Wrapping up December in Kindergarten
Literacy Update
Students have been busy applying all the things they have learned so far in Kindergarten. We are using the
word wall to write sentences, using the letter sounds to sound out words, and retelling important details from
stories independently. We have been focusing on using words we know to make more words. For example: we
have learned and so now we can recognize: band, hand, etc, by changing the beginning sound. We will
continue to build our vocabulary by learning additional words throughout the month of January. We will also
focus on identifying middle sounds in short words. We are paying close attention to our writing to make sure
that we are beginning our sentences with an uppercase letter, using spaces between our words and ending
each sentence with a period. We will also continue our comprehension of literary and informational text
through asking and answering questions. Skills will be put to the test in January when we take our mid- year
M-Class reading assessment.
Math Update
In Math, we have been counting and representing numbers in different ways. We have used tens frames,
digi-blocks and other resources to help us group larger numbers so they are easier to count and to begin
to understand place value. We are learning to use vocabulary to compare two numbers and sequence
numbers from most to least AND least to most. We are also learning to tell what comes before or after a
number, as well as to count on from a number other than one. At home, continue to count with your
child and practice writing numbers. We are still having some difficulty writing 2, 3, 5 and 7 correctly!
Science and Social Studies
In Science this month, we have
learned about the basic needs of
plants and animals. We will be
observing the growth of seeds and
comparing the life cycles of different
plants and animals. In Social Studies,
we are looking at physical and
human-made features in our
surroundings and how they can be
represented on a map.
January is Assessment Time!
In January, we will complete the
county mandated M-Class reading
assessment. This is given to your child
three times a year to measure their
progress in knowledge of print, hearing
and identifying sounds, and text
reading. Because this assessment is
given on a one on one basis, small
group instruction will slow down for a
few weeks and reading books will
come home less frequently. We will
share your child’s progress with you on
their first report card.
Mark Your
Calendar!
No School
January 18th
Reminders
*Remember to check and empty folders each day.
*Have your child dress warmly for recess in labeled clothing.
*Provide your child with a set of extra clothes in case of an accident of any kind.
*Toys from home are not permitted in class. Please keep at home.
Happy Holidays!
The Kindergarten Team would like to send their warmest wishes to you and your families this holiday
season. We hope that you find time to relax and enjoy your loved ones. We look forward to seeing
you in the New Year! Remind your child of the Clearspring Expectations as they return to begin the
New Year in 2016!