Ms Henry’s – Kindergarten Class Welcome, Grown-ups!

Welcome to Kindergarten! I will introduce you to kindergarten and to our classroom. If you have any questions, that I do not answer, please write them down. I plan to take you through the basics in this power point and leave time for questions you may have . Please write your child a note!

All About Me My background I grew up in Basking Ridge, NJ. I attended St. Joe’s University for undergrad and Rosemont College for my Masters in Education. My experience I have been teaching at the elementary level for 11years. I taught first grade for six years for the OJRS. This will be my fifth year teaching kindergarten at Manoa and I am very excited to be here.

My Goals To give your child the academic and social skills they need to progress to first grade. To build a solid foundation for them in all subjects-and instill a love for reading. To provide a supportive and fun classroom environment. To help them make new friends and discover new interests.

Class Subjects The subjects we cover during kindergarten are: Reading and writing Math Science Social studies Guidance-once a week

Language Arts Balanced Literacy Approach using Fundations, Benhcmark Literacy and kid writing(writing what you hear) Using big books, books on tape and leveled readers Build phonemic awareness, decoding skills and reading strategies Sight Words Goal to move towards guided reading in the fall

Benchmark Literacy ~ Reading Whole group and small group reading instruction Gradual release of responsibility to the student Comprehension conversations and fluency Shared reading Guided Reading Independent Reading Parents can help by encouraging independent reading at home. Our Benchmark Literacy reading program will continue to introduce concepts in whole group and then follow them up in small group reading instruction. The change with this program is the increased focus on “guided reading” or small group reading instruction in all grades. Students will read independently, be engaged in more discussion about books, how and why authors write, different genre of texts and going beyond recalling details to analyzing details, summarizing and drawing conclusions. We are moving from workbook pages to more authentic reading and writing experiences which we anticipate will be very engaging for students. In addition, students will read stories through Reader’s Theatre to build their fluency and to practice speaking and listening skills. Your students’ reading level will be measured with the Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System or F&P BAS. This one on one assessment will include a student reading aloud, followed by a comprehension conversation. This authentic literacy assessment may require more of your student than in the past, which may be reflected in an adjustment to their reading level. You can help your child to be a better reader by providing time for reading, encouraging them to read independently and by talking to your child about what they have read.

Phonics Fundations - Kindergarten and Gr. 1 Phonemic awareness - being aware of sounds; blending sounds to make words Phonics - letter-sound relationship, making words

Benchmark Literacy Writing Writing in response to reading Writer’s Workshop Narrative/Fiction Informational/Research Argumentative/Opinion Grammar is embedded throughout

Math Math in Focus provides an authentic Singapore math curriculum—highlighting problem solving as the focus of mathematical learning. teaches concepts using hands-on experiences, supported by integration of technology with the Interactive Whiteboard activities, online student activities, online manipulatives, and a bar modeling application. Supports the goals of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics focuses on classroom learning, discussion, and practice Balances conceptual understanding, visual learning, and problem solving

In Math we will learn.. Number names and the count sequence. Hot to count to tell the number of objects. Compare numbers. Understand addition as putting together and adding to, and understand subtraction as taking apart and taking from. Number and Operations in Base Ten Work with numbers 11-19 to gain foundations for place value. How to Identify and describe shapes. Compare shapes Describe and compare measurable items Classify objects and count the number of objects in each category

Theme-Science and Social Studies Weather, seasons, trees, 5 senses, Ourselves, others, concept of time, change, rules, jobs, family, pets and plants

Classroom Community Our class/school rules are: Our classroom is a community. In our community, we have rules to help us get along with each other. I also implement the 1-2-3 magic behavior plan. I use positive re-enforcement such as a GREAT chart, Best “Bee” havior awards and positive praise. I like to highlight when someone is doing a great job rather than give attention when someone is not  Our class/school rules are: Respect yourself, others and your environment. Use kind words. Follow directions. Hands and feet to yourself Do your very best! Children are reminded to use whole body listening: eyes on speakers, raise your hand, ears ready to listen

Homework Nightly Homework: Math Homework Read 5-10 minutes nightly- children can listen to stories, partner read, read poems, words, etc, Practice word cards, letters/letter sound Any additional activity to engage students is optional Homework will be listed under the homework tab on my website by Wednesday or Thursday of each week. The homework should be returned the following Wednesday in most cases and paper copies will be sent home when needed. Tips for homework are on the website. .

Volunteers I will be looking for volunteers to work with small groups in centers to begin around November. I also have mystery readers for parents who can not commit to weekly or monthly visits. We plan to go on one field trip in the Spring. I will post information. Please find the volunteer link on our class website. We will have a winter celebration, Valentine’s Day treat, grandparent’s day and The QU wedding. We will end the year with a picnic.

Contact Me The best way to contact me is through your childs’ folder, which I will check daily. During the school day, I have limited access to e mail. Our class website will list homework, newsletter, report card information and reminders of events. http://mshenryskindergarten.weebly.com/

Let’s Have a Great Year!