In reading, we continue to work on our decoding strategies to determine unknown words. These strategies include
-using the picture for clues
-sounding out the word and then blending the correct sounds together
-using sight word mastery
-using our understanding of vowel teams to decode words (when 2 vowels go a walking, the first one does the talking eg 'bread')
-using our understanding of short and long vowels to decode words
-using our understanding of how "y" can change its sound to decode unknown words (eg baby)
-using our understanding of real and nonsense words to make sure a word makes sense within a sentence
When listening to your child read, try to let them use the above strategies to decode the word. It may take awhile for one of the strategies to work, but it is important for your kiddo to use them. If your child does not use the strategies independently yet, encourage them to use a strategy, but don't do it for them. In both cases, it is important for these strategies to become part of the automatic tools they can use to decode words. And don't forget basic comprehension and critical thinking skills. Your child is expected to not only understand what they have read, but also think critically about what they have read.
In writing, we have been working on creating persuasive writing pieces. They have loved working with this type of writing because I told them they could use it with their parents when they want them to do/get something for them. Sorry, but I have to find a way to get the kids excited about writing..lol! Ask your child what is needed to really persuade someone to do something for you (an opinion and 3 facts that support the opinion). Want your child to show off these writing persuasive skills at home? Ask your child to create a persuasive poster of something they want/somewhere they want to go. Tell them if it has an opinion and 3 facts that support the opinion, you will get the item for them.
In math, we have just begun our unit on measurement. We have been sorting and grouping objects according to attributes including color, shape, and size. This week, we have started to sort objects according to attributes 'longer' and 'shorter'. Want to have your child practice at home? Have them find objects that are longer and shorter than their foot (just make sure when they are measuring, they are measuring from the same start point). Or have your child to sort their toy cars, etc.. at home by color, shape, and size. Or have them sort a group of objects and then YOU have to guess the rule they used for sorting.
Upcoming Events
-Tuesday, June 24th/Kindergarten Celebration @12:00
*PLEASE NOTE: This is a different date than previously stated. Due to other circumstances, the date changed to 6/24.
More details will be emailed and sent home in your child's Friday folder.
-Wednesday, June 25th Field Day
A special thank you....
A very BIG thank you to my 'Kindergarten Celebration' committee of moms who are working to ensure the kiddos have an extra special day on the 24th. I cannot tell you how thankful I am to have such a supportive group of parents who care so much about our kids:-)
