Today we wrote a letter to Santa telling him that his was "thumbody" special.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Thank You!
Dear Kindergarten Friends, Thank you so much for all of the yummy treats, fabulous giftcards, and wonderful gifts. We really appreciate you thinking of us during the holidays! We hope you have a wonderful holiday and we will see you next year!
Your Friends,
Mrs. Rose and Mrs. Greene and Mrs. Gabriel
Friday, December 18, 2009
Craft Time!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Progress Reports
Happy Holidays children and families!
We wanted to let you know about the concepts we will be assessing soon after the December holidays. We hope you enjoy your time together reading and learning.
Sincerely, Your Kindergarten Teachers
• Read a book together and discuss the events in order
• Identify the upper and lower case letters
• Identify the letter sounds
• Practice your kindergarten sight word flashcards
• Use the correct beginning letter for a word
• Write letters the school way
• Write your first name and last name “the school way”
• Applies knowledge of word study in daily reading and writing
When writing your child should be applying these writing skills as often as possible:
-picture matches your words
-begin sentences with uppercase letters
-finger spaces between words
-stretch your words by sounding them out
-sentences end with punctuation
• Count forward to at least 30
• Identify objects that have symmetry
• Count backward from 10, from 12, from 15
• Write numbers 1-15 in order, can you write 15-20, 20-30? etc. the “school way.”
• Look for patterns around your house and be able to create and describe 2 and 3 part patterns.
• Tell number stories
Example, I have 2 cookies and my friend has 3 cookies. How many cookies do we have in all?
We wanted to let you know about the concepts we will be assessing soon after the December holidays. We hope you enjoy your time together reading and learning.
Sincerely, Your Kindergarten Teachers
• Read a book together and discuss the events in order
• Identify the upper and lower case letters
• Identify the letter sounds
• Practice your kindergarten sight word flashcards
• Use the correct beginning letter for a word
• Write letters the school way
• Write your first name and last name “the school way”
• Applies knowledge of word study in daily reading and writing
When writing your child should be applying these writing skills as often as possible:
-picture matches your words
-begin sentences with uppercase letters
-finger spaces between words
-stretch your words by sounding them out
-sentences end with punctuation
• Count forward to at least 30
• Identify objects that have symmetry
• Count backward from 10, from 12, from 15
• Write numbers 1-15 in order, can you write 15-20, 20-30? etc. the “school way.”
• Look for patterns around your house and be able to create and describe 2 and 3 part patterns.
• Tell number stories
Example, I have 2 cookies and my friend has 3 cookies. How many cookies do we have in all?
Monday, December 14, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Christmas Lesson
Today we had our Christmas lesson and the kiddos had so much fun! Thank you Mrs. P and Mrs. M for such a great lesson! 
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Coming Soon! Polar Express!
Dear Parents,
On Tuesday, December 22nd, my class will be reading The Polar Express. To help celebrate this exciting story, I can wear my pajamas to school just like the children in the book! (Students must wear clothing under their pajamas and regular shoes). The entire class will board the pretend train in our pajamas with our most special belongings. Please allow me to bring a special belonging that I usually take to bed with me to share with the class.
On Tuesday, December 22nd, my class will be reading The Polar Express. To help celebrate this exciting story, I can wear my pajamas to school just like the children in the book! (Students must wear clothing under their pajamas and regular shoes). The entire class will board the pretend train in our pajamas with our most special belongings. Please allow me to bring a special belonging that I usually take to bed with me to share with the class.
Thank you for your support!
Mrs. Rose’s Kindergarten Friends
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Learning About Kwanzaa
Today we had a lesson on Kwanzaa and learned all about this special holiday. We also sampled a Kwanzaa treat, colored in a picture of the Kinara, and watched a bookflix "Seven Candles for Kwanzaa". Thank you Mr. S. for a great lesson!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Learning about Hanukkah
Today our class had a lesson on Hanukkah. We learned about Hannukah, played the dreidel game, ate gelt, and colored in a picture of the menorah. Thank you Mrs. W for a great lesson!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Looking for a Good Book for Your Kindergartener?
Mrs. Hardesty, our school librarian, has created a booklist of her favorite books for kindergarteners. A fun and captivating book for a kindergartener is always an excellent holiday gift. You can also share this list with other parents by using the email link at the bottom of this post. Enjoy!
BabyMouse Dragon Slayer
by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm
The Babymouse series is written in graphic novel format. It’s fun to read about this glamorous mouse’s adventures.
Mercy Watson : Something Wonky This Way Comes
by Kate DiCamillo
This is an easy chapter book. It’s a series written by one of my favorite authors, Kate DiCamillo. Mercy Watson is a great pig hero!
Skippyjon Jones... Lost in Spice
by Judith Byron Schachner
This is the newest SkippyJon Jones book. These books are so much fun to read aloud, but you have to do the Latin accent.
Too Many Toys
by David Shannon
I love all of the books by David Shannon, but this has to be my favorite! Kids and parents definitely relate to this problem! Terrific pictures too!
Great Websites for Awesome Books
Our wonderful retired librarian, Jean Koch, has offered a few great reading websites that may give you some gift ideas for this holiday season.
1. http://readkiddoread.com/
This site is by Judy Freeman and James Patterson. They are really into kids and reading.
2. http://www.peggysharp.com/
Peggy Sharp – Presenter and kids book expert
This website gives a variety of titles for good reading, great transitional books, and great illustrated books.
3. http://www.booksintheclassroom.com/gradeindex.php?grade=K
This site offer excellent reviews of books for kindergarten students.
4. http://www.teachersfirst.com/100books.cfm
100 Best Books
1. http://readkiddoread.com/
This site is by Judy Freeman and James Patterson. They are really into kids and reading.
2. http://www.peggysharp.com/
Peggy Sharp – Presenter and kids book expert
This website gives a variety of titles for good reading, great transitional books, and great illustrated books.
3. http://www.booksintheclassroom.com/gradeindex.php?grade=K
This site offer excellent reviews of books for kindergarten students.
4. http://www.teachersfirst.com/100books.cfm
100 Best Books
Music Fun
Today in music the kindergarteners used scarves to explore different types of international music. The kindergarteners had so much fun!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Spelling City: Fun Games Using our Sight Words
Looking for some new ways to help your child learn sight words? Why not play some online games with our list of kindergarten word wall words? Check out the link below!
http://www.spellingcity.com/Community.html
http://www.spellingcity.com/Community.html
Five Years Already?!
Both Mrs. Gabriel and I received service awards for five years of service and dedication to Virginia Beach Public Schools. I was completely surprised- time flies when you are having fun!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Positive Parenting Tips
Ms. Booth, our school guidance counselor, has shared this article with our blog on positive parenting. Ms. Booth has been a guidance counselor in Virginia Beach Public Schools for nine years, three years at John B. Dey.
Hello Parents!
To help your child achieve success as a well balanced child, these tips might help
Responsibility: Encourage your kids to admit their mistakes, and take the time to treat it as a learning experience. Remain calm, discuss the decision that was made, and explain that poor choices have consequences. Mistakes are everyday teaching moments. More than likely, the consequences from poor decisions will have an impact on the child making more successful choices in the future.
Stress: Our kids have busy lives!! What helps when things get chaotic? Lower the volume in your home. Studies reveal that kids growing up in chaotic, hectic, loud homes often have more anxiety issues and difficulty problem solving in their environment. To help de-stress, turn the TV off when it is not being viewed. Often, background noises are distracting and time could be better spent talking or sharing family time. Have a quiet time period after school or before dinner to let the kids unwind, read their favorite book, or even have a short nap. Talk to your kids in calm tones and show them what active listening is all about. Finally, have daily routines to help maintain order and consistency in the home.
Discipline: It is important to keep in mind what we really want to get out of discipline. We want kids to realize from any situation that they are able to learn the difference between right and wrong. Self-discipline is a goal from positive parenting techniques- praise, discussion of choices, discussion of expectations, and building trust. Studies show that a nurturing parent- not too harsh and not too lenient- has the most positive impact on kids. Parents who are kind, understanding, and send nurturing messages to their kids usually have better behaved children. Some nurturing messages: I love you, you are important in our family, let’s learn from this together, I have faith in your abilities, I care about you. Anger is a natural emotion of parents when their children disobey, however be sure to take the time to calm down before speaking to your child. Children learn from modeling, so when they see you take time to calm down, they are more likely to assess their choices to get the best response from you!
Source: Firm, Fair and Consistent, The Parent Institute, 2006.
Hello Parents!
To help your child achieve success as a well balanced child, these tips might help
Responsibility: Encourage your kids to admit their mistakes, and take the time to treat it as a learning experience. Remain calm, discuss the decision that was made, and explain that poor choices have consequences. Mistakes are everyday teaching moments. More than likely, the consequences from poor decisions will have an impact on the child making more successful choices in the future.
Stress: Our kids have busy lives!! What helps when things get chaotic? Lower the volume in your home. Studies reveal that kids growing up in chaotic, hectic, loud homes often have more anxiety issues and difficulty problem solving in their environment. To help de-stress, turn the TV off when it is not being viewed. Often, background noises are distracting and time could be better spent talking or sharing family time. Have a quiet time period after school or before dinner to let the kids unwind, read their favorite book, or even have a short nap. Talk to your kids in calm tones and show them what active listening is all about. Finally, have daily routines to help maintain order and consistency in the home.
Discipline: It is important to keep in mind what we really want to get out of discipline. We want kids to realize from any situation that they are able to learn the difference between right and wrong. Self-discipline is a goal from positive parenting techniques- praise, discussion of choices, discussion of expectations, and building trust. Studies show that a nurturing parent- not too harsh and not too lenient- has the most positive impact on kids. Parents who are kind, understanding, and send nurturing messages to their kids usually have better behaved children. Some nurturing messages: I love you, you are important in our family, let’s learn from this together, I have faith in your abilities, I care about you. Anger is a natural emotion of parents when their children disobey, however be sure to take the time to calm down before speaking to your child. Children learn from modeling, so when they see you take time to calm down, they are more likely to assess their choices to get the best response from you!
Source: Firm, Fair and Consistent, The Parent Institute, 2006.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Kelso's Choices
Today, our wonderful guidance counselor, Ms. Booth taught a lesson on Kelso's choices. The kindergarteners learned the difference between big problems and small problems and how to choose one of Kelso's choices to solve a small problem. Some of the choices include- talk it out, go to another game, apologize, make a deal, ignore it, walk away, share and take turns. If you have a big problem, talk to an adult who you trust. Thank you Ms. Booth for a great lesson!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
A Special Turkey Visitor
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Scientist of the Day!
Beginning in December, we will start a science project called "scientist of the day". Below is a note from Cindy Becker who is the kindergarten science lab director.
Parents,
We are going to start a new program in the kindergarten classes with your help. We tried it out in Mrs. Jenkins’ class and it has been a big hit. It is called “scientist of the day.” The students will take turns being scientist of the day and when it is their turn, they get to bring home a science bag filled with items to explore their world. They get to wear a lab coat just like a real scientist and record their discoveries (with your help) in a journal to share with the class. The bag will also have a book to read with them that is science related.
If you have anything at home that you would like to donate to our program (measuring devices, magnifying glasses, kindergarten level books with a science theme, or anything you think we could use) please send it in with your child to their classroom. We are also requesting a $1 donation, if you can, to help cover some of the costs of starting this program. We appreciate any help you can give and hope you enjoy this program as much as the students.
Cindy Becker
Hands on Science
Parents,
We are going to start a new program in the kindergarten classes with your help. We tried it out in Mrs. Jenkins’ class and it has been a big hit. It is called “scientist of the day.” The students will take turns being scientist of the day and when it is their turn, they get to bring home a science bag filled with items to explore their world. They get to wear a lab coat just like a real scientist and record their discoveries (with your help) in a journal to share with the class. The bag will also have a book to read with them that is science related.
If you have anything at home that you would like to donate to our program (measuring devices, magnifying glasses, kindergarten level books with a science theme, or anything you think we could use) please send it in with your child to their classroom. We are also requesting a $1 donation, if you can, to help cover some of the costs of starting this program. We appreciate any help you can give and hope you enjoy this program as much as the students.
Cindy Becker
Hands on Science
Thanksgiving Cooking
Many thanks to our wonderful parent volunteers for helping us cook yummy food. We made cornbread, pumpkin pie, a sweet potato dish, and mashed potatoes.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Building Future Grant Celebration
Last night was the reception for grant winners at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. The food was prepared by culinary students- yummy! Grant winners and guests also participated in a silent auction on different pieces of artwork created by Virginia Beach School System employees.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Fall Frolic!
Many thanks to our parent volunteers for making our Fall Fun day so much fun! We explored pumpkins in many different ways- weighing pumpkings, exploring the inside of pumpkins, reading pumpkins stories, doing pumpkin math, and watching the bookflix "Where the Wild Things Are".
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
A Visit From Deputy Ray
Thank you Deputy Ray for talking to our class about Stranger Danger and Halloween Safety. We really appreciate you taking the time to teach us how to be safe!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
The Daily Five
Each day students can make a choice on which literacy activity they want to work on independently. The choices are: Read to Someone, Read to Self, Work on Writing, Word Work, and Listening to Reading. During the choice sessions, the teacher is pulling different groups for either guided reading or word study.
We love encouraging kindergarteners to read. When a student brings back a library book, they can immediately checkout a new book that day. The book checkout is included in the Read to Self choice.
In the beginning of the year, students use dry erase boards to work on writing. They love to copy different words and practice making letters. Later in the year, they will have the chance to work on their Writer’s Workshop writing during The Daily Five.
Listening to Reading is the most popular choice. During this choice students listen to books on the computer through the Virginia Beach Public Library. Students can also listen at home. Please check the library website for more information.
Word Work provides students with a chance to review their word study sorts and also practice different ways to spell words.
Read to Someone is also very popular. Students can tell each other the stories by reading the words, reading a familiar book, or telling the story from the pictures.
We love encouraging kindergarteners to read. When a student brings back a library book, they can immediately checkout a new book that day. The book checkout is included in the Read to Self choice.
In the beginning of the year, students use dry erase boards to work on writing. They love to copy different words and practice making letters. Later in the year, they will have the chance to work on their Writer’s Workshop writing during The Daily Five.
Listening to Reading is the most popular choice. During this choice students listen to books on the computer through the Virginia Beach Public Library. Students can also listen at home. Please check the library website for more information.
Word Work provides students with a chance to review their word study sorts and also practice different ways to spell words.
Read to Someone is also very popular. Students can tell each other the stories by reading the words, reading a familiar book, or telling the story from the pictures.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Calling all Mystery Readers
Thursday, October 8, 2009
We Love Mrs. Law's Lessons!
Thank you Mrs. Law for some great whole group gifted lessons on creative thinking and spatial reasoning. The kiddos loved both lessons.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Thank You Parents!
Thank you parents for all your support this week. All of my kindergarten friends seemed to be happy and excited about the new school year. Please email me if your child is feeling any type of anxiety. Sometimes the little things that are scary for kindergarteners are so easy to fix if I know about it.
Just a few little bits of information:
~The kindergarteners are very thirsty this year! Please feel free to send in a resuable water bottle for your child to keep at their seat. If you are sending in a juice boxes for your child for snack that is totally fine, however, only water bottles will be allowed to remain on the tables all day. Also don't worry if you forget to send water one day, we will also incorporate water fountain breaks during the day.
~This week an information sheet will be sent home about mystery reader. If you are interested in participating, please send the sheet back with desired dates. Please wait for confirmation from my assistant for your dates before assuming what date you have. Thanks!
~Another paper will be going home that gives permission to provide your child's name, and/or address, and/or phone number for our class directory. This directory will be used by our room mothers to organize volunteers and in the past, the directory has been used for birthday invitations by other parents. IF YOU DO NOT WANT ANY OF THIS INFORMATION RELEASED, DO NOT SEND BACK THE FORM. If you want just your child's name and not address or phone number- no problem, please be specific on the sheet on what you want.
Don't forget to follow our class on twitter for daily updates on our class activities!
Just a few little bits of information:
~The kindergarteners are very thirsty this year! Please feel free to send in a resuable water bottle for your child to keep at their seat. If you are sending in a juice boxes for your child for snack that is totally fine, however, only water bottles will be allowed to remain on the tables all day. Also don't worry if you forget to send water one day, we will also incorporate water fountain breaks during the day.
~This week an information sheet will be sent home about mystery reader. If you are interested in participating, please send the sheet back with desired dates. Please wait for confirmation from my assistant for your dates before assuming what date you have. Thanks!
~Another paper will be going home that gives permission to provide your child's name, and/or address, and/or phone number for our class directory. This directory will be used by our room mothers to organize volunteers and in the past, the directory has been used for birthday invitations by other parents. IF YOU DO NOT WANT ANY OF THIS INFORMATION RELEASED, DO NOT SEND BACK THE FORM. If you want just your child's name and not address or phone number- no problem, please be specific on the sheet on what you want.
Don't forget to follow our class on twitter for daily updates on our class activities!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Thank You Fort Story Volunteers!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Happy First Day of School!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Thank you Anna!
commMany thanks to our awesome middle school volunteer Anna who helped Mrs. Rose during work week. Anna created the book baggies for our kindergarten friends, reorganized our math books, and created our first week packets plus many more things that greatly helped our class. Anna is also a former JBD student who attended JBD kindergarten through fifth grade. Thanks again for all your help Anna!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
What is Balanced Literacy?
Balanced Literacy is centered on the idea that kindergarteners need to engage in a variety of reading and writing activities. In our class we do shared, guided, interactive, and independent reading and writing. In Mrs. Rose's class balanced literacy consists of The Daily 5, Guided Reading, Writer's Workshop, Reader's Workshop, Read Alouds, and Word Study.
The Daily 5 is an awesome way to organize literacy instruction. The format is described at length in the book The Daily Five: Fostering Literacy Independence in the Elementary Grades by Gail Boushey and Joan Moser. Each day students will make choices on which activities they want to engage.
During the session students work independently on their chosen activities and the teacher meets with reading groups for guided reading. Guided reading provides a conference time in which the teacher can emphasize reading strategies, sight words, concepts of print, and reading comprehension. The reading groups are fluid and change with individual students strengths and needs.
Writer’s Workshop is when students become authors! Kindergarteners love writing and keep monthly journals.
Word Study is a program that provides students with the essential knowledge and skills on spelling patterns in the English language. The lessons for word study came from a graduate class taught at the University of Virginia. Word study will begin in October.
Reader’s Workshop helps students develop meaningful reading comprehension. The Reader’s Workshop lessons are developed from the book Reading with Meaning by Debbie Miller and by the program Making Meaning.
Read Alouds are one of my favorite parts of the day. I read my kindergarteners a variety of books including chapter books such as My Father’s Dragon, Because of Winn Dixie and Mr. Popper’s Penquins.
The Daily 5 is an awesome way to organize literacy instruction. The format is described at length in the book The Daily Five: Fostering Literacy Independence in the Elementary Grades by Gail Boushey and Joan Moser. Each day students will make choices on which activities they want to engage.
During the session students work independently on their chosen activities and the teacher meets with reading groups for guided reading. Guided reading provides a conference time in which the teacher can emphasize reading strategies, sight words, concepts of print, and reading comprehension. The reading groups are fluid and change with individual students strengths and needs.
Writer’s Workshop is when students become authors! Kindergarteners love writing and keep monthly journals.
Word Study is a program that provides students with the essential knowledge and skills on spelling patterns in the English language. The lessons for word study came from a graduate class taught at the University of Virginia. Word study will begin in October.
Reader’s Workshop helps students develop meaningful reading comprehension. The Reader’s Workshop lessons are developed from the book Reading with Meaning by Debbie Miller and by the program Making Meaning.
Read Alouds are one of my favorite parts of the day. I read my kindergarteners a variety of books including chapter books such as My Father’s Dragon, Because of Winn Dixie and Mr. Popper’s Penquins.
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