Happy Friday!
We are trying to still pull ourselves together from winter break as our first week back already had ended in a snow day! It has been crazy around here to say the least BUT everything is getting done and the kids are slowly getting back into our routine, even though it has been a bit off still.
I am EXTREMELY proud of how much the kids have learned and showed understanding of one of many important historical people, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This week we spent a lot of time learning about how a long, long time ago people were not allowed to go in the same places or be friends just because of the color of our skin. We learned that it doesn't matter what color our skin is because inside we all have a heart that cares. I explained that Dr. King had a dream, but not like a bedtime dream but more of a hope. A hope that one day all of the hate toward each other would stop and people could come together no matter what color skin we all have. We learned that his dream came true and that eventually people were allowed to go to the same places and even be friends. The kids learned that peace means calm and kind and that harmony means together and happy. The kids watched a video about Martin Luther King, listened to a story, made a painting and the rhyme featured in their rhyme folder this week is also about Dr. King.
With the new year we also started some new things in our classroom:
Sight Words:
I will be picking a word of the week that we will practice. The kids are learning that if there are words and you want to read them you can "make the sound of each letter and put it together" (blending). Each day we look at our word and we sound it out, we read it, write it, spell it and use it in a sentence. As you have noticed I have placed the word of the week at home in their folder as well for practice. Learning sight words is like a memory game. These are high frequency words, meaning very common words that you see a lot. I do not expect your child to leave Pre-K reading sentences. I introduce sight words as exposure and to give them a little extra so they are ready and rearing for Kindergarten.
In a few weeks you will be receiving your child's first report card! Please use the report card as a guide to your child's strong points and areas that may need additional support. I promise you that if you are able and do take the time to practice using the homework I send home you will see a lot of growth and it is excellent preparation for Kindergarten. However, this is your choice as a parent. The homework I do send home is not mandatory.
To the few parents who have yet to get their conference due to the November storm, please know I have not forgotten about you. These months are the busiest. If you know a date and time that works for you please just let me know, otherwise I will be in touch! Remember you are more than welcome to come in before or after your child's class if that works too!
Have a GREAT weekend, Stay warm!
Mrs. Miller
