About a month ago we planted some corn and pea seeds and we have been using our science notebooks to document their growth.  When we draw or write in our science notebooks we try to make our drawings as accurate as possible, paying attention to details like color and shape.  We have also been working on labeling as much as we can.  Yesterday we completed our final plant drawings- it is amazing how much these seeds can grow in a plastic cup with moist paper towel!

In case you haven't heard, tomorrow is pajama day!  Children are welcome to bring one stuffed animal as well!

Report cards will be sent home tomorrow- please look for these in your children's backpacks!  While they are meant to be informative about your child's progress in school, nothing can take the place of an actual conversation.  Please, if you haven't done so already, sign up for a conference time!

In math we have begun a unit on patterns.  Through this unit we are spending lots of time identifying, extending, and creating patterns.  Everyone is having a great time using a variety of materials to make all kinds of patterns.

At the same time, we are continuing our year long emphasis on number sense with a focus on teen numbers.  Children have been working on recognizing, building, and writing teen numbers.

ECO will be at school again tomorrow- please send warm clothing!!

Just a few quick notes and reminders:  although we will be at school tomorrow for ECO we will still be outside.  Please send your child with warm clothing.  If you have not returned the tool permission form it must come in tomorrow if your child is going to use the peelers.  Finally, don't forget to sign up for a parent conference with the online scheduler.  If you go to the school web page, www.waitsfieldschool.org, and look under quick links on the right side of the page there is a link called online scheduler.  Looking forward to meeting with all of you soon!

Today I have sent home a list of ideas for working on number sense with your child.  These include many different ideas for counting and practicing number recognition, some of the most important math skills we work on in kindergarten.

I have also sent an ECO permission slip for using tools.  In the near future we would like to use peelers to make cooking sticks that we will eventually use to cook over our fire.  As with all ECO routines, we have very specific protocol that we will follow when using the tools and there will be lots of pre-teaching with an emphasis on safety.  There is also a place to check for permission to receive emails from North Branch Nature Center and a media release permission box.  The most important one is for tool use!  Please return the permission slips as soon as possible!

The online scheduler for parent conferences will open tomorrow, November 8th.  Directions for signing up were sent a few days ago by Kathi.  If for some reason the available days and times don't work for you please let me know as soon as possible and we can try to find a different time.

Journal writing about the day.

Making tea with a kelly kettle.

Today in your child's yellow folder or backpack there is a packet of math games that I have collected from various resources.  They vary in level of difficulty and skills, but hopefully there is at least one that will appeal to everyone.  We have played Build a City, Five Frame Fun, Bingo, Rocket, and Plus One in class, so everyone should be familiar with these.  If your child is like my son, he or she may enthusiastically play the games at school but prefer not to play them at home- that's fine!  I'm sending them along as an option, but not something that has to be done.

Next week during ECO we are planning to make tea.  This is something we will probably do several times during ECO, and I also love the option of having a warm drink after a cold winter recess.  If you have an extra travel mug that your child could bring in and keep here for the year that would be fantastic.  I have permanent markers in almost every color of the rainbow, so your child could label his or her mug and we could find a place to store it in the room.   If you don't have one, I have some extras at my house.

Playing Sneaky Snake, a fun math game.

Shaking hands after a good game!