We have been counting down the sleeps until we go skating (Weds Jan. 18 & 25) and most of the kids are excited but some are a bit anxious because they don't know how to skate. We will discuss all the things we can't do when we start kindergarten and how well we do them now because of all the practicing we have done and how its the same with skating. We will remind the kids to bring their helmets and skates, snowpants and mittens (but not hockey sticks) and that there are a few pairs of skates available if they don't have any. Unfortunately the school does not have extra helmets and the children must bring their own. We will have the kids put their skates into their backpacks to travel on the bus because they must be in a bag. We should be at the MacArthur Park arena about 10ish if you are coming to join us (yay!). We will be assigned a changing room where we will put on our skates and leave our things. Our ice time starts at 10:15. The children will be encouraged to stay on the ice as long as possible as there is nothing for them to do once they are finished. They may sit on the bench and wait for us (11:15ish) but they may not run around or go on the bleachers. I will not be on skates as it is difficult to help the children with them on (and I am not a confident skater) but Mrs. Farber will be skating. Please, if you are a skater, by all means bring your skates and helmet. Looking forward to seeing you at the arena!
Mathematics is the science and language of patterns. Thinking about sorting and patterns helps children make sense of mathematics and young children are naturally interested in them. They enjoy patterns in rhymes, chants, songs, poems, and stories, and they experiment with creating patterns using play materials. They examine patterns in wallpaper, fabric, and geometric designs, and recognize patterns in their lives (e.g., the sequence of daily routines) and in nature (e.g., the cycle of the seasons). When students enter school, they continue to explore patterns in mathematics and in other subject areas. Developing an understanding of patterns and relationships is central to learning mathematics. In the primary grades, students identify, extend, and create a variety of patterns, using objects, actions, sounds, pictures, letters, and numbers. Through experiences in exploring and discussing patterns, young students begin to make conjectures and generalizations about mathematical relationships. Team Awesome has been using a variety of materials while exploring sorting and patterning activities and having a great time doing it.
The District Administrative Procedure for Field Trips (AP 260) was updated. As a result, all volunteers and chaperones who attend field trips are required to complete a criminal record check. If you will be volunteering to supervise and/or drive for field trips please refer to the BEST Website for complete information or the link below and complete the process. Criminal record checks are to be updated every three years. Our access code is UM7TJRR778. Search results are sent directly to our school. Please ensure that you complete this process promptly. https://justice.gov.bc.ca/criminalrecordcheck
If there is still snow for Fresh Air Friday next week, and not slop or too much ice, we would like to go sledding. We might be able to borrow a few sleds and share them between all the children but If your child has a tobaggan that they are able to carry themselves (or drag on a rope) they are welcome to bring it. Please be aware that they will have to be willing to share it and there is always the possibility of damage. Please put your child's name on the sled and then store it in our classroom until we leave after lunch. If the snow has melted or it is too icy we will forego the sledding and just go down to the river to do some winter exploring. We will update our plans closer to the end of the week next week. Please dress your child for an afternoon spent outside in the weather- extra mittens are a good idea as they are often soggy after recess and lunchtime play.
From the time you drop them off in the classroom in the morning until you pick them up at the end of the day, the children are expected to be independent, responsible and motivated individuals. They put on their own shoes, tidy up after themselves, push in their chairs, put on their outside things, make decisions about what to eat for snack and where its best to sit during carpet time. Their work is their own and they are accountable for doing their best at all times. We don't do for the children what they can do for themselves. They are also responsible for making sure their choices do not adversely affect someone else in our classrooms. The children know they can make wise decisions for themselves and feel competent, especially when their accomplishments are reinforced, encouraged and appreciated. Most of the time the children manage this all wonderfully on their own but there are situations during the day that require adult help or reminders and that is to be expected as responsibility is not something acquired automatically at a certain age. It is attained slowly over many years. And, for the most part, they are thrilled to be given responsibility. There is a list of rotating jobs on the wall and we have yet to hear one child complain that it is their turn to do something. Rather, they check the list and hop up and down when they see their name on it. If a student is absent there are many volunteers to take charge of the job. And there is never any shortage of happy helpers if someone else needs a hand with something. Happy helpers means everyone is happy! |
Mrs. Bowden &
|