Kindergarten Information

Kindergarten Special Activites

Sharing - Each classroom does sharing a little different. It might be a sharing bucket or an informal daily sharing time. This is an opportunity for students to practice talking in front of peers, plan out what he/she is going to say and practice answering questions.

Marvelous Me - This is a time when students get to bring pictures and special items to school to show the class. We get some extra time to learn about students in a fun way and each child has a time when he/she feels extra special.

Birthdays - Birthdays are celebrated with a song, a crown and a day to feel extra special. We ask that students NOT bring treats for their birthday. If your child would like to share something, please chose something such as a pencil, eraser, sticker or small toy.

Little Books - In December, students have a chance to bring home little books that are at his/her reading level. It gives parents a chance to work one -to- one with students on reading skills and strategies and really makes every kindergartner feel like a reader.

A Trip to Japan- As part of our Social Studies curriculum, we learn about this country. Throughout our study of this unit, we gather and make things to put in our "pretend" suitcase which we take on a pretend trip. We make passports, board our classroom airplane and journey to Japan!

Snow Fun Days - In the winter, we try to find a few good days to go outside and play in the snow. This is a special day so everyone knows to bring all of their outside clothes.

Field Trips - We go on a fieldtrip in the spring to the Minnesota Children's Museum and the Como Zoo.

Baby Chicks - The highlight of our spring is hatching baby chicks as a part of our science curriculum. The students wait in anticipation and then enjoy holding the chicks and observing their behavior.

End of the Year Events - This is a very busy time of year! We visit first grade classrooms and have a chance to sit in desks and meet a teacher. We also practice going through the lunch line and eat lunch at school one day.

Helpful Hints To Work With Your Child At Home

*Language Arts

• Chant the ABC chart
• Sort letter cards by shapes
• Practice writing letters - in sand - in pudding - in shaving cream - on a white board - on paper - on a chalkboard (don't forget to say the name of the letter while you write it)
• Look for letters in signs
• Look for things that start with letters
• Think of rhyming words together
• Sort letters by shapes
• Keep a journal to write about special things

*Reading

• Predict ending of sentences
• Predict the ending of a story
• Retell a story
• Talk about the characters
• Talk about the illustrations

*Math

• Count as you set the table
• Sort silverware, socks, candy
• Identify shapes in real objects
• Put things in order by size
• Patterns - find patterns in wallpaper, clothing, wrapping paper dishes, make patterns
• Count as you wait in line