Friday, October 17, 2014

F is for Friday

I Good Evening,

I have to apologize in advance but some Friday posts may be later in the evening or even Saturday's, time slips away when there is a lot or should I say more than usual going on.

This week flew right by and the kids had a blast all week in school.  I love the reaction I am getting to Clifford going home with the kids.  The kids really get excited and even talk about Clifford many days after being at their home.  I cannot say enough times what amazing classes I have this year, so I know Clifford is going to make it home with all of the kids!

We learned all about the letter D this week and had quite the turn out for show and tell!  The kids were also really excited about learning about the number 2 this week, particularly writing it.  We learned to make a number 2 that first you make a candy cane, then you give it a shoe and that's the way you make the number 2.  The kids took turns coming up to the dry erase board and writing it (which is to them a really BIG deal).

I find as a teacher and mom that it is a struggle to teach kids to print both numbers and letters.  First and foremost they need exposure.  Randomly pull out paper and crayons and just let them go to town.  Drawing and printing practice are not the only thing the kids are gaining.  Holding writing and drawing utensils help to strengthen their fine motor skills.  Especially in today's day with all of the technology I am seeing many, many kids with weak fine motor skills.  They do not know how to hold a writing utensil, they do not have the strength to open and shut scissors, etc...

Somethings you can do at home to help your child with their fine motor is to encourage and supply use of art and writing materials such as crayons, pencils and paint.  Play-doh is also a great way to strengthen their muscles and aide in their fine motor development.  If you are afraid of the mess remind them to keep the play-doh on a baking pan.  Provide scissors and to keep them focused on a particular task for cutting draw random lines and have them cut those out.  As the kids progress with the scissors then draw other squiggles and shapes for them to follow and cut.  Again, if you are afraid of the mess remind them of Mrs. Miller's rules, "We do not cut into teeny tiny pieces and try to follow the lines"  and "thumbs up" (to correct how they hold the scissors. You can also provide a large bowl or bin to tell them to put their garbage scraps in (like we do in class).  If your child is really struggling with cutting the Dollar Tree has scissors with a spring that will help them and teach them the open and close motion.

You will find in their Rhyme folder this week, 'Hey Diddle, Diddle'.

I also put conference times available for anyone who was not able to attend or sign-up during Open House.

I will be sending home information regarding the Fall Fest/Halloween classroom Party on Monday.

These are just a couple of the kids favorite snack time and gross motor dance videos from this week:



I hope you all enjoy the weekend!
~Mrs. Miller