Dear Families,

It is hard to believe that nine weeks ago we started this adventure known as Kindergarten.  Looking back, it is amazing to see how much the students have grown and adapted to this virtual setting.  A big “thank you” for supporting and helping your child during these unprecedented times.

By now you should have received a First Quarter Progress Report from your child’s teacher.  If you have not received it or have any questions, please reach out to your child’s teacher. 

We know the weeks ahead will be bringing changes and it is our goal to make these transitions as smoothly as we can.  Your continued support, patience and grace are appreciated.  As always, reach out to your child’s teacher if you have any questions and/or concerns.

Language Arts

What are we learning?

• Readers will learn how to practice asking questions before, during and after reading. 
• Readers enjoy familiar books independently.
• Readers will work to engage with other readers.
• Writers will revise their drawings by adding details and colors.
• Writers will learn to add labels and/or words to their drawings to help tell their story.

Home/School Connection

• As you are reading with your students, ask them questions at the beginning, middle and end of the book that will help them understand the meaning of the story. 
• Set time aside during your student’s day to have them read a favorite or familiar book independently. 
• Encourage your student to add details and colors to their drawings to make it more appealing to their readers. 
• Encourage your student to begin adding labels to their pictures. 
  • Start off with labeling objects or people with beginning letter sounds and as the student feels comfortable, encourage them to write all the sounds they hear.

Math

What are we learning?

• Students will learn how to identify and describe the core of a pattern.
• Students will learn how to copy and identify repeating patterns.
• Students will learn how to copy and identify repeating patterns.
• Students will learn how to extend a repeating pattern.

Home/School Connection

• Make patterns at home using different objects. Show someone in your family what the “core” is and tell them why this is important.  Draw or take a picture of your patterns to share.
• Try to find color patterns at home.  Draw that same color pattern on paper and share with a grown-up.

Science/Social Studies

What are we learning?

• Students will be expanding on what they learned in our last science unit about ants in our next unit about pumpkins. Students will make observations of pumpkin characteristics and learn about the pumpkin life cycle. 
• Students will be exploring ideas about digital citizenship and being a good citizen in your community during social studies.

Home/School Connection

• Look for objects to compare to a pumpkin. What objects are bigger/heavier than a pumpkin? What objects are smaller/lighter than a pumpkin? 
• Ask your student to explain what they think makes a good citizen.

Class Compliments

• Mrs. Bender’s class has done a fantastic job showing up to their small group learning times and being prepared and ready to learn. We have been able to learn so much during our time together! 
• Mrs. Johnson’s class showed some great creativity and shared awesome ideas for pretend play we could try on a rainy day!
• Miss Matthews’ Class is officially K ¼! We are so proud of the awesome writers and wonderful readers you are becoming. You cheer for your classmates and make your teachers smile every day.  Keep up the great job!
• Mrs. Nieto’s class has been doing great during play groups! Everyone has been having fun while getting to know friends.

POG/Positivity Project (P2)

What are we learning?

• Positivity Project (P2) for the week of November 4-6 is perspective
• Positivity Project (P2) for the week of November 10-11  is bravery
• Portrait of a Graduate (POG): All of Terraset Elementary is working on being Collaborators. Kindergarten is focusing on sharing our ideas.

Home/School Connection

• Use books and media (TV shows/movies) to practice talking about a characters’ perspective – Simply pausing to ask your child how they think a character is feeling or behaving is powerful.
• Share with your child a  time when you were scared and powered through anyway. Then let them share a time with you.

Important Upcoming Dates

• November 11: Veteran’s Day, 2 hour early release
• November 12 and 13: Kindergarten teacher work days, no school for kindergarten students
• November 13: PTO Drive-in movie night
• November 17: KG return to school (tentative)