, have your child ready to say happy summer to their classmates and say what they are excited for in kindergarten.  We’ll go around to each child who wants to share, but no pressure if they’d rather not.  Huge thanks to Rose for creating the show! This is such a big undertaking and it’s so appreciated!

A few more thanks today!

Thank you to each and every one of you for your amazing support, both before and after March. I have just loved working with and knowing each of you. Your families are all very special in my life.

Thank you to everyone who baked cookies, chaperoned, and drove on field trips! We couldn’t have had such special experiences without you!

Thank you so Eleanor’s mom, Claire, for making the pots outside our door so beautiful and fun!

Thank you to Lewis’ mom, Ann, for taking on the task of Scholastic books!

And finally, a huge thank you to Sosie’s mom, Stephanie, for being such an AMAZING room mom – twice! Both in P3 and in PK!

THANK YOU!!!!!

Literacy ~

Today is our final letter introduction. Lower case z.

-Talk about the fact that z is a consonant rather than a vowel.

-Review the vowel letters.

-Review the sound that z makes

Please have your child watch the lower case introduction video, which is included with today’s email. Be sure to monitor your child as they work. Encourage rainbow letters for extra practice.

Please have your child complete pages 80 and 81 in their HWT book. (attached to today’s email)

Upon completion, have your child write their name on the page the “kindergarten way”, with just one upper case letter and the rest lower case.

Over the summer, please have your child continue writing their first and last name the “kindergarten way” at least weekly. This way, they’ll be ready to go in the fall.

Blending Sounds

You say the sounds of the word with a short pause in between, then have your child help you blend the word together.

h – i – p = hip

c – a – t = cat

b – e – d = bed

b  – u – g = bug

c – o – t = cot

Rhyme

You say the word pair. Have your child repeat the words and supply 2-3 more (real or nonsense) words.

go, no

my, by

red. bed

cat, hat

Today’s story – One Big Heart by Linsey Davis

And Dream Big, by Joyce Wan.

Music ~ Today and throughout summer, have fun with some of our favorite musicians:

Jim Gill!

Raffi!

Caspar Babypants!

The Kiboomers!

Math ~ This week, I encourage you to complete pages 90, 91, and 92 in your HWT book (also attached). These pages review numbers 8, 9, and 10.

I am also attaching an optional big 8 and 9 for anyone who is interested.

There is also an optional summer addition page attached.

Faith Formation ~ Today and throughout the summer, please pray with your child. Pray for peace and love in the world. Pray for friends, families, and classmates. Pray for health. And, as always, thank God for our tremendous blessings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 5, 2020 ~ Friday

Pre-K

Literacy ~ It’s our final Connection Friday of this school year. Have your child draw a picture and write a note for a classmate, teacher, or family member. This is a great way to communicate with someone that you haven’t talked to or seen in a while. Send a photo via text and hopefully your child will receive a response!

Over the summer, I would love to have a penpal or two! If your child mails me a letter, I’ll write back!

I am attaching a beginning sound worksheet for anyone who is interested.

Word Work –

Blending Sounds – today, we will work with short /a/ words.

h – a – t = hat

m – a – p = map

t – a – g = tag

v – a – n = van

n – a – p = nap

Adding Beginning Sounds

For this activity, our short vowel to focus on is e.

-ed add /b/ = bed

-et add /j/ = jet

-en add /m/ = men

-eg add /b/ = beg

-eg add /l/ = leg

Today’s story is Papa, Do You Love Me? By Barbara M. Joosse

Math ~ Backyard Math!

Today, I am sending out our final Scavenger Hunt. This one is an Inventor Hunt. Your child can search indoors or outdoors. Have fun!

Fridays are a great day to practice counting.

Count by 1’s!

Count by 5’s!

Count by 10’s!

I am including a color by number worksheet for those who are interested.

Faith Formation ~ Glory be to the Father

Pray along with this video Glory be to the Father

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

This weekend, find these two reminders of the Trinity:

• Triangle shapes at home
• 3 – leaf Shamrock as you walk around your neighborhood

Enjoy the weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 4, 2020 ~ Thursday

Pre-K

Literacy ~ Today is our final journal writing day of Pre-K. (Of course it would be great if you continue over summer.)

Any topic works, but here is a suggestion:  We won’t be in school for Father’s Day, so maybe write about Dad today?

My dad is _________________________________.

Have both upper and lower case letter formation charts available for your child to refer to.

Remind your child:

~the illustration will match the words

~illustration above the line

~sentence below the line – in pencil

~words are written left to right

~2 finger space between words

~punctuation at the end

For handwriting today, please have your child begin by watching the lower case q video, which is attached to the email. They will then complete page 78 in tbeir HWT books (also attached). Lower case q is a bit like lower case g. Remind your child that they will start at the “ceiling” and go down into the “basement”.

Blending Sounds – today, we will work with short /e/ words.

b – e – d = bed

d – e – n = den

j – e – t = jet

m – e – n = men

p – e – t = pet

Adding Beginning Sounds

For this activity, our short vowel to focus on is i.

-id add /h/ = hid

-ip add /l/ = lip

-it add /s/ = sit

-ig add /f/ = fig

-im add /r/ = rim

I am also attaching an optional ABC color by letter page, in case your child is interested.

Today’s story is Froggy’s Day With Dad, by Jonathan London

Math ~

Today, we will continue number writing review. Please go over 7 formation with your child before having them complete page 89 in the HWT book. (also attached)

I am also attaching an optional big 7 for anyone who would like to cut out and decorate it.

Optional worksheet – Dice Roll. Please have your number formation chart handy for your child to refer to. (It can be found in the HWT book on page 93.)

Faith Formation ~ Three in One

Today, we continue to discuss the Holy Trinity. Please have your child complete the attached activity page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 3, 2020 ~ Wednesday

Pre-K

Literacy ~

Today, we will focus on lower case f.

Have your child watch the introductory lower case f video included in today’s email.

Please have your child carefully complete pages 76 and 77 in their HWT book (or attached). Lower case f is a little different from the letters that we have learned so far. Your child may need a little extra guidance with where to begin on the page.

Blending Sounds – so far this week, we have blended short o words and short u words. Today, we will work with short i words.

h – i – t = hit

r – i – m = rim

s – i – t = sit

k – i – d = kid

h – i – d = hid

Adding Beginning Sounds

For this activity, our short vowel to focus on is a.

-at add /h/ = hat

-an add /c/ = can

-ag add /b/ = bag

-ap add /c/ = cap

-an add /f/ = fan

Today’s story – Piggy and Dad Go Fishing, by David Martin

And an extra, My Dad’s the Coolest, by Rosie Smith and Bruce Whatley

Music – In thinking of F songs today, maybe enjoy Jim Gill’s Conducting Can Be Fun or Fiddlehead Fern, by Caspar Babypants.

Math ~ Today, we will continue number writing review. Please go over 6 formation with your child before having them complete page 88 in the HWT book. (also attached)

I am also attaching an optional big 6 for anyone who would like to cut out and decorate it.

Optional worksheet – Fish Patterns – Please be sure to have your child complete three sets of the pattern. You’ll want to talk about a simple way to draw a fish and also, discuss a good size to draw them so they’ll all fit. You could have your child label each fish with either YYR (beginning letter of color), or by numbering them. Count and label how many fish there are altogether.

Faith Formation ~ The Holy Trinity, ONE GOD

God the Father – who created the world and who created us. God the Son, Jesus – who became human like us, and who saves us by dying of the Cross. Holy Spirit – whom Jesus sent down after Jesus went back to heaven, to guide us always.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 2, 2020 – Tuesday

Pre-K

Literacy ~

Today, we will introduce lower case b.

There is a short introduction video included with today’s email.

Lower case b is similar to lower case h. Be sure your child is starting the letters at the roof and touching both the “ceiling and floor” lines.

Please have your child complete pages 74 and 7 in their HWT workbook.

You will find H and B print and fold booklets attached to today’s email. As always, these are optional.

Blending Sounds

This is the same activity as yesterday. You say the sounds of the word with a short pause in between, then have your child help you blend the word together.

c – u – t = cut

h – u – m = hum

s – u – n = sun

f  – u – n = fun

n – u – t = nut

Adding Beginning Sounds

You say the first sound. Have your child repeat it. Then say, add /*/ at the beginning and the word is? (say sounds, not letter names)

-ed add /l/ = led

-et add /w/ = wet

-en add /p/ = pen

-eg add /l/ = leg

-et add /s/ = set

Today’s story – Matthew’s Dream, by Leo Lionni

Music ~ There are so many fun B songs! Try Jim Gill’s BANJO, Bounces Abundant, Bananas or Raffi’s Baby Beluga.

Math ~ Give your child 10 items (in school, we use little plastic bears, but anything will work). Tell your child the following subtraction problem:  Ten bears were playing on the playground. Four bears heard their mother calling and ran home. How many bears stayed on the playground? (6) Continue making up and acting out similar stories with your child.

For number writing review, please have your child complete page 87 in their HWT book. We say, “little line, little curve, put a hat on it!” so recall the steps of writing 5’s.

I am attaching a large 5 for anyone who is interested in cutting it out and decorating it.

Sand Bucket worksheet – Be sure to talk to your child about some simple ways to draw a bucket, then talk about organization on the paper. Have them label the buckets. Discuss more/less.

Faith Formation ~ Review Sign of the Cross

Watch a 2-min video TOMKIN The Sign of the Cross

Preschool-8 Materials Drop Off And Pick Up

On Thursday, June 11^th and Friday, June 12^th, we will be collecting school materials that the students have taken home and RETURNING their personal items. This will be an involved process as parents and students are not able to come into the school at this time. To assist everyone in social distancing, a staff member will come to your car to collect textbooks, library books, electronics, CYO uniforms and anything else your child’s teacher has requested. You will then be given a bag with your child’s items. Below, you will find your assigned time listed by the first two letters of your last name. We ask that you arrive during your 30-minute window and park in front of the school.  Please have your child’s school items in a bag labeled with their name.  If you have more than one child, please put their items in separate bags labeled with each of their names. You will receive more detailed instructions from your child’s homeroom teacher. Thank you for your patience during this process.

 

Thursday, June 11th			Friday, June 12th
9:00a	AD-AR		10:30a	MC-MI
9:30a	AS-BA		11:00a	MO-MU
10:00a	BE-BO		11:30a	N-O
10:30a	BR-CA		12:00p	PA-PE
11:00a	CH-CO		12:30p	PH-Q
11:30a	CR-DE		1:00p	RA-RO
12:00p	DO-EL		1:30p	RU-SI
12:30p	EN-FR		2:00p	SK-SO
1:00p	GA-GU		2:30p	SP-SZ
1:30p	HA		3:00p	TA-TU
2:00p	HE		3:30p	U-WE
2:30p	HO-JA		4:00p	WH-Z
3:00p	JO-KA
3:30p	KE-KL
4:00p	KN-KU
4:30p	LA-MA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 1, 2020 – Monday

Pre-K

Zoom Meeting at 10:00 –Today will be a show and tell day. Have your child prepared to show one thing that they have been having fun playing with lately. Be prepared to tell us:

~what it is

~what you like to do with it

Literacy ~

Today, we begin learning lower case h.

-Talk about the fact that h is a consonant rather than a vowel.

-Review the vowel letters.

-Review the sound that h makes

Please have your child watch the lower case h introduction video, which is included with today’s email. Be sure to monitor them as they work. Encourage rainbow letters for extra practice.

Please have your child complete pages 72 and 73 in their HWT book. (attached to today’s email)

Upon completion, have your child write their name on the page the “kindergarten way”, with just one upper case letter and the rest lower case.

Today, I suggest reviewing the writing of your last name. When we worked on this in class, we were using capital letters. Now, transition to just one capital at the beginning and the rest lower case.

Word Work~

Blending Sounds

You say the sounds of the word with a short pause in between, then have your child help you blend the word together.

t – o – p = top

g – o – t = got

m – o – p = mop

d  – o – t = dot

h – o – t = hot

Adding Beginning Sounds

You say the first sound. Have your child repeat it. Then say, add /*/ at the beginning and the word is? (say sounds, not letter names)

-ug add /h/ = hug

-up add /k/ = cup

-ug add /t/ = tug

-un add /s/ = sun

-ut add /n/ = nut

Today’s story – It’s Mine! By Leo Lionni

Music ~ For today, check out Hands are for Clapping, by Jim Gill.

Math ~ Show your child a bank (anything works here – a dish, a cup, whatever) and a set of 10 pennies.  Explain that you are going to put the pennies inside the bank. Have your child count with you as you put one penny in the bank. How many pennies are on the table now? (9) Talk about having ten pennies and taking 1 away leaves 9 pennies. Ask, “If I put more pennies into the bank, what will happen to the number of pennies on the table? (it will get smaller) Continue until all pennies are in the bank.

Number Writing Review – Please complete page 86 in the HWT book. You will also find a big 4 to cut out and decorate if your child is interested.

Optional worksheet – Spots on the Turtle – Be sure to talk about organization on the page. The spots need to be small enough to fit on the turtle shell and clear enough to count. Have your child write the corresponding numbers to the spots.

Faith Formation ~ Read about prayer. (see handouts attached)

Today, say one of your favorite prayers: when you wake up, at mealtime, or before you go to bed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 29, 2020 ~ Friday

Pre-K

Literacy ~ It’s Connection Friday. Have your child draw a picture and write a note for a classmate, teacher, or family member. This is a great way to communicate with someone that you haven’t talked to or seen in a while. Send a photo via text and hopefully your child will receive a response!

Word Work – This is quick and fun, can be done anywhere, anytime, and is an important part of building your child’s reading foundation.

Blending Sounds (phonemes) – Today we’ll work with three sounds in words.

You say the sounds of the word with a short pause in between, then have your child help you blend the word together.

For example:

c – u – t  = cut

 

h – i – t = hit

r – i – m = rim

s – i – t = sit

k  – i – d = kid

h – i – d = hid

Rhyme Recognition ~ Have your child repeat these words and think of more (real or silly words).

Jack – track

Dell – fell

Pool – cool

Limb – him

Today’s story is Frederick, by Leo Lionni.

You will also find an optional sight word worksheet today. These are words that we often use in writing, so will be familiar to your child.

Math ~ Backyard Math!

Today, sticking with our Friday routine, we have another scavenger hunt. This time, it’s a math hunt.  Maybe you want to add to it?  Have fun!

Fridays are a great day to practice counting.

Count by 1’s!

Count by 5’s!

Count by 10’s!

Science ~ Watch the butterfly life cycle video which is attached to today’s email. Then have your child color, cut, and glue the pictures onto the  numbered page. Enjoy the attached Butterfly Cycle song.

Second Step ~ Making New Friends in Kindergarten. I am attaching the Home Link to today’s email. Please refer to this download for discussion with your child, but there’s no need to print it.

Faith Formation ~ What is Pentecost?

1. Retell the Story or watch a 2:10-min video: What is Pentecost? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtokHQOmFu0

 

2. Ask: What is Pentecost? Pentecost is the 50^th day of Easter, we celebrate the coming down of the Holy Spirit, and we celebrate the birthday of the Church.

 

3. End with prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for sending your Holy Spirit to be with us. We know the Holy Spirit will help us be your followers. We want to love and care and forgive as you did. Please bless us and all our families and friends. We love you, Jesus. Amen.

 

4. Notice the air or the wind blowing the leaves as you take a walk this weekend to remind of the Holy Spirit that comes to us on Pentecost Day.

Enjoy the weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 28, 2020 ~ Thursday

Pre-K

Literacy ~ Today is our writing day. Since it is Annemarie’s birthday, I wonder if your child would like to write a note to her today rather than the regular journal page? These notes have just made the birthday kids so happy. I know this will make her day! Danielle’s number is in today’s email.

Maybe you could incorporate journaling and the birthday greeting?

You are ______________________.

Have both upper and lower case letter formation charts available for your child to refer to.

Remind your child:

~the illustration will match the words

~illustration above the line

~sentence below the line – in pencil

~words are written left to right

~2 finger space between words

~punctuation at the end

Today, your child will complete page 71 in their HWT book. This page is a continuation of lower case m. Please have your child review m formation (starting at the “ceiling” and not picking up the crayon while writing the m). Have them read the words and color the pictures.

Rhyme Recognition- (Repeat these words. Add more! Either real or nonsense words. )

Time, chime

Nap, clap

Green, bean

Sip, drip

Beginning Sound Practice –  Say the two words. Have your child repeat them. Have them give you a thumbs up if they begin with the same sound, thumbs down if they don’t.

Opera, object

Nimble, neat

Jump, joy

View, fan

Egg, odd

Today’s story is The Enormous Egg, by Leo Lionni.

Who were the characters? Which was your favorite?

Math ~

 Begin today’s lesson with the attached video.

Take 10 items – lego people? Goldfish? Blocks? Tell a story about a party. Start with ten. As you go along, have others leave a party. When the first guest leaves, you have the host and how many guests?  So that’s 9 and 1. Continue removing guests. Use subtraction vocabulary such as separate, take away, subtract and minus.

 Today, we will continue number writing review. Please go over 3 formation with your child before having them complete page 85 in the HWT book. (also attached)

I am also attaching an optional big 3 for anyone who would like to cut out and decorate it.

Flower Measurement – You also have a measurement review worksheet today. There are lots of chances for your child to practice number writing here.  Have them count and label each column.

Faith Formation ~ Point out that the Holy Spirit fills us with God’s love, like air in bubbles. The Holy Spirit also makes us alive, like the wind that makes a pinwheel, a kite or other things move.

Here are the options:

1. Blow bubbles together.
2. Make a Pinwheel.
3. Fly a Kite.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 27, 2020 ~ Wednesday

Pre-K

Literacy ~

Today, we will focus on lower case m.

Have your child watch the introductory lower case m video included in today’s email.

Please have your child carefully complete page 70 – lower case m. The main things here are to be sure that they move back up along the same little line that they started with, and that the “up and over” parts touch the middle (ceiling) line.

Rhyme Recognition– Say the word pair. Have your child repeat the word pair, then supply 2 or 3 more words that rhyme (real or nonsense words)

beet, feet

ride, side

look, took

race, space

Beginning Sound Practice –  Today, say the two words. Have your child repeat them. Have them give you a thumbs up if they begin with the same sound, thumbs down if they don’t.

noise, nice

fire, hot

bake, boat

high, low

care, is

Today’s story – Let’s Go for a Drive by Mo Willems

Music – Today you could listen to Raffi’s Mr. Sun. Another option is Caspar Babypants, The Ice Cream Man.

Math ~ Today, we will continue number writing review. Please go over 2 formation with your child before having them complete page 84 in the HWT book. (also attached)

I am also attaching an optional big 2 for anyone who would like to cut out and decorate it.

Optional worksheet – A Day at the Beach. Talk about more/less. Perhaps show your child a number line (write out numbers 1-20 in a line) Talk about numbers that are greater than 12 and numbers that are less than 12.  Before getting started, again, talk about organization on the paper. The balls need to be small enough to fit into the space in order to be counted carefully. Have them label the number of balls and write their name on the paper.

Faith Formation ~ The Holy Spirit Comes to Us.

Turn to the main activity of the Allelu! Activity Sheet (center pages) and invite your child to describe what he or she sees. Give your child crayons or colored pencils. Connect the dots (start from 1) and color 2 of the symbols of the Holy Spirit: Flame and Dove

Alternate Activity: The Holy Spirit is God

Connect the dots to find a symbol of the Holy Spirit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 26, 2020 – Tuesday

Pre-K

If you are able, please have your child attend our Zoom meeting today at 10:00.  Today, we will have a “Snack and Chat”. Have your child bring along a favorite snack to munch during the session. They will tell their classmates what their favorite snack is and if they could choose anywhere to eat it, where that would be.

Literacy ~

Today, we will introduce lower case n.

There is a short introduction video included with today’s email.

Lower case n is much like lower case r. Be sure your child is starting the letters at the top and touching both the “ceiling and floor” line

Please have your child complete pages 68 and 69 in their HWT workbook.

You will find N and R print and fold booklets attached to today’s email. As always, these are optional.

Blending Sounds (phonemes) – Today will continue working on three sounds in words.

You say the sounds of the word with a short pause in between, then have your child help you blend the word together.

For example: c – u – t  = cut

c – a – n  = can

d – a – d  = dad

f – a – n = fan

m – a – t  = mat

s – a – t = sat

Rhyme Recognition ~ For the next few days, you will give your child 2 words that rhyme and they will try to think of others. They can be real words or made up words.

Cake – rake

Fix – six

Phone – cone

Hen – when

Today’s story – The Princess and the Pea, adapted by Miles Kelly.

Math ~ Today we will begin a year-end number writing review. Please refer to the number writing formation chart, which is attached to today’s email. Then have your child complete page 83 in their HWT book, or print page 83, one writing practice, which is attached.

Optional worksheets:

7 practice page

Coconut Counting – Remind your child to be organized on the paper. The coconuts need to be small enough to fit under the tree/umbrella, and clear enough to be counted and labeled.

Number the coconuts.

Super Scoops – Again, talk about organization on the page. Have your child color and label the scoops with correct number formation.

Faith Formation ~ The Day the Holy Spirit Came

Your handout is in the Allelu packet, Lesson 28 (also attached)

1. Tell the Story from page 1.
2. Ask the following questions on page 2:

• What did the Apostles do on Pentecost? They taught people about Jesus.
• On what day did the work of the Church begin? Pentecost
• What is an important way to celebrate this day? Praying together or going to Mass

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 22, 2020 ~ Friday

Pre-K

Literacy ~ It’s Connection Friday. Have your child draw a picture and write a note for a classmate, teacher, or family member. This is a great way to communicate with someone that you haven’t talked to or seen in a while. Send a photo via text and hopefully your child will receive a response!

Word Work – This type of verbal “word work” is fun, can be done anywhere, and is an important part of building your child’s reading foundation.

Blending Sounds (phonemes) – Today we move to three sounds in words.

You say the sounds of the word with a short pause in between, then have your child help you blend the word together.

For example:   c – u – t  = cut

b – e – d = bed

d – e – n  = den

j – e – t = jet

m – e – n  = men

p – e – t = pet

Rhyme Recognition ~ For the next few days, you will give your child 2 words that rhyme and they will try to think of others. They can be real words or made up words.

Call, fall –

Quick , stick –

Blue, do –

Be, see –

Today’s story is The Ugly Duckling, by Mara Alperin.

You will also find an optional sight word worksheet today. These are words that we often use in writing, so will be familiar to your child.

Math ~ Backyard Math!

Today, sticking with our Friday routine, we have another scavenger hunt. This one is related to the 5 senses. Have fun!

I’m sending along a math video today, which reviews counting, graphing, and recording data.

After viewing this, get out a clip board or notebook and head outside. Create a T-chart. Perhaps choose a couple of categories from the scavenger hunt? For example, smooth vs. rough? Tally the items as you find them. Total up the data and compare results.

Fridays are a great day to practice counting.

Count by 1’s!

Count by 5’s!

Count by 10’s!

Second Step ~ Learning in Kindergarten. I am attaching the Home Link to today’s email. Please refer to this download for discussion with your child, but there’s no need to print it.

Enjoy the long weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 21, 2020 ~ Thursday

Pre-K

Literacy ~ Today is journal day.

Have both upper and lower case letter formation charts available for your child to refer to.

Here’s an idea for a topic: Have your child draw a picture and write about what they like to do outside on a rainy day.

I like to _________________________.

Remind your child:

~the illustration will match the words

~illustration above the line

~sentence below the line – IN PENCIL

~words are written left to right

~2 finger space between words

~punctuation at the end

Today, your child will complete page 67 in their HWT book. This page asks them to review both upper and lower case R, J, and P. It’s been a while on these upper case letters, so they will probably need some guidance here. Please refer to the letter formation charts. As always, Rainbow letters are recommended for extra practice!

Rhyme Recognition- (Thumbs up or thumbs down)

Go, no

Away, play

Day, stay

Rain, pain

Beginning Sound Practice – Have your child repeat the word, then give you several new words with the same beginning sound.

rain

jump

pay

day

little

Today’s story is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, adapted and illustrated by Natalia Moore.

Music ~ Have some fun with Jim Gill today!  This is a new and silly one that will get everyone moving.  I Changed My Mind

Math ~ Today, we work on decomposing numbers. Change the words of 5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, to 5 Little Bears Rowing in a Boat.

Use five “bears” and a toy boat of some sort to act out the rhyme:

Five little bears rowing in a boat.

One jumped out and began to float.

The teacher threw the bear a rescue coat

Saying, “No more bears jumping from the boat.

Continue singing and acting out the rhyme changing the number of bears that jump out. Remind your child with each verse that the group of 5 bears was broken apart into 2 parts. Have them tell how many bears are in each part

You also have the 6 practice page today, along with

Which Jar Has More Glow Bugs. Take this activity a step further and have your child count and write the correct number near each jar. I am attaching a number formation chart for your reference.

Faith Formation ~ Prayer

Make the Sign of the Cross together, or bless your child by tracing a cross on his or her forehead.

Dear Jesus, our good friend, you blessed the Apostles. Then you were lifted up and a cloud covered you, and no one could see you. Yet we know you are still near. Thank you for being with us, even when we can’t see you! Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Science ~  Normally, we would be hatching butterflies in the classroom in the spring. Today, watch the attached short non-fiction reading of Caterpillar to Butterfly.  We’ll be talking more about the butterfly life cycle next week.     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 20, 2020 ~ Wednesday

Pre-K

Literacy ~

Today, we will focus on lower case r.

Have your child watch the introductory lower case r video included in today’s email.

Please have your child carefully complete the practice page.

Page 66 – Lower case r. The main things here are to be sure that they move back up along the same little line that they started with, and that the “up and over” part touches the middle (ceiling) line.

Rhyme Recognition- Say the word pair. Have your child repeat the word pair and show thumbs up if the words rhyme, or thumbs down if the words do not rhyme.

Come, they

Again, hen

Day, may

So, she

Late, gate

Beginning Sound Practice –  Say the word and have your child repeat the word. Have them supply 2-3 words that begin with the same beginning sound.

bear

lamp

dog

will

car

Today’s story – Caps for Sale, by Esphyr Slobodkina

Music – Today you could listen to Raffi’s Robin in the Rain. Another option is The Kiboomers The Consonant Rap J-R .

Math ~ Please begin today’s lesson with our short math video, which is attached.

Have your child create his/her own addition story with sets of small characters. Tell some stories with your child, such as:

2 bears were having a picnic. 3 bears joined them. How many are there altogether? Perhaps you want to have paper and a pencil nearby to record the equations?

Today, you will have an optional 5 practice page.

There is also an optional number match worksheet

 Faith Formation ~ Ascension Activity (Pick one to do)

~Jesus Ascends to Heaven (Placemat)

Use the code to find the hidden picture. What happened in the picture? or

~Jesus Is Always in My Heart.

Give your child a copy of Activity Master #23 (attached). Invite them to color the picture and glue cotton balls to make fluffy clouds. The picture reminds us that we can talk with Jesus and feel his love in our minds and hearts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 19, 2020 – Tuesday

Pre-K

Today is William’s Bright and Shining Star presentation at 10:00. I know that it means a lot to him to have his classmates there to share in his special day. Please come if you can. The Zoom link is in the email.

Literacy ~

Today, we will introduce lower case p.

There is a short introduction video included with today’s email.

Lower case p is another “basement letter”. Be sure to have your child start at the middle guiding line, the ceiling line, and write a big line down into the basement. Be sure the little curve touches both the ceiling and floor lines.

Please have your child complete page 65 in their HWT workbook.

You will find J, K, and P print and fold booklets attached to today’s email. As always, these are optional.

Today’s story – Rumplestilskin, adapted by Mara Alperin

Music ~ Since we’re reviewing P today, it’s a perfect for Poison Ivy, by Jim Gill. The kids just love this one!

Math ~ Take 10 items – lego people? Goldfish? Blocks? Tell a story about a party. Start with one. As you go along, have others join a party. When the first guest arrives, you have the host and the guest, so that’s 1 and 1. 2 guests. Continue adding guests. Use addition vocabulary such as add, joins, come together, altogether, etc.

There are two optional math pages today.

Sun Shade. Before getting started, talk about organization on the page. How big should you draw the people so they’ll all fit? How detailed should they be? Keep it simple. After drawing the kids with their hats, have your child label each child, 1-12, to practice number writing (I always recommend having the formation chart handy for reference.) For a challenge, discuss and write the accompanying equation.

You will also find the 4 practice page attached today.

Faith Formation ~ Look at pictures of people in your family who live far away from you. Pray for them today.

Pray the Sign of the Cross together or bless your child by tracing a cross on his or her forehead: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Say, “Let’s close our eyes. Picture in your mind someone you want to pray for and say a little prayer silently.” (Pause.)

“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 18, 2020 – Monday

Pre-K

Zoom Meeting at 10:00 –Today will be a show and tell day. Have your child prepared to show one thing that they have been having fun playing with lately. Be prepared to tell us:

~what it is

~what you like to do with it

Bright and Shining Star! Please mark your calendar for Tuesday at 10:00 for William’s star presentation! I’ll send the Zoom link Tuesday morning.

Literacy ~

Today, we begin learning lower case j. Ask your child if J is a consonant or a vowel. Maybe check out Kiboomers Old MacDonald Had Some Vowels, or Short Vowel Rap for a vowel review? They also have 3 songs about consonants. You might want to check out The Consonant Rap J – R.

Please have your child watch the lower case j introduction video, which is included with today’s email. Remind them that lower case j is a “basement” letter.  Be sure to monitor your child as they work. Encourage rainbow letters for extra practice.

Please have your child complete pages 64 in their HWT book. (attached to today’s email)

Upon completion, have your child write their name on the page the “kindergarten way”, with just one upper case letter and the rest lower case.

I am including an optional beginning sound worksheet today.

Blending Sounds (phonemes)

You say the sounds of the word with a short pause in between, then have your child help you blend the word together.

For example:

Slow = s (pause) low = slow

s   ee = see

y   ou = you

t   ie = tie

n   o = no

r   ay = ray

Rhyme Recognition ~ You say the word pairs and your child repeats the words, then determines whether or not they rhyme with a thumbs up or a thumbs down.

Less, guess

Show, no

Face, pace

Your, yes

Stick, chick

Today’s story – Little Red Riding Hood, By Mara Alperin

Music ~ For today, check out some fun J songs: Jump Up Turn Around by Jim Gill, or John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt by  the Kiboomers.

Math ~ Today, we begin our final math unit, Adding and Subtracting.  This is a very basic introduction to the concepts, and will be built upon next year in kindergarten. (The kindergarten curriculum directly follows ours.) The optional attached worksheets are supplementary.

5 Little Monkeys – Get 5 “monkeys” (any counting object) and a rectangle shaped paper to be the bed.  Sing the song (easily found if you Google it, or look it up on Spotify). Start with the monkeys on the bed and remove them as you sing the song. Talk about the combinations of numbers as you go… for example, you start with 5. Move 1 off the bed, and you have 1 off and 4 on, but still 5, etc.

Optional worksheet – Fun in the Sun – Have your child draw the beach balls to equal 13. Have them write the number for each ball to practice number writing. As an additional challenge, you can guide them in writing the equation.

Faith Formation ~ Read the first page of the Allelu handout packet or from the attached page for today: Jesus Returns to Heaven or watch a 4:39-min video The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven

What is Ascension? Ascension is when the Risen Jesus was taken up to Heaven to be with God the Father forever.

Who ascended?  Jesus

Where? to  heaven

Who were there? Jesus’ Apostles or Jesus’ special friends.

How do you they feel? Sad/Happy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 15, 2020 ~ Friday

Pre-K

Thanks to everyone who was able to attend Toa’s Bright and Shining Star presentation yesterday.  It meant so much to Toa. (Mark your calendar for Tuesday, 5/19 at 10:00 for William’s day!)

Toa’s book was The Good For Nothing Button, by Charice Mericle Harper and Mo Willems. Looks like a great one!

Literacy ~ It’s Connection Friday. Have your child draw a picture and write a note for a classmate, teacher, or family member.

**Perhaps the special picture and note could be for Gus, who celebrates his birthday tomorrow! He misses his classmates and would be delighted to receive birthday wishes from them!

You can send them to his mom, Rose. Her number is in today’s email.

Blending Sounds (phonemes)

You say the sounds of the word with a short pause in between, then have your child help you blend the word together.

For example:

Slow = s (pause) low = slow

g   o = go

h   e = he

p   ie = pie

t   oo = too

b   e = be

Rhyme Recognition ~ You say the word pairs and your child repeats the words, then determines whether or not they rhyme with a thumbs up or a thumbs down.

rain, chain

how, cow

float, boat

was, him

dry, wet

Today’s story is The Elves and the Shoemaker, by Mara Alperin.

You will also find an optional sight word worksheet today. These are words that we often use in writing, so will be familiar to your child.

Math ~ Backyard Math!

You will find a Rainbow Scavenger Hunt attached to today’s email.

On your clipboard or notebook page, help your child set up a t-chart graph, just like last week. Decide on categories to foucs on. For example, items that are yellow / items that are pink. Tally the items from the hunt on your graph. Total each column by counting by “bundles” of five.

Review!

Count by 1’s to 30 (or higher) Be sure that your child isn’t skipping any numbers.

Count by 5’s to 30 (or higher)

Work on counting by 10’s to 100.

Today I am also sending along an extra 3 practice page.

Second Step ~ Speaking Up Assertively. I am attaching the Home Link to today’s email. Please refer to this download for discussion with your child, but there’s no need to print it.

Faith Formation ~ Catholic Churches in the World

Download attachments for today. Trace the broken lines to see some churches. Point to or circle the one the looks like Holy Rosary Church or the church you go to.

Ask the following questions:

• How are the pictures of churches the same? All three churches have crosses on top of them.
• What is the name of our Pope? Pope Francis

You may show this 2:13-min video  of the Pope and the Children https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=931f7LEHAKM

End with Sign of the Cross Prayer: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 14, 2020 ~ Thursday

Pre-K

Please join us at 10:00 for Toa’s Star presentation. He will present his family photos and 3 special items, then the children present will have a chance to respond with questions and comments. Come if you can! I know that this means a lot to Toa.

Literacy ~ Today is journal day.

Have both upper and lower case letter formation charts available for your child to refer to.

Here’s an idea for a topic: Have your child draw a picture and write about what they like to do outside on a sunny day.

I like to _________________________.

Remind your child:

~the illustration will match the words

~illustration above the line

~sentence below the line – IN PENCIL

~words are written left to right

~2 finger space between words

~punctuation at the end

Introduce lower case y.  Please complete pages 62 in your workbook, or refer to the copy attached to today’s email. I should have made a video for this one. It is a tricky letter. I’ll send one with tomorrow’s plans, so no worries if you don’t get to this today. If you do, however, please assist your child and be sure that they are using correct letter formation.

Rhyme Recognition- Say the word pair. Have your child repeat the word pair and show thumbs up if the words rhyme, or thumbs down if the words do not rhyme.

come, they

again, hen

day , may

so, she

late, gate

Beginning Sound Practice – Say the word and have your child repeat the word. Have them supply 2-3 words that begin with the same beginning sound.

ride

pay

up

act

face

Ex.Tell me a word that begins like so. S: so, say, see, sign

Today’s story is Jack and the Beanstalk, By Mara Alperin

Music ~ Have some fun with Jim Gill today! Poison Ivy and Silly When You Stop might be fun.

Math ~ Begin today’s lesson with the video attached to the email. This is the culmination of chapter 9, Graphing and Collecting Data.

Have your child cut out pictures of foods from magazines. Have them sort the pictures. For example, foods I like/ foods I don’t like, healthy/not-healthy. Have your child glue the pictures on a graph.  Please see the science lesson today, which involves making glue. This ties perfectly to this graphing activity. Tally the results and write the final numbers on the graph.

Optional worksheets – (attached to email)

Your child will cut, order, glue, and color the puzzle.

2 practice activity worksheet.

Faith Formation ~ Who is the Pope?

The pope is the leader of all the Catholic parish communities in the world. The word pope comes from a Latin word that means, “father” or “papa.” Our present pope is Pope Francis.

Activity: Watch a 4-min video The Life of Pope Francis in Cartoon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rHL4P1_GFM

Science ~  You will find a science activity attached to today’s email. Your child will be making and experimenting with glue. Have fun! Use the glue for the math lesson.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 13, 2020 ~ Wednesday

Pre-K

Literacy ~

Today, we will focus on lower case k.

Have your child watch the introductory lower case k video included in today’s email.

Please have your child carefully complete page 61,  lower case k.  K is tricky. Be sure they start at the top, then go to the “ceiling line to begin the “kick and slide” part. Please be sure they are using correct letter formation. This really is so important. This is another good one for Rainbow Letter practice.

Rhyme Recognition- Say the word pair. Have your child repeat the word pair and show thumbs up if the words rhyme, or thumbs down if the words do not rhyme.

draw, saw

he, she

nurse, purse

soap, hope

pan, top

Beginning Sound Practice –  Say the word and have your child repeat the word. Have them supply 2-3 words that begin with the same beginning sound.

so

task

otter

was

van

Ex.Tell me a word that begins like so. S: so, say, see, sign

Today’s story – The Three Billy Goat’s Gruff, by Mara Alperin

Music – Check out Jim Gill’s Toe, Leg, Knee or Knuckles Knees.  It’s tricky to find songs with k words, so explain that when k and n work together, they actually make the /n/ sound.

Math ~ Give your child 5 pennies and 4 nickels. Have them sort the coins into columns. Have your them place  another sheet of paper directly on top of each column. Help them run a crayon over each penny in its column and each nickel in its column. The result will be a picture graph of the data.  Talk about the data. Which has more? Which has less? Etc.

Optional ~ We will begin a short number review at this point. I am going to attach an optional practice page each day this week and next. Today, we’ll begin with 1.

Faith Formation ~ Today is the feastday of Our Lady of Fatima. We are encouraged to join in the school Mass with May Crowning at 9:30 AM. See and follow link from the parish or school website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 12, 2020 – Tuesday

Pre-K

Literacy ~

Today, we will introduce lower case l.

There is a short introduction video included with today’s email.

My only tip for today is a reminder to start the letter at the top.  Otherwise, it’s an easy one. I suggest reviewing lower case e if you have extra time today.

Please complete page 60 in your HWT workbook.

You will find both E and L print and fold booklets attached to today’s email. As always, these are optional.

Today’s story – Chicken Little, adapted by Mara Alperin

If you have Spotify (Apple Music or any form of music streaming) check out Raffi’s Brush Your Teeth

Math ~ Begin today’s lesson by watching our introductory video, which is attached to today’s email.

Do you have an ice cube tray? If so give your child two bags. One with 4 items (marbles, rocks, etc) and another bag with 5 items.  Ask your child to sort the times into separate rows and columns in their trays. Each compartment should only have one object.

Have your child compare rocks/marbles (or whatever you’re using) to determine which has more, which has less, or if they are the same.

Make a snack mix with a variety of crackers. Give your child a handful. Identify each snack piece in the mix and place them on a 6 column predrawn graph. Have your child sort each item in the mix. What do you have the most of? The least of? The results of the graph will change as your child eats the snack. Discuss the changes.

I am attaching an optional math cut-paste-puzzle, just for fun.

Faith Formation ~ Color the picture of the priest in the vestments he wears when he celebrates Mass.

Look for any shapes you see in the picture.  Name each of them.

Color the shapes in the picture the same colors you see in the shapes at the bottom of the page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 11, 2020 – Monday

Pre-K

Zoom Meeting at 10:00 –Today, please have your child think about something that they like to do with you, Mom! Or something that you did together on Mother’s Day. Perhaps, before the meeting, have them draw a picture of you two together to show during the meeting.

Bright and Shining Star! Please mark your calendar for Tuesday at 10:00 for Vincent’s star presentation! I’ll send the Zoom link Tuesday morning.

On Thursday, Toa will be our star. His presentation will also be at 10am.  I’ll send the Zoom link Thursday morning.

Literacy ~

Today, we begin lower case e. Talk about vowels vs. consonants. Remind your child that vowels can make more than one sound.  Vowels are the “stars of the language”! You will find one in every English word.

E says /e/ as in elephant.

E says E as in eat.

Check out the Vowels Sounds Song, by Letterland.

Please have your child watch the lower case e introduction video, which is included with today’s email. Lower case e is tricky. Be sure to monitor your child as they work. Encourage rainbow letters for extra practice.

Please have your child complete pages 58 and 59 in their HWT book. (attached to today’s email)

Upon completion, have your child write their name on the page the “kindergarten way”, with just one upper case letter and the rest lower case.

I am including an optional beginning sound worksheet today.

Today’s story – A Color of His Own, by Leo Leoni

Music ~ If you have access to Spotify/Apple Music, etc, check out Raffi’s Apples and Bananas.  Or just for fun, get moving with Jim Gill’s Jumping and Counting.

Math ~ Today we begin unit 9, Data and Graphing. Here are some activities for today:

Have your child ask family members if they like the color red or blue better. Help make a t-chart to show data by drawing a line vertically down the middle of a paper or white board. Keep track with check marks, then tally the results. (There is a sample t-chart attached to today’s email.)

Have your child create a pattern with 2 different items (goldfish crackers/raisins?) Have them record how many raisins and how many goldfish. Which was used more in the pattern?

Leaves – Have your child create a chart to display data about leaves. They should find leaves that are different colors and different shapes. Once the chart is created, take a walk and collect leaves. Then, help your child fill in the chart and compare the data.

Faith Formation ~ Who Leads Our Church Family?

Prayer:  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

1. Ask the following questions:

• Who leads most of the prayers when we go to Mass or Church?
• What is his name? (Father, Father Oakland, or other priest if you don’t go to Holy Rosary.)
• Does he wear special clothes? Do you remember what color?

2. Explain that a priest is a man who serves God’s people. He leads the people when they gather in church to pray. He is the leader of our Church family. That’s why we call him Father.
3. Show your child a picture Father Oakland (attached). You may also show a picture of a priest who baptized your child if available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 8, 2020 ~ Friday

Pre-K

Literacy ~ It’s Connection Friday. Have your child draw a picture and write a note for a classmate, teacher, or family member. Maybe this could be a Mother’s Day greeting for someone special? You can mail, email, or text a photo of it.

Play Where’s My Sound? – You and your child will work on removing the beginning sound from words today. This phonemic awareness practice is very important for building a reading foundation.

Say think.

Say it again, but don’t say /th/

(Answer: ink)

Say chin.

Say it again, but don’t say /ch/

(Answer: in)

Say fold.

Say it again, but don’t say /f/.

(Answer: old)

Say task.

Say it again, but don’t say /t/.

(Answer: ask)

etc.

Today’s story is Mama Loves, by Rebecca Kai Dotlich.

You will also find an optional sight word worksheet today. These are words that we often use in writing, so will be familiar to your child.

Math ~ Backyard Math!

You will find a Nature Scavenger Hunt attached to today’s email.

On your clipboard or notebook page, help your child set up a t-chart graph, just like last week. Label the columns living/non-living. Tally the items from the hunt on your graph. Total each column by counting by “bundles” of five.

Review!

Count by 1’s to 30 (or higher) Be sure that your child isn’t skipping any numbers.

Count by 5’s to 30 (or higher)

Work on counting by 10’s to 100.

I am including an optional math worksheet today. This involves cutting and gluing while organizing and graphing information.

Today, we complete our measurement unit. Please begin by having your child watch the video attached to today’s email.

Introduce the following song: (it’s also in the video)

The sun is rising in the east, the east, the east.

And then it’s setting in the west, the west, the west.

My nose is north, my seat is south.

And now I turn myself about.

The sun is rising in the east and setting in the west.

Have your child draw a picture of something he she does during the day. Have him/her draw the appropriately placed sun or moon, depending on the time of day.

Second Step ~ Thinking of Solutions. I am attaching the Home Link to today’s email. Please refer to this download for discussion with your child, but there’s no need to print it.

 Faith Formation ~ Sing Mother Mary

(tune: Frére Jacques)

Mother Mary, Mother Mary,

We love you. We love you.

From heaven up above us 

You watch us and you love us

And you pray for us, too.

 Prayer 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.   Thank you, Jesus for your Mother, Mary. Please watch over us always.   In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 7, 2020 ~ Thursday

Pre-K

Please join us at 10:00 for Torin’s Star presentation. He will present his family photos and 3 special items, then the children present will have a chance to respond with questions and comments. Come if you can! I know that this means a lot to Torin.

Literacy ~ Today is journal day.

Have both upper and lower case letter formation charts available for your child to refer to.

Here’s an idea for a topic, in honor of you wonderful moms on Mother’s Day:  My mom is ______________________.

Remind your child:

~the illustration will match the words

~illustration above the line

~sentence below the line – IN PENCIL

~words are written left to right

~2 finger space between words

~punctuation at the end

Introduce lower case i.  Please complete pages 56 and 57 in your workbook, or refer to the copy attached to today’s email.

Today’s story is What Mommies Do Best, by Laura Numeroff

Music ~ Check out Kiboomers today. I Love My Mommy and I Love Mommy. Perfect for Mother’s Day!

Math ~ Begin today’s lesson with the video attached to the email. We will talk about area today.

Precut some 1” by 2” rectangles. Ask your child:  If the bottom of your shoe is worn out and we need to replace it, would a piece of material this size (show the 1” by 2” rectangle) be big enough?  Tell your child that he/she will put these together to create a rectangle just large enough for their shoe to fit on. How about your shoe? A sibling’s shoe? How many rectangles did you need?

Get two blankets of different sizes. Put them over 2 people. Sing the following song to “Muffin Man”

Oh, do you know who’s covered more, who’s covered more, covered more.

Oh, do you know who’s covered more, which blanket has more area?

Optional worksheet – (attached to email) – More shape review.

Faith Formation ~ Pray with your child.

Use the copy of Hail Mary from Tuesday. Start  your day with Hail Mary prayer.

Offer your prayer for safety and protection of all the caregivers and first responders and for their families.

Science ~  Float and Sink – This is a great activity for today or this weekend in this wonderful sunny weather. You can have some water fun out in the yard while exploring which items sink and which float.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 6, 2020 ~ Wednesday

Pre-K

Literacy ~

Today, we will focus on lower case u.

Have your child watch the introductory lower case u video included in today’s email.

Please have your child carefully complete pages 54 and 55 in their HWT book. (also attached to today’s email)

Page 54 – Lower case u practice.

Page 55 – Help your child write the letters and read the words and sentences. If they would like, they can color and decorate the pictures.

Optional~ Today, your child can choose to create the u print and fold book.  It is attached to today’s email. Be sure to talk to your child about quality work on these, and not doing a “quick job”. Once the book is complete, have them read it to you. Be sure to have them touch each word as they read.

Today’s story – I Love You, Mommy Duck

Music – Check out Jim Gill’s Leaky Umbrella and Jump Up, Turn Around.

Math ~ Today I am resending a short video about capacity. This is a good introduction to today’s math activity.

Give your child an 8 ounce cup and a 4 ounce cup. Fill the larger cup with water. Have them pour the water into the 4 ounce cup. What happened? Why? Repeat, having them fill the 8 ounce cup and pour contents into a 12 ounce cup. Discuss their capacity.

Fill the sink with water. Give your child plastic containers of a variety of sizes. Let them explore which holds more? Which holds less? Which hold the same amount?

Optional ~ complete the attached shape review worksheet. This involved shape identification, sorting, cutting, organizing, and gluing.

Faith Formation ~ Pray with your child.

Use the copy of Hail Mary from yesterday. (also attached to today’s email) Start  your day with Hail Mary prayer.

Offer your prayer for all those who are suffering from coronavirus, for their healing and peace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 5, 2020 – Tuesday

Pre-K

Literacy ~

Today, we will introduce lower case g.

There is a short introduction video included with today’s email.

Be sure that your child uses the lines as a guide. This is our first lower case letter to go into the “basement”, so it’s a bit different.

Review lower case c, o, a, and d to help your child make the connection to Magic c letters.

Please have your child complete pages 52 and 53 in their HWT workbook. On page 53, have them color the pictures and read the words after writing the g’s.

You will find both D and G print and fold booklets attached to today’s email. As always, these are optional.

Today’s story – Just For You, by Mercer Mayer

If you have Spotify (Apple Music or any form of music streaming) check out Raffi’s Going to the Zoo

Math ~ Go on a nature walk “size hunt” to find things in the outdoor environment of different sizes: something smaller than your fingernail, bigger than your hand, longer than your arm, smaller than your foot, bigger than your whole body, larger than a leaf, smaller than a house, etc.

Create a T-chart. Label the columns:

Smaller than my hand – Bigger than my hand.

Incorporate this T-chart into the nature walk size hunt. Your child can draw pictures of the items or use their phonetic spelling to write the names of the items. Or both! After the hunt, count and number each column. Which column had more? Which had less?

Optional Worksheet ~ A Handful – On this page, your child will carefully draw something smaller than their hand.

Faith Formation ~ Pray Hail Mary and decorate/color a picture of Mary.

Both the prayer and the picture are attached to today’s email.

Fun Ideas from Classmates!

Freya shared a really cool car that she made from a toilet paper roll. She cut wheels out of cardboard and attached them with a shish kabob stick. Clever!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 4, 2020 – Monday

Pre-K

Zoom Meeting at 10:00 –Today is Pet Day! Your child can share their favorite stuffed animal or live pet. Please have your child be prepared to tell us:

~What the pet’s name is.

~What kind of animal it is.

~How long they have had this pet.

~Their favorite thing to do with this pet.

Bright and Shining Star! Please mark your calendar for Tuesday at 10:00 for Sosie’s star presentation. She will be sharing her family photos, her 3 favorite toys, and her favorite book. Your child will have a chance to ask questions and comment on her items. Please come if you can. I know that this will mean so much to Sosie. I’ll send the Zoom link Tuesday morning.

On Thursday, Torin will be our star. His presentation will also be at 10am.  I’ll send the Zoom link Thursday morning.

Literacy ~

Please have your child watch the lower case d introduction video, which is included with today’s email.

Please have your child complete pages 50 and 51 in their HWT book. (attached to today’s email)

Upon completion, have your child write their name on the page the “kindergarten way”, with just one upper case letter and the rest lower case.

I am including an additional optional worksheet today which focuses on beginning sounds.

Today’s story – Kindness A-Z.  This book takes us away from the non-fiction stories that we have been focusing on. After watching it, you may want to have a conversation with your child about Warm Fuzzies vs. Cold Pricklies. Maybe set a Warm Fuzzy goal for today?

Music ~ If you have access to Spotify/Apple Music, etc, Look for Charlotte Diamond’s I Wanna Be a Dog or Octopus. Both fun songs for our pet themed Zoom meeting.

Math ~

Have your child cut random pictures out of an old magazine. Put them in a bag. Have them reach in and take a picture and identify the object. Ask them to name an object taller than, lighter than, longer than, etc…

Fitness Competition – Mark the floor or sidewalk with tape to show a starting line. Have your child perform exercises from the starting line such as jump forward 10 jumps. Mark where he/she landed. Bounce a ball. Mark where it landed. Do it again. Compare longest to shortest.

Small – Medium – Large worksheet (attached to today’s email) Have your child begin by writing their name on the page. Then color the eggs and dinosaurs. Cut out the eggs and use them as a non-standard measuring tool. Write the correct number next to each dinosaur.

Faith Formation ~ Mary, Mother of Jesus

Storytime with the Sisters: Mary, Mother of Jesus board book

Questions: What is the name of Jesus’ Mother? Mary loves Jesus so much. She takes good care of Jesus. Who loves  and takes care of you so much just like Mary loves and takes care of Jesus? What would you like to say to her?

Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank you, God for the gift of Mary, the Mother of Jesus and our Mother in heaven. Thank you for the gift of my Mommy and all mothers too. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 1, 2020 ~ Friday

Pre-K

Literacy ~ It’s Connection Friday. Have your child draw a picture and write a note for a classmate, teacher, or family member. You can mail, email, or text a photo of it.

Play Mystery Sound. You say a word. Ask your child to repeat it. Have them isolate and say the first sound:

“Say bug.”

“Bug.”

“What is the first sound you hear?”

“/b/”

“What letter is it?”

“B.”

Today’s YouTube story is Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

You will also find an optional ABC fill in the blank worksheet attached to today’s email.

Math ~ Backyard Math!

You will find a Spring Scavenger Hunt attached to today’s email.

On your clipboard or notebook page, help your child set up a t-chart graph. Label the columns living/non-living. Tally the items from the hunt on your graph. Total each column by counting by “bundles” of five.

Count by 1’s to 30 (or higher) Be sure that your child isn’t skipping any numbers.

Count by 5’s to 30 (or higher)

Work on counting by 10’s to 100.

I am including an optional number writing review page today.

I am also including a short video comparing sizes. You can discuss small, medium, and large in relation to the Three Bears story as well.

Second Step ~ Saying the Problem. I am attaching the Home Link to today’s email. Please refer to this download for discussion with your child, but there’s no need to print it.

Faith Formation ~ The Lost Sheep

Watch a video (4.28 mins):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw8TBmb4ir4&t=29s

Do the Ask Me Questions

Who called himself the Good Shepherd? Jesus

Who are his sheep? We are

How is Jesus like a good shepherd to us? He takes care of us, gives us what we need…

 Prayer

+“Dear Jesus, thank you for being a Good Shepherd to us. Thank you for loving us and knowing each of us by name. Help us to follow your voice. Amen.”+

Art – May Basket

• Paper cup
• Markers
• Sequins
• Pipe Cleaner
• Ribbon, yarn, or string
• Paint
• Hole punch
• Have your child decorate the cup. Poke holes on each side and attach the handle (ribbon, yarn, string) Help them pick some flowers and arrange them in the cup. Now, brighten a neighbor’s day by surprising them with a May Basket!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 30, 2020 ~ Thursday

Pre-K

Literacy ~

Today is journal day. It is also Eleanor’s birthday! I know that Toa and Raphael just loved receiving photos of their classmates’ greetings via text on their birthdays. Today, for a journal topic, perhaps your child could write and draw a birthday greeting for Eleanor and send it her way? It would really make her day. Her mom’s number is included in today’s email.

Remember that the illustration will be above the line, and the sentence will be below the line. You’ll want to keep the sentence simple and assist your child.

Eleanor is ______________________.

Have both upper and lower case letter formation charts available for your child to refer to.

Remind your child to use 2 finger spaces between words.

Today’s video (sent in email) includes a short introduction to lower case a.

Introduce lower case a.  Please complete page 4 in your workbook, or refer to the copy attached to today’s email.

Please complete pages 49 and 50 (also attached) in your workbook. This is a tricky letter. Your child will need guidance here, especially after the little curve, the little line needs to go straight up, then bump right back down.

Today’s story – (link  in email) is A Crazy Day at the Critter Café. This is a great one for discussing the problem in a story and how it was resolved.

Math ~

1. Gather some household objects of obviously varying weights. Have your student order them from heaviest to lightest. Have them explain how they decided.
2. Plan a measurement walk. Tell your child that as they walk, they are to look for objects that are tall, short, taller than others, shorter than others.
3. Optional worksheet – (attached to email) Your child can either cut and glue or write in the missing numbers.

Faith Formation ~

Pray with your child.

Begin by making the Sign of the Cross together, or bless your child by tracing a cross on his or her forehead. Pray aloud with your child:

“Dear Jesus, thank you for being a Good Shepherd to us. Thank you for loving us and knowing each of us by name. Help us to follow your voice. Amen.”

Science ~ Today I am attaching a very simple activity of making bubbles. I love the idea of dipping a rigatoni noodle into the solution and blowing through that. Good luck!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 29, 2020 ~ Wednesday

Pre-K

Literacy ~

In order to be prepared for kindergarten, I do recommend that your child complete the handwriting portion of our lessons on a daily basis. These short activities will require your child to review the alphabet on a regular basis, which is so important. And of course, being able to correctly form the upper and lower case letters will also make the transition to school in the fall much less stressful for your child. The truth is, the writing demands in kindergarten are relatively demanding, so putting in the time now is really important. If you don’t have your book or access to a printer, no worries. You can just look at the attached worksheet and have your child practice on a piece of notebook paper.

Today, we will review lower case v and w and introduce lower case t.

Have your child watch the introductory lower case t video included in today’s email.

Use your purple HWT book or download/refer to pages 46 and 47. (attached to today’s email)

Page 46 – Lower case t.

Page 47 – Help your child write the letters and read the words and sentences.

Optional~ Today, your child can choose to create the t, v, and/or w print and fold book.  They are all attached to today’s email.

Today’s story – Pigeon Wants a Puppy. (in email)

Music – Check out Jim Gill’s The Tempo Marches On. They’ll love it!

Math ~ Today, we move into the height/length portion of our measurement unit.

You may want to kick off today’s lesson with the YouTube video which is attached to today’s email.

Have your child gather some stuffed animals. Have them group the animals from tallest to shortest.

Trace your child’s silhouette on the sidewalk. Have them trace yours. A sibling? Who is taller? Who is shorter? Get out the measuring tape and measure the silhouettes.

Optional ~ complete the attached color, count, cut, match, and glue worksheet.

Faith Formation ~ Show your child the picture of Saint Cuthbert on the Family Activity page and read about him. Then read more about Saint Cuthbert to your child.

Saint Cuthbert: A Shepherd for God  Cuthbert was a strong child. With his friends, he ran races and wrestled in the grassy hills. In winter, he played wildly in the snow. When other children wanted to rest, Cuthbert was surprised. He wasn’t tired! Other times, Cuthbert would go alone to a quiet place on a hill. There he sat so still that even wild rabbits were not afraid of him! He thought about God and how he might someday work for God. When Cuthbert was old enough, he became a shepherd. His sheep grazed in the hills, where there were many hiding places for robbers or hungry wild animals. Cuthbert watched and protected his sheep carefully. At night all the shepherds would gather their sheep together. Often the other shepherds slept and Cuthbert stayed awake to guard the sheep. He prayed in the quiet night. One very dark night, with no stars to be seen, Cuthbert was praying. Suddenly, a bright light appeared in the sky. This light streamed down to the earth and angels moved on this light! Cuthbert knew then that God wanted him to be a different kind of shepherd. He wanted to be like a shepherd caring for God’s people. He became a priest. Now with his great energy, he still went through the hills, but now he looked for people who listened to him as sheep listen for the shepherd’s voice. Cuthbert felt great joy because he knew God loved him. Because of Cuthbert’s work, other priests, mothers, fathers, children, and grandpar- ents all came to love God joyfully too.

 

Ask your child:

◗ God gave Cuthbert lots of energy. Do you have lots of energy?

◗ Cuthbert used his energy to work for God. Is there something you can do for God? (Help your child think of some ideas.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 28, 2020 – Tuesday

Pre-K

Literacy ~

 Last week, Raphael turned 5! Can we make him feel extra special by drawing him a picture and writing him a note today? I’m including his dad’s number in today’s email so you can text a picture of it to him:

Thank you! I know this wishes will meet so much to Raphael!

Today, we will introduce lower case w.

There is a short introduction video included with today’s email.

Please complete page 45 in the purple HWT workbook. (Also attached to email) As always, remind your child to work slowly and carefully. They need to write a w starting from each dot on the page. Please be sure they do all of them. And as always, Rainbow Letters allows your child to get extra practice.

Today’s story – Tillie and the Wall.  Who was the main character? Was there a problem in the story? How was it resolved?

If you have Spotify (Apple Music or any form of music streaming) check out Raffi’s Willoughby Wallaby Woo

Math ~

Get  (or cut) a 3 x 5 card. Measure your child’s height and weigh. Turn it into a “driver’s” license by adding your child’s weight, height, eye color, and hair color.  Have your child draw a portrait of him/herself.  Use the license for bike riding.

Today, you will find two worksheets attached to the email. In these activities, you child will be counting and identifying numbers.

Faith Formation ~ Little Sheep

1.   Download, cut and color the sheep from Activity Master #9 (attached).
2.   Have your child glue cotton balls to make a fluffy coat for the sheep.
3.   When the glue dries, fold the sheep so that it has a front and back side. Do you have clothes pins at home? Show how to pinch clothes pin and place it on the sheep to make legs. Remind your child that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. (Or you can simply cut out and glue on some legs.)

Alternate Activity: Trace one hand to make a handprint. Cut the handprint out. Glue cotton balls on the palm of your handprint. Color the legs black. Draw eyes, nose and mouth on the thumb.

Put your sheep on a special corner in your room. Take a picture of your sheep and send it to T. Tauna or Sr. Juanita: jkialkial@holyrosaryws.org

Fun Ideas from Classmates!

Marble Works – I loved Kai’s engineering idea from yesterday’s Zoom. He collected toilet paper rolls and made his own version of marble works. Maybe you would like to start saving paper rolls to do something similar? Once you have enough to work with, your child can put their engineering skills to work to make a tunnel for marbles to travel through.

Also, Annemarie shared a really cool bird feeder that she had made out of a milk jug. I’ll share her specific instructions soon, but for now, here’s another simple bird feeder idea. I have seen lots of pinecones around my neighborhood lately, and hope you can easily find one too.

Pine Cone Bird Feeder

• Get a pine cone from your yard and tie a string to the top. Tip: Do this step first, as the pine cones can get sticky and messy.
• Using a butter knife, have your child spread peanut butter (sun butter or whatever you’ve got) all over the surface of the pine cone.
• Roll the pine cone through a bowl of birdseed.

Hang the pine cone from a high surface, such as a tree or a porch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 27, 2020 – Monday

Pre-K

Zoom Meeting at 10:00 – Remember that we’ll do this every week, so no worries if you can’t make it. Today, we will have a traditional show and tell of one favorite toy. Please have your child be prepared to tell us:

~what it is

~what you do with it

~why you chose to share it today.

Literacy ~

Please keep practicing name writing in lower case. If your child has mastered this, and wants to take on a challenge, you can move on to your last name, though this is not required or expected for the beginning of kindergarten.

As we work on lower case letters, please keep playing the letter flash card identification games with upper case letters. Frequent review is so important in order for your child to be prepared for kindergarten.

Letter Matching Game – Focus on 6-10 letters. Make 2 square cards for each letter. Mix them up, turn them over, and play Memory with them.

Review lower case c,o, and s. Today we introduce v.

Please have your child watch the v introduction video, which is included with today’s email.

Please have your child complete page 44 in their HWT book. (attached to today’s email)

Today’s story – (YouTube attached to email) A Big Guy Took My Ball  – There’s actually a lot to talk about with this silly story. How did the elephant feel about the whale in the beginning of the story? At the end? What did they discover about first impressions?

Music ~ If you have access to Spotify/Apple Music, etc, Look for Jim Gill’s – Jump Up, Turn Around or Bouncing and Jumping

Math ~

Get a household object, such as a stapler, candle, book, anything… Have your child compare the weight of this to other household objects. Is it heavier or lighter?

Have your child compare his/her weight to an object such as, “ I am lighter than a car. I am heavier than a teddy bear…”

Teach your child the following chant:

Giraffe, giraffe in the zoo,

What animal weighs less than you?

Have fun thinking of zoo animals to plug in. To extend the game, have your child name objects that are heavier and lighter than themselves.

Dice Toss Game – Worksheet attached to today’s email (or just make your own) Have the number writing format page available for reference.

Faith Formation ~ Jesus is the Good Shepherd

What does a shepherd do?

Read the Story of Jesus as the Good Shepherd on the front page of your Allelu! placemat. (attached to email)

People who take care of us are like shepherds. Name the people who take care of you everyday.

Activity: Jesus is the Good Shepherd

Write the name of each person in your family on a sheep.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 24, 2020 ~ Friday

Pre-K

Literacy ~ Fridays are our connection days. Have your child draw a picture and write a note for a classmate, teacher, or family member. You can mail, email, or text a photo of it.

Play Silly Rhyme while out on a walk in the yard or neighborhood. This is a perfect way to wrap up Earth Week. (For example: bird – lird, maple – taple, etc… Guaranteed fun for all.

Earth Day Book – This is attached to today’s email. If you and your child choose to create this book, please print pages 3-6 and have your child color each page, assemble the book, then guide them in reading it. Be sure to have your child touch each word while reading.

Today’s YouTube story is attached to the email. We started the week with Knuffle Bunny, so we’ll end it with Knuffle Bunny Too, the second Knuffle Bunny book by Mo Willems.

Math ~ Backyard Math! Get your clipboard or notebook and head outside. Review tally marks. Have your child count some items in your yard by using tally marks.

Practice counting by 5s to 30. (or higher)

Also, continue to practice counting by ones to at least 30.  Though not required or expected for incoming kindergarteners, many kids love the challenge of counting to 100 (or higher!).

I am including a number writing review page with today’s email. Please have your child count the objects and write the numbers starting at each dot. This skill is important for incoming kindergarteners, so please keep circling back and reviewing correct number formation.

Second Step ~ Joining in with Play. I am attaching the Home Link to today’s email. Please refer to this download for discussion with your child, but there’s no need to print it.

Faith Formation ~

1. Watch a video (3:40 mins): The Seriously Surprising Story
2. Lead a prayer before Meal.

Enjoy the weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 23, 2020 ~ Thursday

Pre-K

Literacy ~

Our story today, (YouTube attached to email) is Why Should I Protect Nature.  If possible, have your child watch the story before writing to get some ideas for writing.

Today is journal day.

Here is a sample topic, but any topic is just fine, as long as your child is drawing and writing.

Earth Week! Above the line, draw a picture of yourself doing something that helps our earth. Write a sentence about it below the line

Your child may want to incorporate some upper case letters as well as lower case. Perhaps have both formation charts out for them to refer to.

Remind your child to use 2 finger spaces between words.

Every child is at a different place, and I don’t want anyone to feel pressure here. Please follow your child’s lead.

As always, feel free to email a picture to me and I’ll write back to your child!

Today’s video (sent in email) includes a short introduction to lower case s, as well as a math lesson.

Review c and o.

Introduce lower case s.  Please complete page 42 in your workbook, or refer to the copy attached to today’s email.

Please complete page 43 (also attached) in your workbook. This will ask your child to review lower case c, o, and s. After completed, your child can practice reading the words and color the illustrations to go along with them

Music ~ Jim Gill’s Leaky Umbrella might be fun for today.

Math ~

Weight Walk – Organize your clipboard or tablet to have 3 columns: (see YouTube video included in today’s email)

~too heavy to lift

~heavy

~not heavy

Go outside and take a walk. While on the walk, encourage your child to stop and lift items (varying in size – rock, ball, leaves, etc). Allow them to try to pick up things that are too heavy to lift (climber, lawn furniture). Graph them as you go, using tally marks.

2.Sweet Strawberries worksheet. Be sure to have your child count and label as they work.

Faith Formation ~

Download, spell, trace, (optional) color ALLELUIA, and sing:

Easter People (tune Where is Thumbkin)

Alleluia, Alleluia

is our song, is our song

we are Easter people, we are Easter people

sing along, sing along.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 22, 2020 ~ Wednesday

Pre-K

Literacy ~

Please have your child practice their name with lower case letters. Have your letter formation chart handy for reference. Do you have shaving cream at home? Perhaps put some on a baking sheet and let your child practice using their finger to write their name in the cream?

Today, we will review lower case c and introduce lower case o.

Please be sure your child is forming the letters properly:

Be sure to start at the top.

Be sure that the tops and bottoms of each o touch the guide lines so the letters aren’t “floating”.

Have your child watch the introductory lower case o video included in today’s email.

Use your purple HWT book or download/refer to pages 40 and 41. (attached to today’s email)

Page 40 – Start at the dot. Trace each o, then write your own.

Page 41 – Help your child write the o’s and read the words. Some students will enjoy coloring and decorating the pictures.

Today, your child can choose to create the c and/or o print and fold book.  They are both attached to today’s email.

Math ~

Large and Small Straw Snakes

Give your child a cup of 20 straw pieces (straws are cut into 1-inch pieces) with two pieces of yarn. Tie a plastic needle to the end of each piece of yarn for stringing, or place tape on the end of the yarn to make a “needle”. Children use problem solving skills to figure out how many pieces of straw to string on each piece of yarn in order to make a long snake and a short snake.  **You could also use cheerios or large beads if you have some, especially since it’s Earth Week!

Complete the attached strawberry seed worksheet. Please have your child label the seeds.

Faith Formation ~ Happy Earth Day!

1. If you take a walk today, enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. Optional: You may take a picture of your favorite part of God’s creation and share it with Sr. Juanita (jkialkial@holyrosaryws.org)
2. Optional: Download (you don’t have to print it out) and do the activity  “I Care for God’s Creation”

Science ~ Go on an Earth Day Scavenger Hunt. You can print the attached page or make your own.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 21, 2020 – Tuesday

Pre-K

Literacy ~

Now we will begin working on lower case letters. To kick us off, I ask all students to begin writing their names with just one upper case and the rest lower case letters. Please refer to the lower case letter formation chart that is on page 37 of the purple HWT book and is also attached to today’s email.

As you work with your child to learn these letters, please take the time to help them learn them using proper letter formation. It’s so important as they go forward.

In addition, we will review the letter C today and complete the lower case c pages. (pages 38 & 39 in the purple HWT book).

To get started, I’m including an introductory YouTube video which is attached to today’s email.

Go for a walk in the yard. Look for c items on your walk.

Today’s story –  The Earth Book. This is a perfect book to review setting. Talk about where different parts of the story take place.

If you have Spotify (Apple Music or any form of music streaming) check out Raffi’s Big Beautiful Planet. It’s perfect for the week of Earth Day.

Math ~

Go outside and draw a line with chalk. Have each person start from the line and jump forward. Place a counter (rock, woodchip, or whatever you’ve got) to mark where each person landed. Help measure the distances by taping a string of yarn at the base line, stretching the string to where they landed, and cutting the string at the landing point. Compare jumps and discuss who jumped a longer distance and who jumped a shorterdistance.

Do you have a ruler at home? If so, explain that people use rulers to measure length. Have your child find and sort objects that are longer than, shorter than, or the same length as the ruler. Discuss inches and feet.

Worksheet (attached to email). School of Fish. First, show your child how to draw a fish. Perhaps show them to draw an oval with a triangle for a tail. Talk about organization on the paper. They will count up the fish at the end, so being careful and clear with make this task more attainable. Have your child write the number labels. For example, draw a 5 by the 5 yellow fish etc. Or number each fish.

Faith Formation ~

Catholic Social Teaching – Care for Creation

1. Download the coloring sheet for Earth Day or draw your own.
2. Color the globe using green, brown and blue. (talk about how the blue represents water, etc)
3. Cut around it and display it by your window until the end of the month to remind people of Earth Day.

Science ~ Talk about our planet earth. List some things your family can do to help take care of our earth.

Find some recyclables in the house and have your child make an Earth Day collage. (bread tags, plastic lids, recycled paper, etc…)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 20, 2020 – Monday

Pre-K

Zoom Meeting at 10:00 – Remember that we’ll do this every week, so no worries if you can’t make it. Today, we will tell of one favorite thing to do outside on a sunny day. Have your child be prepared to tell:

~what the activity is

~where you do it

~who you do it with

Literacy ~

We have now completed the introduction of all upper case letters. At this point, to be prepared for kindergarten, your child should be able to:

1) identify upper case letters by:

~you name the letter and your child points to it

~you hold up a letter and your child names it

2) identify the sound(s) that the letter makes

3) be able to form the letter using correct letter formation.

Please review these letters regularly in order for your child to be prepared for kindergarten.

I suggest making a set of upper and lower case alphabet cards to use for review and learning activities. I am including flash cards for you to print and cut out if you’d like, or you can make your own. (Perhaps have your child help with the cutting?)

**For the print version, I tried to select just the upper and lower case cards for you to print, but am having technical difficulties. So… I would say just print the pages you will need. Perhaps pages 5-25. Or, you can simply make your own.

Today, please have your child complete page 35 in his/her HWT workbook.  This is a review of the last 8 letters we learned. Use the Rainbow Letter strategy to get lots of practice.

Play Silly Rhyme ~ Maybe play this while you’re out on a walk? Choose words from the neighborhood. For example, you say “blossom”, your child might say “tossum”, or “branch” – “lanch” etc.

Music ~ If you have access to Spotify/Apple Music, etc, Look for Jim Gill’s – Hands are for Clapping, or Raffi’s – If You’re Happy and You Know It  These favorites are sure to get your child moving!

Today’s story – Knuffle Bunny – We have talked about how a good fiction story will have a problem, and a resolution. What was the problem in Knuffle Bunny?  How was it resolved? Has anything like that ever happened to you? Have you lost something special? Did you find it?

Math ~

Now that we know we will not be returning to the classroom for Pre-K, we will be getting back to our McGraw Hill math program. We have 3 units to cover, and will begin with measurement.

I will also be sending along more packet pages for you to either print or simply have your child do the activity on another piece of paper.

Watch the YouTube video of Measurement intro, which is included in today’s email.

1.Playdoh Ropes

materials: playdoh, 2 coins (identify the coins and their value)

Give your child a ball of playdoh. Have them divide it into 10 equal sized pieces. Have them make five long ropes and five short ropes, one rope per chunk of clay.

Both players flip their coin. If the coins land on different sides, the person with heads takes one long rope. The person with tails takes a short rope. If the coins land on the same side, neither player takes a rope.

After each person has taken 5 ropes, each person joins their ropes to make one continuous rope.

Compare to determine whose is longer and whose is shorter.

2. Packet Page 7 – downloaded and attached to today’s email. As always, you can avoid printing and complete this activity on a blank paper.

Faith Formation ~ We Remember (Review)

1. Start with Angel of God Prayer

Angel of God, my guardian dear

to whom God’s love, commits me here.

Ever this day be at my side

to light, to guard,

to rule and guide. Amen.

2.Download and trace the words to name the four seasons of the Church.

Science ~ Normally, at this time of the year, we do our butterfly unit. The kids just love watching the process. If you would like to do this at home, you can order the larvae and kit on Amazon. I see many options for $20-$25.  (Be sure to get one that includes the habitat cage.) Of course this is totally optional, but guaranteed fun and great learning for your child.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 10, 2020 ~ Friday

Pre-K

Today is Good Friday. We teachers wish you a beautiful day with your children. Know that everyone at Holy Rosary holds your families in their prayers today and every day.

Literacy ~ Fridays are our connection days. Have your child draw an Easter picture for a classmate, teacher, or family member. You can mail, email, or text a photo of it.

Play Silly Rhyme while out on a walk in the yard. For example, blossom – mossum, hummingbird – lummingbird, etc.

Today’s YouTube story is attached to the email. The Golden Egg Book.

Math ~ Backyard Math!  Perhaps before you go out, have your child watch the mini lesson YouTube video attached to today’s email. Then, get your clipboard or notebook and head outside. Review tally marks. Have your child count some items in your yard by using tally marks.

Practice counting by 5s to 20 or higher. (We had just barely touched upon this, so this will be more of an introduction by you.)

Also, continue to practice counting by ones to at least 30.

Second Step ~ Inviting to Play. I am attaching the Home Link to today’s email. Please refer to this download for discussion with your child, but there’s no need to print it.

Faith Formation ~ Pray the Sign of the Cross together or bless your child by tracing a cross on his or her forehead:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Dear Jesus, you died for us on Good Friday and we see how we need you to be with us. On Easter Sunday, you rose from the dead and we are amazed! We praise you and thank you for coming back to life. Because of you, we too can have new life. Amen.

Optional Activity: Easter Maze

Take your child for a walk during Easter week and have her/him point to signs of new life around your neighborhood. Stay well!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 9, 2020 ~ Thursday

Pre-K

Literacy ~

Today is journal day.

This might be a good time to watch the short journaling video that is attached to today’s email.

Please have your child draw a picture “above the line”. When that is complete, ask your child to label the picture with beginning sounds. Help your child to hear the beginning sounds. Refer to the alphabet chart to find and correctly form the letters.

Help your child write a sentence “below the line”. You can work with your child to write a short sentence of his/her choice, or here’s a suggestion:

I like Easter. (Be sure to have your child put the “2 finger space” between words. And don’t forget the punctuation at the end of the sentence.)

Every child is at a different place, and I don’t want anyone to feel pressure here. Please follow your child’s lead.

Feel free to email a picture to me and I’ll write back to your child!

Review Jj.

Review the sound for J by singing our J song.  (/j/ for jellyfish)

J says /j/

J says /j/

Every letter makes a sound

J says /j/

Watch the Easter story sent along with today’s email.

Math ~ Since we are so close to Easter,  I think it would be fun to do some Egg Counting and Number Recognition today.

Gather 20 plastic eggs (Or substitute any item here if you don’t have eggs)

Practice counting using 1:1 correspondence – (move each egg as you count it)

Make some number cards, labeled 0-20. You can make these on index cards or similar sized cut papers (perhaps have your child help you with the cutting?)  Hold up a card. Have your child count out that many eggs. Continue doing this with different numbers.  This will help your child with both number recognition and counting.

Additional plastic egg activities:

Place small items (goldfish, cheerios, etc) in each egg. Have your child choose an egg and count the items inside.

Now, put a number card in each egg. Have your child choose an egg and identify the number inside.

Just for fun, now take the eggs out to the yard for a practice egg hunt.

OPTIONAL –

In addition, I am sending along our entire April packet of math pages. Your child has already completed pages 1-9. The rest are optional. Definitely DO NOT print this whole packet. Many of the pages are duplicates with slight variations. This is for those of you who would like to have your child complete some of these pages during break next week.

Faith Formation ~

Triduum blessings! We are now entering into the three most important last days of Jesus’ life on earth called TRIDUUM. It starts on the Last Dinner of Jesus and his first friends and ends on Easter. Today remember this event as you lead or say together the prayer before meals, maybe at dinnertime.

Bless us O Lord, and these thy gifts which we are about to receive from thy bounty. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 8, 2020 ~ Wednesday

Pre-K

Literacy ~

Review J

Please have your letter formation chart handy for reference.

Please be sure your child is forming the letters properly:

Big line down, curve

Little line across the top

Refer to your Alphabet Print/Fold MiniBook download from a couple of weeks ago. (Let me know if you would like me to resend it.)   If you have access to a printer, please print page 15, the J page. You can then fold the page to make a J book. Have your child illustrate the booklet and then read it to you. Remember to point out spacing between the words. Have them touch each word as they read it to/with you.

Go for a walk outdoors in the yard. Look for J items on your walk.  Do you have a clipboard or tablet? Record the J words if possible.  What might this look like? You could assist your child in writing the words, or he/she could draw pictures of the items to record them.

Phonemic Awareness – Phonemic awareness is the ability to identify, think about, and manipulate sounds in spoken speech.  It is a really important piece in building your child’s reading foundation.

Today, begin with a rhyming song –Enjoy Raffi’s, Down By the Bay. (Spotify, Apple Music, etc. Or you can Google it) Talk about the silly rhyming in the song. Here are the words in case you’d like them:

Down by the bay.
Where the watermelons grow.
Back to my home
I dare not go.
For if I do
my mother will say,
“Did you ever see a cat wearing a hat?”
Down by the bay.

Down by the bay.
Where the watermelons grow.
Back to my home
I dare not go.
For if I do
My mother will say,
“Did you ever see a goat rowing a boat?”
Down by the bay.

Down by the bay.
Where the watermelons grow.
Back to my home
I dare not go
For if I do
my mother will say,
“Did you ever see a frog walking a dog?”
Down by the bay.

Down by the bay.
Where the watermelons grow.
Back to my home
I dare not go.
For if I do
my mother will say,
“Did you ever see a bear combing his hair?”
Down by the bay.

Down by the bay
Where the watermelons grow
Back to my home
I dare not go
For if I do
my mother will say,
“Did you ever see a llama wearing pajamas?”
Down by the bay.

Down by the bay.
Where the watermelons grow.
Back to my home
I dare not go.
For if I do
my mother will say,
“Did you ever see a dragon pulling a wagon?”
Down by the bay.
Down by the bay.

Now play your own game of Silly Rhyme. Maybe begin with J words and your child can rhyme from there? Example: You say “jungle”, they say “rungle”

Math ~

April Math Packet

Page 9 – Flower Garden – First, show your child how to draw a simple flower if he/she doesn’t know how. Draw the flowers, and number each flower. Have your number formation chart nearby for reference. Talk about more vs. less.

Watch the YouTube video that I’m sending today (in the email). Have some fun with a T chart.

Faith Formation ~

Read: Jesus is Risen! From the handout or

Watch the video: The Easter Story (4:13 mins)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3UKd6LQKng

Do the Ask Me Questions and close with asking your child,  “How would you feel if you saw the Risen Jesus?”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 7, 2020 – Tuesday

Pre-K

Literacy ~

Keep practicing name writing, including first and last name. Remind your child about correct pencil grip.

Review the letter J.

View the J video that is attached to today’s email.

Purple HWT book. Please have your child complete page 34, the J page. (Or refer to page 4 of the HWT packet that you received via email attachment.)

Be sure that the little line across the top just one solid line, not two line fragments going out from the middle.

Have your child complete this practice page, using Rainbow Letters.

Go for a walk in the yard. Look for J items on your walk.

Read a fiction story. Was there a problem in the story? How was it resolved?

Math ~

April Packet

Page 7 – Egg Baskets – Talk about more vs. less.  Be sure to number the eggs to practice number writing.

Page 8 – Egg Patterns – Talk about the shape of eggs – Oval. Talk about what would be a good size for drawing each egg in order to have space on the paper to complete the pattern. Have him/her repeat the pattern at least 3 times.

Does your neighborhood have bears in windows? I’m guessing that the answer is yes. If you can, go for a walk and tally bears. When you’re done, talk about groups of 5. (4 straight tally marks plus the slash.) Count by 5s to total the bears.

Faith Formation ~

Download cross template or draw a cross to color. You may use watercolor if available. Put your work in a special space in your room.

Science ~

Baking Soda & Vinegar Volcano

Use baking soda and vinegar to create an awesome chemical reaction! Watch as it rapidly fizzes over the container and make sure you’ve got some towels ready to clean up.

What you’ll need:

• Baking Soda (make sure it’s not baking powder)
• Vinegar
• A container to hold everything and avoid a big mess!
• Paper towels or a cloth (just in case)

Instructions:

1. Place some of the baking soda into your container.
2. Pour in some of the vinegar
3. Watch as the reaction takes place!

4. If you want to get creative, you and your child can make a container to look like a real volcano. Perhaps playdoh around a cup? Or, I’ve seen this done in a hollowed out apple.

What’s happening?

The baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a base while the vinegar (acetic acid) is an acid. When they react together they form carbonic acid which is very unstable, it instantly breaks apart into water and carbon dioxide, which creates all the fizzing as it escapes the solution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 6, 2020 – Monday

Pre-K

Zoom Meeting at 10:00 – We’ll try to do this every week, so no worries if you can’t make it. Today, please have your child bring a favorite toy. Have them be prepared to tell:

-What it is

-What he/she likes to do with it

-What letter it begins with

Literacy ~

Introduce J. Is it a consonant or a vowel? (consonant) Brainstorm a list of J words. You can write the words or your child can. Have your child draw a picture of each item like we do in class.

Go out in the yard and search for J items.

Play Silly Rhyme ~ Think of Easter words and have your child make up a silly word that rhymes with your word. For example, you say, “bunny”, he/she might say, “lunny”, etc.

Music ~ If you have access to streamed music, today, your child may enjoy Jim Gill’s Jump Up, Turn Around song.

Today I am sending along a little Easter story. The link is in the email. After listening to the story, talk about the characters in the story.

Math ~

Shape Scavenger Hunt – Get a piece of thick paper, (an old cereal box or something from recycle?) and cut out shapes:

Square, triangle, rectangle, circle, oval, diamond, (add more if you’d like). Put them in a paper bag. Go outside. Have your child pull a shape out of the bag and try to find it.  You could take a picture of the item found? Draw the item? Etc.

April Packet – If you don’t have this packet, and don’t have access to a printer, no worries. You can easily have your child complete these tasks on blank paper. Just look at the downloaded packet to see each activity/directions.

Page 5 – Egg Hunt – Please have your child number each egg to practice number writing. Looking for a challenge?  Your child can include the addition equation.

Page 6 – Wiggly Worms – Again, have your child number each worm. Have your number writing chart nearby for reference.

Faith Formation ~

This Holy Week if possible, create a prayer corner at home if you don’t have one already. You might place a candle on the table, or set a cross in front of you. Invite your child to join you in quietly preparing for prayer.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Today I pray for _____________ that he/she/they will feel better. In Jesus name. Amen.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Science ~

Color Mixing Magic Milk Experiment –

You will need:

A rimmed plate or shallow pan (pie plate?)

Milk

Food coloring

q-tips

dish soap

Pour about 1/8” of milk in the pan. Add a few drops of food coloring (yellow and blue might be a good place to start?)

Dip the Q-tip in dish soap. Use the Q-tip to stir around the milk to eventually figure out which color it will make.

Try it again with different colors! Have your child predict what color will be created.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 3, 2020 ~ Friday

Pre-K

Happy Friday! Today, as with all Fridays during the closure, will be a less structured day.

Literacy ~

Fridays are our connection days. Have your child draw a picture for a classmate or teacher. You can mail, email, or text a photo of it.  (Do you still have the class roster? If not, let me know and I can mail it over)

Read together. Perhaps an Easter story?

Math ~

Backyard Math!  Get your clipboard or notebook and head outside. Review tally marks.  How is that going? Have your child keep track of the following by recording with tally marks.

Find 10 rocks

Find 10 flowers

Find 10 leaves

We have touched upon counting by 10s. Today would be a great day to review this and practice with your child.

Also, continue to practice counting by ones to at least 30.

I’m also including a little math lesson video in today’s email.

Science / Art ~ Make your own chalk/paint today with just cornstarch, water, and food coloring:

1. Add one cup of water to one cup of cornstarch.
2. Mix until there are no clumps of cornstarch and then pour the mixture into the cups of muffin tins or into small plastic containers.
3. Next add a few drops of food coloring to each cup and mix until blended.

That’s it! Have fun decorating some rocks outside in the sun today.

Second Step / Faith Formation ~

Today’s Second Step Lesson is Having Fun with Friends

It’s obviously not a great time for this lesson, but to cover our full curriculum, I’m sending it and hope that you can discuss it with your child. We’ll review it once we’re together again. (I suggest that you download this attachment and discuss it with your child, but don’t see any reason to print it.)

Focus on warm fuzzies. Challenge your child to give 10 today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 2, 2020 ~ Thursday

Pre-K

Literacy ~

Today is journal day.  You will use the new blue journal that was in your packet. (Or, if you weren’t able to pick it up, please get a piece of blank white paper. Draw a line about 2/3 of the way down, across the paper horizontally.)  Please have your child draw a picture “above the line”. When that is complete, ask your child to label the picture. For example, write an H by house, D by dog, etc. We have worked a lot on this, as you will see in the orange journal.  Help your child to hear the beginning sounds. Refer to the alphabet chart to find and correctly form the letters. We normally draw the picture with crayon and write the words with pencil. Be sure your child is using the correct pencil grip. (pinch and flip)

Help your child write a sentence “below the line”. You can work with your child to write a short sentence of his/her choice, or here’s a suggestion:

I like  to________________________.

Every child is at a different place, and I don’t want anyone to feel pressure here. Please follow your child’s lead.

Feel free to email a picture to me and I’ll write back to your child!

Review Tt.

Review the sound for T.

Do you still have your playdoh? Make some playdoh letters today.

Enjoy the Peppa Pig Easter story sent along with today’s email.

Math ~

April Packet

Page 3 -Egg Patterns – Have your child complete the pattern.

Extensions:

Talk about the shape of the eggs (oval vs. circle)

Label each egg to practice number writing

Count the eggs and write the total

Write an equation – Blue eggs + green eggs =

Page 4 – Butterfly Life Cycle – Talk about symmetry. Explain that the wings need to be the same on each side.

Do you have sidewalk chalk? If so, draw shapes on your sidewalk. (circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, diamond, star) Have your child jump to the circle. Skip to the oval. Hop on the diamond. Gallop to the rectangle. Etc…

Faith Formation ~

I’ve sent along the weekly SEEDS pamphlet with today’s email. I recommend that you NOT print this, but download it and share the picture on the cover with your child. Discuss Palm Sunday.

Sing the following song:

If you’re happy and you know it, shout, “Hello!”

If you’re happy and you know it, shout, “Hosanna!”

If you’re happy and you know it, shout, “Welcome, Jesus!”

Say: Thank you, Jesus for your love. Amen.

In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 1, 2020 ~ Wednesday

Pre-K

Literacy ~

Review T

Brainstorm T words

Either your child can dictate the words to you and you write them, or you can assist your child in writing them.

Please have your letter formation chart handy for reference.

Please be sure your child is forming the letters properly:

Big line down

Little line across the top

Last week, I emailed a pack of letter booklets.  If you have access to a printer, please print page 26, the T page. You can then fold the page to make a T book. Have your child illustrate the booklet and then read it to you. Remember to point out spacing between the words. Have them touch each word as they read it to/with you. (If you don’t have a printer, have a look at how the pages are set up and help your child to make your own T book.)

Go for a walk outdoors in the yard. Look for T items on your walk.  Do you have a clipboard or tablet? Record or tally the

T words if possible.

Here’s a verbal sound game that is great for developing your child’s reading brain, and is also fun.  Here’s an example:

You – “Say Bear”

Child – “Bear”

You – “What’s the first sound that you hear?”

Child – “/b/”

You – “What letter is that?”

Child – “B”

I’m sending along a little video of an Elephant and Piggy book today. Have your child watch the video and talk about how Elephant felt at different points in the story.

Math ~

 April Math Packet (If you were able to swing by school, this packet should have been included in your bundle. If not, I’m attaching the packet to today’s email for you to refer to.) I know that some of you don’t have printers or prefer not to print, which I totally understand. Any of these activities can also be completed on a blank piece of paper or notepad. Feel free to modify! Especially now that it’s April, when we celebrate Earth Day.

1.Egg Hunt – Be sure to have your child label to get extra number writing practice!

2.Egg Baskets

Listening Walk ~ Go out into the yard and just sit and listen to the sounds. Have some fun with sounds patterns. For example:

Chirp, chirp, bark – chirp, chirp, bark…

You could tally the different sounds that you hear? (birds, vehicles, lawnmowers, hammers, dogs barking…)

Number Writing Packet – optional practice

Faith Formation ~

Begin with a prayer of thanksgiving.

In preparation for Palm Sunday, choose one of the following activities:

Choice 1

1. Trace your palm and cut the handprint out. Color it green.
2. Glue it on to a popsicle stick or any stick available at home.
3. With your parents’ help write: HOSANNA! Welcome Jesus!
4. Save it for use on Palm Sunday to welcome Jesus as you watch virtual Palm Sunday Mass with your family.

Choice 2

1. Print out Palm Sunday worksheet. See attached.
2. Color the palm leaf green.
3. Color HOSANNA with your favorite color.
4. Save it for use on Palm Sunday to welcome Jesus as you watch virtual Palm Sunday Mass with your family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2020 – Tuesday

Pre-K

Literacy ~

Write your name. First name followed by a 2 finger space, then last name.

Review the letter T.

View the video that is attached to today’s email.

Purple HWT book. Please have your child complete page 33, the T page. (Or refer to page 3 of the HWT packet that you received via email attachment.)

Be sure that the little line across the top just one solid line, not two line fragments going out from the middle.

Have your child complete this practice page, using Rainbow Letters.

Go for a walk in the yard. Look for T items on your walk.

Read a fiction story. Perhaps one with a character whose name begins with T?
Who was your favorite character? Why?

Math ~

With your clipboard or tablet, go for a walk in the yard. Set up a T chart with 2 columns (a line down the middle of the paper vertically). Label one side pink flowers, and the other side yellow flowers. Help your child tally and record the flowers in each column.

Play “What’s the Missing Shape”. Cut out a square, rectangle, triangle, circle, oval, and diamond. Have your child identify the shapes. Put 3 shapes on a tray, showing them to your child (or plate, floor – anywhere) and cover them with a blanket or towel.  Pull one shape away. Remove the towel/blanket and show your child the tray and have him/her figure out which one is missing. Try this with more than 3 shapes once he/she gets the hang of it.

Choose any of the final pages of the March math packet for your child to complete. (As always, some kids will love this and want to complete all of them, and some will prefer not to do any. No pressure. We want to provide plenty of options, but not add stress to your family at this time.)

Faith Formation ~

Special thanks to Sister Juanita who has been sending along Faith Formation lessons during this time.

Share this week’s gospel story with your child:

One Sunday, Jesus stopped outside the city of Jerusalem. He asked two disciples to bring him a donkey and her colt. Jesus’ friends put their cloaks over the animals. Jesus rode the donkey into the city of Jerusalem. People came out to welcome him and shouted: “Hosanna! Hosanna, Jesus!”

People put their cloaks on the road. Others cut branches from the trees and put them on the road too. They shouted: “Hosanna! Hosanna, Jesus! You come in God’s name.”

VIDEO: A Praise Parade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq64oLGugp8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 30, 2020 – Monday

Pre-K

Zoom Meeting at 10:00 – We’ll try to do this every week, so no worries if you can’t make it.

For today’s meeting, please have your child plan to introduce his/her favorite stuffed animal. Let’s try to have each child show the animal and tell what kind of animal it is and what it’s name is?

Literacy ~

Introduce T. Is it a consonant or a vowel? (consonant) Brainstorm a list of T words. You can write the words or your child can. Have your child illustrate each word like we do on our large letter each week.

Play Silly Rhyme ~ you say a word and your child says a silly word that rhymes with it. Your child should be able to explain this to you.  For example, you say “bubble”,  your child says “hubble”, etc. If you have a toy microphone at home, that would make it extra fun.

Go out in the yard and search for T items.

Read a story. Perhaps you can find one with a T word in the title? Or a character whose name begins with T? Talk about the setting, where the story takes place.

Math ~

March Packet

Page 20 – March Sky. How is number writing going? Be sure to have your child label the numbers of each item.

Page 21 – St. Patrick’s Party.  Have your child number each cookie.

Faith Formation ~

This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday. Each day, take some time for the following prayer:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Thank you Jesus for _____________________________________.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 27, 2020 ~ Friday

Pre-K

Fridays are our less structured days. As always, please pick and choose which activities work best for you and your child. The last thing I want to do is create more stress in your family. Many of these activities are modified versions of what we would be doing in school. I apologize for the heavy presence of worksheet type activities.  All activities are for you to pick and choose from or modify to suit your child. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at any time with questions as to how to make this work smoothly.

Literacy ~

Write your name.

Fridays will be our connection days. Have your child draw a picture for a classmate or teacher. You can mail, email, or text a photo of it.  (refer to the roster sent last week – if you don’t have it, email me and I can resend)

Read a book together. Perhaps a non-fiction book today? Talk about fiction vs. non-fiction.

Math ~

Backyard Math!  Get your clipboard or notebook and head outside. Review tally marks.  Have your child keep track of the following by recording with tally marks.

Find 20 flowers

Find 20 leaves

Have some fun creating equations. For example: 3 rocks + 3 leaves = how many items altogether? You can have your child record these, or just do it verbally.

Second Step / Faith Formation ~

Focus on warm fuzzies. Challenge your child to give 10 today!

Here is a link to some good information for parents/children regarding Covid19:

https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirus

Perhaps include an extra prayer today for all of the healthcare workers doing so much right now for others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 26, 2020 ~ Thursday

Pre-K

Literacy ~

Today is Toa’s birthday!  Rather than our normal journal writing, let’s draw a picture and write a little note to Toa. Have your child label his/her picture. Please text a picture of this to Toa’s mom, Betty if you are able (her phone number is included in the email today). This will help make the day special for Toa!

Review Ii.

Sing ~

I says /i/

I says /i/

Every letter makes a sound

I says /i/

Check out Kiboomers on Spotify (or similar), The Phonics song.

Listen to our Ice Cream story (YouTube link). Talk about problem in the story. How was it resolved?

Have your child re-read his/her I booklet from yesterday. Be sure to have her/him touch each word while reading. Count the words on each page.

Do you have access to streamed music (Spotify or similar)?  Check out Jim Gill – Poison Ivy – It’s a favorite!

Math ~

March Packet

Page 18 – Too Many Snakes – Have your child label the number by the snakes. For a challenge, write the equation.

Page 19 – Kite Flying – Again, write the number by the kites. Add the equation if your child would like a challenge.

Since it’s I week, I would suggest going out to the backyard. Find some insects! Review tally marks. Help your child tally how many insects he/she found. Write the total.

Number Writing Packet – optional practice

Second Step ~

Fair Ways to Play

I am attaching the “Home Link” to today’s lesson in the email. I don’t think you necessarily need to print this. Just share it with your child and talk through the activity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 25, 2020 ~ Wednesday

Pre-K

Literacy ~

Write your name.

Remember 2 finger space before last name

Please refer to your alphabet chart for correct formation

Review Ii.

Is it a vowel or a consonant?

Which other letters are vowels?

Sing ~ (tune- 3 blind mice)

I says /i/

I says /i/

Every letter makes a sound

I says /i/

Brainstorm I words

If your child is willing to write the words, great. If not, he/she can dictate them to you. Then, have your child draw a small illustration to go with the word.

*Please be sure your child is forming the letters properly:

Big line down

Little line across the top

Little line across the bottom

Attached to today’s email is a packet of letter booklets. If you have access to a printer, please print page 13, the I page. You can then fold the page to make an I book. Have your child illustrate the booklet and then read it to you. Remember to point out spacing between the words. Have them touch each word as they read it to/with you.

Go for a walk outdoors. Look for I items on your walk.  Do you have a clipboard or tablet? Record the I words if possible.

Read a fiction story.
Was there a problem in the story? Discuss how it was resolved.

Math ~

Math Packet

Page 16 – Watch for Snakes

Page 17 – Dice Toss (I’m hoping that everyone has a dice in another game?) This is a great time to practice number writing.

Outside Movement Patterns

Children do clap, snap, pat, stomp, jump rhythms. For example, AB patterns would be “clap, stomp, clap, stomp…” or “clap, pat, clap, pat…” ABC patterns would be “clap, pat, jump, clap, pat, jump…”

Number Writing Packet – optional practice

Science ~

Did you get a chance to check out the myplate website? It’s surprising how many vegetables we are supposed to eat each day. Remind your child of this, and refer to the plate on the website if you can. Here is a song for you to sing together:

(tune: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)

Carrots, Peas, and Broccoli,
Vegetables are good for me.
For my snack and in my lunch,
Veggie sticks are great to munch.
Carrots, Peas, and Broccoli,
Vegetables are good for me.

Faith Formation ~ 

Begin in prayer:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Dear Jesus, our friend and our God,

please help us be kind and loving to others even when it is hard.

Please give us courage. Amen.

Song: (Tune of “The More We Get Together”)

The more we love each other, each other, each other.

The more love each other like Jesus we’ll be.

For Jesus is my friend and Jesus your friend.

The more we love each other like Jesus we’ll be.

Gospel: Matthew 26: 17 – 35

You may read the story from your Bible or from the first page of the activity sheet, and/or watch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd14X4PBm90

Activity: Use the second page of the Activity Sheet. Just pick one activity to do.

• Ask your child to retell the story
• Ask the “Ask Me!” questions and review the answers.

– What did Jesus do with his friends the night before he died?

– Why did Jesus wash the Apostles’ feet?

• Looking at the pictures, point to the items that would have been in the room where Jesus and his friend had the Special Dinner. Pick one and tell how it is part of the Last Supper.

Reminder: Be extra kind to others and show love just like Jesus.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you showed us that we should help one another.                                                Give us the courage to follow your example,                                                                                  and help us grow in our love for you. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 24, 2020 – Tuesday

Pre-K

Literacy ~

Write your name. First name followed by a 2 finger space, then last name.

Review the letter I.  Remind your child that I is a vowel, so it makes more than one sound:

I as in ice

/i/ as in insect

Please refer to page 2 of the Handwriting Without Tears packet (HWT) that you received via email attachment last week, or if you have your book now, page 32 in the purple book.  Please have your child complete page 32, the I page. Show him/her how to properly form the letter:

Big line down

Little line across the top

Little line across the bottom

Be sure that the little lines are just one solid line, not two line fragments going out from the middle. Does that make sense? If not, let me know and I’ll clarify.

Have your child complete this practice page, using Rainbow Letters (ask your child to explain) to get the most out of the page.

Go for a walk outdoors. Look for I items on your walk.

Read with your parents. Read a fiction story.
Who was your favorite character? Why?

Math ~

Math Packet

Page 13 – What looks like a rhombus?

Page 14 – What looks like an oval?

Page 15 – Flying High

go for a walk:

how many daffodils (any flower) did you find? Keep track via tally marks

Faith Formation ~

daily prayer

Encourage your child to give 10 warm fuzzies today. Maybe you (or your child) want to tally them?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 23, 2020 – Monday

Pre-K

Zoom Meeting at 9:00

Literacy ~

Write your name.

Introduce I. Talk about the fact that it is a vowel, and the vowels are the “stars of the English language”. Remind them that all English words have a vowel in them! Brainstorm a list of I words. You can write the words or your child can. Have your child illustrate each word like we do on our large letter each week.

Go for a walk outdoors. Look for I items on your walk.

Listen to the Pete the Cat story that I sent. Ask your child, “Who was your favorite character? Why?”

Math ~

Math Packet

Page 10 –  Kite Patterns – First, show your child how to draw a kite. (draw a cross, then have them connect the points) Remind them to keep the kites small so there is plenty of room to create a complete pattern.

Page 11 –  Weather Patterns

Page 12 – Disregard – this is a repeated page. Sorry!

If the weather permits, go for a walk and find:

20 fern leaves

3 insects

12 car wheels

Faith Formation ~

daily prayer

continue to give “warm fuzzies” during Lent

Science ~

We had started a nutrition unit. I suggest referring the the My Plate website. It’s full of great resources.

https://www.choosemyplate.gov/browse-by-audience/view-all-audiences/children

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 20, 2020 ~ Friday

Pre-K

I’m thinking that we’ll structure Fridays a bit more loosely. As always, feel free to share your feedback. It’s really appreciated! And of course, do what feels right. I think it’s really important to maintain peace and balance right now. If your child needs a break, follow their lead. All of this can be done at any time, and of course you can pick and choose.

I’m so sorry that these kids can’t play together right now. I am attaching our class roster. Perhaps today is a good day to spend some time chatting with a friend? FaceTime maybe?

Literacy ~

Write your name.

Fridays will be our connection days. Have your child draw a picture for a classmate or teacher. You can mail it or email a photo of it.  (roster attached)

Read a book together. Perhaps a fiction book today? Talk about fiction vs. non-fiction.

Math ~

Today, let’s take math outside. Do you have a notebook or clipboard you could use? I hadn’t yet introduced the concept of tally marks, so today is the day! Please explain tally marks and show that the fifth one is the slash.  Talk about counting by 5s once you’ve tallied up the items.

Find 20 pebbles

Find 20 flowers

Find 20 leaves

Have some fun creating equations. For example: 5 pebbles + 4 leaves = how many items altogether? You can have your child record these, or just do it verbally.

Number Writing Packet – optional practice

Second Step / Faith Formation ~

For today, please review warm fuzzies vs. cold pricklies. Ask your child to try to give 10 warm fuzzies today! Maybe you even want to do something like we do at school, where your child gets to put a sticker on a special paper for warm fuzzies around the house?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 19, 2020 ~ Thursday

Literacy ~

Write your name.

Today is journal day.  Please get a piece of blank white paper. Draw a line about 2/3 of the way down, across the paper horizontally.  Please have your child draw a picture “above the line”. When that is complete, help him/her write a sentence “below the line”. You can work with your child to write a short sentence of his/her choice, or it can be an I like___________. sentence. Remember the 2 finger spaces between words.

Feel free to email a picture to me and I’ll write back to your child!

Review Aa.

Sing ~

A says /a/

A says /a/

Every letter makes a sound

A says /a/

If you got a chance to make the playdoh yesterday, this is a great time to make some playdoh As! Get creative. You and your child can even spell out words, form the A words with the playdoh, etc.

Math ~

March Packet

Page 7– Double Your Luck –Be sure to have your child label each pot. Review equal. (Add the equation if your child is interested 7+7=14)

Page 8 – optional

Page 9 – Weather Patterns

go for a walk and find:

20 signs of spring!

Number Writing Packet – optional practice

Second Step ~

We have been working on learning how to calm down.

Review steps to calming down with your child:

Say, “Stop”

“I’m feeling _________________”

Put your hands on your tummy.

Belly breaths (in through your nose, out through your mouth)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 18, 2020 ~ Wednesday

Cooking ~ Make a batch of playdoh with your child, if possible. Have him/her help you measure, stir and knead.  You will use this later for your letter work. (and for a lot of entertainment during the closure). The recipe is also on our preschool web page.

Playdough Recipe

½ cup salt

2 ½ cups flour

1 T cream of tartar

2 cups boiling water

3 T cooking oil

*mix dry ingredients

*combine oil and water

*add food coloring

*stir until it becomes a ball

*when it cools, knead on floured surface

Enjoy!

Literacy ~

Write your name.

Remember 2 finger space before last name

Please refer to your alphabet chart for correct formation

Review Aa.

Is it a vowel or a consonant?

Which other letters are vowels?

Sing ~ (tune- 3 blind mice)

A says /a/

A says /a/

Every letter makes a sound

A says /a/

Brainstorm A words

I would say follow your child’s lead on this. If he/she is willing to write the words, great. If not, you can dictate them, no problem. (This is what we normally do at school on the large letter.) Then, have your child draw a small illustration to go with the word.

Go for a walk outdoors. Look for A items on your walk.

Read a fiction story.
Was there a problem in the story? Discuss how it was resolved.

Check out TumbleBooks, available on the Seattle Public Library website. If you have a library card, you can access this amazing resource

Math ~

Math Packet

Page 5 – Leprechaun Coins – like yesterday, please have your child label each number. (Add an equation if your child is interested)

Page 6 – Partly Cloudy – again, please have your child use his/her number writing skills to label

go for a walk and find:

10 yellow flowers

5 white flowers

4 white cars

Number Writing Packet – optional practice

Faith Formation ~

 Lesson 16 – Jesus Cares for His Friends

-attached to today’s email. (You can choose to print this or not.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 17, 2020

Literacy ~

Write your name. Don’t forget the two finger space. This is a good time to get back to working on last names again. Please refer to your letter formation chart.  It is important to take the time now to form each letter correctly.

Introduce Aa. Talk about the fact that it is a vowel. Review all vowel letters (A, E, I, O, U, and sometimes Y). Remind your child that vowels make more than one sound. Talk about the main two sounds that A makes:

/a/ as in apple

a as ape

Please refer to page 1 of the Handwriting Without Tears packet (HWT).  Please have your child complete page 1, the A page. Show him/her how to properly form the letter, starting at the top. Have him/her complete this practice page, using Rainbow Letters (ask your child to explain) to get the most out of the page.

Go for a walk outdoors. Look for A items on your walk.

Read a fiction story. (check out TumbleBooks – I have included the link on our main webpage)
Who was your favorite character? Why?

Math ~

Math Packet

Pages 3 – Pots O’ Gold – Be sure to talk about “quality work”. Have your child write the number of coins in each pot. Looking for a challenge? Have your child include the equation (example, 8+9=  )

Page 4 – Lucky Boy – Talk about more/less. Again, have your child write the number of coins each child has.

go for a walk and find:

10 daffodils

4 blossom trees

3 red cars

Faith Formation ~

Talk about St. Patrick. Identify Ireland on a map or globe.

daily prayer

continue to give “warm fuzzies” during Lent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday, March 16

Dear Pre-K Families,

Today we begin our online learning. Please bear with me as I make modifications going forward. For now, my hope is to keep things as familiar as possible. Please feel free to contact me with feedback as to how this is going, suggestions, etc.

Attached to this note is our March math packet for you to download and print. I’ll be assigning pages throughout the closure.

I’ll be emailing our daily plans out each morning.

Remember that I’m available to you each day. Just send me an email anytime. And don’t forget about the FaceTime offer. Just email me and we can set up a time.

I am seeing lots of online resources.  I’m going to send one, which is a free Scholastic link, which has some simple books along with follow up activities for you to enjoy with your child.

https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html

Do you have access to Spotify or Apple Music? If so, I am sure that your child would love to sing and dance to some of our favorite songs by Jim Gill.

Thank you for your patience during this time. I miss your children very much and am so sad that we are not together right now.

Love to all,

Tauna

****************************************************************************************************************************************

March 16, 2020 – PLANS FOR THE DAY

Literacy ~

Write your name. Don’t forget the two finger space. This is a good time to get back to working on last names again. Please refer to your letter formation chart.  It is important to take the time now to form each letter correctly.

Review S. Brainstorm a list of S words. You can write the words or your parent can. Illustrate each word like we do on our large letter each week.

Go for a walk outdoors. Look for S items on your walk.

Read with your parents. Read a fiction story.
What was the problem? How was it resolved?

Math ~

Math Packet (emailed as attachment)

Page 1 – Leprechaun Shoes – draw the leprechaun shoes. Label how many shoes are in each circle. Write the total number of shoes.

Page 2 – Kite page  – label how many kites are yellow and how many are blue?

practice number writing with your packet that was sent home last week. (If you don’t have it, that’s okay. Please assist your child with number writing 0-9)

go for a walk and find:

20 daffodils

10 pink flowers

10 cars

Faith Formation ~

daily prayer

continue to give “warm fuzzies” during Lent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 13, 2020

Dear Pre-K families,

During the closure, lessons will be emailed to you on each class day.

Contact me anytime!

Hugs to all,

Tauna

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 9, 2020

Dear Families,

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, U, V, W, X, Y, Z, C, O, Q, and G.  Our letter of the week is S. Please brainstorm words that begin with S at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the S practice page at home.

Math: Students will extend simple patterns by predicting what comes next.

Your child should have brought home his/her number writing packet.  Please keep these and have your child continue to practice via “Rainbow Numbers” (ask your child to explain)  Thank you!

Faith Formation: We will talk about Lent and how during this time, we will be working extra hard to be loving and kind to family and friends. We have a cross posted in the classroom, so when someone gives or receives a “warm fuzzy”, they can honor it with a sticker.

Science:  We will begin a 2 week mini-unit focusing on nutrition this week.  In case you are interested in some great nutrition information, check out www.choosemyplate.gov.  It is an excellent resource for families.

Snack:

3/9 –    Hudson                         3/16 –  Kalea

3/10 – James                          3/17 –  Lewis

3/11 –   Jonah                           3/18 – Mable

3/12 – Kai                               3/19 – Natalie

3/13 – NO SCHOOL               3/20 – Raphael – (morning class)

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Friday, March 13 – No preschool

Friday, March 20 – Morning Preschool  – 8:30 – 11:30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 2, 2020

Dear Families,

Classroom Activities:

 Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)  Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, U, V, W, X, Y, Z, C, O, and Q. Our letter of the week is G. Please brainstorm words that begin with G at home with your child Wednesday night and we will put them on our chart on Thursday. Please assist your child in completing the
G practice page at home.

Math: We have almost completed the learning of number writing. I do suggest that you continue to practice at home. We are now getting back to our McGraw Hill curriculum and move into Chapter 8, which will focus on patterns. In addition, we will begin our March math packets.

Faith Formation:   Children will learn that we  can be forgiving and be peacemakers. They will show ways to make peace as we act out classroom and playground situations.

Second Step: We will continue to discuss Managing Anger.

Snack:

3/2 –    Annemarie        3/9 – Hudson

3/3 –    Carmen             3/10 – James

3/4 –    Eleanor             3/11 – Jonah

3/5 –    Freya               3/12 – Kai

3/6 –    Gus                  3/13 – NO SCHOOL – Archdiocesan Inservice Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 24, 2020

Dear Families,

Classroom Activities:

This week, we will do a mini author study on Dr. Seuss, as we honor him on the date of his birthday, March 2.  We will enjoy as many of his books as possible.

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, U, V, W, X, Y, Z, C, and O. Our letter of the week is Q. Please brainstorm words that begin with Q at home with your child Wednesday night and we will put them on our chart on Thursday. Please assist your child in completing the Q practice page at home.

Math: We will continue working on number writing this week.

Faith Formation: We will talk about Ash Wednesday and Lent season. Children will learn about Jesus making good choices in the desert and how we follow him by making good choices during this Lenten season.

 Second Step:  Our topic this week is Managing Disappointment.

*When you don’t get what you want, you can feel disappointed.

*Belly breathing calms down strong feelings.

*Belly breathing pushes the belly out when you breathe in .

Science: We will continue our study of dental health.  On Wednesday, we will walk to Westside Children’s Dentistry. Please turn in your permission form on Monday if you have not done so already.

Snack:

2/24 – Sosie               3/2 – Annemarie

2/25 –  Toa                  3/3 – Carmen

2/26 – Torin               3/4 – Eleanor

2/27 – Vincent                        3/5 – Freya

2/28 – William                       3/6 – Gus

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Water Bottles – Please be sure to send one to school with your child each day. Please be sure it has a non-spill top. Thanks!

 Please mark your calendar:

Wednesday, February 26 – Field Trip to Westside Children’s Dentistry.

Friday, March 13 – NO PRESCHOOL – Archdiocesan Teacher Inservice day

Friday, March 20 – MORNING PRESCHOOL – Pre-K will meet from 8:30 – 11:30.

Preschool Summer Camps –

Preschool Summer Camps – This year, we will offer two summer preschool summer camps.  These will be for children ages 4 and 5, entering Pre-K or kindergarten in the fall. Sara and I will be teaching and would love to have your children join us.  Sign ups will be coming out soon, but for now, here are the dates:

Session #1 – June 15 – 19, 9:00-1:00

Session #2 – June 22 – 26, 9:00-1:00

Sign ups will be posted in the eFC either this week or next week. The eFC comes out at 11:00 on Thursdays and sign ups will be first come, first served.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 19, 2020

Dear Families,

Classroom Activities: 

 Handwriting Without Tears (HWT) – Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, U, V, W, X, Y, Z, and C. Our letter of the week is O. Please brainstorm words that begin with O at home with your child Wednesday night and we will put them on our chart on Thursday. Please assist your child in completing the O practice page at home.

Math: We will continue to work on number writing over the next 2 weeks.

Science – February is Dental Health Month.  We will be learning about dental hygiene and health over the next two weeks. Next Wednesday, 2/26, we will be walking to Westside Children’s Dentistry. You will find a permission waiver in your child’s filer on Wednesday.  Please return it by Friday. My apologies for the short turn-around!

Second Step – Our topic this week is Naming Feelings.

Children will be able to:

1. Name their feelings in response to scenarios
2. Demonstrate how to calm down in response to scenarios

Faith Formation– Children will learn that many different people help in the Church: lectors, ushers, music ministers, altar servers at Mass. They will recognize their own God – given talents and share how they can use them to help others.

Snack:

2/17 – No School            2/24 – Sosie

2/18 – No School            2/25 – Toa

2/19 – Ryan                    2/26 – Torin

2/20 –    Seamus              2/27 – Vincent

2/21 –  Sebastian             2/28 – William

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Preschool Summer Camps – This year, we will offer two summer preschool summer camps.  These will be for children ages 4 and 5, entering Pre-K or kindergarten in the fall. Sara and I will be teaching and would love to have your children join us.  Sign ups will be coming out soon, but for now, here are the dates:

Session #1 – June 15 – 19, 9:00-1:00

Session #2 – June 22 – 26, 9:00-1:00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 10, 2020

Dear Families,

On Friday, we will celebrate Valentine’s Day. Your child may bring his/her valentines in on Thursday or Friday and distribute them into the valentine bags in the back classroom upon arrival at school on Friday morning. Our party will take place on Friday morning (MORNING CLASS THAT DAY) at 11:10.  All are welcome!

I will be gone on Friday. Sara and Sister will teach the P2 class that morning, and Tammy and Mrs. Rodland, who frequently substitutes in the Big School, will teach Pre-K. So sorry for the inconvenience.

Classroom Activities:

Sign-in Change – We felt that last name writing was causing frustration for some of the children.  We have decided to back up a step and have the children write their first name followed by a 2 finger space, followed by just the first letter of their last name. It is more important that the letters are formed correctly (refer to alphabet chart) and that the space is there. We’ll return to last names in a few weeks. Thank you for your patience with this.  (If your child is comfortable writing his/her last name, he/she can absolutely continue to for signing in if desired.)

 Handwriting Without Tears (HWT) – Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, U, V, W, X, Y, and Z. Our letter of the week is C. Please brainstorm words that begin with C at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the C practice page at home.

Rainbow Letters – Remember that a great way to reinforce correct letter formation is to trace over each with several different colors of crayons. (starting at the top – please refer to letter formation chart)

Math: We will work on number writing over the next 2 weeks.

Social Studies – We will discuss President’s Day.  We will learn about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

Second Step – Our topic this week is Naming Feelings.

Children will be able to:

1. Name their feelings in response to scenarios
2. Demonstrate how to calm down in response to scenarios

Faith Formation – Children will continue to discover that Jesus teaches about love. We will do a review on the Golden Rule. They will be introduced to the Ten Commandments.

Snack:

2/10 – Kalea                2/17 – No School

2/11 –   Lewis               2/18 – No School

2/12 –  Mable               2/19 – Ryan

2/13 – Jonah               2/20 – Seamus

2/14 –  Raphael            2/21 – Sebastian

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Friday, February 14 – Valentine Party – 11:10– All are welcome!

Wednesday, February 26 – Walking field trip to Dr. Tweedy’s office. Permission waivers and chaperone requests will be sent home soon.  (12:10 – 1:00)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 3, 2020

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, U, V, W, and X, and Y. Our letter of the week is Z. Please brainstorm words that begin with Z at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the Z practice page at home.

Math: We will begin working on number writing this week.

Faith Formation: Children will learn how we live like Jesus as we discover the meaning of community.

Snack:

2/3 – Gus                                 2/10 – Kalea

2/4 – Hudson                            2/11 – Lewis

2/5 – James                             2/12 – Mable

2/6 – Jonah                              2/13 – Natalie

2/7 – Kai                                  2/14 – Raphael

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Please mark your calendar:

February 14 – Valentine Party – 11:10 – Feel free to join us!  Thank you to Stephanie S.  for organizing!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 27, 2020

February will be a busy month.  We will begin with Catholic Schools Week and will then focus on Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, and toward the end of the month, dental health.

Our sign in sheets now include last names. Please don’t feel pressure about this. The idea is to expose the children to their last names, and hopefully they will be comfortable writing it independently by kindergarten.

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, U, V, W, and X. Our letter of the week isY. Please brainstorm words that begin with Y at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the Y practice page at home.

Math: We have started small group math stations. The children have done an amazing job of managing the transitions from station to station!

Faith Formation: Children will reflect on and talk about their own families, and will learn about Jesus’ family, the Holy Family.

Snack:

1/27 – William                       2/3 – Gus

1/28 –  Annemarie       2/4 – Hudson

1/29 –  Carmen             2/5 – James

1/30 – Eleanor             2/6 – Jonah

1/31 –   Freya               2/7 – Kai

Valentine’s Day is coming up quickly!!  We will be decorating special valentine bags in class to hold all of our valentines.  On the morning of February 14^th, please send in a card for each student in class. They may be labeled with each child’s name (or not). ( If labeled, it’s more challenging for the kids to find each person’s box/bag.) We have a total of 22 children in our class.  Our party will begin at 11:10 (morning class day).  Parents are welcome to join us.

Enjoy the week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 21, 2020

We will begin signing in with both first and last names next week (1/27).  I might suggest introducing your child to writing his/her last name at home this week. Please don’t feel pressure about this. We’ll practice for a couple of months, and all last names are on the form for the children to refer to.

Classroom Activities:

Our songs, stories, and poems will focus on winter and hibernating animals.

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, U, V, and W.

Our letter of the week is X. Please brainstorm words that begin with X at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the X practice page at home.

Math: We will continue working on counting objects and number identification. We will work in small groups playing number games, working with manipulatives, and completing math packet activities.

Second Step: Naming Feelings.

Science: Hibernation

Faith Formation: Children will discover that Jesus teaches about love. They will also learn that we can show love in many different ways.

Snack:

1/20 – No School          1/27 – William

1/21 –  Vincent              1/28 – Annemarie

1/22 – Toa                    1/29 – Carmen

1/23 – Torin                 1/30 – Eleanor

1/24 – Sosie                 1/31 – Freya

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Valentine Party – Our Valentine party will be held on Friday, February 14.  Please have your child bring a valentine for each classmate.  Rather than writing the names of each recipient on each card, it might be easier to simply have your child sign his/her own name.  This makes the process more pleasant for the children both during the making of the cards and during passing out.

Have a wonderful week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 13, 2020

Classroom Activities: 

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, U, and V.

Our letter of the week is W. Please brainstorm words that begin with W at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the W practice page at home.

Second Step: This week, we will discuss Strong Feelings.

Children will be able to:

1. Recognize and name when they or others are feeling frustrated
2. Demonstrate putting their hands on their tummies and saying “Stop”

Math: 

We will  work on ordering numbers and number recognition.  Children will put number cards in sequence and count manipulatives to match the numbers.

Faith Formation: Children will discover that Jesus teaches about love. They will also learn that we can show love in many different ways.

Snack:

1/13 – Natalie       1/20 – No School

1/14 – Raphael     1/21 – Sosie

1/15 – Ryan           1/22 – Toa

1/16 –  Sebastian  1/23 -Torin

1/17 – Seamus      1/24 – Vincent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 6, 2020

Happy New Year!  We would like to welcome two new students to our class. Sebastian and Jonah will both join us beginning on Monday, January 6.

Classroom Activities: 

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, and U.

Our letter of the week is V. Please brainstorm words that begin with V at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the V practice page at home.

We will begin a mini-unit focused upon the story, The Mitten.  Through this study, we will discuss story elements such as plot and character, as well as continuing to focus on comprehension strategies.

Second Step: Our topic this week is “Caring and Helping”.

*When you feel empathy for someone, you can show them you care

*You can show you care by saying something kind or doing something helpful

Math: We will begin Chapter 4, Shapes.

Faith Formation: Children will identify one of the special seasons of our liturgical year, the Epiphany. They will begin to understand the story of the Holy Family of Jesus, Joseph and Mary, and the Magi’s visit. They will learn that Jesus was a child like them.  We will be visiting the Nativity Scene over at the church as a part of this lesson.

Snack:

1/6 –   James         1/13 – Natalie

1/7 –   Kai             1/14 – Raphael

1/8 –   Kalea          1/15 – Ryan

1/9 –   Lewis          1/16 – Seamus

1/10 – Mable         1/17 – Sebastian

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 16, 2019

CLASSOOM ACTIVITIES

Tuesday – Preschool Holiday Program!  Doors will open at 6:00.  Be sure to have your child in room 1A in the Big School between 6:15 and  6:20.  (Please keep your child with you until this time) Please have your child wear his/her holiday attire for the event.

Many thanks to those who are helping bake cookies, set up, clean up, etc!

Wednesday – Field trip to Brookdale at Admiral. We will sing our holiday songs for the residents and share cookies with them. There is a cookie baking sign up for this event in our foyer. PLEASE BE SURE TO SEND A BOOSTER SEAT FOR THIS TRIP.

Thursday – Our wonderful room mom, Stephanie S. has planned a Christmas party for the children on Thursday, 12/19 at 2:40. So many thanks to her for always being so generous and giving to our class.

Morning Pre-K on Friday! – Friday will be a busy day, as both the P2 and Pre-K classes will be in session at the same time. There will definitely be a different feeling in the air with a lot of Christmas energy and extra bodies. Please mention this to your child so they don’t feel overwhelmed upon arrival…

ARRIVAL – We will have 30 children arriving at 8:30 this morning.  Feel free to drop your child off any time between 8:30 and 8:45 to avoid confusion.

Literacy: We will practice our reading skills through poetry and will also enjoy lots of Christmas stories. The second graders will be coming down for to share Christmas stories with your children. This is always a very special event.

Second Step: We will continue to place stars on our Advent candles in honor of classmates who have been making positive choices.

Faith Formation: Children will learn the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and Jesus’ birth in a stable, and about welcoming others.

Math: We will complete our December math packets this week.

SNACK SCHEDULE

12/16 – Carmen

12/17 – Eleanor

12/18 – Freya

12/19 – Gus

12/20 – Hudson

Extra News and Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, 12/17 – Holiday Program – 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, 12/18 – Caroling and Cookies at Brookdale at Admiral –

Thursday, 12/19 – Pre-K Christmas Party at 2:40.  Feel free to join us!

Friday, 12/20 – Morning Pre-K – 8:30 – 11:30

Friday, 12/20 – Cocoa and Cookies at Hotwire – 10:00 (Thank you, Hart family!)  PERMISSION WAIVERS DUE MONDAY, 12/16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 9, 2019

Classroom Activities:

HWT:  Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, and L.

Our letter of the week is U. Please brainstorm words that begin with U at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the U practice page at home.

Our stories, songs, and poems will focus on the letter U and Christmas.

Second Step: We will continue to focus on The Golden Rule. The children have been enjoying placing stars on our Advent Candle in honor of classmates who have been extra kind.

Math: We will work in our December math packets this week.

Faith Formation:  Children will learn to tell the Christmas story. They will learn about Angel Gabriel announcing the birth of Jesus to Mary.

Much of our time will be spent preparing for the show.

Snack:

12/9  – Toa                               12/16 – Carmen

12/10 – Torin                           12/17 – Eleanor

12/11 – Vincent                                    12/18 – Ryan

12/12 – William                                   12/19 – Gus

12/13 – Annemarie                   12/20 – Hjudson

Extra News and Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, 12/17 – Holiday Program – 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, 12/18 – Caroling and Cookies at Brookdale at Admiral – please return permission waivers ASAP

Friday, 12/20 – Morning Pre-K – 8:30 – 11:30

Friday, 12/20 – Cocoa and Cookies at Hotwire – 10:00 (Thank you, Hart family!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 2, 2019

Happy December!  We will be very busy over the next 2 weeks preparing for our holiday show.

On Wednesday, 12/18, the day after the show, we will be traveling to Admiral Brookdale for caroling and cookies. This is such a sweet event. I’ll be sending home permission waivers early next week. We will be looking for several chaperone/drivers to join us. (Safe Environment training must be complete)

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, and K.

Our letter of the week is L. Please brainstorm words that begin with L at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the L practice page at home.

Our stories, songs, and poems will focus on the letter L and Christmas.

Second Step: We will use this week to review some of our recent lessons.  In addition, we will focus on The Golden Rule and treating others with love and kindness during this holiday season.  We will begin adding  “Warm Fuzzies” to a special Advent chart.

Faith Formation: We will begin to talk about Advent. Children will discover that the Church uses colors to mark time of the Church Year.

Math: We will continue Unit 3 this week, titled Position and Direction.

Snack:

12/2 – Natalie             12/9 – Toa

12/3 – Raphael              12/10 – Torin

12/4 – Ryan                 12/11 – Vincent

12/5 – Seamus                        12/12 – William

12/6 –  Sosie              12/13 – Annemarie

 Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

 Tuesday, 12/17 – Holiday Program – 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, 12/18 – Field Trip to Admiral Brookdale for caroling and cookies

Friday, 12/20 – Morning Pre-K – 8:30 – 11:30

Friday, 12/20 – Cocoa and Cookies at Hotwire – 10:00 (Thank you, Hart family! Parents of William in P3 and Mackenzie in Kindergarten)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 18, 2019

Hello Pre-K families!

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, and H.

Our letter of the week is K. Please brainstorm words that begin with K at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the K practice page at home.

Math:  We will continue to work on Chapter 3 – Position and Direction.

Faith Formation: Children will learn that Mass or Eucharist means “Thanksgiving”. Children will discover ways of thanking God and will name some of the good things God has done for them.

Second Step: This week, we will focus on accidents. Concepts covered include:

*An accident is when you do something you didn’t mean to do.

*When you do something by accident, it’s important to say it was an accident so others don’t think you did it on purpose.

Holiday Program –We will begin preparing for our upcoming production.  We will devote some time at the beginning and end of class each day to practice our songs and actions.

Snack:

11/18 –  James             12/2 – Natalie

11/19 – Kai                   12/3 – Raphael

11/20 – Kalea                12/4 – Ryan

11/21 –  Lewis               12/5 –  Seamus

11/22 – Mable               12/6 –  Sosie

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

****Morning Preschool – Friday, December 20 – 8:30 – 11:30.

Have a wonderful week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 12, 2019

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R and N, and M.

Our letter of the week is H. Please brainstorm words that begin with H at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the H practice page at home.

Second Step:  We will continue to talk about feelings.

Faith Formation: Children will be encouraged to express one way someone shows love to them and one way to show love to someone else.

Math:  We will continue to work on accurately counting objects using one to one correspondence, while also continuing to practice our sorting skills..

Social Studies– We will begin to learn about the first Thanksgiving.

Science:  We will do a mini unit on BATS over the next 2 weeks.

Snack:

11/11 – No School         11/18 – James

11/12 – Eleanor              11/19 – Kai

11/13 – Freya               11/20 – Kalea

11/14 – Gus                  11/21 – Lewis

11/15 – Hudson            11/22 – Mable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 4, 2019

Hello Pre-K families!

Many thanks to Sosie’s mom, Stephanie, for planning and hosting a wonderful Halloween party for the children.  She always goes above and beyond and it is so appreciated!

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R and N.

Our letter of the week is M. Please brainstorm words that begin with M at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the M practice page at home.

Math:Students will sort objects by more than one attribute and explain the sorting rule. We will continue to work on accurately counting objects using one to one correspondence.

Science :Leaves

Faith Formation: We will learn about how Jesus healed the sick and will relate with how parents care for them. They will share ideas on how to care for others and to pray for people who are sick.

Food Drive:We will begin our food drive this week. This will be incorporated into many areas of our curriculum, including Faith Formation, math, and literacy.

Snack:

11/4 – Torin                             11/11 –  NO SCHOOL

11/5 –   Vincent                                    11/12 – Eleanor

11/6 –   William                                   11/13 – Freya

11/7 –   Annemarie                    11/14 – Gus

11/8 –   Carmen                         11/15 – Hudson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 28, 2019

Thank you to everyone who brought cookies for the firefighters or drove and chaperoned on Wednesday.  The kids loved it!

 Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, and R.

Our letter of the week is N. Please brainstorm words that begin with N at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the N practice page at home.

Science: We will complete our mini unit on pumpkins this week.

Second Step: Our topic this week is Identifying Anger.

Children will be able to:

1. Identify the feeling mad/angry when presented with physical clues.
2. Tell others about a time when they felt angry.

Math:  Children will use manipulatives to solve problems.  They will use sorting, classifying, and counting to complete problems.

Faith Formation: We will talk about Saints. Children will learn about  All Saints Day and All Souls Day celebration.

We are hoping to have a very special visit from our 4^thgrade saints on Friday, All Saints Day.

Snack:

10/28 –  Raphael                       11/4 –  Torin

10/29 –  Ryan                           11/5 –  Vincent

10/30 –  Seamus                       11/6 –  William

10/31 –  Sosie                          11/7 –  Annemarie

11/1 –   Toa                              11/8 –  Carmen

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Library Books – We visit the library each Monday.  Please be sure to return your books weekly.  There are a few children with several books at home.  Please search around and return them by this Monday. Thanks!

Halloween Party – We will have our small Halloween celebration on Thursday, October 31 from 2:40-3:05. Many thanks to Stephanie S. for organizing! Feel free to send your child in his/her costume!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 21, 2019

Hello Pre-K families!

Classroom Activities:

Literacy: This week, we will continue to focus on fire safety and Halloween.

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, and B.

Our letter of the week is R. Please brainstorm words that begin with R at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the R practice page at home.

Science: This week, we will focus on pumpkins.  We will observe the insides and outsides of pumpkins.  We will learn about the life cycle of a pumpkin as well.

Math: We will continue sort items into specific categories and will also practice counting using 1:1 correspondence.

Faith Formation: We will talk about the Golden Rule. Children will be encouraged to name at least one rule at home or at school and share how they follow this rule.

Second Step: We will continue to discuss feelings. The concept covered this week is:

Focusing attention on what is happening, or the situation, can help you tell how someone is feeling.

Snack:                           

10/21 – Kalea                                 10/28 –  Raphael

10/22 – Lewis                                10/29 –  Ryan

10/23 – Mable                               10/30 –  Seamus

10/24 – Owen                                10/31 – Sosie

10/25 – Owen                                11/1 – Toa

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Each Thursday, one child will be celebrated as our star.  You will receive a note with instructions and a big, yellow star to decorate one week before your child’s celebration day. The dates have been pre-selected. They are posted on the bulletin board in the foyer, in case you would like to know in advance when your child’s day is.  The kids just love this!  Our first star will be Annemarie!

Fire Station – We will head to station 29 on Wednesday, 10/23. We will leave school at about 12:25 and return by 1:30. I will send out the carpool list on Tuesday. Just a reminder to drivers that due to the 25 person limit at the fire station, parents will not be able to attend the actual presentation in the station. My apologies for this.

Field trips are great days to wear the red Holy Rosary School t-shirts.

Halloween Party – We will have a short party on Thursday, 10/31 at 2:40. Many thanks to Sosie’s, mom, Stephanie, for organizing this special event! Children are invited to wear their costumes to school that day if they would like to.

Picture Re-takes– If you would like to have your child’s photo retaken, or if you missed the first date, feel free to stop by the big school on Thursday morning between 8 and 10 for photos.

Happy week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 14, 2019

Classroom Activities:

Literacy: Our stories, poems, and songs will focus on Fire Safety and Halloween this week.

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D and P.

Our letter of the week is B. Please brainstorm words that begin with B at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the B practice page at home.

We will enjoy lots of Halloween fiction stories and will also be reading non-fiction books about fire safety.

Math: We will continue to work on sorting and classifying items.

Second Step: Our topic this week is, “Identifying Feelings”. The concept taught will be that you can look at people’s faces and bodies for clues to help you tell how they feel.

Faith Formation:  Children will learn about Church and Eucharist as they listen to the story of Loaves and Fishes. They will share how they participate in caring for others.

Snack:

10/14 – Freya               10/21 – Kalea

10/15 – Gus                  10/22 – Lewis

10/16 – Hudson            10/23 – Mable

10/17 – James            10/24 – Owen

10/18 – Kai                  10/25 – Owen (trade)

Library: The children have been loving our Monday visits to the library in the Big School.  Please be sure to return all books by Monday, at the latest, of each week.

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, October 23 – Field Trip to Fire Station 29. We will leave school at 12:25 and return by 1:30 at the latest. (If you volunteered to bring cookies, please send them on a paper plate or in a container that you don’t need back.) Thank you!

Thursday, October 31– Halloween Party – We will have a short party at 2:40. Many thanks to Stephanie S, for organizing this special event!

Happy week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 7, 2019

Classroom Activities:

Literacy: Our stories, poems, and songs will focus on Fire Safety and Fall this week.

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, and D.

Our letter of the week is  P. Please brainstorm words that begin with P at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the P practice page at home.

Math: We will begin chapter 2 of our math program.  Students will observe and identify likenesses and differences in objects’ attributes.  They will sort objects by one and two of these attributes and tell why objects do or do not belong to a group.

Second Step: This week’s lesson is titled, “Asking for What You Need or Want”. The concept introduced will be to ask for what you need or want, face the person you are asking, and use a respectful voice.

Faith Formation:This week we will continue learn about Prayer. Children will identify the many ways to pray. They will listen to the Our Father prayer. They will also learn simple ways to pray in their own way.

Library:  Please return all books by Monday of each week (or any day before).

Snack:

10/7 – Vincent                          10/14 – Freya

10/8 – Annemarie                    10/15 – Gus

10/9 – Carmen                         10/16 – Hudson

10/10 –  Eleanor                       10/17 – James

10/11 –  No School                    10/18 – Kai

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events: 

Thank you to Stephanie S. for volunteering to be our room mom once again!

Fire Station Field Trip – Wednesday, October 23 at 12:45. Please return you child’s permission waiver ASAP. Thanks to everyone who has volunteered to drive. I want to let you know that the fire department has a 25 person limit per tour. So… Most of our parent drivers will have to wait outside during the tour.  I’m so sorry for this!   Please let me know if this information changes your RSVP to drive.

Would you like to bring cookies as a thank you for the firefighters?  We’ll have a sign up in the foyer next week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2019

October is Fire Safety Month. Over the next couple of weeks, we will discuss fire safety in addition to fall.  Please see information below regarding our upcoming fire station field trip.

Classroom Activities:

Literacy – Our stories, songs, and poems will focus on the letter D, fall, and fire safety.

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F and E.

Our letter of the week is D. Please brainstorm words that begin with D at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the D practice page at home while also working on writing his/her name the “Pre-K Way”. Thank you for taking the time to work on this at home.

For the letter homework, I suggest “Rainbow Letters”, where your child traces the letter over and over using different colored crayons. This way, he/she can get a lot of practice out of that one page.  No need to return it to school unless your child would like to.  In that case, just place the paper in the turn in basket in the foyer and we’ll put on a sticker and note and return it.

Math: This week, we will begin to discuss Problem Solving.  In addition. We will continue to review attributes, while focusing on counting and basic patterning.

Second Step: The lesson is Following Directions. We are learning to listen, follow directions, and repeat directions to remember what to do.

Faith Formation:This week, your child will be introduced to Jesus and the prayer he taught us.

Library Books:  Please return books any time by or before Monday of each week.

Snack:

9/30 – William

10/1 – Seamus

10/2 – Sosie

10/3 – Toa

10/4 – Torin

 

10/7 – Vincent

10/8 – Annemarie

10/9 – Carmen

10/10 – Eleanor

10/11 – No School

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events: 

Field Trip – We will have our first field trip on Wednesday, October 23.  We will tour Fire Station 29 (in Admiral). Next week, you will find a permission waiver in your child’s filer. If you would like to drive/chaperone, please indicate it on the form. Remember, you must have completed Safe Environment Training before volunteering or driving.

Room Parent– We are in need of a room parent for our class.  Basically, tasks include coordinating some very simple parties, and our Easter egg hunt. Please email me if you are interested.

Registration Information – INCOMING KINDERGARTENER OR NEW PRESCHOOLER?

September 15th-November 15th is the priority application period for parish and current school families for next school year (September 2020-June 2021).  Even if you are a current PreK student at Holy Rosary Preschool, you must apply if you would like to enroll your PreK student into Kindergarten at Holy Rosary School.  Our K-8 School is a different program from our Preschool.  Applications are due for Kindergarten and New Preschool students.  Holy Rosary prioritizes siblings, but we cannot allocate a spot for your student if we do not have an application by November 15th.  Our Fall Open House is November 2nd, 10am-1pm.  Any questions, please contact admissions@holyrosaryws.org – Thank you!

Friday, 10/4– I want to let you know that next Friday, 10/4, for the first time in ten years, Sara and I will both be gone. Sara is taking her daughter to visit colleges, and I will be traveling back to Parent Weekend at my children’s college. Tammy, Sister, and a substitute will be in charge.

Sharing Shelf:  Pre-K students are now able to bring items for the  “Sharing Shelf”.  This takes the place of “Show and Tell”.  Here’s how it works:

~children bring something that they would like to display for the day (this varies greatly!  ( a doll, Lego creation, rock, book, etc)

~they put it on the special shelf (back by the snack tables) in the Rainbow Room when they arrive at school

~the item is on display, but not played with, during the day

~your child will bring the item home at the end of the day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 23, 2019

The year is off to a great start!  These adorable children are working hard to learn our classroom rules and are settling into our routines. We teachers are enjoying them very much and look forward to a wonderful year together.

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

We will continue to work on proper pencil grip at school and encourage you to do the same at home. We will sing our song “Where Do We Start Our Letters?” often so that the children become automatic in forming each letter from the top.

This past week, we introduced our first letter, which was F.  Wow! The kids did a great job.  We will now focus on one letter each week. Our letter of the week isE. Please brainstorm words that begin withEat home with your child on Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the E practice page at home (you will find this in your child’s filer) while also working on writing his/her name the “Pre-K Way” (correct letter formation and starting at the top). Thank you so much!. Your support at home really makes a big difference.

Math: We will review the attributes of color, shape, and size.  In addition, we will focus on quantity.

Second Step: This week’s lesson is Following Directions. We are learning to listen, follow directions, and repeat directions to remember what to do.

Faith Formation: Children will learn that God made each of us and loves us.

Science– We will continue to discuss trash/compost/recycle.

Adventure Backpack: Beginning this week, each child will have the opportunity to bring home the Adventure Backpack.  This is a backpack with two dolls (Jack and Jill) that get to spend the night at your house. Before returning to school the next day, we ask your child to draw a picture and to dictate to you some of the adventures. At school, they get to share the journal entry with the class. The kids love this!

Library: Remember to turn in all library books by Monday (or anytime before)

 Snack:  Please provide snack for 22 children.  Given the early start time and early lumch, they are pretty hungry by snack time.  If there is leftover food after snack, we will send it back home with your child. Thank you!

9/23 – Mable

9/24 – Natalie

9/25 – Owen

9/26 – Raphael

9/27 – Ryan

 

9/30 – Sebastian

10/1 – Seamus

10/2 – Sosie

10/3 – Toa

10/4 – Torin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 16, 2019

What a wonderful start to our Pre-K year! The children are already working hard to become familiar with our classroom routines and rules. What a darling group! We teachers are looking forward to a fantastic year together!

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

This week we will work with “wood pieces”. Children learn through consistency. The Wood Pieces allow children to build their capital letters (with the exception of J and U) using 4 basic shapes. By using the Wood Pieces, we can build strong foundation skills for the letter memory, orientation, and sequencing.  The children will also begin working in their HWT student books.

We are working on name writing.  You will receive an alphabet letter formation chart in your child’s filer.  Please use this to guide you as you assist your child at home.  Correct letter formation is very important, so please note the formation on the chart.  We will be focusing on starting our letters at the top.

Math: Our first several math lessons will focus on attributes.  Last week, we reviewed colors and described objects with a focus on color.  This week, we will work on shape identification.

Science:  We will review and practice composting and recycling.

Second Step: The concept introduced this week is that following Listening Rules helps everyone learn.

Faith Formation: Children will learn that God created everything. They will be able to name/draw one thing they love about God’s creation.

Library:  We will be visiting the library at the big school each Monday.  Your child will check out one book each week. Please be sure to have your child return his/her book by Monday of each week in order to get a new one.  You can also return books any time before that.  There is a blue bin in the foyer labeled LIBRARY.

Sharing Shelf: In place of Show and Tell, we have a Sharing Shelf in Pre-K.  You will find this shelf back in our “Rainbow Room” (back classroom) near the block area. Children are able to bring a special item of their choice to display on the shelf for the day. No one will touch or play with it, and it will be taken home at the end of the day. I will explain it this week, and the children can begin to bring items at any time. (Some students will bring an item most days, and some may never bring one – this is completely optional.)

Picture Day: As you know, Individual Picture Day is this Tuesday, 9/17.  We will walk up to the “Big School” for our photos shortly after arrival at school.  Please be sure to either send the payment envelope with your child on Tuesday, or order online. Class photos will take place in the spring.

Snack:

*22 students – a sample snack might include, grapes, cheese slices, and crackers

9/16 – Hudson                 9/23 – Mable

9/17 – James                  9/24 – Natalie

9/18 – Kai                      9/25 – Owen

9/19 – Kalea                   9/26 – Raphael

9/20 – Lewis                   9/27 – Ryan

The monthly snack calendar is also posted on the bulletin board in the foyer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 9, 2019

Welcome to our first week of Pre-K.  We are so excited to teach your darling children! It’s going to be a great year!

Classroom Activities– Our themes for September are Friends and Getting to Know You. This first week, we will primarily focus on establishing and reviewing Pre-K routines, re-familiarizing ourselves with the environment, and becoming acquainted or re-acquainted with each other. You will find a description of our activities according to subject area beginning in next week’s letter.

Individual Picture Day– Tuesday, September 17, shortly after we arrive at school. You will receive an order form next week or you can order online. (see school id # in the eFC)

SNACK – (22 students)

9/9 – Annemarie

9/10 – Carmen

9/11 – Eleanor

9/12 – Freya

9/13 – Gus

 

9/16 – Hudson

9/17 – James

9/18 – Kai

9/19 – Kalea

9/20 – Lewis

We can’t wait to get started on Monday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 10, 2019

Dear Families,

Thank you all for a wonderful year!  We have just LOVED your children so much.  Thank you for sharing them with us!

Snack:

6/10 – LyraBess

6/11 –   Mackenzie

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Home Reading Books – Please return all books by Monday, 6/10.

Library Books – Please find and return any books still out.

Tuesday, June 11 – Last day of preschool. Ice cream social and special slide show at 2:15 upstairs in the Parish Center. Thanks to Marianne for creating the slide show and to everyone who is bringing goodies for the ice cream social! All parents and siblings are invited.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 3, 2019

Dear Families,

Happy last full week of school. It’s really unbelievable that we are here already.  I have adored your precious children this year and will miss them so very much…  Seriously. What a special group of children and parents!!

Thanks to all of you for your amazing support over the course of the year.  Extra thanks to Kelly P. for hosting such incredible parties for the children throughout the year! Wow. The kids loved each event!

We will focus on friends and looking ahead to kindergarten.  What a perfect time to treasure each other and our wonderful preschool friends.  We hope that you will be able to make it to our ice cream social and slide show next Tuesday.  The children will sing a couple of songs for you in honor of friends, followed by a slide show of our year together. Huge thanks to Marianne for creating this wonderful slide show!

Classroom Activities:

Literacy – In addition to reviewing the roles of author and illustrator, and the concepts of fiction vs. non-fiction, we will discuss conflict and resolution within stories. We will also be reviewing our vowel sounds via songs and chants.

Math– We will complete our addition and subtraction unit.

Faith Formation: This is the final week of our Faith Formation class. We will go over what we learned this year. Children will share what they like best in our Faith Formation class.

Science:Our caterpillars are now in the chrysalis stage. We will keep an eye on them this week as they progress through their metamorphosis to butterflies.

Snack:

6/3 – Lilly

6/4 – Lochlan

6/5 – Lucy

6/6 – Luke P.

6/7 – Luke Y.

6/10 – LyraBess

6/11 –   Mackenzie

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Thursday, June 6 – Field trip to South Alki.  We’ll plan to be on the road by 12;15 and back to school by 2:45. (sooner if it rains)  Please have your child wear waterproof shoes.  Rubber boots are great for tidepools… Please be sure to send a booster seat to school with your child.  Thank you to those of you who are able to drive and chaperone. I will send the carpool list out prior to the trip.

Tuesday, June 11 – Last day of preschool. Ice cream social and special slide show at 2:15 upstairs in the Parish Center.  All parents and siblings are invited.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 28, 2019

Dear Families,

Please be sure to turn in your yearbook pages in order for us to have time to print them. Thank you!  Let’s try to have them turned in by Thursday, May 30 at the latest. This way, we will have time to print them.

Classroom Activities:

Literacy – In addition to reviewing the roles of author and illustrator, and the concepts of fiction vs. non-fiction, we will discuss conflict and resolution within stories. We will also be reviewing our vowel sounds via songs and chants.

Math– We will continue our addition and subtraction unit, and our May math packets.

Faith Formation: Children will learn about God the Holy Spirit. They will recognize that God loves us so much that the Holy Spirit lives in each of us.

Science: We will learn about the life cycle of butterflies, while beginning our ocean unit.

Second Step:

*Learning Traffic Safety

*Learning Fire Safety

Snack:

5/27 – No School         6/3 –  Lilly

5/28 – Henry               6/4 –  Lochlan

5/29 – Isabelle            6/5 –  Lucy

5/30 – Jillian              6/6 –  Luke P.

5/31 – Julie                6/7 – Luke Y.

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Monday, 5/27 – No School – Memorial Day holiday

May 31 – All library books due

Tuesday, June 11 – Last day of Pre-K.  Please join us for a slide show and ice cream social if you are able.  We will meet in the Parish Center at 2:00.

There is a sign up sheet in the foyer if you would like to contribute some treats for the social.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 20, 2019

We are creating Pre-K yearbooks. We will be placing a blank yearbook page in your child’s filer. Please assist your child in writing his or her name in the top section and decorating the page, including photos.  We ask that these be returned byTuesday, May 28. This will give us plenty of time to print them and have them ready for you by the last day of school. Please see the sample yearbooks in the foyer to view example pages.

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

We will continue to work in our lower case alphabet booklets this week.

As we continue to review our letter identification and formation, we will also focus on letter sounds, particularly the vowel sounds. If you would like to stop by after class one day, I would be happy to give you a quick demo on some effective strategies for reading predictable or phonetic books with emergent readers.

Math:  We will begin our introduction to addition and subtraction unit. The children will use manipulatives to create addition and subtraction models.

Science: We will learn about the life cycle of butterflies

Faith Formation: This week our lesson will focus on Jesus’ “good-bye” to his friends as he ascended to his Father in Heaven and children will be reminded that Jesus Christ will come again at the end of time. They will learn that sometimes good friends have to be apart but can still be friends and remember one another.

Second Step:  We have three more lessons which we will complete over the next weeks. They include:

*Learning Car Safety

*Learning Traffic Safety

*Learning Fire Safety

Snack:

5/20 – Aiden           5/27 – No School

5/21 – Amelia          5/28 – Henry

5/22 – Duke            5/29 – Isabelle

5/23 – Ellie             5/30 – Jillian

5/24 – Griffin         5/31 – Julie

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Library Books – Please find and return all library books.  All books will be due by May 31. Thank you!.

Friday, 5/24 – Morning Class – 8:30-11:30 (The P2 class will be in session at the same time)

Monday, 5/27 – No School – Memorial Day holiday

Tuesday, June 11 – Last day of Pre-K.  Please join us for a slide show and ice cream social if you are able.  We will meet in the Parish Center at 2:00. Many thanks to Molly’s mom, Marianne, for creating our slide show! (We will have a sign up in the foyer in early June in case you’d like to bring goodies for the party)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 13, 2019

Dear Families,

Classroom Activities:

Literacy:

As we continue to review our letter identification and formation, we will also focus on letter sounds. I encourage you to play sound games with your child as you are driving, walking, etc. For example, “Say bug. What is the first sound you hear? What letter do you expect? What is the next sound you hear?” Etc… Many of our children are still learning the vowel sounds. I would place your emphasis here, as this will enable them to continue on the path toward reading.

Home Reading: Our home reading program begins next week.  This is an optional opportunity for your child to check out and bring home a book each night.  Most of the books are geared toward emergent readers, so are short and have predictable patterns.  You will find a bag for your child and the tubs of available books in our foyer next week.

Math:    We will spend this week reviewing number writing and counting carefully while demonstrating 1:1 correspondence.  I highly encourage everyone to practice this at home.  Please remind your child to touch and move each object while counting.  I hope to have everyone counting objects comfortably to 20 at this point.  Of course, this can be practiced at any time, as you can count foods, stones, shells, Legos, etc.

Faith Formation: Children will listen to the story of Jesus as a Good Shepherd and discuss how much Jesus loves and cares for each of us. They will identify people who take good care of them like Jesus.

Snack:

5/13 – Noelle              5/20 – Aiden

5/14 – Rachael            5/21 –  Amelia

5/15 – Sawyer                        5/22 –  Duke

5/16 – Thomas                        5/23 – Ellie

5/17 – Zoe                  5/24 – Griffin (morning class)

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Library Books – Please look around the house for any books that have not been returned. All books will be due in the next couple of weeks.

Thursday, June 6 – Field Trip to South Alki – We will leave HRS at 12:15 and will return to school by 3:00.  You will find a permission waiver in your filer for both this trip and the Husky trip. Please return them ASAP.

Friday, 5/24 – Morning Class – 8:30-11:30

Friday, 5/31 – Walking trip to Husky Deli.  Thank you Hart family!

Monday, 5/27 – No School – Memorial Day holiday

Tuesday, June 11 – Last day of Pre-K.  Please join us for a slide show and ice cream social if you are able.  The tentative time is 2:00.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 6, 2019

Dear Families,

Friday is our Mother’s Tea.  We will spend much of this week preparing as we practice our songs and poem, bake, and complete projects.  The children are so excited! They are looking forward to dressing up in “tea party” attire and honoring their lovely moms. We will begin at 1:00 in the Parish Center. (doors will open by 12:45) The event should take about 30 minutes.

There is an RSVP form in the foyer. Please let me know either via this form or email how many adults will attend so that we can plan accordingly.

Many thanks to Lucy’s dad, Jason, for helping with set up and clean up. If any other dads would like to help out, please email me.

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

We have completed all of our upper case letters and have started working on lower case. This week, I will begin pulling each child aside to assess letter/sound recognition.

Math:  We will continue graphing and will begin our May packets.

Faith Formation: Children will learn that Mary is the Mother of Jesus and our Mother in Heaven. They will also learn that we honor and celebrate Mary like we honor and celebrate our Mothers.

Note: We will have floral offering in the classroom for Mary on Wednesday, May 8. Please have your child bring a flower (preferably from your yard) on that day. 

Snack: 

5/6 – Luke P.                5/13 – Noellle

5/7 – Luke Y.               5/14 – Rachael

5/8 – LyraBess            5/15 – Sawyer

5/9 – Mackenzie           5/16 – Thomas

5/10 – Molly                5/17 – Zoe

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Thomas

Library Books – Please look around the house for any books that have not been returned. Thank you!

Friday, 5/10 – Mother’s Tea, 1:00 – Parish Center

Friday, 5/24 – Morning Class – 8:30-11:30

Monday, 5/27 – No School – Memorial Day holiday

Friday, 5/31 – Husky Deli Ice Cream Social field trip. We will leave school at 12:45 and walk to Husky.  We will return by 2:00.  We will be asking for a few parent chaperones for this trip. Many thanks to Mackenzie’s family for hosting this event!  You will find a permission waiver in your child’s filer soon.

Thursday, 6/6 – Tide Pool field trip to South Alki.  We will leave school at 12:15 ish and return by 2:45. We hope to have several parent chaperone/drivers join us.  You will find a permission waiver in your child’s filer in late May.

Tuesday, June 11 – Last day of Pre-K.  Please join us for a slide show and ice cream social if you are able.  The tentative time is 2:00.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 29, 2019

Dear Families,

So many thanks to Kelly P. for being such an amazing room parent all year long! The kids so enjoyed the Easter celebration last week.  That was the most calm, organized Easter egg hunt I’ve ever attended! I can just imagine how much effort went into numbering and filling all of those eggs.

We will have a box in the foyer for any plastic eggs that you would like to recycle to be used next year.

Classroom Activities:

Literacy: We have completed the entire upper case alphabet! You will find a review page in your filer. Please take some time to review each letter with your child.

This week, we will begin working on correct letter formation of lower case letters.

Math:This week, we will complete our April math packets. One of our big focuses has been on being organized as we complete math tasks.   We are also working on patterning, number writing, and 1:1 counting.

Faith Formation: We will continue to talk about the Resurrection of Jesus. Children will learn Mass response: Alleluia, Amen, and Peace be with you.

Second Step: Knowing how to solve problems in safe ways helps your child get along with other children and make friends.  Children who calm down and solve problems in safe ways become better learners at school.

Snack:

4/29 – Jillian                                      5/6 – Luke P.

4/30 – Julie                                         5/7 – Luke Y.

5/1 –    Lilly                                         5/8 – LyraBess

5/2 – Lochlan                                        5/9 – Mackenzie

5/3 – Lucy                                            5/10 – Molly

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Sawyer

Mother’s Tea – Just two weeks until our Mother’s Tea.  We will be busy preparing for this special event during class time over the next weeks. *Grandmas and special friends are welcome! We would also love to have some dads help out with set up, serving, and clean up, if possible.  If you are a dad who is available on May 10 from about 12:30-2:00, please email me. Thanks!

Friday, 5/10 – Mother’s Tea, 1:00 – Parish Center  -(We would love to have a few dads help us out at this event…)

Friday, 5/24 – Morning Class – 8:30-11:30

Monday, 5/27 – No School – Memorial Day holiday

Tuesday, June 11 – Last day of Pre-K.  Please join us for a slide show and ice cream social if you are able. The tentative time is 2:00.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 15, 2019

Dear Families,

Enjoy this lovely Holy Week, have a blessed Easter and treasure the family time together during the upcoming Easter break.

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT) – Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, U, V, W, X, Y, Z, C, O, Q, G. S, A, I, and T.  Our letter of the week isJ.Please brainstorm words that begin withJ at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the J practice page at home.

The kids are doing an amazing job writing their names the “kindergarten way” (lower case). Thank you for your guidance and support at home!

Math:We will work on our April math packets which focus on pattern, number writing, 1:1 correspondence, and organization.

Faith Formation: We now enter into the Holy Week. We will focus our story on the Paschal Mystery – the mystery of Jesus’ life, suffering, death, and Resurrection. Children will learn that Jesus loves us until the end of his life on earth and that we should love one another.

Second Step: Saying the Problem – Knowing how to use words to solve problems instead of hitting or grabbing helps your child get along with others and learn at home and at school.

Science:We will be discussing Earth Day and what we can do to take care of the Earth.

Snack:

4/15 – Duke                 4/29 – Jillian

4/16 – Ellie                 4/30 – Julie

4/17 – Griffin             5/1 –  Lilly

4/18 – Henry               5/2 –  Lochlan

4/19 – Isabelle            5/3 – Lucy

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Please mark your calendar:

Friday, 4/19 – Morning Class – 8:30 – 11:30

Tuesday, April 30 – Class Photo Day.  You will find a form in your child’s filer.  Please submit payment online or be sure to send in a check by 4/30.

Friday, 5/10 – Mother’s Tea, 1:00 – Parish Center  –(We would love to have a few dads help us out at this event…Please let me know if you might be able to help.)

Friday, 5/24 – Morning Class – 8:30-11:30

Monday, 5/27 – No School – Memorial Day holiday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 8, 2019

Dear Families,

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, U, V, W, X, Y, Z, C, O, Q, G. S, A and I.  Our letter of the week is T. Please brainstorm words that begin with T at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the T practice page at home.

Math:We will continue our unit on data and graphing.

Faith Formation: Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday. We will focus on the story of the Last Supper, Jesus shared a special meal with his friends. Children will learn more about loving and caring for one another.

Second Step: Saying the Problem – Knowing how to use words to solve problems instead of hitting or grabbing helps your child get along with others and learn at home and at school.

Science:  We will discuss Earth Day, and what we can do to help our earth.

Snack:

4/8 – Sawyer               4/15 – Duke

4/9 – Thomas               4/16 – Ellie

4/10 – Zoe                  4/17 –  Griffin

4/11 –   Aiden               4/18 –  Henry

4/12 – Amelia            4/19 – Isabelle – Morning Class

Bright and Shining Star – Rachael

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Egg Cartons – please turn in one egg carton by April 12. (extras are welcome!)

Please mark your calendar:

Thursday, 4/18 – Easter Egg Hunt and Celebration – 2:40 pm. Thank you Kelly P. for organizing!

Friday, 5/10 – Mother’s Tea, 1:00 – Parish Center  -(We would love to have a few dads help us out at this event…(Please email me if you are available and interested)

Friday, 5/24 – Morning Class – 8:30-11:30

Monday, 5/27 – No School – Memorial Day holiday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 1, 2019

Dear Families,

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, U, V, W, X, Y, Z, C, O, Q, G. S, and A.  Our letter of the week is I. Please brainstorm words that begin with I at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the I practice page at home.

We will begin our new lower case sign in sheets on Monday. Correct letter formation is very important when learning new letters.  (We have extra lower case letter formation pages in the foyer.) We’ll start slowly, so please don’t worry if your child is still working on the lower case letters.  We don’t want the kids to feel any pressure about this. Our goal is for each child to enter kindergarten comfortably writing their name the “kindergarten way”. Thank you for your support!

Science: We will wrap up our nutrition unit this week.

Math: Our focus will be on data and graphs.  We will gather data, record information on a graph, and gather information from a graph.

Faith Formation: Children will learn that Jesus taught us to be peacemakers. They will name ways to make peace.

Snack:

4/1 –    LyraBess                      4/8 –  Sawyer

4/2 –    Mackenzie                    4/9 –  Thomas

4/3 –    Molly                            4/10 – Zoe

4/4 –    Noelle                          4/11 –  Aiden

4/5 –    Rachael                         4/12 – Amelia

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Please bring an empty egg carton to school at some point over the next couple of weeks.  (extras would be appreciated).  Kelly P., our amazing room room mom, is working hard to organize a very exciting Easter egg hunt on Thursday, 4/18, and each student will need an egg carton for the event.

Bright and Shining Star – Noelle

Please mark your calendar:

Friday, 5/10 – Mother’s Tea, 1:00 – Parish Center (We would love to have a couple of dads help with set up, serving and clean-up.  If you are able to help out that day, please email me.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 25, 2019

Dear Families,

New sign in sheets beginning next Monday – We are going to make the switch to “kindergarten” name writing next week. This means starting first names with an upper case letter, followed by the rest of the letters in lower case. Please don’t feel pressured.  We will work on this over the next few weeks. We will begin with first names only.  It’s going to be very important that each letter is formed with correct letter formation.  I have placed a lower case alphabet chart in your child’s cubby and have lots of extras if you would like one.  This will begin on April 1.

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, U, V, W, X, Y, Z, C, O, Q, G and S.  Our letter of the week is A. Please brainstorm words that begin with A at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the A practice page at home.

Math: Our focus will be on data and graphs.  We will learn to gather data, record information on a graph, and gather information from a graph.

Faith Formation: Children will discuss various feelings and will learn that everyone has feelings, including Jesus, who also experienced being happy and sad at times.

Social Studies– Many thanks to Luke Y’s mom, Kimberly, who will be presenting a mini unit on Japan this week.

Science– We will wrap up our nutrition study this week.

Snack:

3/25 – Lilly                 4/1 – LyraBess

3/26 – Lochlan            4/2 – Molly

3/27 –  Lucy                 4/3 – Mackenzie

3/28 –  Luke P.              4/4 – Noelle

3/28 – Luke Y.             4/5 – Rachael

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Please mark your calendar:

April 22 – 26– NO SCHOOL – Spring Break

Friday, 5/10 – Mother’s Tea, 1:00 – Parish Center

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 18, 2019

Classroom Activities:

 Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, U, V, W, X, Y, Z, C, O, Q, and G.  Our letter of the week is S. Please brainstorm words that begin with S at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the S practice page at home.

Math: We will continue to work on patterning this week.  We will look for patterns in our classroom and on a short walk around the school. We will also work with manipulatives to create and extend our own patterns.

Faith Formation: Students will learn about the legend of the “Lenten Pretzel” as a symbol of prayer and fasting during Lent.

Science: We will continue to focus on nutrition this week.  

Snack:

3/18 – Griffin                        3/25 – Lilly

3/19 –  Henry               3/26 – Lochlan

3/20 – Isabelle            3/27 –  Lucy

3/21 – Jillian              3/28 –  Luke P.

3/22 –  Julie                3/29 – Luke Y.

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Mackenzie

Please mark your calendar:

Friday, March 22 – Morning Preschool – 8:30 – 11:30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 11, 2019

Dear Families,

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, U, V, W, X, Y, Z, C, O and Q.  Our letter of the week is G. Please brainstorm words that begin with G at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the G practice page at home.

Math: Students will extend simple patterns by predicting what comes next.

We will also continue to work in our March math packets.

Faith Formation: We will talk about Lent and how during this time, we will be working extra hard to be loving and kind to family and friends. We have a cross posted in the classroom, so when someone gives or receives a “warm fuzzy”, they can honor it with a sticker.

Science: We will begin a 2 week mini-unit focusing on nutrition this week. In case you are interested in some great nutrition information, check out www.choosemyplate.gov.  It is an excellent resource for families.

Snack:

3/11 –   Aiden                          3/18 –  Griffin

3/12 – Amelia                         3/19 – Henry

3/13 – Duke                             3/20 – Isabelle

3/14 – Ellie                             3/21 –  Jillian

3/15 – NO SCHOOL               3/22 –  Julie – (morning class)

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – LyraBess

Friday, March 15 – No preschool

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 4, 2019

Dear Families,

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, U, V, W, X, Y, Z, C, and O.  Our letter of the week isQ. Please brainstorm words that begin withQ at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the Q practice page at home.

Math:We have almost completed the learning of number writing. I do suggest that you continue to practice at home. This week, we will learn 8 and 9.  In addition, we will begin our March math packets, which will incorporate a variety of skills introduced this year.

Faith Formation:   This week, we will talk about Lent.  You are invited to join us for our Ash Wednesday service in the chapel on Wednesday at 10:30.

Second Step: We will discuss Managing Anger.  We’ve been learning the following steps to take when feeling a strong feeling:

~put your hands on your tummy

~say, “Stop.  I’m feeling __________.”

~take some belly breaths (in through the nose, out through the mouth)

 

Snack:

3/4 –    Noelle              3/11 – Aiden

3/5 –    Rachael             3/12 – Amelia

3/6 –    Sawyer                        3/13 – Duke

3/7 –    Thomas                        3/14 – Ellie

3/8 –    Zoe                  3/15 – NO SCHOOL – Archdiocesan Inservice Day

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Luke Y.

Library Books – Please check around the house for all library books. Several children have a few books at home. Thank you!

Please mark your calendar:

Friday, April 19 – Morning Preschool – Good Friday – 8:30 – 11:30

Friday, May 10, Mother’s Day Tea, 1:00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 25, 2019

Dear Families,

Classroom Activities:

This week, we will do a mini author study on Dr. Seuss, as we honor him on the date of his birthday, March 2.  We will enjoy as many of his books as possible.  I’m certain that your child be hooked by the end of the week!

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, U, V, W, X, Y, Z, and C. Our letter of the week is O. Please brainstorm words that begin with O at home with your child Wednesday night and we will put them on our chart on Thursday. Please assist your child in completing the O practice page at home.

Math: We will continue working on number writing this week, learning proper formation of 3, 4, and 5. We will be sending home practice pages. Please encourage your child to continue working on numbers at home.

Faith Formation: Children will learn how we live like Jesus as we discover the meaning of community.

Second Step:  Our topic this week is Managing Disappointment.

*When you don’t get what you want, you can feel disappointed.

*Belly breathing calms down strong feelings.

*Belly breathing pushes the belly out when you breathe in .

Science: We will continue our study of dental health.  On Tuesday, we will walk to Westside Children’s Dentistry. Please turn in your permission form on Monday if you have not done so already. Your child will find a brushing chart in his/her filer. Please post it in the bathroom to track the week’s brushing.

Snack:

2/25 – Luke P.                                     3/4 – Noelle

2/26 – Luke Y.                                     3/5 – Rachael

2/27 –  LyraBess                                  3/6 – Sawyer

2/28 –  Mackenzie                                3/7 – Thomas

3/1 – Molly                                           3/8 – Zoe

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Luke P

Water Bottles – Please be sure to send one to school with your child each day.

Please mark your calendar:

Tuesday, February 26 – Field Trip to Westside Children’s Dentistry.

Friday, March 15 – NO PRESCHOOL – Archdiocesan Teacher Inservice day

Friday, March 22 – MORNING PRESCHOOL – Pre-K will meet from 8:30 – 11:30.

Preschool Summer Camps – This year, we will offer two preschool summer camps.  These will be for children ages 3-5. Tammy and I will be teaching and would LOVE to have your children join us.  Sign ups will be coming out soon, but for now, here are the dates:

Session #1 – June 17 – 21, 9:00-1:00

Splash Into Summer

Session #2 – June 24 – 28, 9:00-1:00

Soar Into Space

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 20, 2019

Dear Families,

Thank you to Luke P.’s mom, Kelly, for all of her work to make our Valentine party extra special.  The kids loved it!

Given our unexpected short week last week, we will basically continue last week’s plans into this week.

Classroom Activities:

 Handwriting Without Tears (HWT) – Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, U, V, W, X, Y, and Z. Our letter of the week is C. Please brainstorm words that begin with C at home with your child Wednesday night and we will put them on our chart on Thursday. Please assist your child in completing the C practice page at home.

Math: We will continue to work on number writing over the next 2 weeks.   We will also complete our short unit on patterning.

Social Studies– Thank you to Holy Rosary Preschool graduates, first grade siblings of current students, who have presented, or will be presenting their biographies in honor of Black History Month. Amazing job by these wonderful children!

This week, we welcome Griffin’s mom, Danielle, who will be coming in to speak to the children about Black History Month.

Science – February is also Dental Health Month.  We will be learning about dental hygiene and health over the next two weeks. Next Tuesday, 2/26, we will be walking to Westside Children’s Dentistry. You will find a permission waiver in your child’s filer on Wednesday.  Please return it by Friday. My apologies for the short turn-around!

Second Step – Our topic this week is Naming Feelings.

Children will be able to:

1. Name their feelings in response to scenarios
2. Demonstrate how to calm down in response to scenarios

Faith Formation– We will focus our discussion on the Golden Rule. Children will name at least one rule at home or at school and share how they follow this rule.

Snack:

2/18 – No School          2/25 – Luke P.

2/19 – No School          2/26 – Luke Y.

2/20 – Lilly                 2/27 – LyraBess

2/21 – Lochlan            2/28 – Mackenzie

2/22 – Lucy                 3/1 – Molly

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Preschool Summer Camps – This year, we will offer two summer preschool summer camps.  These will be for children ages 3-5. Tammy and I will be teaching and would LOVE to have your children join us.  Sign ups will be coming out soon, but for now, here are the dates:

Session #1 – June 17 – 21, 9:00-1:00 (please note updates dates)

Splash Into Summer

Session #2 – June 24 – 28, 9:00-1:00

Soar Into Space

Please email me if you have questions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 11, 2019

Dear Families,

I am so very sorry for the inconvenience on Friday regarding the school closure. Thank you for your patience with the early release.

On Thursday, we will celebrate Valentine’s Day. Your child may bring his/her valentines in on Wednesday or Thursday and distribute them into the valentine bags in the back classroom upon arrival at school.

Needless to say, we have fallen behind in terms of curriculum. We will basically continue last week’s plans into this week.

Friday is a Pre-K morning class. Class will run from 8:30 – 11:30. ( The P2 class will be in session at the same time)

Classroom Activities:

 Handwriting Without Tears (HWT) – 

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, U, V, W, X, Y, and Z.  This week, we will complete Z and review all letters introduced so far.

Math: We will continue to work on number writing over the next 2 weeks.

Social Studies– Many thanks to Duke’s dad. Larry, for his Chinese New Year presentation (and goodies!) last week!  The kids loved it!

This week, we welcome Griffin’s mom, Danielle, who will be coming in to speak to the children about Black History Month.

We will also discuss President’s Day.  We will learn about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

Second Step – Our topic this week is Naming Feelings.

Children will be able to:

1. Name their feelings in response to scenarios
2. Demonstrate how to calm down in response to scenarios

Snack:

2/11 –   Griffin             2/18 – No School

2/12 – Henry               2/19 – No School

2/13 – Isabelle            2/20 – Lilly

2/14 – Jillian              2/21 – Lochlan

2/15 – Julie                2/22 – Lucy

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Thursday, February 14 – Valentine Party– 2:45 – All are welcome! Thank you to Luke P.’s mom, Kelly, for organizing and preparing this party!

Preschool Summer Camps – This year, we will offer two summer preschool summer camps.  These will be for children ages 3-5. Tammy and I will be teaching and would LOVE to have your children join us.  Sign ups will be coming out soon, but for now, here are the dates:

Session #1 – June 14 – 18, 9:00-1:00

Splash Into Summer

Session #2 – June 24 – 28, 9:00-1:00

Soar Into Space

Please email me if you have questions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 4, 2019

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, U, V, W, X, and Y. Our letter of the week is Z. Please brainstorm words that begin with Z at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the Z practice page at home.

Math: We will be working on number writing this week.

Faith Formation: Children will discover that Jesus teaches about love. They will also learn that we can show love in many different ways.

Social Studies:  We will begin to talk about President’s Day and the lives of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

Snack:

2/4 – Zoe                                 2/11 – Griffin

2/5 – Aiden                              2/12 – Henry

2/6 – Amelia                            2/13 – Isabelle

2/7 – Duke                                2/14 – Jillian

2/8 – Ellie                                2/15 – Julie

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Lochlan

Kindergarten Assessments are being held on Friday, Feb. 8th – all incoming Kindergarten students are required to have an assessment completed.  You can sign up for a time slot here.  Please contact jkokkonis@holyrosaryws.org with any questions.

Please mark your calendar:

February 14 – Valentine Party – 2:45 – Feel free to join us! Thank you to Kelly P.  for organizing!!!

February 15 – Morning Pre-K – 8:30 – 11:30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 28, 2019

February will be a busy month.  We will begin with Catholic Schools Week and will then focus on Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, and toward the end of the month, dental health.

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, U, V, W, and X. Our letter of the week is Y. Please brainstorm words that begin with Y at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the Y practice page at home.

Math: This week, we will begin working on number writing. You will find a number formation chart in your child’s filer. As always, practicing at home is helpful.

Science:  As part of our community service project, we will review composting, recycling, and land fill. The children will work together to beautify our playground by picking up trash and planting some spring flowers.

Faith Formation: Children will learn about Jesus’ healing miracles. They will see that Jesus helps and cares for us as he cared for and healed the sick man. We will take time to pray for those who are sick

Snack:

1/28 – Molly                2/4 – Zoe

1/29 – Noelle                2/5 – Aiden

1/30 – Rachael            2/6 – Amelia

1/31 –   Sawyer           2/7 – Duke

2/1 –    Thomas            2/8 – Ellie

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Kindergarten Assessments are being held on Friday, Feb. 8th – all incoming Kindergarten students are required to have an assessment completed.  You can sign up for a time slot here.  Please contact jkokkonis@holyrosaryws.org with any questions.

Bright and Shining Star – Lochlan

Have a wonderful week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 22, 2018

Classroom Activities:

Our songs, stories, and poems will focus on winter and hibernating animals.

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, U, V, and W.

Our letter of the week is X. Please brainstorm words that begin with X at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the X practice page at home.

Math: We will continue working on counting objects and number identification. We will work in small groups playing number games, working with manipulatives, and completing math packet activities.

Second Step: Naming Feelings.

Science: Hibernation

Faith Formation: The children will learn that God gives us talents, and calls us to use them by serving Church in many different ways.

Snack:

1/21 – No School                      1/28 – Molly

1/22 – Luke P.                          1/29 – Noelle

1/23 – Luke Y.                          1/30 – Rachael

1/24 – LyraBess                       1/31 – Sawyer

1/25 – Mackenzie                      2/1 – Thomas

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Valentine Party – Our Valentine party will be held on Thursday, February 14.  Please have your child bring a valentine for each classmate. Rather than writing the names of each recipient on each card, it might be easier to simply have your child sign his/her own name.  This makes the process more pleasant for the children both during the making of the cards and during passing out.  (of course, if your child wants to individually address each card, that’s fine too!)

Bright and Shining Star –  Lilly

Have a wonderful week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 14, 2019

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, U, and V.

Our letter of the week is W. Please brainstorm words that begin with W at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the W practice page at home.

Second Step: This week, we will discuss Strong Feelings.

Children will be able to:

1. Recognize and name when they or others are feeling frustrated
2. Demonstrate putting their hands on their tummies and saying “Stop”

Math:

We will  work on ordering numbers and number recognition.  Children will put number cards in sequence and count manipulatives to match the numbers.

Faith Formation: This Sunday’s Gospel is about the wedding celebration at Cana when Jesus performs his first miracle. Children will learn about “miracle”. They will recognize the importance of family spending time together and that Jesus cares and blesses families.

Snack:

1/14 –   Jillian              1/21 – No School

1/15 –   Julie                1/22 –  Luke P.

1/16 –   Lilly                 1/23 – Luke Y.

1/17 –   Lochlan            1/24 – LyraBess

1/18 –   Lucy                 1/25  – Mackenzie

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Julie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 7, 2019

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, L, and U.

Our letter of the week is V. Please brainstorm words that begin with V at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the V practice page at home.

We will begin a mini-unit focused upon the story, The Mitten.  Through this study, we will discuss story elements such as plot and character, as well as continuing to focus on comprehension strategies.

Second Step: Our topic this week is “Caring and Helping”.

*When you feel empathy for someone, you can show them you care

*You can show you care by saying something kind or doing something helpful

Math: We will complete Chapter 3 this week and begin Chapter 4, Shapes.

Faith Formation: Children will identify one of the special seasons of our liturgical year, the Epiphany. They will begin to understand the story of the Holy Family of Jesus, Joseph and Mary, and the Magi’s visit. They will learn that Jesus was a child like them.  We will be visiting the Nativity Scene over at the church as a part of this lesson.

Snack:

1/7 –    Duke                 1/14 – Jillian

1/8 – Ellie                   1/15 – Julie

1/9 –  Griffin               1/16 – Lilly

1/10 –  Henry               1/17 – Lochlan

1/11 –   Isabelle            1/18 – Lucy

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Jillian

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 17, 2018

CLASSOOM ACTIVITIES

Morning Pre-K on Friday!– Friday will be a busy day, as both the P2 and Pre-K classes will be in session at the same time. There will definitely be a different feeling in the air with a lot of Christmas energy and extra bodies. Please mention this to your child so they don’t feel overwhelmed upon arrival…

ARRIVAL – We will have 32 children arriving at 8:30 this morning.  Feel free to drop your child off any time between 8:30 and 8:45 to avoid confusion.

Literacy: We will practice our reading skills through poetry and will also enjoy lots of Christmas stories. The second graders will be coming down for to share Christmas stories with your children. This is always a very special event.

Second Step: We will continue to place stars on our Advent candles in honor of classmates who have been making positive choices.

Faith Formation: Christmas

Math: We will complete our December math packets this week.

SNACK SCHEDULE

12/17 – Sawyer

12/18 – Thomas

12/19 – Zoe

12/20 – Aiden

12/21 – Amelia

Extra News and Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, 12/18 – Holiday Program – 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, 12/19 – Caroling and Cookies at Brookdale at Admiral

Friday, 12/21 – Morning Pre-K – 8:30 – 11:30

Friday, 12/21 – Cocoa and Cookies at Hotwire – 10:00 (Thank you, Hart family!)  PERMISSION WAIVERS DUE MONDAY, 12/17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 10, 2018

Classroom Activities:

HWT:  Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, K, and L.

Our letter of the week isU. Please brainstorm words that begin with U at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the U practice page at home.

Our stories, songs, and poems will focus on the letter U and Christmas.

Second Step: We will continue to focus on The Golden Rule. The children have been enjoying placing stars on our Advent Candles in honor of classmates who have been extra kind. It has been lovely.

Math: We will work in our December math packets this week.

Much of our time will be spent preparing for the show.

Snack:

12/10 – LyraBess                      12/17 – Sawyer

12/11 – Mackenzie                    12/18 –  Thomas

12/12­-  Molly                           12/19 –  Zoe

12/13 –  Noelle                         12/20 – Aiden

12/14 – Rachael                        12/21 – Amelia

Extra News and Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, 12/18 – Holiday Program – 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, 12/19 – Caroling and Cookies at Brookdale at Admiral – please return permission waivers ASAP

Friday, 12/21 – Morning Pre-K – 8:30 – 11:30

Friday, 12/21 – Cocoa and Cookies at Hotwire – 10:00 (Thank you, Hart family!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 3, 2018

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, H, and K.

Our letter of the week is L. Please brainstorm words that begin with L at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the L practice page at home.

Our stories, songs, and poems will focus on the letter L and Christmas.

Second Step: We will use this week to review some of our recent lessons.  In addition, we will focus on The Golden Rule and treating others with love and kindness during this holiday season.  We will begin adding  “Warm Fuzzies” to a special Advent chart.

Faith Formation:  We will continue to talk about Advent. Children will discover that the Church uses colors to mark time of the Church Year.

Math: We will continue Unit 3 this week, titled Position and Direction.

Snack:

12/3 – Lilly                 12/10 – LyraBess

12/4 – Lochlan            12/11 – Mackenzie

12/5 – Lucy                 12/12 – Molly

12/6 – Luke P.            12/13 –  Noelle

12/7 – Luke Y.             12/14 – Rachael

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, 12/18 – Holiday Program – 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, 12/19 – Caroling and Cookies at Brookdale at Admiral – please return permission waivers by Wednesday, 12/5

Friday, 12/21 – Morning Pre-K – 8:30 – 11:30

Friday, 12/21 – Cocoa and Cookies at Hotwire – 10:00 (Thank you, Hart family!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 26, 2018

Hello Pre-K families!

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, M, and H.

Our letter of the week is K. Please brainstorm words that begin with K at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the K practice page at home.

Math:  We will continue to work on Chapter 3 – Position and Direction.

Faith Formation: We will talk about the Liturgical Year. Children will learn about the different seasons in our Church calendar which begins at Advent.

Second Step: This week, we will focus on accidents. Concepts covered include:

*An accident is when you do something you didn’t mean to do.

*When you do something by accident, it’s important to say it was an accident so others don’t think you did it on purpose.

Holiday Program –We will be busy in class preparing for our upcoming production.  We will devote some time at the beginning and end of class each day to practice our songs and actions.

You will find a sign up sheet in the foyer for treats for the holiday program. We are asking for 5 families from the Pre-K class to bring two dozen cookies to the show. We are also requesting napkins and cups. Thank you!

Dramatic Play– We will be creating a Santa’s Workshop in dramatic play.  We would love donations of extra gift wrap, bows, ribbons, small boxes, gift tags, etc. (just extras that you have around that you may otherwise not need)

Snack:

11/26 –   Griffin                       12/3 – Lilly

11/27 –  Henry                         12/4 – Lochlan

11/28 –  Isabelle                       12/5 – Lucy

11/29 – Jillian                         12/6 – Luke P.

11/30 – Julie                            12/7 –  Luke Y.

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Field Trip, Wednesday, December 19 – We have planned a small field trip to Brookdale Admiral Heights on California Avenue. We will leave at 12:40 to arrive by 1:00 (ish)  to share our Christmas songs and some cookies (please let me know if you would like to bake some! J) with the residents. You will find a permission waiver and driver/chaperone request in your child’s filer.

****Morning Preschool – Friday, December 21 – 8:30 – 11:30.

On Friday morning, December 21, at 10:00,  we will be walking to HotWire for holiday cocoa and cookies.  So many thanks to Mackenzie’s family for treating us to this special outing!

Have a wonderful week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 13, 2018

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R, N, and M.

Our letter of the week is H. Please brainstorm words that begin with H at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the H practice page at home.

Second Step:  We will continue to talk about feelings.

Faith Formation: Children will learn that Mass or Eucharist means “Thanksgiving”. Children will discover ways of thanking God and will name some of the good things God has done for them.

Math:  We will continue to work on accurately counting objects using one to one correspondence, while also continuing to practice our sorting skills..

Social Studies– We will continue to learn about the first Thanksgiving.

Snack:

11/12 – No School        11/26 –  Griffin

11/13 –  Aiden               11/27 –  Henry

11/14 –  Amelia              11/28 – Isabelle

11/15 –  Duke                 11/29 –  Jillian

11/16 –  Ellie                 11/30 – Julie

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Caroling and Cookies – Thursday, December 19 – 1:00-1:30 – For the past few years, we have had the opportunity to travel to Brookdale (Admiral) to sing some of our holiday songs and share cookies with the residents. This is such a special event.  We will send home a permission waiver in December, but wanted to give you a heads up now.  We will be hoping for several driver / chaperones as well as some cookie bakers. Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 5, 2018

Hello Pre-K families!

Many thanks to our parent chaperones and drivers for your help on our Kelsey Creek Farm trip on Tuesday.  Farmer Jane told me afterward that this was one of her most polite groups! The kids loved it!

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, R and N.

Our letter of the week is M. Please brainstorm words that begin with M at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the M practice page at home.

Our poems, songs and stories will focus on leaves and Thanksgiving.

Math:Students will sort objects by more than one attribute and explain the sorting rule. We will continue to work on accurately counting objects using one to one correspondence.

Faith Formation: We will talk about various types of celebrations and will learn that the Eucharist is a holy celebration where families celebrate special times together. Children will also learn Eucharist is the greatest “family celebration” of the Church.

Social Studies: We will begin to learn about Thanksgiving.

Snack:

11/5 –   Noelle              11/12 –  NO SCHOOL

11/6 –   Rachael             11/13 – Aiden

11/7 –  Sawyer                11/14 – Amelia

11/8 –   Thomas              11/15 – Duke

11/9 –   Zoe                  11/16 – Ellie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 29, 2018

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, B, and R.

Our letter of the week is N. Please brainstorm words that begin with N at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the N practice page at home.

Science: We will complete our mini unit on pumpkins this week.

Second Step: Our topic this week is Identifying Anger.

Children will be able to:

1. Identify the feeling mad/angry when presented with physical clues.
2. Tell others about a time when they felt angry.

Math:  Children will use manipulatives to solve problems.  They will use sorting, classifying, and counting to complete problems.

Faith Formation: We will talk about Saints. Children will learn about  All Saints Day and All Souls Day celebration.

We are hoping to have a very special visit from our 4^thgrade saints on Thursday, All Saints Day.

Snack:

10/29 – Luke P.                                    11/5 – Noelle

10/30 – Luke Y.                                    11/6 – Rachael

10/31  – LyraBess                                 11/7 –  Sawyer

11/1 – Mackenzie                                  11/8 –  Thomas

11/2 – Molly                                         11/9 – Zoe

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Library Books – We visit the library each Monday.  Please be sure to return your books weekly.  There are a few children with several books at home.  Please search around and return them by this Monday. Thanks!

Kelsey Creek Farm– Our trip is Tuesday. We will leave school shortly after arrival and head to Bellevue.  We will return by 3:00.  Please check the weather beforehand, and dress your child accordingly.  We may all need our rubber boots that day!

Halloween Party – We will have our small Halloween celebration on Monday, October 31 from 2:40-3:05. Many thanks to Kelly P. for organizing and to everyone who is bringing treats. Feel free to send your child in his/her costume!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 22, 2018

Hello Pre-K families!

Classroom Activities:

Literacy: Our songs, poems, and stories will focus on pumpkins and Halloween.

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D, P, and B.

Our letter of the week is R. Please brainstorm words that begin with R at home with your child Wednesday night and we will put them on our chart on Thursday. Please assist your child in completing the R practice page at home.

Science: This week, we will focus on pumpkins.  We will observe the insides and outsides of pumpkins.  We will learn about the life cycle of a pumpkin as well.

Math: We will continue sort items into specific categories and will also practice counting using 1:1 correspondence.

Faith Formation: We will learn about how Jesus healed the sick and will relate with how parents care for them. They will also learn and share ideas on how to care for others.

Second Step: We will continue to discuss feelings. The concept covered this week is:

Focusing attention on what is happening, or the situation, can help you tell how someone is feeling.

Snack:                           

10/22 – Jillian                               10/29 – Luke P.

10/23 – J.J.                                   10/30 – Luke Y.

10/24 – Lilly                                  10/31 – LyraBess

10/25 – Lochlan                             11/1 – Mackenzie

10/26 – Lucy                                  11/2 – Molly

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Each Thursday, one child will be celebrated as our star.  You will receive a note with instructions and a big, yellow star to decorate.   We are trying something new this year, and the dates have been pre-selected. They are posted on the bulletin board in the foyer, in case you would like to know in advance when your child’s day is.  The kids just love this!  Our first star was Aiden and he did an amazing job presenting his photos and items to his classmates.  This Thursday, we celebrate Zoe! You will receive your instructions and star a week in advance so you can prepare.

Fire Station Thanks – Many thanks to the parents and grandparents who drove, chaperoned, or brought cookies for our fire station visits.  The kids had a great time and learned a lot, thanks to YOU!

Kelsey Creek Farm – We will travel to Bellevue next Tuesday, 10/30 for our fall farm visit.

Halloween Party –We will have a short party at 2:40. Many thanks to Luke P’s, mom, Kelly, for organizing this special event! Children are invited to wear their costumes to school that day if they would like to.

Picture Re-takes– If you would like to have your child’s photo retaken, or if you missed the first date, feel free to stop by the big school on Thursday morning between 8 and 10 for photos.

Happy week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 15, 2018

Classroom Activities:

Literacy: Our stories, poems, and songs will focus on Fire Safety and Fall this week.

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, D and P.

Our letter of the week is B. Please brainstorm words that begin with B at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the B practice page at home.

We will enjoy lots of Halloween fiction stories and will also be reading non-fiction books about fire safety.

Math: We will continue to work on sorting and classifying items.

Second Step: Our topic this week is, “Identifying Feelings”. The concept taught will be that you can look at people’s faces and bodies for clues to help you tell how they feel.

Faith Formation:  Children will understand that God provides for all our needs. They will also learn that God wants us to work together.

Snack:

10/15 –  Duke               10/22 – Jillian

10/16 –  Ellie                10/23 – J.J.

10/17 – Griffin             10/24 – Lilly

10/18 –  Henry             10/25 – Lochlan

10/19 – Isabelle            10/26 – Lucy

Library: The children have been loving our Monday visits to the library in the Big School.  Please be sure to return all books by Monday, at the latest, of each week.

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, October 17 – Field Trip to Fire Station 29 or 32. (Half of the group will travel to each station) We will leave school at 12:25 and return by 1:30 at the latest. (If you volunteered to bring cookies, please send them on a paper plate or in a container that you don’t need back.) Thank you!

Tuesday, October 30 – Field Trip to Kelsey Creek Farm

Wednesday, October 31– Halloween Party – We will have a short party at 2:40. Many thanks to Luke Y’s, mom, Kelly, for organizing this special event!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 8, 2018

Classroom Activities:

Literacy: Our stories, poems, and songs will focus on Fire Safety and Fall this week.

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F, E, and D.

Our letter of the week is P. Please brainstorm words that begin with P at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the P practice page at home.

Math: We will continue chapter 2 of our math program.  Students will observe and identify likenesses and differences in objects’ attributes.  They will sort objects by one and two of these attributes and tell why objects do or do not belong to a group.

Second Step: This week’s lesson is titled, “Asking for What You Need or Want”. The concept introduced will be to ask for what you need or want, face the person you are asking, and use a respectful voice.

Faith Formation:Children will continue to learn about prayer. They will be introduced to the forms of prayer.

Library:  Please return all books by Monday of each week (or any day before).

Snack:

10/8 –Thomas              10/15 –  Duke

10/9 – Zoe                    10/16 – Ellie

10/10 – Aiden               10/17 – Griffin

10/11 –  Amelia             10/18 –  Henry

10/12 –  No School       10/19 – Isabelle

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events: 

Fire Station Field Trip – Wednesday, October 17 at 12:45. Please return you child’s permission waiver ASAP. We are a little short on drivers. Let me know if you are able to join us (and have completed your Safe Environment Training). Half of the class will travel to Station 29, and the other half to Station 32.  We will meet back at school by 1:30.

Thanks to everyone who signed up to bring cookies for the firefighters!

Kelsey Creek Farm Field Trip – Tuesday, October 30.  This is a “Fall on the Farm” visit.  The children will meet farm animals and work on farm chores.  We will leave HRS shortly after we arrive at school for the 1:00 tour and will be back by 3:00.  We would love a few more parent driver/chaperones for this trip as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 1, 2018

October is Fire Safety Month. Over the next couple of weeks, we will discuss fire safety. Please see information below regarding our upcoming fire station field trip.

Classroom Activities:

Literacy – Our stories, songs, and poems will focus on the letter D and fire safety. We will also explore rhyme and compound words.

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include F and E.

Our letter of the week is D. Please brainstorm words that begin with D at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the D practice page at home while also working on writing his/her name the “Pre-K Way”.  Thank you for taking the time to work on this at home.

For the letter homework, I suggest “Rainbow Letters”, where your child traces the letter over and over using different colored crayons. This way, he/she can get a lot of practice out of that one page.  No need to return it to school unless your child would like to. In that case, just place the paper in the turn in basket in the foyer and we’ll put on a sticker and note and return it.

Math: This week, we will begin to discuss Problem Solving. In addition. We will continue to review attributes, while focusing on counting and basic patterning.

Second Step: The lesson is Following Directions. We are learning to listen, follow directions, and repeat directions to remember what to do.

Faith Formation:This week, your child will be introduced to Jesus and the prayer he taught us. They will also learn many ways to pray.

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events: 

Sharing Shelf:  Starting on Monday, Pre-K students will be able to bring special items to be displayed on the “Sharing Shelf”.  This takes the place of “Show and Tell”.  Here’s how it works:

~children bring something that they would like to display for the day (this varies greatly!  ( a doll, Lego creation, rock, book, etc)

~they put it on the special shelf (back by the snack tables) in the Rainbow Room when they arrive at school

~the item is on display, but not played with, during the day

~your child will bring the item home at the end of the day

~this is OPTIONAL.  Some children will bring something every day, and some won’t ever bring an item.

Library Books:  Please return books by Monday of each week.

A note from Jennifer Kokkonis:

Kindergarten for 2019/20

We have officially opened the Priority Application period for our current school and parish families.  This application period will be from September 15th-November 15th.  All students entering Kindergarten for 2019/20 at Holy Rosary must fill out an application for our K-8 school.  We would love to see you at our Open House on Saturday, Oct. 27th from 10am-1pm, if you would like to take a tour with one of our graduating 8th graders.  Separately, I am happy to give your family an individual tour of our K-8 school if interested.  We have our Kindergarten Testing day scheduled for Friday, Feb. 8, 2019.  Any questions about the process, setting up a tour, or our K-8 school, I am happy to answer them!   Jennifer Kokkonis, Admissions Director, jkokkonis@holyrosaryws.org

Fire Station Field Trip – Wednesday, October 17 at 12:45. You will find a permission form in your filer next week.  Please return it by Monday, October 8.  We will be asking for several parent driver/chaperones.  If you have completed your Safe Environment training, please consider joining us.  Half of the class will travel to Station 29, and the other half to Station 32.  We will meet back at school by 1:30.

In addition, it’s always fun to bring some cookies to the firefighters as a thank you. So if you enjoy baking and would like to bring one or two dozen cookies on the 17th, let me know!

Kelsey Creek Farm Field Trip – Tuesday, October 30. This is a “Fall on the Farm” visit. The children will meet farm animals and work on farm chores.  We will leave HRS shortly after we arrive at school for the 1:00 tour and will be back by 3:00.  We would love several parent driver/chaperones for this trip as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 24, 2018

What a darling group!  We are amazed at how they have settled in to the routines of Pre-K. What a joy of a class!!  We as teachers are feeling blessed as we look forward to a great year!

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

We will continue to work on proper pencil grip at school and encourage you to do the same at home. We will sing our song “Where Do We Start Our Letters?” often so that the children become automatic in forming each letter from the top.

This past week, we introduced our first letter, which was F.  Wow! The kids did a great job.  We will now focus on one letter each week. Our letter of the week is E. Please brainstorm words that begin with E at home with your child on Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart on Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the E practice page at home (you will find this in your child’s filer) while also working on writing his/her name the “Pre-K Way” (correct letter formation and starting at the top). Thank you so much!. Your support at home really makes a big difference.

Math: We will review the attributes of color, shape, and size.  In addition, we will focus on quantity.

Second Step: This week’s lesson is Following Directions. We are learning to listen, follow directions, and repeat directions to remember what to do.

Faith Formation: Children will learn that God made each of us and loves us.

Adventure Backpack: Beginning this week, each child will have the opportunity to bring home the Adventure Backpack.  This is a backpack with two dolls (Jack and Jill) that get to spend the night at your house. Before returning to school the next day, we ask your child to draw a picture and to dictate to you some of the adventures. At school, they get to share the journal entry with the class. The kids love this!

Library: Remember to turn in all library books by Monday (or anytime before)

Snack:  Please provide snack for 22 children.  Given the early start time and early lumch, they are pretty hungry by snack time.  If there is leftover food after snack, we will send it back home with your child. Thank you!

Kindergarten for 2019/20 (a note from Jennifer Kokkonis)

We have officially opened the Priority Application period for our current school and parish families.  This application period will be from September 15th-November 15th.  All students entering Kindergarten for 2019/20 at Holy Rosary must fill out an application for our K-8 school.  We would love to see you at our Open House on Saturday, Oct. 27th from 10am-1pm, if you would like to take a tour with one of our graduating 8th graders.  Separately, I am happy to give your family an individual tour of our K-8 school if interested.  We have our Kindergarten Testing day scheduled for Friday, Feb. 8, 2019.  Any questions about the process, setting up a tour, or our K-8 school, I am happy to answer them!   Jennifer Kokkonis, Admissions Director, jkokkonis@holyrosaryws.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 17, 2018

What a wonderful first week of Pre-K!  The children are just darling and are quickly adjusting to our routine and rules.

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

This week we will work with “wood pieces”. Children learn through consistency. The Wood Pieces allow children to build their capital letters (with the exception of J and U) using 4 basic shapes. By using the Wood Pieces, we can build strong foundation skills for the letter memory, orientation, and sequencing.  The children will also begin working in their HWT student books.

We are working on name writing.  I hope that you received the alphabet letter formation chart in your child’s filer.  Please use this to guide you as you assist your child at home.  Correct letter formation is very important, so please note the formation on the chart.  We will be focusing on starting our letters at the top.

Math: Our first several math lessons will focus on attributes.  Last week, we reviewed colors and described objects with a focus on color.  This week, we will work on shape identification.

Science:  We will review and practice composting and recycling.

Second Step: The concept introduced this week is that following Listening Rules helps everyone learn.

Faith Formation:Children will learn about the Bible and what prayer is. They will also recognize that God made everything in nature including seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter. We will start saying the Angel of God prayer.

Angel of God, my guardian dear,

to whom God’s love commits me here,

ever this day be at my side,

to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

Library – We will be visiting the library at the big school each Monday.   Your child will check out one book each week. Please be sure to have your child return his/her book by Monday of each week in order to get a new one.  You can also return books any time before that. There is a blue bin in the foyer labeled LIBRARY.

Snack:

Please refer to the snack calendar that was attached last week.   It is also posted on the bulletin board in the foyer.

We have 22 children in our class.  A sample snack may include cheese, fruit (grapes, apple slices…)

and crackers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 10, 2018

Welcome to our first week of Pre-K.  We are so excited to teach your darling children! It’s going to be a great year!

Please refer to the “First Day Jitters” note that you received this week. It really does have some great tips for the first day of school.

Classroom Activities– Our themes for September are Friends and Getting to Know You. This first week, we will primarily focus on establishing and reviewing Pre-K routines, re-familiarizing ourselves with the environment, and becoming acquainted or re-acquainted with each other. You will find a description of our activities according to subject area beginning in next week’s letter.

Individual Picture Day– Tuesday, September 11, shortly after we arrive at school. Please refer to the previously sent email with the order form. (We also have hard copies in the classroom.)

On Friday 9/14, I will miss school. I apologize for the timing!  (It is Parent Weekend at my son’s college.) Sara, Sister, and Tammy will be with the children and I know they’ll have a great day.

We can’t wait to get started on Monday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 1, 2018

Welcome to Pre-K! We can’t wait to see you next week!

🙂 Teacher Tauna, Teacher Sara, Teacher Tammy, and Sister Juanita

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 11, 2018

Dear Families,

Thank you all for a wonderful year!  We have just LOVED your children so much.  Thank you for sharing them with us!

Snack:

6/11 – Isabelle S.

6/12 – Ali

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Home Reading Books – Please return all books by Monday.

Library Books – Please find and return any books still out.

Monday , June 11 – a regular school day – 12:05 – 3:05

Tuesday, June 12 – Last day of preschool. Ice cream social and special slide show at 2:15 upstairs in the Parish Center.  Thanks to Kimberly T. for creating the slide show and to everyone who is bringing goodies for the ice cream social! All parents and siblings are invited.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 4, 2018

Dear Families,

Happy last full week of school. It’s really unbelievable that we are here already.  I have adored your precious children this year and will miss them so very much…

We will focus on friends and looking ahead to kindergarten.  What a perfect time to treasure each other and our wonderful preschool friends.  We hope that you will be able to make it to our ice cream social and slide show next Tuesday.  The children will sing a couple of songs for you in honor of friends, followed by a slide show of our year together. Huge thanks to Kimberly  for creating our show!!!!

Please be sure to turn in your yearbook pages by tomorrow (Monday) in order for us to have time to print them. Thank you!

Classroom Activities:

Literacy – In addition to reviewing the roles of author and illustrator, and the concepts of fiction vs. non-fiction, we will discuss conflict and resolution within stories. We will also be reviewing our vowel sounds via songs and chants.

Math– We will complete our addition and subtraction unit.

Faith Formation: This is the final week of our Faith Formation class. The children will share what they liked best in our Faith Formation class this school year.

Snack:

6/4 – Lyla

6/5 – Madeline

6/6 – Nona

6/7 – Paige

6/8 – Serena

 

6/11 – Vivienne

6/12 – Ali

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

I’m sorry for the delay in sending home class photos.  We did not receive the full order, so I’ve been waiting for the rest of the photos to arrive.  They should be here this week.

Please be sure to return all library books by tomorrow.  (there will be a $20 fee for lost books)

Tuesday, June 12 – Last day of preschool. Ice cream social and special slide show at 2:15 upstairs in the Parish Center.  All parents and siblings are invited. Thank you to everyone who is bringing goodies!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 29, 2018

Dear Families,

Thank you to all of our parent drivers and chaperones for accompanying us on our trip to Kelsey Creek farm on Monday.  It was a great afternoon!

Please be sure to turn in your yearbook pages in order for us to have time to print them. Thank you!  Let’s try to have them turned in by Friday, June 1. This way, we will have time to print them.

Classroom Activities:

Literacy – In addition to reviewing the roles of author and illustrator, and the concepts of fiction vs. non-fiction, we will discuss conflict and resolution within stories. We will also be reviewing our vowel sounds via songs and chants.

Math– We will continue our addition and subtraction unit, and our May math packets.

Faith Formation: This week we will talk about the Eucharist. Children will learn that the Eucharist is a sacrament and the highest form of prayer.

Second Step:

*Learning Traffic Safety

*Learning Fire Safety

Snack:

5/28 – No School         6/4 – Lyla

5/29 – Isabelle S.        6/5 – Madeline

5/30 – Isabelle T.        6/6 – Nona

5/31 – Kirra                6/7 – Paige

6/1 – Lauren                 6/8 – Serena

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Henry

Monday, 5/28 – No School – Memorial Day holiday

Friday, June 1 – Individual Yearbook Pages due (deadline extended)

Tuesday, June 12 – Last day of Pre-K.  Please join us for a slide show and ice cream social if you are able.  We will meet in the Parish Center at 2:15.

There is a sign up sheet in the foyer if you would like to contribute some treats for the social.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 21, 2018

We are creating Pre-K yearbooks. We will be placing a blank yearbook page in your child’s filer. Please assist your child in writing his or her name in the top section and decorating the page, including photos.  We ask that these be returned byTuesday, May 29. This will give us plenty of time to print them and have them ready for you by the last day of school. Please see the sample yearbooks in the foyer to view example pages.

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

We will continue to work in our lower case alphabet booklets this week.

As we continue to review our letter identification and formation, we will also focus on letter sounds, particularly the vowel sounds. If you would like to stop by after class one day, I would be happy to give you a quick demo on some effective strategies for reading predictable or phonetic books with emergent readers.

Math:  We will begin our introduction to addition and subtraction unit. The children will use manipulatives to create addition and subtraction models.

Science: We will begin the week with our trip to Kelsey Creek Farm on Monday. Our focus for the remainder of the week will be farms and farm animals.

Faith Formation: We will review the Sign of the Cross prayer. Children will become Familiar with the Divine Persons: God the Father (Creator), God the Son (Savior – Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit.

Second Step:  We have three more lessons which we will complete over the next weeks. They include:

*Learning Car Safety

*Learning Traffic Safety

*Learning Fire Safety

Snack:

5/21 – Dominic                  5/28 – No School

5/22 – Emily D.                 5/29 – Isabelle S.

5/23 – Emily V.                 5/30 – Isabelle T.

5/24 – Greg            5/31 – Kirra

5/25 – Henry         6/1 – Lauren

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Coen

Library Books – Please find and return all library books.  We will try to have them all turned in by this Wednesday.  Thank you!

Monday, 5/21 – Field Trip to Kelsey Creek Farm – We will leave HRS at 12:15 for our 1:00 farm tour, and will return to school by 3:00. PLEASE HAVE YOUR CHILD BRING A BOOSTER SEAT FOR THIS TRIP.

Friday, 5/25 – Morning Class – 8:30-11:30

Monday, 5/28 – No School – Memorial Day holiday

Tuesday, June 12 – Last day of Pre-K.  Please join us for a slide show and ice cream social if you are able.  We will meet in the Parish Center at 2:00.

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 14, 2018

Dear Families,

Classroom Activities:

Literacy:

We will begin working in our lower case letter booklets this week.

 As we continue to review our letter identification and formation, we will also focus on letter sounds. I encourage you to play sound games with your child as you are driving, walking, etc. For example, “Say bug. What is the first sound you hear? What letter do you expect? What is the next sound you hear?” Etc… Many of our children are still learning the vowel sounds. I would place your emphasis here, as this will enable them to continue on the path toward reading.

Home Reading: Our home reading program begins next week.  This is an optional opportunity for your child to check out and bring home a book each night.  Most of the books are geared toward emergent readers, so are short and have predictable patterns.  You will find a bag for your child and the tubs of available books in our foyer on Monday.

Science: We will begin learning about farms and farm animals in anticipation of our upcoming trip to Kelsey Creek Farm.  PLEASE RETURN YOUR PERMISSION WAIVER ASAP. Thank you!

Math:   We will spend this week reviewing number writing and counting carefully while demonstrating 1:1 correspondence. I highly encourage everyone to practice this at home.  Please remind your child to touch and move each object while counting.  I hope to have everyone counting objects comfortably to 20 at this point.  Of course, this can be practiced at any time, as you can count foods, stones, shells, Legos, etc.

Faith Formation: Children will learn about God the Holy Spirit. They will recognize that God loves us so much that the Holy Spirit lives in each of us.

Snack:

5/14 – Vivienne           5/21 – Dominic

5/15 – Ali                   5/22 – Emily D.

5/16 – Beau                 5/23 – Emily V.

5/17 – Coen                 5/24 – Greg

5/18 – Connor              5/25 – Henry

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Nona

Library Books – Please look around the house for any books that have not been returned. Thank you!  All books are due by May 18.  Shortly after that time, the library teacher will be sending out statements for lost books ($20 per book!)

Monday, 5/21 – Field Trip to Kelsey Creek Farm – We will leave HRS at 12:15 for our 1:00 farm tour, and will return to school by 3:00. PLEASE HAVE YOUR CHILD BRING A BOOSTER SEAT FOR THIS TRIP.

Friday, 5/25 – Morning Class – 8:30-11:30

Monday, 5/28 – No School – Memorial Day holiday

Tuesday, June 12 – Last day of Pre-K.  Please join us for a slide show and ice cream social if you are able.  The tentative time is 2:00.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 7, 2018

Dear Families,

Friday is our Mother’s Tea.  We will spend much of this week preparing as we practice our songs and poem, bake, and complete projects.  The children are so excited! They are looking forward to dressing up in “tea party” attire and honoring their lovely moms. We will begin at 1:00 in the Parish Center. (doors will open by 12:45) The event should take about 30 minutes.

Classroom Activities: (OVER THE NEXT 2 WEEKS)

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

We have completed all of our upper case letters. I will begin pulling each child aside to assess letter/sound recognition. We will also begin our introduction of lower case letter formation.

Science: We will set out butterflies free on Monday or Tuesday, depending on the weather.

Math:  We will continue graphing and will begin our May packets.

Faith Formation: This week our lesson will focus on Jesus’ “good-bye” to his friends as he ascended to his Father in Heaven and children will be learn that Jesus Christ will come again at the end of time.

Snack: 

5/7 – Lyla                     5/14 – Vivienne

5/8 – Madeline             5/15 – Ali

5/9 – Nona                   5/16 – Beau

5/10 – Paige                 5/17 – Coen

5/11 – Serena               5/18 – Connor

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Lauren

Library Books – Please look around the house for any books that have not been returned. Thank you!

Friday, 5/11 – Mother’s Tea, 1:00 – Parish Center

Monday, 5/21 – Field Trip to Kelsey Creek Farm – We will leave HRS at 12:15 for our 1:00 farm tour, and will return to school by 3:00. PLEASE HAVE YOUR CHILD BRING A BOOSTER SEAT FOR THIS TRIP.

Friday, 5/25 – Morning Class – 8:30-11:30

Monday, 5/28 – No School – Memorial Day holiday

Tuesday, June 12 – Last day of Pre-K.  Please join us for a slide show and ice cream social if you are able.  The tentative time is 2:00.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 30, 2018

Classroom Activities:

Literacy: We have completed the entire alphabet!  We will spend this week reviewing letter identification, formation, and sounds.  Next week, we will jump into lower case letters.

Science: We are expecting that our butterflies will emerge this week.  We’ll keep you posted!

Math:We will complete our graphing unit and continue to review number writing.

Faith Formation: Children will begin to understand that Mary is the Mother of Jesus, Mother of God and our Mother. They will also learn that we honor and celebrate Mary like we honor and celebrate our Mothers.

Note: We will have floral offering for Mary on Friday, May 4. Please have your child pick a flower from your yard for this offering. Thank you!

Second Step: Knowing how to solve problems in safe ways helps your child get along with other children and make friends.  Children who calm down and solve problems in safe ways become better learners at school.

Snack:

4/30 – Henry                                        5/7 – Lyla

5/1 – Isabelle S.                                   5/8 – Madeline

5/2 – Isabelle T.                                  5/9 – Nona

5/3 – Kirra                                           5/10 – Paige

5/4 – Lauren                                         5/11 – Serena

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Lyla

Mother’s Tea – Just two weeks until our Mother’s Tea.  We will be busy preparing for this special event during class time over the next weeks. *Grandmas and special friends are welcome! We would also love to have some dads help out with set up, serving, and clean up, if possible.  If you are a dad who is available on May 11 from about 12:30-2:00, please email me. Thanks!

Friday, 5/11 – Mother’s Tea, 1:00 – Parish Center  -(We would love to have a few dads help us out at this event…)

Monday, 5/21 – Field Trip to Kelsey Creek Farm – We will leave HRS at 12:15 for our 1:00 farm tour, and will return to school by 3:00.

Friday, 5/25 – Morning Class – 8:30-11:30

Monday, 5/28 – No School – Memorial Day holiday

Tuesday, June 12 – Last day of Pre-K.  Please join us for a slide show and ice cream social if you are able. The tentative time is 2:00.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 23, 2018

Dear Families,

 

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include L, F, E, H, T, I, U, C, O, Q, G, S, J, D, P, B, R, K, A, V, M, N, W, X. and Y. Our letter of the week is Z. Please brainstorm words that begin with Z at home with your child on Monday night and we will put them on our chart on Tuesday.  Please assist your child in completing the Z practice page at home.

We will be doing lots of reading and writing as we prepare special projects for our tea.

Math: We will continue our unit on data and graphing.

Second Step: Saying the Problem – Knowing how to use words to solve problems instead of hitting or grabbing helps your child get along with others and learn at home and at school.

Science: We will continue to observe our caterpillars and learn about the life cycle of a butterfly.

Snack:

4/23 – Connor              4/30 – Henry

4/24 – Dominic           5/1 – Isabelle S.

4/25 –  Emily D.           5/2 – Isabelle T.

4/26 – Emily V.            5/3 – Kirra

4/27 – Greg                  5/4 – Lauren

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, April 24 is class photo day.  Please bring your completed form and check to class that morning. (There is also an option to pay online.)

Summer Camp – Have you heard that Holy Rosary is hosting a few summer camps this year?  I will be teaching one and wanted to be sure that you know about it before it gets opened to other schools.  It will be a one week camp, running from 9:00-1:00. The  theme is “Under the Sea”, a beach theme.  We’ll be doing lots of crafts and projects, as well as taking two field trips along with the art camp (to the aquarium and Alki). Here is the link if you are interested:  https://holyrosaryws.org/summercampsinfo/

Playground – We just love that many of our Pre-K families are using our playground after school.  It’s a perfect place for the kids to continue to play together!  We do have a couple of favors to ask:

*Please ask your children to keep all sand in the sandbox (not the playhouse).  The reason for this is that the younger children arrive and tend to slip on the sand, whether it’s on the cement or in the playhouse.

*Please be sure that all toys are placed back into the sandbox and that the lid is closed before leaving.

Thank you and happy playing!!

Just three weeks until our Mother’s Tea.  We will be busy preparing for this special event during class time over the next weeks.  *Grandmas and special friends are welcome! We would also love to have some dads help out with set up, serving, and clean up, if possible.  If you are a dad who is available on May 11 from about 12:30-2:00, please email me. Thanks!

Bright and Shining Star – Isabelle S.

Please mark your calendar:

Tuesday, April 24 – Class Photo Day.   Please submit payment online or be sure to send in a check by 4/24.

Thursday, April 26 – Pre-K Vision Screening (during class)

Father/Daughter Glow Bowl is Friday, April 27th from 5-8pm at West Seattle Bowl.  Pre-Kindergarten Dads and daughters are welcome!  Just a note, this is a VERY loud event – fun, but loud, just as a note for those with sensitive ears.  Sign-up and more details are available online here.

Friday, 5/11 – Mother’s Tea, 1:00 – Parish Center  -(We would love to have a few dads help us out at this event…)

Monday, 5/21 – Field Trip to Kelsey Creek Farm – We will leave HRS at 12:15 for our 1:00 farm tour, and will return to school by 3:00.

Friday, 5/25 – Morning Class – 8:30-11:30

Monday, 5/28 – No School – Memorial Day holiday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 16, 2018

Dear Families,

Tuesday, April 24 is class photo day.  Please bring your completed form and check to class that morning. (There is also an option to pay online.)

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include L, F, E, H, T, I, U, C, O, Q, G, S, J, D, P, B, R, K, A, V, M, N, W, and X. Our letter of the week is Y. Please brainstorm words that begin with Y at home with your child on Monday night and we will put them on our chart on Tuesday.  Please assist your child in completing the Y practice page at home.

Math:We will continue our unit on data and graphing.

Faith Formation: This coming Sunday is Good Shepherd Sunday. Children will listen to the story of Jesus as a Good Shepherd and discuss how much Jesus loves each of us. They will also identify people who take good care of them like the Good Shepherd.

Second Step: Saying the Problem – Knowing how to use words to solve problems instead of hitting or grabbing helps your child get along with others and learn at home and at school.

Social Studies: Thank you to Henry’s dad, Adam for coming to talk to the children about his career as a pilot. They loved the presentation!  This week, on Tuesday, we will have a police officer in to visit.  If you would like to share your career with the children, please email me.

Snack:

4/16 – Serena             4/23 – Connor

4/17 – Vivienne           4/24 – Dominic

4/18 – Ali                   4/25 – Emily D.

4/19 – Beau                 4/26 – Emily V.

4/20 – Coen                 4/27 – Greg

Bright and Shining Star – Beau

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

 Please mark your calendar:

Tuesday, April 24 – Class Photo Day.  You will find a form in your child’s filer.  Please submit payment online or be sure to send in a check by 4/24.

Friday, 5/11 – Mother’s Tea, 1:00 – Parish Center  -(We would love to have a few dads help us out at this event…)

Monday, 5/21 – Field Trip to Kelsey Creek Farm – We will leave HRS at 12:15 for our 1:00 farm tour, and will return to school by 3:00.

Friday, 5/25 – Morning Class – 8:30-11:30

Monday, 5/28 – No School – Memorial Day holiday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 9, 2018

Dear Families,

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include L, F, E, H, T, I, U, C, O, Q, G, S, J, D, P, B, R, K, A, V, M, N, and W.  Our letter of the week isX. Please brainstorm words that begin withX at home with your child on Monday night and we will put them on our chart on Tuesday.  Please assist your child in completing the X practice page at home.

Science: We will wrap up our nutrition unit this week.

Social Studies: We will spend a couple of weeks talking about community helpers. We are so fortunate to have a couple of special visitors joining us, including Henry’s dad, Adam, who will talk about being a pilot, and a P3 parent who will talk about being a police officer. If anyone else would like to share your career with us, please contact me!

Math:Our focus will be on data and graphs.  We will gather data, record information on a graph, and gather information from a graph.

Faith Formation: We will talk about Resurrection. Children will learn that the Risen Jesus appears to his friends with a message of peace and forgiveness.

Snack:

4/9 – Lauren             4/16 – Serena

4/10 – Lyla                4/17 – Vivienne

4/11 – Madeline         4/18 – Ali

4/12 – Nona               4/19 – Beau

4/13 – Paige               4/20 – Coen

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Emily V.

Please mark your calendar:

Friday, 5/11 – Mother’s Tea, 1:00 – Parish Center (We would love to have a couple of dads help with set up, serving and clean-up.  If you are able to help out that day, please email me.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 26, 2018

New sign in sheets beginning on Monday – We are going to make the switch to “kindergarten” name writing now. This means starting first names with an upper case letter, followed by the rest of the letters in lower case. Please don’t feel pressured. We will work on this over the next few weeks. We will begin with first names only. It’s going to be very important that each letter is formed with correct letter formation. I have placed a lower case alphabet chart in your child’s cubby and have lots of extras if you would like one.

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include L, F, E, H, T, I, U, C, O, Q, G, S, J, D, P, B, R, K, A, V, M, and N. Our letter of the week is W. Please brainstorm words that begin with W at home with your child on Monday night and we will put them on our chart on Tuesday. Please assist your child in completing the W practice page at home.

Math: Our focus will be on data and graphs. We will learn to gather data, record information on a graph, and gather information from a graph.

Faith Formation: This Holy Week we will focus our discussion on the Paschal Mystery – the mystery of Jesus’ life.

Snack:

3/26 – Greg                 4/9 – Lauren

3/27 – Henry               4/10 – Lyla

3/28 – Isabelle S.        4/11 – Madeline

3/29 – Isabelle T.        4/12 – Nona

3/30 – Kirra                4/13 – Paige

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Our field trip to the Children’s Theatre is Tuesday. Please be sure to send a booster seat with your child. Also, parking can be expensive near the Seattle Center. I will put an envelope in the foyer to assist our parent drivers with the cost, in case you would like to put in a dollar or two…

Please mark your calendar:

Tuesday, March 27 – Children’s Theatre field trip. PLEASE ARRIVE TO SCHOOL BY 11:30.

Thursday, 3/29 –Easter Egg Hunt and treat. We will meet on our playground right at 2:45 (weather permitting). Feel free to join us!

Friday, 3/30 – Good Friday – Morning Preschool – 8:30 – 11:30

April 2-6 – NO SCHOOL – Spring Break

Friday, 5/11 – Mother’s Tea, 1:00 – Parish Center

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 19, 2018

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include L, F, E, H, T, I, U, C, O, Q, G, S, J, D, P, B, R, K, A, V, M and N. Our letter of the week is V. Please brainstorm words that begin with V at home with your child Monday night and we will put them on our chart on Tuesday. Please assist your child in completing the V practice page at home.

Math: We will continue to work on patterning this week. We will look for patterns in our classroom and on a short walk around the school. We will also work with manipulatives to create and extend our own patterns.

Faith Formation: Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, March 25, 2018. This week, children will learn about Holy Week. They will experience the special ritual on Palm Sunday, the procession with palm branches welcoming Jesus on the first day of the Holy Week.

Science: We will continue to focus on nutrition this week.

Snack:

3/19 – Coen                             3/26 – Greg

3/20 – Connor                          3/27 – Henry

3/21 – Dominic                       3/28 – Isabelle S.

3/22 – Emily D.                       3/29 – Isabelle T.

3/23 – Emily V.                       3/30 – Kirra

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Ali

Please mark your calendar:

Tuesday, March 27 – Field trip to Seattle Children’s Theatre. PLEASE HAVE YOUR CHILD ARRIVE AT SCHOOL BY 11:30 SO THAT WE CAN CARPOOL UP TO THE SEATTLE CENTER AND BE SEATED IN TIME FOR THE 12:45 SHOW

Thursday, March 29 –Easter Egg Hunt and treat. We will meet on our playground right at 2:45 (weather permitting). Feel free to join us!

Friday, March 30 – Morning Preschool – Good Friday 8:30 – 11:30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 12, 2018

Dear Families,

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include L, F, E, H, T, I U, C, O, Q, G, S, J, D, P, B, R, K, A, and M. Our letter of the week is N. Please brainstorm words that begin with N at home with your child on Monday night and we will put them on our chart on Tuesdau. Please assist your child in completing the N practice page at home.

Math: Students will extend simple patterns by predicting what comes next.

We will also continue to work in our March math packets.

Faith Formation: Children will continue to learn about and celebrate Lent. We will learn more about prayer and talk about being kind, loving and generous to others.

Science: We will begin a 2 week mini-unit focusing on nutrition this week. In case you are interested in some great nutrition information, check out www.choosemyplate.gov. It is an excellent resource for families.

Snack:

3/12 – Serena                                    3/19 – Coen

3/13 – Vivienne                                   3/20 – Connor

3/14 – Ali                                           3/21 – Dominic

3/15 – Beau                                         3/22 – Emily D.

3/16 – NO SCHOOL                           3/23 – Emily V.

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Emily D.

Friday, March 30 – Morning Preschool – Good Friday 8:30 – 11:30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 5, 2018

Dear Families,

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include L, F, E, H, T, I, U, C, O, Q, G, S, J, D, P, B, R, K, and A. Our letter of the week is M. Please brainstorm words that begin with M at home with your child Monday night and we will put them on our chart on Tuesday. Please assist your child in completing the M practice page at home.

Math: We have almost completed the learning of number writing. I do suggest that you continue to practice at home. We are now getting back to our McGraw Hill curriculum and move into Chapter 8, which will focus on patterns. In addition, we will begin our March math packets.

Faith Formation:   Children will express understanding of when we need to say “I’m sorry” and how to do so. They will learn that God loves us no matter what, in the Story of the Prodigal Son and a Forgiving Father.

Second Step: We will continue to discuss Managing Anger.

Snack:

3/5 – Lauren                             3/12 – Serena

3/6 – Lyla                                 3/13 – Vivienne

3/7 – Madeline                         3/14 – Ali

3/8 – Nona                               3/15 – Beau

3/9 – Paige                               3/16 – NO SCHOOL – Archdiocesan Inservice Day

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Paige

Please mark your calendar:

Tuesday, March 27 – Field trip to Seattle Children’s Theatre. We still need 2 more chaperone/drivers. Please have your child arrive at school early this day – 11:30, in order for us to drive up, park, and check in by 12:30.

Friday, March 30 – Morning Preschool – Good Friday – 8:30 – 11:30

Friday, May 11, Mother’s Day Tea, 1:00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 26, 2018

Classroom Activities:

Literacy:

This week, we will do a mini author study on Dr. Seuss, as we honor him on the date of his birthday, March 2. We will enjoy as many of his books as possible. I’m certain that your child be hooked by the end of the week!

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT): Letters introduced so far include L, F, E, H, T, I, U, C, O, Q, G, S, J, D, P, B, R, and K. Our letter of the week is A. Please brainstorm words that begin with A at home with your child Monday night and we will put them on our chart on Tuesday. Please assist your child in completing the A practice page at home.

Math: We will complete our number writing instruction this week, completing 7, 8, and 9. I suggest that you encourage your child to practice in the packet that was sent home. Just a row at a time, but please be sure that they are forming the numbers correctly as they work.

Faith Formation: Children will learn basic Christian principles related to conflict resolution.

Second Step: Our topic this week is Managing Disappointment.

*When you don’t get what you want, you can feel disappointed.

*Belly breathing calms down strong feelings.

*Belly breathing pushes the belly out when you breathe in .

Science: We will continue our study of dental health. On Thursday, we will walk to Westside Children’s Dentistry. Would you like to join us? We could use a few more chaperones if you are available. Please turn in your permission form if you have not done so already.

Snack:

2/26 – Greg                                         3/5 – Lauren

2/27 –  Henry                                       3/6 – Lyla

2/28 – Isabelle S.                                3/7 – Madeline

3/1 – Isabelle T.                                   3/8 – Nona

3/2 –    Kirra                                        3/9 – Paige

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Dominic

Water Bottles – Please be sure to send one to school with your child each day.

Library Books – Several children in our class have 2 or more overdue books. Please search around the house for these and return them by Wednesday. Thank you!

Please mark your calendar:

Thursday, March 1 – Field Trip to Westside Children’s Dentistry.

Friday, March 16 – NO PRESCHOOL – Archdiocesan Teacher Inservice day

Tuesday, March 27 – Field Trip to Seattle Children’s Theatre. We will be watching “Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed”. We have space for 5 driver/chaperones. We are going to try to get as many kiddos into as few cars as possible… Please let me know if you can drive and attend. There will be a permission form as it gets closer. (You must have completed your Safe Environment training in order to attend. )

Friday, March 30 – MORNING PRESCHOOL – Pre-K will meet from 8:30 – 11:30.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 21, 2018

Dear Families,

I hope that you have had a wonderful weekend and winter break!

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT) – Since it’s a short week, rather than introduce a new letter, we will review letters taught so far.

Math: We will continue to work on number writing. You will find a practice packet in your filer. Please assist your child in practicing at home. You can trace over the numbers several times to get the most “bang for your buck” from the page. We will introduce 5 and 6 this week. Please remind your child to start at the top when forming letters and numbers.

Faith Formation: We will continue to talk about Lent. Children will learn about the importance of saying “I’m sorry”.

Science: We will begin to learn about dental health. You will find a toothcare chart in your child’s filer. This might be fun to post in the bathroom and fill in throughout the week. Next Thursday, March 1, we will walk to Westside Children’s Dentistry to tour the office.  We would love to have several chaperones join us.  (You must have completed your Safe Environment Training in order to come along.)

Second Step – Managing Disappointment

Snack:

2/19 – No School                                  2/26 – Greg

2/20 – No School                                 2/27 – Henry

2/21 – Dominic                                               2/28 – Isabelle S.

2/22 – Emily D.                                               3/1 – Isabelle T.

2/23 – Emily V.                                               3/2 – Kirra

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Kirra

Please mark your calendar:

Thursday, March 1 – Field Trip to Westside Children’s Dentistry.

Friday, March 16 – NO PRESCHOOL – Archdiocesan Teacher Inservice day

Tuesday, March 27 – Field Trip to Seattle Children’s Theatre. We will be watching “Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed”. We have space for 5 driver/chaperones. We are going to try to get as many kiddos into as few cars as possible… Please let me know if you can drive and attend. There will be a permission form as it gets closer. (You must have completed your Safe Environment training in order to attend. )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 12, 2018

Dear Families,

On Tuesday, we will celebrate Valentine’s Day. Your child may bring his/her valentines in on Monday or Tuesday and distribute them into the valentine bags in the back classroom upon arrival at school. Many thanks Kimberly for coordinating and to our families who are donating treats for the party, which will take place on Tuesday at 2:45.

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT) – Letters introduced so far include L, F, E, H, T, I, U, C, O, Q, G, S, J, D, P, B, and R. Our letter of the week is K. Please brainstorm words that begin with K at home with your child Monday night and we will put them on our chart on Tuesday. Please assist your child in completing the K practice page at home.

Math: We will continue to work on number writing over the next 2 weeks.

Social Studies – We will continue to discuss President’s Day. We will learn about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

Second Step – Our topic this week is Naming Feelings.

Children will be able to:

1. Name their feelings in response to scenarios
2. Demonstrate how to calm down in response to scenarios

Faith Formation – Lent Season begins on Ash Wednesday. Children will identify the season of Lent and its color in the Liturgical Calendar.  They will also learn that we have feelings, which come from God as we discuss the story of Lazarus in the Gospel of John 11.

 Snack:

2/12 – Ali                               2/19 – No School

2/13 – Beau                             2/20 – No School

2/14 – Coen                             2/21 – Dominic

2/15 – Connor                          2/22 – Emily D.

2/16 – NO SCHOOL               2/23 – Emily V.

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, February 13 – Valentine Party – 2:45 – All are welcome!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 5, 2018

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include L, F, E, H, T, I, U, C, O, Q, G, S, J, D, P, and B. Our letter of the week is R. Please brainstorm words that begin with R at home with your child on Monday night and we will put them on our chart on Tuesday. Please assist your child in completing the R practice page at home.

Math: We will be working on number writing this week.

Faith Formation: We will learn about our church community and that we do things together.

Social Studies: We will begin to talk about President’s Day and the lives of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

Snack:

2/5 – Madeline                         2/12 – Ali

2/6 – Nona                               2/13 – Beau

2/7 – Paige                               2/14 – Coen

2/8 – Serena                            2/15 – Connor

2/9 – Vivienne                         2/16 – NO SCHOOL

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Madeline

Please mark your calendar:

February 13 – Valentine Party – 2:45 – Feel free to join us! Thank you to Kimberly T. for organizing!!!

May 11 – Pre-K Mother’s Tea – 1:00 in the Parish Center

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 29, 2018

February will be a busy month. We will begin with Catholic Schools Week and will then focus on Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, and toward the end of the month, dental health.

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include L, F, E, H, T, I, U, C, O, Q, G, S, J, D and P.

Our letter of the week is B. Please brainstorm words that begin with B at home with your child on Monday night and we will put them on our chart on Tuesday. Please assist your child in completing the B practice page at home.

Math: Your child will be bringing home his/her January Math Packet. Please look over the activities with your child and assist him/her in completing the final pages. We will begin working on number writing this week.

Science: As part of our community service project, we will review composting, recycling, and land fill. The children will work together to beautify our playground by putting on gloves and picking up trash.

Faith Formation: Children will learn about Jesus’ healing miracles. They will see that Jesus helps and cares for us as he cared for and healed the sick man. We will take time to pray for those who are sick

Snack:

1/29 – Isabelle S.        2/5 – Madeline

1/30 – Isabelle T.        2/6 – Nona

1/31 –   Kirra                2/7 – Paige

2/1 –    Lauren              2/8 – Serena

2/2 –    Lyla                  2/9 – Vivienne

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Connor

Have a wonderful week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 22, 2018

Classroom Activities:

Our songs, stories, and poems will focus on winter and hibernating animals.

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include L, F, E, H, T, I, U, C, O, Q, G, S, J, and D.

Our letter of the week is P. Please brainstorm words that begin with P at home with your child Monday night and we will put them on our chart on Tuesday. Please assist your child in completing the P practice page at home.

Math: We will continue working on counting objects and number identification. We will work in small groups playing number games, working with manipulatives, and completing math packet activities.

Second Step: Naming Feelings.

Science: Hibernation

Faith Formation: Children will learn that God calls us to use our gifts to serve him and others.

Snack:

1/22 – Dominic                         1/29 – Isabelle S.

1/23 – Emily D..                      1/30 – Isabelle T.

1/24 – Emily V.                       1/31 – Kirra

1/25 – Greg                              2/1 – Lauren

1/26 – Henry                           2/2 – Lyla

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Valentine Party – Our Valentine party will be held on Tuesday, February 13. Please have your child bring a valentine for each classmate. Rather than writing the names of each recipient on each card, it might be easier to simply have your child sign his/her own name. This makes the process more pleasant for the children both during the making of the cards and during passing out. You will find a name list in your filer in case your child wants the challenge of writing each name.

Bright and Shining Star – Vivienne

Have a wonderful week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 16, 2018

Wow! Thank you for the amazing support with last name writing. The kids are doing so well. Fantastic!

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include L, F, E, H, T, I, U, C, O, Q, G, S, and J.

Our letter of the week is D. Please brainstorm words that begin with D at home with your child Tuesday night and we will put them on our chart Wednesday. Please assist your child in completing the D practice page at home.

Second Step: This week, we will discuss Strong Feelings.

Children will be able to:

1. Recognize and name when they or others are feeling frustrated
2. Demonstrate putting their hands on their tummies and saying “Stop”

Math: We will begin working in our January Math Packets. Included activities incorporate many math concepts including critical thinking, spatial relationships, counting, number writing, and organization.

We will also work on ordering numbers and number recognition. Children will put number cards in sequence and count manipulatives to match the numbers.

Faith Formation: The children will learn about Church as a family of God. They will also learn about Sacrament of the Eucharist.

Science: We will continue to graph daily weather and precipitation.

Snack:

1/15 – No School                      1/22 – Dominic

1/16 –   Ali                               1/23 – Emily D.

1/17 –   Beau                             1/24 – Emily V.

1/18 –   Coen                             1/25 – Greg

1/19 –   Connor                          1/26 – Henry

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Greg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 8, 2018

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include L, F, E, H, T, I, U, C, O, Q, G, and S.

Our letter of the week is J. Please brainstorm words that begin with J at home with your child Monday night and we will put them on our chart on Tuesday. Please assist your child in completing the J practice page at home.

We will also be doing activities based upon The Mitten. One of the versions of this book is written by Jan Brett. The class has become interested in her style of illustrations, so we will conduct a Jan Brett author study this week.

Sign-In Pages: This week, we will begin signing in with first and last names. Please don’t let this be a cause for stress. If your child is already writing his/her last name, great. If not, no worries. We’ll just begin one letter at a time. I do suggest that you work on this at home. (We’ll be teaching the children to put a “2 finger space” between their first and last name.)

Second Step: Our topic this week is “Caring and Helping”.

Science: We will record daily temperatures and rainfall as a part of our weather unit.

Social Studies – We will learn about Martin Luther King as we prepare for the upcoming holiday in his honor next week.

Math: We will begin unit 5 this week, entitled Numbers 0-5.

Faith Formation: The children will learn about the sacrament of Baptism.

Snack Schedule:

 1/8 – Madeline              1/15 – NO SCHOOL

1/9 – Nona                    1/16 – Ali

1/10 – Paige                 1/17 – Beau

1/11 – Serena               1/18 – Coen

1/12 –   Vivienne           1/19 – Connor

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – Isabelle T.

Friday, January 12 – On Friday, Pre-K will meet in the morning due to a half day at the Big School, similar to what we did on the Tuesday before break. Pre-K will meet from 8:30 – 11:30. I am suggesting a staggered start, so feel free to arrive anytime between 8:30 and 8:50 to eliminate congestion in the foyer. The Pre-K kids will use their cubbies as usual and the P2 class will keep their belongings in the front classroom. After washing their hands, please have your children proceed to the Rainbow Room rather than the front classroom as they normally do. Thank you for your flexibility.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 2, 2018

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include L, F, E, H, T, I, U, C, O, Q and G.

Our letter of the week is S. Please brainstorm words that begin with S at home with your child Monday night and we will put them on our chart on Tuesday. This can be a tricky letter to write, so please assist your child in completing the S practice page at home.

We will begin a mini-unit focused upon the story, The Mitten. Through this study, we will discuss story elements such as plot and character, as well as continuing to focus on comprehension strategies.

Second Step: Our topic this week is “Caring and Helping”.

*When you feel empathy for someone, you can show them you care

*You can show you care by saying something kind or doing something helpful

Science: We will begin a mini weather unit. We will record daily temperatures and make wind socks as part of our wind discussion.

Math: We will complete Chapter 3 this week.

Snack:

1/1 – No School                                    1/8 – Madeline

1/2 – Isabelle T.                       1/9 – Nona

1/3 – Kirra                   1/10 – Paige

1/4 – Lauren                 1/11 – Serena

1/5 – Lyla                     1/12 – Vivienne – Morning Class

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Bright and Shining Star – With the new year, we will begin celebrating each child as our Bright and Shining Star. We will randomly choose one child each week. You will receive an instruction sheet and a large star for your child to decorate and display here at school once your child’s name is drawn. We will choose our first star on Monday, January 8.

Friday, 1/12 – Morning Pre-K – This day is a half day at the Big School.  Pre-K will meet in the morning as we did  on the Tuesday before break. Class will run from 8:30 – 11:30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 18, 2017

CLASSOOM ACTIVITIES

Morning Pre-K on Tuesday! – As you know, we just have two days together this week. Tuesday will be a busy one, as both the P3 and Pre-K classes will be in session at the same time. Sister and I will teach the P3 children, while Sara and Henry’s mom, Amanda will teach Pre-K. The children will be in separate classrooms, but there will definitely be a different feeling in the air with a lot of Christmas energy and extra bodies. Please mention this to your child so they don’t feel overwhelmed upon arrival…

ARRIVAL – We will have 34 children arriving at 8:30 this morning. Feel free to drop your child off any time between 8:30 and 8:45 to avoid confusion.

Literacy: We will practice our reading skills through poetry and will also enjoy lots of Christmas stories. The second graders will be coming down for to share Christmas stories with your children. This is always a very special event.

Second Step: We will continue to place stars on our Advent candles in honor of classmates who have been making positive choices.

Faith Formation: Christmas

Math: We will complete our December math packets this week.

SNACK SCHEDULE

12/18 – Henry

12/19 – Isabelle S.

Extra News and Upcoming Events:

Monday, 12/18, Caroling and Cookies – We will have our field trip to Brookdale at Admiral. We will sing the songs from our program and share cookies with the residents. The singing will begin at 1:00 and we should be headed back to school by 1:30. Thank you to those of you who are able to drive or provide cookies. In terms of attire, in the past, children have dressed in holiday clothing that also works for a day at school… **Please send a booster seat with your child!

Tuesday, 12/19 – Morning Preschool. 8:30 – 11:30.

Tuesday, 1/2 – School Resumes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 11, 2017

Classroom Activities:

We will practice our reading skills through poetry this week. We will also have special guest readers. The 2^nd graders will be coming down to share Christmas stories with us, which is always a hit.

HWT: We will review letters L, F, E, H, T, I, U, C, O, Q and G.

Second Step: We will continue to focus on The Golden Rule. The children have been enjoying placing stars on our Advent Candle in honor of classmates who have been extra kind. It has been lovely.

Faith Formation:  The Children will hear stories about where Jesus was born. They will recognize the Holy Family as Jesus’ family on earth with Mary and Joseph.

Math: We will work in our December math packets this week.

Much of our time will be spent preparing for the show. We will have dress rehearsals at the big school on Tuesday and Wednesday and will be finalizing our songs in the classroom.

Snack:

12/11 -Coen                                         12/18 – Henry

12/12 – Dominic                                   12/19 – Isabelle S.

12/13 – Emily D.

12/14 – Emily V.

12/15 – Greg

Extra News and Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, 12/13 – P3 and Pre-K Holiday Show – Please arrive to the Big School by 6:20 in holiday attire

Monday, 12/18, Caroling and Cookies – We will have our field trip to Brookdale at Admiral. We will sing the songs from our program and share cookies with the residents. The singing will begin at 1:00 and we should be headed back to school by 1:30. Thank you to those of you who are able to drive or provide cookies (there is a cookie sign up in the foyer). In terms of attire, in the past, children have dressed in holiday clothing that also works for a day at school…  Please return your form by Monday, 12/11 so that we can prepare carpools. 

Tuesday, 12/19 – Morning Preschool. 8:30 – 11:30.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 4, 2017

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include L, F, E, H, T, I U, C, O, and Q.

Our letter of the week is G. Please brainstorm words that begin with G at home with your child on Monday night and we will put them on our chart on Tuesday. Please assist your child in completing the G practice page at home.

Our stories, songs, and poems will focus on the letter G and Christmas.

Second Step: We will use this week to review some of our recent lessons. In addition, we will focus on The Golden Rule and treating others with love and kindness during this holiday season. We will begin adding “Warm Fuzzies” to a special Advent chart.

Faith Formation: We will continue to celebrate Advent season, to wait for Jesus with joy as we read the Annunciation story based on Luke 1: 26 – 35 and Matthew 1: 19 – 2, 24.

Math: We will continue Unit 3 this week, titled Position and Direction.

Snack:

12/4 – Serena             12/11 – Connor

12/5 – Vivienne           12/12 – Dominic

12/6 – Ali                   12/13 – Emily D.

12/7 – Beau                 12/14 – Emily V.

12/8 – Coen                 12/15 – Greg

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, 12/13 – Holiday Program – 6:30 p.m.

Monday, 12/18 – Caroling and Cookies at Brookdale at Admiral – 1:00-1:30.  (Chaperones and drivers must be up to date with Safe Environment requirements.)

Tuesday, 12/19 – Morning Pre-K – 8:30 – 11:30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 27, 2017

Hello Pre-K families!

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include L, F, E, H, T, I U, C, and O.

Our letter of the week is Q. Please brainstorm words that begin with Q at home with your child Monday night and we will put them on our chart on Tuesday. Please assist your child in completing the Q practice page at home.

Math: We will continue to work on Chapter 3 – Position and Direction.

Faith Formation: We will talk about the Liturgical Year. Children will learn about the different seasons in our Church calendar which begins at Advent.

Second Step: This week, we will focus on accidents. Concepts covered include:

*An accident is when you do something you didn’t mean to do.

*When you do something by accident, it’s important to say it was an accident so others don’t think you did it on purpose.

Holiday Program – We will be busy in class preparing for our upcoming production. We will devote some time at the beginning and end of class each day to practice our songs and actions.

You will find a sign up sheet in the foyer for treats for the holiday program. We are asking for 4 families from the Pre-K class to bring two dozen cookies to the show. We are also requesting napkins and cups. Thank you!

Dramatic Play – We have created a Santa’s Workshop in dramatic play. We would love donations of extra gift wrap, bows, ribbons, small boxes, gift tags, etc. (just extras that you have around that you may otherwise not need)

Snack:

11/27 – Lauren            12/4 – Serena

11/28 – Lyla                 12/5 – Vivienne

11/29 – Madeline          12/6 – Ali

11/30 – Nona                12/7 – Beau

12/1 –   Paige                12/8 – Coen

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Food Drive – Thank you for all of your generous donations to St. Vincent de Paul. The children loved collecting the food, counting it, sorting it, and delivering to the Food Room. Your support was greatly appreciated!

Field Trip, Monday, December 18 – We have planned a small field trip to Brookdale Admiral Heights on California Avenue. We will leave at 12:40 to arrive by 1:00 (ish) to share our Christmas songs and some cookies (please let me know if you would like to bake some! ) with the residents. You will find a permission waiver and driver/chaperone request in your child’s filer.  *Please remember that in order to chaperone or attend the trip, you must have completed your Safe Environment  Training. If you aren’t sure of your status, please contact Melissa in the Parish office (206)935-8353

 ****Morning Preschool – Monday, December 19 – 8:30 – 11:30.

Have a wonderful week!

Tauna

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 13, 2017

Hello Pre-K families!

This is our last week of preschool before Thanksgiving. Let me take a moment to tell you how thankful I am for each of you and your lovely children. These students are truly a blessing in my life. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family.

A big welcome to our new student Kirra and her family!

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include L, F, E, H, T, I, U, and C.

Our letter of the week is O. Please brainstorm words that begin with O at home with your child Monday night and we will put them on our chart on Tuesday. Please assist your child in completing the O practice page at home.

Second Step: This week, we will focus on accidents. Concepts covered include:

*An accident is when you do something you didn’t mean to do.

*When you do something by accident, it’s important to say it was an accident so others don’t think you did it on purpose.

Faith Formation: The children will learn that God gives us many different blessings and name something they are thankful for. They will also learn about Mass or Eucharist as celebration of “Thanksgiving” to God.

Math: We will continue to work on accurately counting objects using one to one correspondence, while also continuing to practice our sorting skills..

Social Studies – We will continue to learn about the first Thanksgiving.

Snack:

11/13 –             Greg                             11/27 – Lauren

11/14 –             Henry                           11/28 – Lyla

11/15 –             Isabelle S.                    11/29 – Nona

11/16 –             Isabelle T.                    11/30 – Madeline

11/17 –             Kirra                            12/1 – Paige

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Help the Hungry Food Drive – Thank you for all of the wonderful donations that you have brought in for our food drive. The children are SO excited to help the hungry families right here in West Seattle. We will continue collecting food through this Thursday, 11/16. We will then present it to our Holy Rosary St. Vincent de Paul members.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 6, 2017

Hello Pre-K families!

I hope that you enjoy this cozy fall weekend and upcoming week.

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include L, F, E, H, T, I, and U.

Our letter of the week is C. Please brainstorm words that begin with C at home with your child and we will put them on our chart on Tuesday. Please assist your child in completing the C practice page at home.

Our poems, songs and stories will focus on Thanksgiving.

Math: Students will sort objects by more than one attribute and explain the sorting rule. We will continue to work on accurately counting objects using one to one correspondence.

Faith Formation: Children will continue to learn about taking turns and other ways to follow the Golden Rule. They will be encouraged to act out this principle in concrete ways that apply to their daily lives.

Social Studies: We will begin to learn about Thanksgiving.

Snack:

11/6 – Connor                                       11/13 – Greg

11/7 –   Dominic                                   11/14 – Henry

11/8 –   Emily D.                                   11/15 – Isabelle S.

11/9 –   Emily V.                                   11/16 – Isabelle T.

11/10 – No School                                 11/17 – Lauren

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

HELP THE HUNGRY –

Holy Rosary Pre-K

7th Annual

Help the Hungry

Food Drive

The Pre-K kids will be holding a small Food Drive to help the hungry in our community.

Our parish has an active St. Vincent de Paul group. The Pre-K kids will tour the St. Vincent de Paul food room this week and will tour it again after our drive so that they can see the difference that they are making in people’s lives.

I am attaching of list of foods that would be greatly appreciated.

Cereal

Tuna

Canned Soup

Top Ramen

Rice

Canned Fruit

Peanut butter

Crackers (all kinds)

Cake mix

Pasta

Macaroni and cheese

Beef stew

Chili

Ravioli

Instant Oatmeal

The children will decorate a large collection box, which will be placed in our foyer.

We will tie this service project into our math curriculum, by sorting the food once we have collected it.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our students and our preschool program!

Have a great week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 30, 2017

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include L, F, E, H, T, and I.

Our letter of the week is U. Please brainstorm words that begin with U at home with your child on Monday night and we will put them on our chart on Tuesday. Please assist your child in completing the U practice page at home.

Science: We will complete our mini units on both pumpkins and leaves this week.

Second Step: Our topic this week is Identifying Anger.

Children will be able to:

1. Identify the feeling mad/angry when presented with physical clues.
2. Tell others about a time when they felt angry.

Math: Children will use manipulatives to solve problems. They will use sorting, classifying, and counting to complete problems.

Faith Formation: We will talk about the Golden Rule. The children will be encouraged to name at least one rule at home or at school and share how they follow this rule

We will talk about saints as heroes of our faith who are part of the family of the Church in heaven. We are hoping to have a very special visit from our 4^th grade saints on Wednesday, All Saints Day.

Snack:

10/30 – Serena                                    11/6 – Connor

10/31 – Vivienne                                  11/7 – Dominic

11/1 –   Ali                                           11/8 – Emily D.

11/2 –   Beau                                         11/9 – Emily V.

11/3 – Coen                                         11/10 – No School

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Library Books – We visit the library each Wednesday. Please be sure to return your books weekly. There are a few children with several books at home. Please search around and return them by this Wednesday. Thanks!

Halloween Party – We will have our small Halloween celebration on Monday, October 31 from 2:45-3:05. Many thanks to Kimberly T. for organizing and to everyone who is bringing treats. Please wear orange and black for this special day, rather than costumes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 23, 2017

Classroom Activities:

Literacy: Our songs, poems, and stories will focus on pumpkins and Halloween.

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include L, F, E, H and T.

Our letter of the week is I. Please brainstorm words that begin with I at home with your child on Monday night and we will put them on our chart on Tuesday. Please assist your child in completing the I practice page at home.

Science: This week, we will focus on pumpkins.  We will observe the insides and outsides of pumpkins.  We will learn about the life cycle of a pumpkin as well.

Math: We will continue sort items into specific categories and will also practice counting using 1:1 correspondence.

Faith Formation: We will discuss ways people show love for one another. Children will be encouraged to express one way someone shows love to them and one way they can show love to others.

Second Step: We will continue to discuss feelings. The concept covered this week is:

Focusing attention on what is happening, or the situation, can help you tell how someone is feeling.

Snack:                           

10/23 – Lauren                              10/30 – Serena

10/24 – Lyla                                  10/31 – Vivienne

10/25 – Madeline                          11/1 – Ali

10/26 – Nona                                 11/2 – Beau

10/27 – Paige                                 11/3 – Coen

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Halloween Party – We will have our small Halloween celebration on Tuesday, October 31 from 2:45-3:05. Many thanks to Isabelle’s mom, Kimberly, for organizing and to everyone who is bringing treats. Please wear orange and black for this special day, rather than costumes. Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 16, 2017

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include L, F, E, and H.

Our letter of the week is T. Please brainstorm words that begin with T at home with your child on Monday night and we will put them on our chart on Tuesday. Please assist your child in completing the T practice page at home.

We will enjoy lots of Halloween fiction stories and will also be reading non-fiction books about leaves.

Math: We will continue to work on sorting and classifying items.

Science: Why do some leaves change color? Our week will begin with a leaf collection walk. We will spend time this week learning about leaves. We will discuss both deciduous and non-deciduous trees. We will learn a short song about chlorophyll.

Second Step: Our topic this week is, “Identifying Feelings”. The concept taught will be that you can look at people’s faces and bodies for clues to help you tell how they feel.

Faith Formation: Children will understand that God provides for all our needs. They will also learn that God wants us to work together.

Snack:

10/16 – Emily V.                      10/23 – Lauren

10/17 – Greg                            10/24 – Lyla

10/18 – Henry                          10/25 – Madeline

10/19 – Isabelle S.                   10/26 – Nona

10/20 – Isabelle T.                   10/27 – Paige

Library: The children have been loving our Wednesday visits to the library in the Big School. Please be sure to return all books by Wednesday, at the latest, of each week.

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Kindergarten Registration – If you are planning to apply for kindergarten at Holy Rosary, please do so by November 15. At that point, priority registration ends and registration becomes open to the public.

Monday, October 16 – Field Trip to Fire Station 29. We will leave school at 12:25 and return by 1:30 at the latest. If you would like to bring in some cookies as a thank you to the fire fighters, we would greatly appreciate it. (If you do, please send them on a paper plate or in a container that you don’t need back.) Thank you!

Monday, October 31 – Halloween Party – We will have a short party at 2:40. Many thanks to Isabelle T.’s mom for organizing this special event!

Happy week!

Tauna

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 8, 2017

Classroom Activities:

Literacy: Our stories, poems, and songs will focus on Fire Safety and Fall this week.

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include L, F, and E.

Our letter of the week is H. Please brainstorm words that begin with H at home with your child Monday night and we will put them on our chart on Tuesday. Please assist your child in completing the H practice page at home.

Math: We will continue chapter 2 of our math program.   Students will observe and identify likenesses and differences in objects’ attributes. They will sort objects by one and two of these attributes and tell why objects do or do not belong to a group.

Science: We will harvest and enjoy another salad from our preschool garden. (Thank you to Luke’s family in the P3 class!!) We will also be planting fall bulbs.

Second Step: This week’s lesson is titled, “Asking for What You Need or Want”. The concept introduced will be to ask for what you need or want, face the person you are asking, and use a respectful voice.

Faith Formation: Children will learn that God has done many good things for us and to be thankful for all that he does.

Snack:

10/9 – Beau                 10/16 – Emily V.

10/10 – Coen                 10/17 – Greg

10/11 – Connor              10/18 – Henry

10/12 – Dominic          10/19 – Isabelle S.

10/13 – Emily D.          10/20 – Isabelle T.

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Monday, October 16 – Our first field trip! We will be traveling to Fire Station 29 for a station tour. If you have not returned your permission form, please do so by Wednesday. There are extra forms in the foyer if you need one. If you are a driver, I will have your list of students when you arrive on the 16th. We will leave school at 12:20 and return by 1:30ish. Please be sure to send a booster seat with your child on the 16th. As you know, the archdiocese does require that all volunteers have completed Safe Environment Training, so once you have signed up, I’ll let you know if you have any additional pieces to complete. Thank you!

Sharing Shelf –Your child may bring any special item and display it on the shelf for the day, then take it back home after preschool. Children will not have an opportunity for whole group sharing of the item, but are able to show their friends during choice time. Children will be instructed not to touch items placed on this special shelf. Please remind your child to get his/her item at the end of the day. We don’t want anyone to spend a night without their special blankie or stuffie. **Also, please be sure that shared items do not have guns, knives, swords, or “shooters” of any type, as we refer to our preschool as a “Safe Zone”.

CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE –

Monday, 10/16 at 12:45 – Field Trip to Fire Station 29

Tuesday, 10/31 – Halloween Party – 2:40

Friday, 11/10 – NO SCHOOL – Veterans Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 2, 2017

October is Fire Safety Month. Over the next couple of weeks, we will discuss fire safety. Please see information below regarding our upcoming fire station field trip.

Classroom Activities:

Literacy – Our stories, songs, and poems will focus on the letter E and fire safety. We will also explore rhyme and compound words.

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

Letters introduced so far include L and F.

Our letter of the week is E. Please brainstorm words that begin with E at home with your child Monday night and we will put them on our chart on Tuesday. Please assist your child in completing the E practice page at home while also working on writing his/her name the “Pre-K Way”. Thank you for taking the time to work on this at home.

Math: This week, we will begin to discuss Problem Solving. In addition. We will continue to review attributes, while focusing on counting and basic patterning.

Second Step: The lesson is Following Directions. We are learning to listen, follow directions, and repeat directions to remember what to do.

Faith Formation: This week, your child will be introduced to Jesus and the prayer he taught us. They will also learn many ways to pray.

Snack:

10/2 – Paige                             10/9 – Beau

10/3 – Serena                           10/10 – Coen

10/4 – Vivienne                       10/11 – Connor

10/5 – Ali                                 10/12 – Dominic

10/6 – No School                      10/13 – Emily D.

Extra Notes and Upcoming Events:

Fire Station Field Trip – Monday, October 16 at 12:45. You will find a permission form in your filer next week. Please return it by Monday, October 9. We will be asking for several parent driver/chaperones. If you have completed your Safe Environment training, please consider joining us.

 

September 25, 2017

It has been such fun watching the children settle in to Pre-K. What a darling group!

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

We will continue to work on proper pencil grip at school and encourage you to do the same at home. We will sing our song “Where Do We Start Our Letters?” often so that the children become automatic in forming each letter from the top.

This past week, I made a quick decision to introduce our first letter, which was L. Wow! The kids did a great job. We will now focus on one letter each week. Our letter of the week is F. Please brainstorm words that begin with F at home with your child on Monday night and we will put them on our chart on Tuesday. Please assist your child in completing the F practice page at home (you will find this in your child’s filer) while also working on writing his/her name the “Pre-K Way” (correct letter formation and starting at the top). Thank you so much!. Your support at home really makes a big difference.

Math: We will review the attributes of color, shape, and size. In addition, we will focus on quantity.

Second Step: This week’s lesson is Following Directions. We are learning to listen, follow directions, and repeat directions to remember what to do.

Faith Formation:  Children will learn that God made each of us and loves us.

Adventure Backpack: Beginning this week, each child will have the opportunity to bring home the Adventure Backpack. This is a backpack with two dolls (Jack and Jill) that get to spend the night at your house. Before returning to school the next day, we ask your child to draw a picture and to dictate to you some of the adventures. At school, they get to share the journal entry with the class. The kids love this!

Snack:

9/25 – Izzy                              10/2 – Paige

9/26 – Lauren                          10/3 – Serena

9/27 – Lyla                              10/4 – Vivienne

9/28 – Madeline                      10/5 – Ali

9/29 – Nona                            10/6 – No School – Teacher Inservice Day

The children will be in the excellent hands of Teacher Sara and Sister Juanita next Friday, September 29. I will not be here as I will be attending my son’s parent weekend at college. I don’t usually miss school, and am sorry to be out so early in the year. I will be back on Monday, 10/2.

 

 

 

 

 

September 18, 2017

What a fantastic first week of Pre-K! It has been such fun to jump right back into learning! It’s going to be a great year.

Classroom Activities:

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

This week we will work with “wood pieces”. Children learn through consistency. The Wood Pieces allow children to build their capital letters (with the exception of J and U) using 4 basic shapes. By using the Wood Pieces, we can build strong foundation skills for the letter memory, orientation, and sequencing. The children will also continue working in their HWT student books.

We are working on name writing. I hope that you received the alphabet letter formation chart in your child’s filer. Please use this to guide you as you assist your child at home. Correct letter formation is very important, so please note the formation on the chart. We will be focusing on starting our letters at the top.

Math: Our first several math lessons will focus on attributes. Last week, we reviewed colors and described objects with a focus on color. This week, we will work on shape identification.

Science: We will review and practice composting and recycling.

Second Step: The concept introduced this week is that following Listening Rules helps everyone learn.

Faith Formation: Children will learn about the Bible and what prayer is. They will also recognize that God made everything in nature including seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter. We will start saying the Angel of God prayer.

Angel of God, my guardian dear,

to whom God’s love commits me here,

ever this day be at my side,

to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

*We will have our first fire drill on Monday afternoon.  You may want to discuss this with your child to be sure that they understand that this is just practice.

Snack:

9/18 – Emily D.                                                9/25 – Izzy

9/19 – Emily V.                                                 9/26 – Lauren

9/20 – Greg                                                      9/27 – Lyla

9/21 – Henry                                                    9/28 – Madeline

9/22 – Isabelle                                                 9/29 – Nona

Have a wonderful week!

 

 

September 11, 2017

Dear Pre-K Families,

Welcome to our first week of Pre-K. I am so excited to teach your darling children! It’s going to be a great year!

Please refer to the “First Day Jitters” note that was in your filer this week. It really does have some great tips for the first day of school.

If you have not done so yet, please sign up for the email blasts from the Big School. This is very important in case there is an emergency while your child is here.      

mailing-list@holyrosaryws.org

Classroom Activities – Our themes for September are Friends and Getting to Know You. This first week, we will primarily focus on establishing and reviewing Pre-K routines, re-familiarizing ourselves with the environment, and becoming acquainted or re-acquainted with each other. You will find a description of our activities according to subject area beginning in next week’s letter.

Snack Schedule – The snack calendar is posted on the Information Board in the preschool. I will include the upcoming two weeks of snack providers in each weekly letter.

Our first two weeks are as follows:

9/11 – Ali                               9/18 – Emily D.

9/12 – Beau                          9/19 – Emily V.

9/13 – Coen                           9/20 – Greg

9/14 – Connor                                9/21 – Henry

9/15 – Dominic                               9/22 – Isabelle

** We ask that you please do not send Granola Bars or any item containing nuts. Thank you for your understanding.

Parking – Unfortunately, we are no longer allowed to use the parking lot across the street from the preschool. This lot belongs to West Seattle Christian, and they have made a decision to limit the use of the lot to their parishioners only. They will be towing cars that are not registered with their parish. Please do not park there, even for a quick drop off. Thank you and my apologies

Water Bottles – Please send a full water bottle to school with your child each day.

Jackets/Toys – Please be sure to send your child to school with a jacket or sweater (clearly labeled with her or her name), as we will be going outside each day. We ask that your child please not bring toys to school. We have an amazing assortment of stimulating manipulatives and play items. We do not want any personal items lost or broken.

Family Photo – Please bring a photo of your family for our front bulletin board, if you have not already.

Contact Information – Please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns that may arise. Email is usually best, tevans@holyrosaryws.org. The emergency phone number is (206)937-7255. If you need to get in touch with me during class for emergency purposes, please call this number and the office will contact me via intercom. **Please do not send emails directly from the school website, as they often do not make it to us.

Individual Picture Day – Please mark your calendar for our upcoming picture day. We will head up to the big school for photos on Tuesday, September 19 at 12:30.

Upcoming Events:

Friday, 9/15 thru Saturday 9/16 – WestFest

Tuesday, 9/19 at 12:30 pm – Individual Photo Day

I can’t wait to get started on Monday!

Enjoy this weekend and lovely fall week ahead,

Teacher Tauna