Wednesday is Day 50!

The end of the first trimester at Samsula Academy is near! Mr. Gibbs and Mrs. Shannon has revamped the kindergarten curriculum to meet the needs of your children and our expectations. We have been using a very structured and accelerated reading program where each child is challenged. Assessments for the end of this trimester are near. Below are skills that your children should currently know how to do. Remember there is two or so weeks left in the trimester; therefore, continue to practice these skills and any new skills introduced.

Reading
-recognize all letters (lower and uppercase) of the alphabet
-know the sounds of the following letters: Aa, Mm, Ss, Pp, Tt, Ii, Nn, Cc, Oo, Ff, Hh, Dd, Rr, Ee, Bb, Ll, Kk, Uu, Gg, Ww.
-recognize the following high-frequency words: I, can, we, the, like, a, see, go, to, have, is, play, are, for, you, this, do, and, what, little, said, here
-recognize all 40 pre-primer Dolch words
-blends and decodes basic CVC words
-read CVC words and sight words in a story
-understand that every story has a beginning, middle, and end
-identify parts of a book
-makes predictions baout a story using pictures and title
-identifies where a story takes place
-identifies characters (and main character) in a story
-retell the main idea or essential message about a story
-compare and contrast using pictures and illustrations

Language/Writing
-listen attentivly to a story
-use complete sentences (orally)
-write from left to right; top to bottom
-write at least one sentence independently correctly
-recognize spacing between words
-use sign words and CVC words in writing
-spells basic CVC words.

Mathematics
-recognize basic shapes and colors
-copy and extend patterns
-identify a pattern unit
-find a missing pattern part
-use concrete objects to create a pattern
-describe spatial relationships
-describe; sort and re sort objects by color, shape, size, and position
-identify objects that do not belong in a group
-count to 1s to 50 (or more) orally
-count by 1s to 20 using objects
-identify number of objects in a set to 20
-write numberals to 30
-recognize numerals to 30
-given two or more sets identify which is more and which is less.

We will be introduced to Xx and Ww next week. We will learn the initial sound of /w/ and the final sound /x/. We will learn different motions to help us remember the sounds. We will begin primer words this week. Your child should know all 40 pre-primer. This week the words are: all, am, are, at, ate. Teach students ways to remember these words. Most children should already be familiar with are. Children can remember at because they know how to blend those two sounds. Remind children that e on ate makes the a said a new sound Teaching children tricks is very helpful. Remember to always review all pre-primer words.

Remember to practice writing numerals with your child. We will be going up to 20 this week. It is important that children remember the correct formation and direction of numerals when writing. We are slowly learning how to count to 100 by 1s, 5s, and 10s. We have also begun learning how to count to 20 by 2s. These are little things you can do in the car to help your child become more proficient in math.

We are getting excited about Bodyology! Our field trip is quickly approaching and this week we will begin learning healthy habits! Our afternoon workshops will all be related to our bodies. We will be making a brain hat. We will also be making a shirt similar to the one Slim Goodbody wears.

Wednesday is the 50th day of school. We will be making special glasses and hats on this day. I would like all children to be able to count to 50 by 1s, 5s, and 10s on this day. Mrs. Shannon and I are so excited to mark the 50th day with your child! We will be making a special snack on this day. We are asking you to send a snack with your child to school this day that will be mixed to create a large trail-mix. We are asking for small items: choclate candy, cherrios, pretzils, etc... However, we are asking only for 50! Have your child help you count out 50 of an item and send it in with your child. We will be counting everything and making a large group snack! There are no peanut butter or nuts allergies in our classroom that I am aware of. Make this a fun activity. Remember to send it in with your child on WEDNESDAY!

Classroom Wishlist:
-computer microphone (for digital stories)
-jumbo pencils (without the erasers)

Thanks for making this year AMAZING!

-Mr. Gibbs