This week the kids finished up some district writing and math assessments. Each year we chose a beginning, middle, and end of year piece of writing to include in their literacy portfolios we keep on the kids until 5th grade. I was so impressed looking at the progress. Sometimes even I forget how many skills the kids have acquired! I am so proud of their effort and progress.
In group, we looked at field day pictures from a few years ago and discussed the rules and expected behaviors that were included in the social story. We also talked about the ending of the school year and how that was something we were preparing for. The kids are noticing the changes in the school (whether they talk about it or not) and we addressed some of them and why they are occurring (the custodians will be cleaning, teachers leave just like the kids and we have to put away our materials, the building will be closed, etc.).
The first graders completed a thinking routine with me (I Used to Think, Now I Think) about social skills group and what/how they used to do/think/behave and what they do now. It was insightful to learn what they reflect is their biggest area of improvement or learning. Very cool.
We gave our bus drivers their ribbon pins and thank you cards this week. They were touched to see the kids took the time to thank them.
In kindergarten, we continued to learn about force and motion. We worked on push and pull (swinging, scooter board pulling from McQuillan) and worked on a roller coaster experiment using a pool noodle and a marble and varying the height of the "roller coaster" to assess the force and motion they noticed or had to use. They did a great job and had fun! They read a "Roller Coaster" book as well before doing the experiment.
I will be writing a short blog on Tuesday or Wednesday. Extra clothing will be coming home as well as any supplies or materials. If you supplied your child with headphones I will be keeping them for next year unless you'd like them back. Just let me know.
Field day ended up being a hit! It was nice to see our parent volunteers doing a great job and our kids participated in the games of their choice!
Hope you enjoyed the hot weather this weekend! See you for our last week of 2015-2016!!
In group, we looked at field day pictures from a few years ago and discussed the rules and expected behaviors that were included in the social story. We also talked about the ending of the school year and how that was something we were preparing for. The kids are noticing the changes in the school (whether they talk about it or not) and we addressed some of them and why they are occurring (the custodians will be cleaning, teachers leave just like the kids and we have to put away our materials, the building will be closed, etc.).
The first graders completed a thinking routine with me (I Used to Think, Now I Think) about social skills group and what/how they used to do/think/behave and what they do now. It was insightful to learn what they reflect is their biggest area of improvement or learning. Very cool.
We gave our bus drivers their ribbon pins and thank you cards this week. They were touched to see the kids took the time to thank them.
In kindergarten, we continued to learn about force and motion. We worked on push and pull (swinging, scooter board pulling from McQuillan) and worked on a roller coaster experiment using a pool noodle and a marble and varying the height of the "roller coaster" to assess the force and motion they noticed or had to use. They did a great job and had fun! They read a "Roller Coaster" book as well before doing the experiment.
I will be writing a short blog on Tuesday or Wednesday. Extra clothing will be coming home as well as any supplies or materials. If you supplied your child with headphones I will be keeping them for next year unless you'd like them back. Just let me know.
Field day ended up being a hit! It was nice to see our parent volunteers doing a great job and our kids participated in the games of their choice!
Hope you enjoyed the hot weather this weekend! See you for our last week of 2015-2016!!