Weekly Update 1/27

This week in kindergarten:
*  In reading we will focus on the comprehension strategy: Determining Importance / a purpose for reading. 
*  In math we will begin Topic 16 - Analyzing, Comparing and Composing Shapes.  We will using Geoboards / bands as well as pattern blocks during this topic.
*  In writing we are working on writing left to right and top to bottom.  We also worked on question words and writing a question using the correct end mark.  I posted some pictures of awesome questions I saw last week.  Scroll down if you didn't see these.
*  We will finish up our study of Kansas this Wednesday as we celebrate Kansas Day with sunflower seed cookies.
*  On Thursday and Friday we will use our Social Studies time to talk about Groundhog's Day (they will be wanting to watch the news Sunday to find out if he sees his shadow) and Chinese New Year.
*  I sent home a Scholastic Book Order on Friday.  The Just Right Books catalog has a great variety of leveled books if you are looking to find books at your child's individual level.  This type of book can often be hard to find.  I also noticed that one of the catalogs has Junie B. Jones books and Magic Tree House books- they love these!  We have been reading them in class.  If you would like to order from the Scholastic catalogs please follow the link and use our class code: GMMD6:
www.scholastic.com/bookclubs
Book orders are due this Friday.
*  I have added a new element to our Listen To Reading center during Daily 5.  I am now letting them choose links from my Symbaloo website.  I am going to copy the link here so that they may practice navigating this site from home.  I would encourage this to help them to be independent in the classroom:
http://www.symbaloo.com/shared/AAAACEu_mRQAA42AgcWFcg==

* I am sending home a class list so that you may use this as you prepare to work on Valentine's cards.
*  I am also sending home a fun family project that is part of their homework this week.  As we have been counting the days we have been in school - we get to meet and use "Zero the Hero" every time we come to a "0" day (10, 20, 30...).  They can tell you all about Zero the Hero.  Our 100th day of school is a very special day and Zero the Hero has a big job!!  To celebrate this day - I am asking each child to create a super hero cape with 100 items on it.  The cape is coming home with detailed directions.  If you have further questions after reading through the packet - just let me know.  We will be wearing our capes on Wednesday, 2/5.  This is the actual 100th day of school for kindergarten.  This is a different day than our ETC event (which is Friday, 2/7).  If your child is unable to complete this project - please let me know ASAP.  I will make sure to have an extra cape available for them.  I don't want anyone to be left out.
*  The February Volunteer Sign up is live:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044DA9A72AA46-february\
*  I will leave you with a few fun pictures of indoor recess!