Our New Read Aloud

We have are now reading "Because of Winn Dixie". I have read this story every year to my kindergarteners and they love it! We do read a edited version of the story- all references about drinking, alcohol, and war are omitted. Please note that the movie version of the book is rate PG and you may need to preview it before showing your child. Thanks!

April Fun!

We are just loving this weather!  It makes reading and writing so much more enjoyable:)

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

Our class watched this amazing animated short (about 15 minutes long) which celebrated the joy of reading. It was so good! If you would like to rewatch with your child, the video is on you tube. I believe the video just won an Oscar award.

Happy Dr. Seuss Day!

The Power of Quality Literature.

Our New Read Aloud

We have begun reading "My Father's Dragon" which is always a favorite among kindergarteners even though it was written in 1948 (author is Ruth Stiles Gannett). The favorite part is looking at the map in the back of the book that shows all the adventures of the little boy, Elmer Elevator.

Reading Independently

We have been working hard on reading to ourselves in class. During "reading to self" we focus on finding a place to read right away, reading the entire time, having "bubble space", and using a quiet whisper reading voice. We have learned to read a book by looking at the pictures, reading words we know, and reading a familiar book.

During this time we also "listen to reading" and we share the computers to listen to tumblebooks.

Library Lessons on Thursdays

Today was library day and your child was able to check out a book to take home. In my class each day a child brings back a library book they are able to check out a new book. Last year I had several students who checked out a new book each day! Occasionally the library is closed for special events- if this happens I will post it on twitter and your child will check out a book the next day. Your child will be responsible for taking the library book out of their backpacks each day. Occasionally we might have a mix up where your child's book is returned, but they didn't bring a new one home (keeping track of 44 students who may or may not bring back library books can get a little confusing for subs or half days). If this happens simply put a note in your child's folder or email me and we will fix the situation immediately. Thanks!

Curious about BookFlix?

Bookflix is something special we use in class and I'm sure your child has meantioned "we watched a bookflix or we watched a book on the smartboard". Last year I wrote and was awarded a grant from a subscription to Bookflix for our entire school. After being awarded the grant, a film crew came to my class to show the educational value of Bookflix in our classroom. I have posted the short video below. I plan on rewriting the grant this year (due around the end of October). The great news is that you can also use Bookflix at home with your child. Please email me if you are interested in using Bookflix and I will email you the login and password. Enjoy the video below!

Get Ready for JBD's Annual Book Swap!

John B. Dey’s Annual Book Swap
Help us to gear up for the 2010
JBD Summer Reading Club

COME ALONG AND JOIN THE FUN
Starting June 1st, all students are encouraged to bring in their gently used books.
For every TWO books brought in the student will be able to choose ONE book to take home.
Bring all the books you can!
TAKE the books to your classroom between June 1st and 6th

Swap Dates:
Pick Out books: Wednesday June 8th
John B Dey is supporting the Reach Out and Read program at CHKD by donating all of the extra books.

Events at Great Neck Library

Check out these free events this summer at the Great Neck Library

Family Activities and Summer Reading!

FREE kids projects at the Home Depot!


Check out this free farm in Hampton. For more information click on the picture.

Check out the free planetarium programs for families through VBCPS.

Click the picture for more information about programs at the Contemporary Arts Center.

The Chrysler Museum has a special exhibit this summer on the artwork of "Curious George". I took both of my sons about two weeks ago and they loved the artwork. One of the best parts of the exhibit was a reading room filled with Curious George books and comfy chairs for kiddos and parents to read.

Don't forget to sign up your child for Barnes and Noble's free summer reading program- fabulous! Click on picture above for more information.

Thank you so much to Mrs Grant for all the tips and ideas for free family activities and educational events:)

100 Books!

I was so surprised today when I received data from our school library about how many books all of my kindergarten friends had checked out this year- 2069! WOW! We also had a group that checked out over 100 books this year from our school library (pictured above). This is the first year that someone in my class has checked out over 100 books and it was five students! Great job to everyone in my class for making reading a priority at home. Because of SOLS, we are really not able to checkout books this week or next because the library is being used as a testing area. I'll keep you posted on any new updates. Thanks!

Our New Chapter Book

We just finished reading Because of Winn-Dixie and we will start reading The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. This book is always a favorite in kindergarten. One of my students last year said, "It will make you laugh and cry- it is my favorite book!"

We Love Charlotte's Web

Today we finished Charlotte's Web and it was so exciting. Since we have SOLS in our school and we have to be very quiet (no recess, no library, and no computer lab). We have begun watching the movie. The students love to see the our latest chapter book come alive on our big smartboard screen.

More Text to Text Connections

Today we made text to text connections using these two hilarious books!

May Reading Log

Thank you Mrs. Jenkins for making our May reading log:)

Text to Text

Today we made more text to text connections using these two books (I love these stories!)

Our New Read Aloud

Our new read aloud is Charlotte's Web- one of the most beloved stories of all time! The students are mesmerized by Fern and Wilbur. We are currently on chapter 4.

New Sight Words

We have new sight words! Flashcards will be sent home this week for students who need extra practice. Please begin to review the words with your child. Thanks!

up, we, what, yellow, yes, you, where, cat, do, dog, go, get, have, here, little, not