Written Responses to Books

Most days, we have centers when students have the chance to work in small groups and rotate around different work stations.  One of those is the listening center.  Up to now, students have listened to a story and followed along in a book.  Recently, however, you may have seen half sheets of scrap paper coming home.  We are trying to write a response to the books we hear.  If it is a nonfiction book, we write down something we have learned.  If it is a fictional book, we write down something that we liked or didn't like.  

This can be a difficult skill!  You can help your child with this by asking for oral responses to the books you read at home.  Just saying out loud what they liked or what they learned can be a big help in developing a plan for what to write down.  If they are in the habit of orally responding to a book, it becomes easier to write a sentence in response to a book.

At the listening center, I encourage students to do their best sounding out for most words.  They can use the book to copy words they need, but we've talked about not copying whole sentences.  We will keep at it!

100th Day of School

The 100th Day of School is a day to celebrate in kindergarten!  With all of our unexpected days off, it keeps getting pushed back, but for now, the 100th day should be Tuesday, February 11.  Students are encouraged to bring in a collection of 100 somethings.  This collection should be able to fit in their backpack.  In the past, students have brought a baggie of 100 Cheerios, 100 pennies, a creation made from 100 Legos, an art project of 100 marshmallows, or a design of 100 stickers.  You can find something you have around your home (beans, grains of rice, paperclips) or get really creative!  We'll also have fun that day with activities centered around the number 100.  (There are 76 days left AFTER the 100th day!)

Purple Asparagus

Please look for a form (double-sided) going home about Purple Asparagus and return it by this Friday.  This program partners with Whole Foods to teach children about food.  They will visit Longfellow's kindergarten once a month until the end of the year.  The form sent home is regarding allergies and a photo release.  Even if your child has no allergies, please mark "n/a," sign, and return.  We need all forms filled out in order for all the homerooms to participate.  You can visit www.purpleasparagus.com for more information.

January Nourish to Flourish

Every winter, Longfellow's Wellness Committee has a monthly theme.  This month's themes are sleep and a healthy breakfast.  We've been reading about these in school.  On Friday the 17th, breakfast was served for hot lunch!  To celebrate the end of the month, we'll have an all-school Pajama Day on Friday.  Students are welcome to wear their pjs to school.  (Please make sure they are school-appropriate.)
Also on Friday the 31st, students may bring a healthy breakfast to eat at school.  Think of all the time you'll save in the morning when you don't have to get dressed or eat breakfast!  Please bring anything you will need (a bowl, utensils, etc.)  It should be low in sugar, fat, and salt.  Some examples might include whole wheat muffins or bagels, a hard-boiled egg, a whole grain cereal, low-sugar yogurt, or a fresh fruit cup.