Welcome to Kindergarten!

Heidi Bell

Ann Quinn

Stacie Troutman

Indian Run Elementary

Daily Schedule• 9:20 (1:20)Turn in Home folders, put away

items, buddy read• 9:40 (1:40)Circle Time• 10:00 (2:00) Academic Block• 10:25(2:25) Recess• 10:45(2:45) Academic Block• 11:00(3:00) Center Time, small groups• 11:45(3:45) Clean up, Folders• 11:55(3:55) Dismissal

The Kindergarten Promise

*We will listen to others and raise hands*Use indoor voices*Always use kind words*Share and cooperate*Keep our bodies to ourselves*Follow directions the first time they are given

A balanced Literacy program includes:

*Read-alouds- teacher models the reading process; students listen/respond-expand vocabulary & concepts- exposure to a variety of genres (fiction, non-fiction, poetry)- encourage responses (drawing, writing, drama, art, and discussion

Language Arts Program

Reading, continued• Share Reading- teacher

leads and the students participate– Develops concepts of

print– Draws attention to

particular letters or letter sounds

– Notice high frequency words

Comprehensive Word Story Program

Becoming fully literate is absolutely dependent on fast, accurate recognition of words in texts, and fast accurate production of words in writing so that readers and writers can focus their attention on making meaning.

4 Ways to know letters

• Formation• Sound• Name• Linking word

** Early strategies for how to LOOK at print is essential

Writing

• Students practice upper and lower case letters in the D’Nealian Handwriting style

• Students’ writing follows developmental stages:– Beginnings (random letters), – Consonants– Initial and final consonants– Words– Standard spelling

Writing Methods

• Shared writing- teacher models writing in group with student input

• Interactive writing- students take turns helping with writing piece

• Independent writing-students attempt their own writing in various situations (journals, page for class book, letters, Writer’s Workshop)

Reading at Home• Nightly reading is an important

part of our reading program.• Children self-select books from

the classroom and school libraries for parents to read to them and/or read to their parents

• Levelled books are sent home later in the year to aid in sight word recognition, strategies, and fluency.

Science Topics

Trees and Leaves

Animals Two by Two:– Goldfish and Guppies– Bugs and Insects

Cycles and Systems of Universe:

- weather, seasons, day and night

Social Studies Units• American Heritage &

Citizenship

• Traditions & Celebrations

• Locations & Geography

EnVision Math Program*enVision focuses on visual learning and differentiation for each student. We will be instructing 16 math units concentrating on skill practice, hands-on interactive work, literacy bridges, and workmats. *When appropriate, we will supplement with teacher-created lessons and activities that correspond to other content areas.

Math Units, 1-101. sorting and classifying2. position and location3. Patterns4. Zero to Five5. Six to Ten6. Comparing Numbers7. Geometry8. Fractions and Ordinals9. Measurement10.Addition

Math Units, 11-16

11. Subtraction12. Larger Numbers13. Money14. Time15. Calendar16. Graphing

Expectations• Please read to your

child nightly• Please check home

folders every day• Please practice the

kindergarten sight words (These will be sent home shortly)

RemindersReminders*Due to the short time frame of the academic day and food allergies, no snacks please.

*Please encourage your child to leave all toys at home as these are unnecessary distractions

*No birthday party invitations passed out at school.

Helpful Suggestions for Home:*Play number games such as Candy Land and cards

*Play memory games such as Concentration*Practice counting with extra coins and change

*Point out environmental print such as Target and McDonalds*Play I Spy games in the car with colors and letter sounds

*Read and practice nursery rhymes for ending sound development*Choose ABC books and Counting Books at the library*Have a good, healthy breakfast and calm morning

Conclusion

Have a Great Year!!!

The Kindergarten Team