Our Trip To Adam's Orchard!

This morning we enjoyed our trip to the orchard. We learned a lot about the different types of apples, how to make cider and what apples are used for. We even learned about what happens to apples when they turn brown. Did you know that some apples have a heart on them? Ask your child how this

can happen!

A Tractor Ride!

Listen to all of the excitement this morning. We were able to have a tractor ride around the Apple Orchard. Lots of Fun!

Patterns and Quilts!

Today during our time in the technology lab we used a program called, "Patterns and Quilts." The children are able to make different shapes, patterns and designs. We even created quilt squares and noticed the patterns that emerged! Enjoy the pictures.

Letter Formation!

Today we are learning 2 new letter names and sounds. M and N. This morning we practiced writing these letters on our "Echo" whiteboards. We also reveiwed some of the skyline letters l, t and f! M and N are both plane line letters and we begin ma

king them on the plane line.

"Echo Time!"

This morning during "Echo Time" we worked in partnerships. This was really fun and we learned how to work with a partner. When we work with partners we need to be respectful, share ideas, be helpful and follow directions. Nice job everyone!

Writer's Workshop Time!

Today during Writer's Workshop we began writing stories. We first of all did a turn and talk with a partner. This way we can tell our stories first so we are familiar with what we want to write and draw. Afterwards we went to a table and began illustrating/drawing our stories. Wow! The children did an excellent job drawing their stories. Some of us used labels for some of our pictures. At the beginning stages of writing it is very important to talk out your story first, listen to someone tell you what you heard and then begin drawing your words. We also worked in Partnerships. This is when we work with one other person. We sit next to each other, we use eye contact, we share ideas and help each other out.

Interesting Insects!

Today a child brought in a hexagon container that had 3 bugs in it! We explored a bee, a ladybug and a spider. We talked about the differences between them. We also discovered a mathematical connection! The box that was shared has 6 sides like the pattern block shape we use during our math time. Great Connection!

Germ City!

This morning we visited Germ City. Germ City is a place where we go to learn about how to wash our hands and keep germs from spreading. We used some special goo to put on our hands. This special goo showed us where we had germs. We washed our hands and then looked again under the special light to see if we cleaned off all of the germs.

Hannaford's Comes To Kindergarten!

This afternoon we played Nutrition Bingo! We learned about all the healthy snacks we can eat.

What Do You Do With A Milkweed Pod?

Science Investigations!

This morning we explored milkweed pods! Each child was able to open a pod, look at the contents, examine the seeds with a magnifying glass and then draw a scientific drawing!

Fundations Journals!

Today during Echo Time the children each received their very own Fundations Journal. The journal gives the children an opportunity to practice writing the sounds and letters that we are working on. Wow! Today we practiced writing t, b and l. We also used the SMARTboard to help us learn the names of the lines we write on and where we begin. Lots of great learning happening.

Watercoloring Our First Book Cover!

Today we did a watercolor wash with one color over our crayon colored book covers. It was really neat to see what happened to the wax in the crayon when it got wet! We have written our first book called, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar". We also retold the story today using story props. Wow! Everyone did a great job of retelling the story.

The Echo Alphabet Live!

Today we practiced the Echo Alphabet! This alphabet helps us learn our letter names and sounds. The Echo Alphabet is part of a researched based program called,"Fundations". We use this program in Kindergarten to help us learn to read. Please listen with your child so you can practice at home.

Our New CVU Helper!

Today we all met Schayna Groleau. She is a senior at Champlain Valley High School. She will be doing her graduation challenge project in Kindergarten! Hurray! She will be coming weekly to Kindergarten to help us out. Welcome!

Insect Investigations!

This afternoon we learned so much about insects! Insects have 3 body parts. They are: head, thorax and abdomen. We talked about how insects have 6 legs and 3 body parts. Spiders are like insects, but are called arachnids! They also have 8 legs! The children used nets to capture living things that were on top of plants and observed them on a huge white sheet. It was a great opportunity for all of us!

Dot Day!

Yesterday we read The Dot by, Peter Reynolds. We had lots of fun making our own dots and talking about the story.

Math Stations!

This afternoon we began our math stations. Wow! Some of our stations are; numeral writing, counting forwards and backwards, identifying numbers that come before and after numbers, geoboards, pattern blocks and building patterns with unifix cubes. We even counted insects, bugs, spiders and other creepy crawlers! What fun!

Bus Safety!

This morning the children were involved in a Bus Safety presentation. Connie, one of the bus drivers talked to us about the importance of staying in our seats, using soft voices and being respectful to each other on the bus. This was a great opportunity for all the children to hear the same message. We also practiced sitting the "right way" in our seats.

Outside Exploration of Nature!

This morning we went outside with a partner, a magnifying glass and an egg carton to look for things in nature. We saw caterpillars, different types of rocks, dirt, soil, plants, garlic, and even an egg plant! Be sure to listen to what we we explored!

Wow! Listen To Our Math Thinking!

Echo Time!

Today during Echo Time we practiced saying the names of the letters, their key word and sound! Wow! We echoed our letter names and sounds after the Echo Family! Then we used the SMARTBOARD and our cool tools to practice writing the lower case letters t and b! We did an amazing job!

Miss Ellen Post Comes To Kindergarten!

Welcome to Ms. Post. She is a student at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. Ms. Post read us a great story about a caterpillar named Clara.

Keeping Germ Free!

This morning in Kindergarten our school nurse, Sue Leister came into Kindergarten to talk to us about how to cough, sneeze and wash our hands! We also learned how to use a Kleenex! Be sure to talk to your child about the presentation.

Exploration Time!

This afternoon during our Exploration Time some of the children created a house using wooden blocks, wooden shapes with colors, furniture and tiles. The children all make a choice of an activity to do during Exploration Time. Children are very engaged, focus and interested in their learning when they have choice. Everyone works collaboratively with one another, sharing ideas, taking turns and solving problems together as they arise. Very Impressive!

Hand Painting Aprons!

This afternoon we were all able to hand/finger paint our new aprons! Wow! All 19 of us were able to make one! Stay tuned for all the cooking and baking we will be doing in Kindergarten.

Echo Time!

What is "Echo Time?" Echo Time is when we work on naming our letters, writing them and learning the sounds that each letter makes. To help us learn our "Echo Strategies" we each have our own "cool tool it!" Please be sure to talk to your child today about we did during Echo Time!

Making A Text To Text Connection!

We read 2 wonderful stories by Bill Martin, Jr. The children noticed right away that the 2 books looked the same, had similar features like colored pictures, big numbers and letters. Both of the stories were funny! So we made our first text to text connection! We read 2 books by the same author, but the text/books were not the same. WoW!! Be sure to ask your child about what we did.

Technology Lab!

This afternoon we practiced logging on and off the computers using our log in cards. Some of us logged in with CATS/CATS and others used DOGS/DOGS.