Snowy Snip-its

Owl-Ways Learning. . .

Weather Continued
Although this week was rather quick with the snow day and delay, Room 5 still had some time to wrap up our unit on weather. We learned about clouds and temperature.  This week's morning greeting even included a temperature reading activity.  Each morning, the students received a thermometer with a marked temperature and corresponding color.  When it was a student's turn to say good morning, they would either say "BRRRR...it's cold" for a cold temperature or "WOOO... it's hot" for a hot temperature.  Here's a clip from Friday's morning greeting:

Cloud Show

Mr. Musselman came to Fox Hill to talk about clouds and temperature.  He explained the different types of clouds and how to even make a cloud in your own house.  All you need to make a cloud at home is water, ice/ice pack, a match, and a stove.  Below is the video of a how he uses these ingredients to make a cloud in the classroom. 

After Mr. Musselman completed his experiment we headed back to the classroom to complete our own cloud project. A lot of times clouds look like other shapes and objects. After reading Eric Carle's Little Cloud, we made cloud shapes out of cotton balls. Here are some of our masterpieces:

 

Birthday Invitations

Our class finished up their weather birthday invitations. I was so impressed by their writing and creativity.  This week the students explained the activities that will take place at their birthday party, such as ice skating and eating pizza. The students proceeded to explain what their guests should bring and weather based on the temperature and activity. For example, bringing a bathing suit and towel for a pool party. To end, the students came up with a creative cover for their invitations. We will display them in school and hold on to them for their writing portfolios. 
Check out some of their invitations: 

 

Counting to 20

We've wrapped up our units on addition and subtraction. Students will soon be assessed on their fluency of addition and subtraction facts.  To reinforce and developed faster fluency, extra practice flash cards, similar to our sight words, will be sent home for students to practice.  These cards can stay home and be used throughout the school year.  They do not need to be returned. 

Topic 9 is focused on counting and writing numbers 11-20.  This will be a topic to reinforce number writing and counting.  At this point in the school year students should be writing their numbers the correct way. We hope to see less reversals and help students notice their reversals more.  

Brave Volunteers

Mystery Reader 

Thank you Colleen Welch! 

Mystery Shares

Our Mystery shares have been a hit in the classroom. The kids love to take guesses based on the clues. The mystery bag should make it to every student by the end of the month so look out for it in your child' backpack. 

Thank you for keeping me entertained!! 

Lucky the Leprechaun

Leprechaun madness struck us in Room 5! Lucky the Leprechaun made a mess of the classroom. He wrote us a note and even left us with some of his gold. 

Flashlight Friday

Teacher Talk. . .

Community Helpers
We are still looking for some more volunteers to speak about their occupation and how it plays a role in the community. If you or anyone in your family is willing to speak to our class we would appreciate it. If you have any questions about whether or not your job would be considered a community helper please let me know. 

Writing Unit

Next week, we will begin our Persuasive writing unit. Kindergarteners are very good persuaders so I have no doubt they will excel with this unit. Due to the extended writing unit, student reading groups will be limited. This means students will not be bringing home take-home books home as often as before.  Please continue to read with your child at home or on RAZ-Kids. We will pick back up with regularly scheduled reading groups the following week. 

Math Fluency
Over the next couple of week, I will be assessing students on their addition and subtraction facts.  Once I have assessed everyone, I will be sending home flash cards for you to keep at home to practice and reinforcement. These cards do not need to be returned. They are yours to keep. They are completely optional.  Students will not be reassessed until the end of the school year. The goal is for students to be able to answer an addition/subtraction problem accurately within 3 seconds. So, if you feel your child knows their addition and subtraction facts already you can always practice to build fluency and accuracy. Thanks in advance for your support at home. 

Upcoming Events. . .

March 20th . . .Field Trip Forms Due

March 31st. . . Community Helpers

April 7th. . . Field Trip