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November 14, 2008
News from Mrs. Thorne’s Class
Dear Parents,
Wow! Fall is flying by us as we stay busy with fun learning activities. Our
October fun unit was a huge hit with the children---here is what we
completed in our centers:
Listening: We listened to, The Old Lady Who Wasn’t Afraid of Anything.
Then we traced, cut and glued pumpkin people.
Science: We worked cooperatively and followed a recipe to make an edible
illustration of a fingerplay called,”Five Little Pumpkins”. Then, we made
caramel apples (thank you Mrs. Sanford for donating all the caramel wraps).
Math: We sorted and graphed candy bones! Then, we recorded our graph
results. After graphing, we made spooky patterns using foam shapes.
Art: We used the “crayon resist technique” using crayons and watercolor to
make beautiful Jack-O-Lanterns pictures.
Reading/Writing:
We put together a poem puzzle and illustrated it using water colors!
Journals: We have learned the management, care and routines of journal
time/writer’s workshop. We are now really in love with journal writing!
Ghost Stories. . .
The children made ghost out of socks.
These ghosts were our writing prompts for our fabulous ghost stories.
Handwriting: As we began our handwriting program, I observed a need to
strengthen our fine motor skills; therefore in addition to our handwriting
program, we have a “clay play” time to help with this need. At first we used
clay play time as a time to reinforce the writing of our names as well as to
build our fine motor skills. Now, we use clay play to help us learn to
reading words! Please practice the handwriting pages at home. Encourage
your child to “slow down and think” as they practice forming letters and
numerals.
Chapter Books: Bravo---we are just two chapters away from finishing our
first chapter book---- Charlotte’s Web! We will begin reading Ramona the
Pest after the holidays.
Reading Test In order to get accurate reading level books for each child, I
tested each child in reading. Please make sure your child reads his/her
books many times. They need to point to each word as they read. Always place
books back in the study club bag.
This Week:
So far we have been studying the Thanksgiving Holiday---past and present.
We read non fiction books about the First Thanksgiving. We also read a lot
of fun fiction books about Thanksgiving. From these books we brainstormed
and discussed center ideas. Here are our learning center jobs:
Listening: We are listening to, Turkey for Thanksgiving.
Then we are tracing, cutting and putting together colorful turkeys. We also
are putting together a poem puzzle and illustrating it.
Science: We are working cooperatively and following a recipe to make
delicious apple turnovers. After savoring our pies we are writing and
illustrating, “I am Thankful Stories”.
Math: First, we are making pattern necklaces out of noodles. Then, we are
making 10 sets of 10 to make a mat of 100 pumpkin seeds.
Art: We are putting beads on our Indian T-Shirts. What a job!
Reading/Writing:
First, we are making Indian headbands. Next, we are making paper vest using
Indian hieroglyphics to decorate them. We also, wrote fabulous “Turkey
Tales”---fine examples of creative writing!!!
Save the Dates:
Friday, November 21---our class Thanksgiving Feast---please read the
attached note.
** December 4th we will go to the Christmas Tree Farm. I will need several
moms or dads to help---let me know
***Our Christmas Party is on Dec. 19th at 9:00-9:30 a.m. (in the music T-
building).
Music Program is on Dec. 12th at 2:00
Don’t Forget:
*Make sure your child signs his/her name on all homework papers.
Have A Fabulous Weekend and a Wonderful . . . With so many thanks,
Janet Thorne
P.S. Thank you for keeping your conference times---It was wonderful meeting
with you all. - I know I have the best DADS and MOMS!!!!
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