Novenber 28th

I know it has been a while so let me recap our activities for November.  Most of the month was spent finishing up our pumpkin activities and then doing an apple unit.  We read lots of stories about apples and the seasonal life cycle of an apple tree, we made patterns using apples and learned some songs and poems about apples.  After tasting a piece of red apple, yellow apple and green apple, we graphed the results and for the first time ever, most students liked the green apples best!  The culmination of the unit was an apple sampler snack where we were able to taste the applesauce and apple crisp we had made along with some apple jelly and some apple cider.  We all decided that apples are a very versatile food and one that most of us like in many different forms. 

This week in Math, we are working on making comparisons by finding names and items in the classroom that are longer and shorter than our name tower.  We have also been discussing the meaning of the abbreviation am and pm as well as things we do during the day and things we do at night.  Since this is the l;ast week of November, we are trying to finish up all our November activities in preparation for December. 

Starting next week, we will learn about the history behind Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Christmas as we make some projects related to each holiday.  It is a very busy and exciting time for our class.  Don't tell, but, I'm quite sure we will be having a visit from the Elf on the Shelf at some point!

I am concerned about the reading log homework.  In the past, I have usually had 100% (or close to it) participation.  So far this year, there have been at least 5 or 6 children not returning the reading log each day.  I'm not sure what the problem is.  As we discussed at interview time, I do want this to be your child's responsibility, however, if your child is one that you know is constantly leaving his/her rreading log at home, please help them out with reminders such as "What do you need to pack in your backpack?" or ""Do you have everything you need for Ms. Bennett today?"  You might also help them find a spot at home where they can put their reading log every day and putting a pen or pencil in the plastic bag makes it easier to remember to get the log initialed each day.  I'm hoping we can get this working better. 

Mrs. Adams would very much appreciate more donations of clorox wipes for our tables each day.  Also, now that we really do seem to be getting colder weather, please be sure that all your child's winter items are labelled.  We have our coat racks set up and children are now hanging their coats on hangers each day which gives us more room in our cubbies.  This classroom does get quite cool when the sun is not shining so it might be a good idea to send in a sweater or sweatshirt that can stay here for the cooler days.  Children should not have to wear boots all day so if you can send a pair of indoor shoes to stay that would be great but at least please be sure your child has shoes in his/her backpack. 

Have a good evening.  BA