We have been in school for three weeks now!  The temperature was cooler this week and I could see the children becoming more comfortable in the classroom.  This week we practiced listening to our friends and teacher and raising hands to share ideas 🙂  It is wonderful to hear each child’s thoughts, but it was also necessary for us to practice being respectful while we wait for a turn to talk.

Thank you for sending your children in ready to learn.  You are reassuring them they are loved and cared for at home and at school!  Children know if they are getting hot lunch and how they are going home.  Thank you!

This week we will start classroom jobs.  Each week I will rotate who will be line leaders, door holders, table cleaners and trash collector.  The class has been eager to help in these areas so it will be good to schedule turns so everyone has a chance to help.

In Bible last week we completed reading how God created the world.  It has been fun to see the class become excited when they start listing all the animals and plants God made and understand he is creative.

I told a story of a little boy who was bored playing with his toys so his mother challenged him to find a little red house with no doors or windows and a star inside.  After searching and asking several people the little boy sat down underneath an apple tree.  The wind began to blow and an apple feel near him.  He picked it up and thought he found it!  He went back to his mother and asked if there really was a star inside the apple.  I cut open an apple and showed the class God put a star inside of the apple.  We talked about apples being similar to us.  God made people and apples with all different colors of skin. God put a special star inside the apple and God put something special in us.  The class suggested the special thing in us was our heart, mind, and Jesus 🙂  Later in the week we taste tested three apples: red delicious, golden delicious and granny smith.  Once again the class was amazed that all the apples had stars inside.

In Math this week we reviewed shapes by making our Shape Monster book.  It is a fun book to read with your child and have them read to you!

We started handwriting this week by practicing letter F and E.  Using Handwriting Without Tears we begin by using a small chalkboard.  Students first practiced the strokes (big line, little line, little line) using a wet sponge, then they used a paper towel to dry and finally chalk.  It is important to master these basic strokes and build the habit of starting top to bottom.  We also practiced writing F and E with pencils and our workbooks.

Read to Self

During our Daily 5 Read to Self we made it to 9 minutes this week!!!! We were so excited!  Students have been able to pick out two new books for their book boxes and are just amazing me with their stamina to read the whole time.  I have a few pillows and cushions for the classroom, but I would like a few more.  Before I head to the store, please let me know if you have something we could use.  It can be throw pillows or small cushions.  I have also heard of using (new) toilet seat covers (the ones that look like bath mats) as soft reading spots!

Each week we continue to look at poetry.  After reading Goodnight Moon we read two  poems.  The class recognized the repeating words Goodnight and Goodmorning. They also enjoyed completing a poem by filling in items they would say good morning to.

A few quick reminders:

-We continue to get updated information on the new field trip driver policy.  Here is the latest:
Every driver must turn in a copy of their driver’s license and valid proof of insurance to the ZCS Main Office. These will be kept on file for the duration of the school year. Parents are responsible for checking to make sure the copies on file are valid and not expired.
Each time a parent drives, he or she will need to sign the “Driver Guidelines” agreement indicating they will abide by the safety standards laid out in the agreement. They will also confirm that the license and proof of insurance on file in the office is up to date.
We are grateful for all of our parent drivers. So, we want to make these new requirements as easy to meet as possible. Please feel free to send copies of your license and proof of insurance to school with your student and the teacher will turn it in the office. Or, stop by with the documents and we will gladly make copies for you.

** I would suggest that if you think you are going to drive on a field trip this year, to send in a copy of your license and insurance ASAP.

-Our first field trip is Wednesday, September 28 at DeGraaf Nature Center.  Please have children dressed and ready for any weather.

-Picture Day is October 4 for our class.  I am sending home forms in red alert folders Monday.

-Book It is also starting in October.  Look for a reading calendar to fill out and turn back in each month.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and I will see you Monday!