K Blog 2017-2018, November 1st

Hi Parents!
As we continue our learning journey together here in kindergarten, there is so much room for discovery. Some K's are discovering new friendships, some are exploring new and interesting topics, and some of our students are discovering that they CAN do all of those things that felt unreachable before. Wether it's on the yard, and skipping a monkey bar for the first time, or in the classroom and successfully reading a book that was just out of reach a few short weeks ago, all of these events are celebration worthy.

Whats happening in K?

Math

•  We learned how to use a number rack or rekenrek.
• We learned how to use the words "more" and "less" to compare 2 quantities.
• We used pumpkins to practice graphing, addition, and patterns.

Social Studies

• We learned why leaves change colors in the fall.
• We made leaf rubbings.
• We also learned how to use our "brain filter." Just because we think it, doesn't mean we should always say it.

Readers Workshop

• We learned that there are 3 ways to read a book: 1) Read the pictures. 2) Read the pictures and words. 3) Read the words.
• We made a list about why readers read and what readers do.
• We reviewed short vowel sounds.
• We learned about syllables.
• Popcorn words: went, for, the, do 

Writers Workshop

• We learned how to put a space between words by using a "spaceboy" or "spacegirl."
• We wrote about the fall season and Halloween.

PE

In the beginning of the school year, we have given the kids a lot of chances to practice running, mirroring actions and quick reactions to following directions.

Science

The Kindergarten Scientists started the year learning about what science is. They used their science notebooks by making close observation and drawing what they saw when they added food coloring and dish soap to a plate of milk. They learned about different science careers, decided what type of scientist they would like to be, and created a drawing about it. Kindergarteners then explored pushes and pulls by investigating their own classroom. Kindergarteners are currently studying pumpkins by measuring their pumpkin’s height, weight, and circumference. They explored whether pumpkins sink or float, and, using their five senses, they described what the outside and inside of the pumpkin were like. Next month Kindergarteners will build a device to move a marble to a target as well as learning about germs and why hand washing is so important.

Gardening

Kindergarteners are off to a fruitful start in the garden!

We started off by selecting alliterative garden names and reviewing our Respect in the Garden agreements. Ask your student for their garden name and choose one of your own!

Throughout the year, we’ll practice using our five senses to make observations and learn about nature. We started by observing our chicken friends - and their beautiful, multicolor eggs - in the Upper School garden. Your family is always welcome to stop by and say “hi!”

During the weeks of smoky days, we had storytime inside the Kindergarten classroom. We learned about the true story of green-thumbed pioneer and activist Kate Sessions in The Tree Lady (H. Joseph Hopkins), as well as more information about many types of eggs in An Egg is Quiet (Dianna Hutts Aston).

Recently, we’ve started discussing what plants need to thrive. Kindergarteners worked as a team to water the cover crop seeds planted by 2nd graders. This cover crop will protect the soil and add some much needed nutrients for future crops!

Is your family interested in learning more about the BPC garden program, local environment-related opportunities, and more? Email Ms. Fryke (rfryke@blackpinecircle.org) to join the BPC Garden newsletter!