Parent Newsletter: Tenth Week of School

Dear parents,
     Today in class we had a little fun reviewing our vocabulary words. To interest the children I came up with a review game called Musical Chairs Vocabulary. In the middle of the room I had a circle of chairs each containg a vocabulary word. for example, some said school, home, shoe, bathroom, etc. I had one less chair than child and played music. When the music stopped the children had to sit in a chair. The one without a chair was eliminated. Each child then had to read the vocabulary word on the chair they were sitting on. We played this game until there was one winner. Then the children loved the game so much we played it a second time. This activity allowed the students to get on their feet and have fun while learning. It was fun and educational.
                                                                                                    Sincerely,
                                                                                                     Ms. Gammell

Parent Newsletter: Tenth Week of School

Dear Parents,
   In our math lesson today we practiced counting to twenty. To begin the lesson I read the book, The Cheerios Counting Book 1 2 3. This book includes colorful illustrations of the popular cereal Cheerios to represent numbers. As I read the book  the students had their own Cheerios at their desk. for every number we discussed it and represented it using our cheerios. For example, we learned the the number eleven. We discussed that it is one group of ten plus one single. So altogether you have eleven Cheerios. At the end of the lesson I had each child practice counting to twenty. They had to place Cheerios on a string one by one and count all the way to twenty. Once each child completed this activity we made the strings of Cheerios into necklaces that the students could wear all day. The students practiced counting numbers while at the same time were able toi visually represent the number using Cheerios.
                                                                                  Sincerely,
                                                                                   Ms. Gammell

Parent Newsletter: Ninth Week of School

Dear Parents,
To continue this week with safety week we learned about protective behaviors when strangers approach. To begin the lesson we discussed the rule to never talk to strangers. Next we made a list of general safety rules. We came up with:  

• Stay with a group or friend when away from home or school
• understand the rules your parents create about where it is and is not safe to go
• make sure you know how to get help or call for help in an emergency
• Always check with your parents before talking to anyone you do not know or recognize.

Next we came up with a list of steps to take if you are approached by a stranger:

• Keep a safe distance from the stranger. If the stranger comes closer you back away to keep enough distance between the two of you
• Never talk to the person, even if they know your name.
• Do not take anything from the stranger.
• Never go with the stranger even if they say it is an emergency.
• If the person approaches you yell for help and run to a safe location.

As an activity, I had the students fill out several worksheets. These activities included scenarios and required students to list safe places and adults they trust.

It is important to make your child aware of strangers and danger. Be sure to always talk to your child about what is safe and what to do if danger does approach them.

                                                                                                  Sincerely,

                                                                                                   Kristin Gammell

                      

Parent Newsletter: Ninth Week of School

Dear Parents,
     This week our main focus centered on safety. Today we specifically learned about safety on the streets. We learned about the different traffic signs and what they mean. We even discussed what the color of sign represent. To begin the lesson I taught the children what the different colors signs mean. We discussed that red means stop or caution, yellow means hazardous or warning, green means go or can be used to display directions, and blue shows information such as hospitals and airports. Then we viewed the signs on transparencies and discussed what each sign means. For example, the first sign we learned was the stop sign. the kids were able to see the sign and understand what it means. We did this for a number of signs including stop lights, yield, walk, one way, and railroad crossing. This lesson really informed the children and I hope they are more aware of street safety.
                                                                                        Sincerely,
                                                                                         Ms. Gammell

Parent Newsletter: Eighth Week of School

Dear Parents,
Today we explored the animal kingdom. The main focus of this lesson was to discuss the different shapes animals come in and why they are different colors. First we created a list of shapes. We included square, circle, and triangle. We then discussed different parts of animals that come in those shapes. For example many birds have beaks shaped like a triangle. Next we discussed the various prints and colors animals are. We went over the definition camouflage and protection to enrich the children's understanding. I explained that some birds and frogs are brightly colored to warn other animals that are trying to eat them that they are poisonous. We also explained why animals have stripes, spots, and textured skin. I told them in order to hide from other animals, or to create a camouflage, animals have skin/fur that blends in with the environment. For example a toad has lumpy greenish brown skin to blend in with the mud and swamp around it. To finish the lecture I prepared a power point containing pictures of different animals. We discussed the shapes and color of each animal, then elaborated on why these animals are the way they are. It was a great lesson that the kids enjoyed participating in.
                                                                                          Sincerely,
                                                                                           Kristin Gammell

Parent Newsletter: Eighth Week of School

Dear Parents,
     Today in our history lesson we identified important symbols of America. I had the children gather around the carpet and brainstorm ideas on what buildings, events, etc. shape America's history. The students hit a few key buildings like the White House and Statue of Liberty. After, the gave their ideas I introduced a few more such as the declaration of independence, Plymouth rock, and the Bald Eagle. Next, I had created a small booklet for every student with images that represented America. Under each picture were a few bullet points outlining the significance of the person, place, or event. As we went through the booklet, I told the students about the historical significance and why each image can represent America. When we were finished discussing I allowed the students to color the images. The students had an idea of several images of America, but I feel they enhanced their historical understanding after completing this class activity.
                                                                                                           Sincerely,
                                                                                                            Kristin Gammell

Parent Newsletter: Seventh Week of School

Dear Parents,
               Today we explored dental hygienics and the importance of brushing teeth. To begin the lesson I read the children's book, Arthur's Tooth, by Marc Brown. The book explains how Arthur is the only one in his class who still had all of his baby teeth. He waits patiently to lose his teeth. Then as a class we discussed experiences we had about losing teeth. Next I explained to the children the importance of brushing our teeth. I explained how after we eat and drink we have to brush our teeth to avoid cavities. I created an activity to show the children what happens to teeth if the are not taken care of after drinking certain drinks. I had four hard boiled eggs, four jars, and four different drinks. I used Coca-Cola, Orange Juice, Fruit Punch, and water. I then placed the hard boiled eggs in the jars with the different beverages. The eggs were left in the beverages for thirty minutes. We then took the eggs out and observed them.We talked about what would happen if someone drank a lot of these beverages and didn't take care of their teeth. The kids were very interested and really learned a lot about the importance of dental hygiene.
                                                                                          Sincerely,
                                                                                          Ms. Gammell

Parent Newsletter: Seventh Week of School

Dear Parents,
     Today our main focus was on learning and building vocabulary. I created an activity to develop vocabulary and focus on building basic sentence structure with Legos. For the past few weeks we have been learning a list of vocabulary words and what each word means. On simple white labels I wrote all of the vocabulary words along with words such as he, she, as, is, has, etc. I created four sets of the Lego vocabulary words. I then split the class into groups and had them compose sentences using the Lego blocks. For example, one group came up with the sentence, the girl makes me giggle. The children enjoyed working in a group and using one of their favorite toys, Legos. It was a lot of fun seeing the children smile while they learned.
                                                                                      Sincerely,
                                                                                       Ms. Gammell

Parent Newsletter: Sixth Week of School

Dear Parents,

                Today we explored our five senses. First, we gathered around the carpet and discussed how we discover the environment around us. We made a list of the five senses and posted it on the chalkboard. Next, the students were split into five groups, and each group was given one of the five senses. I explained to them the first must draw a picture of the body part you use for this sense. For example, the group with hearing would draw a picture of an ear. Then, they had to make a chart of different words associated for their sense. So for taste, this group could list yummy, salty, sour, etc. After each group created a picture and a chart they presented it to the class. Each group explained what their sense was, the body part associated with it, and words that go along with the sense. When each group was done presenting we hung the projects around the classroom. The students were excited to work together and create a project.

                                                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                                                Ms. Gammell

Parent Newsletter: Sixth Week of School

Dear Parents,

                Today in math we learned number sequencing using the book, Yertle the Turtle,by Dr. Suess. To begin the activity I read the book, Yertle the Turtle, to the class. Next, I gave each student a piece of paper with ten turtles on it. One turtle was very big, while the other nine were smaller but all the same size. I had the students color the turtles and then number them, with ten being the biggest turtle. The children then cut out the turtles individually. The students then had to glue the turtles in correct numerical order. Starting with one they pasted each turtle vertically on the paper until they made it all the way to ten. Then we discussed the correct order and explained why the numbers were in the order that they were. The children really grasped the concept and enjoyed Yertle being a part of the lesson.

Parent Newsletter: Fifth Week of School

Dear Parents,

            Today in our science lesson we focused on discovering what was inside a seed. In order to prepare for today’s activity I purchased lima beans at the local grocery store. Then overnight I soaked the lima beans in water. I gathered up the materials needed for this activity which included magnifying glasses and an illustration of the inside of a lima bean.  To begin the lesson I asked the students how plants begin and how a seed turns into a plant.  I gave each student a Lima bean, that has been soaked in water. This makes it easier to open. I showed them how to open the seeds carefully. Then I asked students to see if they can find out how a seed turns into a plant. After looking on their own, I had the students help friends find out why. I had them talk about it and share their thoughts with one another. To conclude the activity I explained to the students how a seed turns into a plant using the illustration of the inside of a seed. The students found this activity interesting and many are determined to grow plants from seeds in the spring!

                                                                                     Sincerely,

                                                                                     Ms. Gammell

Parent Newsletter: Fifth Week of School

Dear Parents,

Today we did a writing and art lesson based off of the book, The Jacket I Wear in the Snow, by Shirley Neitzel. I want to thank you if you sent in any spare craft supplies such as zippers, pockets, buttons, string, sequins, cottonballs, etc. It was a big help and the children really appreciated it. To begin the lesson I read the book, The Jacket I Wear in the Snow to the entire class. Then I had the students discuss the different dream jackets they might like to have. We created a chart that listed different colors, fabrics, and designs the students would make their jackets with. Next, I had each student will write a paragraph of what their dream jacket would look like and include a rough sketch of it above their description. On a large cut out paper of a jacket students created their jackets using coloring supplies, zippers, pockets, buttons, decals, etc. After all the students’ jackets were completed I added their initials to their jacket with a glitter pen to personalize each one. Finally we gathered around the carpet and each child explained to the class why they chose to decorate their jacket the way they did. I am going to hang all the jackets from the ceiling by a piece of string for the students to admire all winter. Thanks for all your help. The students truly enjoyed this activity and were able to express their creative sides.

                                                                                    Sincerely,

                                                                                    Ms. Gammell

Parent Newsletter: Fourth Week of School

Dear Parents,

                Today I introduced the topic of weather to the class. We are beginning the weather section in our science class so we first gathered around the carpet and discussed the various types of weather and seasons. I then asked the students what season was their favorite. All most every student said summer because there is no school, they get to go swimming, and they all like to eat a lot of ice cream. After discussing the different seasons we then explained the types of weather associated with each season. For spring the students said there was a lot of rain, for summer there is a lot of sun and its very hot. The students said fall was windy and the leaves change colors. Finally for winter, the students said there is a lot of snow. After talking about the seasons and different types of weather I showed them the weather predictability chart. Each day we will gather around the carpet and describe the weather outside. For example for today we would put up the phrases, it is cold, it is windy, and it is snowy. This activity will allow children to learn the different words associated with weather and soon they will be able to describe the weather each day on their own.

                                                                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                                                                Ms. Gammell

Parent Newsletter: Fourth Week of School

Dear Parents,

                The activity that students enjoyed most today was the alphabet race. Throughout the past few weeks we have been learning the letters of the alphabet. In addition, we are working on memorizing the vowels. I set up a pile of alphabet letters on one side of the room. Then I grouped the students into three groups. In the pile there was three of every letter. I then explained the rules and guidelines and rules to the game. Then the groups lined up and when I called out a letter one student from each group would race to the pile and try to be the first to find the letter. We kept track and I awarded one point to the group that found the individual letter first. In the end, the group with the most points was the winner. This was an interactive lesson that the kids were able to use their minds and energy. It was fun seeing the kids laughing while they were learning.

                                                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                                                Ms. Gammell

Parent Newsletter: Fourth Week of School

Dear Parents,

                Today in class we learned about nutrition and healthy eating habits. First, we gathered around the carpet and talked about the different food groups. I had made a food pyramid poster to demonstrate to the students the different amounts of each food group they should eat daily. Then I separated the children into six groups. Each group of children was given a different category of the food pyramid, the carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, meat/ protein, dairy, or fats. They then were instructed to search through the food magazines I had provided and find foods that fit their specific food category. For example, the fruit group cut out pictures of apples, oranges, and bananas. After each group completed their food group collage, we taped them on the food pyramid poster. Each child was allowed to say their favorite food in the food group and explain why. The children really learned a lot about the different food groups and daily recommended amounts.

                                                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                                                Ms. Gammell

Parent Newsletter: Third Week of School

Dear Parents,

            Today in social studies class we learned about the different kinds of transportation. We gathered on the carpet and came up with a list of different means of transportation. The class came up with: car, boat, airplane, bus, train, and bicycle. We then made a class chart of who has had the chance to ride on each. For example, I asked the class who has traveled by airplane. Then the kids that had traveled by plane raised their hand and we added there name to that section of the chart. We then discussed how an airplane works and the students shared what their experiences were like traveling by means of these forms of transportation. Some of the student responses for traveling on an airplane were, “it was fun”, “I could see the clouds”, and “we went really fast.” The students were then given a coloring book I had previously created including photos of these means of transportation. Each student colored the pictures and shared their favorite one with the class. The students learned a great deal about transportation and had a lot of fun doing it.

                                                                                    Sincerely,

                                                                                    Ms. Gammell

Parent Newsletter: Third Week of School

Dear Parents,

                This week we started a weekly activity for reading class. Today I read the children’s book, A Rainbow of My Own by Don Freeman. In this book a young boy imagines what it would be like to have a rainbow of his own. After reading the book, we discussed all the colors of the rainbow. We are now focusing on learning and identifying our colors. Each week we will add a scoop to our classroom ice cream cone of a new color until we have discussed all the colors. Each day we will make a list of different things that are that specific color. For example, today we put the brown ice cream cone on the board. We made a list of things that were brown. The students came up with items such as dirt, tree branches, the table, a teddy bear, and some dogs. We then posted the list on the bulletin board next to the cone. We will continuously add different colored scoops until our ice cream cone is complete. Once it is complete we will have a class ice cream party. I am asking parents to help students create flash cards that go along with each weeks color. I have created a tutorial to aid you in this task. Simply hit the word labels and begin watching the tutorial. Thanks so much.

                  LABELS                                                                                              

                                                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                                                Ms. Gammell

Parent Newsletter: Third Week of School

Dear Parents,

Today we explored the different parts of the body in our science lesson.  On a large piece of butcher block paper I traced each child individually using a permanent marker. After each child was traced out, I had them color in their outfits using crayons. They colored their shirts, pants, and shoes based off of what they wore today. This allowed us to tell who each body outline belonged to. Next, we looked at the outlines and I had the students point out different parts of the body such as leg, arm, foot, head, etc.  I then labeled these parts on the students’ body outlines.  After labeling, I had the students draw and color in the eyes, nose, mouth, and hair. We then discussed these parts and labeled them on the body outlines. Once all of the body outlines were complete we hung them all over the classroom. The kids loved this activity and it was a fun way to learn about the body. The kindergarteners love to show off their outlines to each other.

                                                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                                                Ms. Gammell

Parent News Letter: Second Week of School

Dear Parents,

                Today we focused on mathematics, specifically numbers and counting. The first activity we did today was creating a numbers book. Each child was given paper and instructed to color in the worksheets I had passed out. On the pieces of paper were the numbers ranging from one to ten. At the bottom of the paper was space to glue objects. We practiced counting with buttons today. On each sheet of paper we practiced counting buttons then gluing the correct amount of buttons to the paper. For example, for seven I had the students color in the seven. Then we learned to count out seven buttons. Once we had seven buttons we glued them to the paper. This will help the students visually represent the number seven. After all the pages were completed we put all the pages together and stapled them together making a “Numbers with Buttons” book.  Every day we will practice counting using our Numbers with Buttons book and occasionally I will bring in candy to practice counting such as M &M’s or Smarties.

                                                                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                                                                Ms.Gammell

Parent Newsletter: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Dear Parents,

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In order to teach about and honor Martin Luther King Jr., we read and discussed the poem by Esther Yost that goes as follow:

 I have a dream, said Martin Luther King 
We're gonna make that dream come true. 
Let freedom ring, said Martin Luther King, 
It's up to me and you. 
It's not the color of your hair, 
It's not the color of your skin, 
It doesn't matter what you wear,  
It's the character within. 
I have a dream, said Martin Luther King 
We're gonna make that dream come true, 
Let freedom ring, said Martin Luther King 
It's up to me and you.

We talked about how Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream that all people would be treated equally. In addition, we discussed how everyone is equal no matter how they look and we should be nice to everyone. I then asked the kids to think of a dream they have. We then created “A Dream Quilt”. Each child drew a picture of a dream or goal they had in life. For example, what they wanted to be when they grew up or something they wanted to accomplish. We then arranged the drawings on a bulletin board and called it “The Dream Quilt”.

Hopefully the students learned that Martin Luther King Jr. is known for following his dream of equality and that if they have determination their dreams can also come true too!

                                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                                Ms. Gammell

Parent Newsletter: First Week Of School

Dear Parents,

                Today we read the book, The Kissing Hand, by Audrey Penn. This book talks about a young raccoon, Chester, who is just beginning school. He talks to his mother about the fears he has about going to school. His mother shares a secret with him that helps him through his fears and anxieties while at school. I know that the first week of school can be very overwhelming and scary for some Kindergarten students. I read The Kissing Hand and then as a class talked about the different fears each student had about attending school. We also talked about the fears that mom or dad might have while their child is at school.  After reading the story and discussing our fears we then decided to make a gift for our parents.

                On a piece of paper each student made a red handprint with red paint. Then while the handprints were drying I had each student draw a family portrait on a smaller piece of paper.  I then stapled a small heart in the child’s handprint. When the student’s gifts were complete we gathered around the carpet and I had each child share one thing about their gifts.

                I told the students to go home, give the gift to their family, and tell them the story of The Kissing Hand. I also told them to tell the parents not to be sad because they were thinking of them every day at school.

Have a good evening and don’t forget your students are always thinking of you while they are away.

                                                                                                               Sincerely,

                                                                                                               Ms. Gammell

Parent Newsletter: First Week Of Kindergarten

Dear Parents,

This is the first week of school for students. For the first couple days I have been describing class rules and duties. I know beginning Kindergarten can be a stressful time for children so I would like to make their transition as easy and comfortable as possible.I have tried very hard to make the Kindegarten students feel at home by pointing out the bathrooms, main office, gym, and other classrooms that the students will utilize such as the art room. Today, we learned the rules of Kindergarten. Our classroom rules are as follows:

1.)  Be nice to others.

2.) Raise your hand

3.) Share with your friends

4.) Follow directions

5.) Always do your best

In addition to discussing our class rules, we assigned class duties. There are five main duties that the students will be assigned to complete as student helpers. Each week new students will be assigned to the five duties. Throughout the year each student will be able to complete each of the five duties as a student helper. The various duties include:

-Line Leader: Leads the class to and from the classroom.

-Caboose: Stands at the end of the line and makes sure everyone in the classrooms stays together.

-Door Holder: Holds the door open for classmates as we exit and enter the classroom.

-Lunch Helper: Helps pass out lunches and carries the lunch basket to the lunch room.

-Electrician: Turns on and off the lights as we exit or enter the classroom.

I am excited to begin the school year and look forward to teaching your children.

                                                                                             Sincerely,

                                                                                             Ms. Gammell

First day of Class

Today is the first day of Educational Technology  and I just created my first blog.