Non-fiction

Kindergarten readers were thrilled to start a new reading unit on informational text. They compared fiction books to non-fiction books and discovered several key features of non-fiction books. Readers noticed when looking at non-fiction books that they found real pictures, diagrams with labels, bold words, and facts & information that are true. Readers learned to examine book covers as a strategy to activate background knowledge before diving into a non-fiction text.

Math Games

This week, Kindergarten mathematicians have been having “fun” learning math skills by playing lots of different games. Kindergarteners have learned how to play Monster Squeeze, Top It, Teen Frame Game, Card Games, Buzz, and Race to the Finish. Games are an integral part of the Everyday Mathematics curriculum because it gives students opportunities to explore fundamental number concepts, such as the counting sequence, one-to-one correspondence, and computation strategies. Engaging mathematical games encourages students to explore number combinations, place value, patterns, and other important mathematical concepts. Further, they afford opportunities for students to deepen their mathematical understanding and reasoning. Ask your Kindergartener what math game is their favorite!

Meeting Architect Will

On Wednesday, building enthusiasts got the opportunity to meet Anne Wil’s husband, Will, who is an architect. Kindergarteners learned that architects design buildings and use “trash paper” to draw all their ideas down on paper. Once their ideas are solidified, architects use a computer to create the blueprint for the building they are building. Mr. Will showed the children what a floor plan is and created an example of the floor plan of our classroom.  Kindergarteners were able to touch the tools he uses, look at the completed blueprint and ask lots of interesting questions. Mr. Will gave us rolls of “trash paper” for us to use to design and make our very own blueprints. We can’t wait to complete those next week and use them to build our very own model building. Look for more info about that in the near future!

The Cooper School is participating with Pajama Program to donate new, unused pajamas to local 6-12 year old children in need of warm sleepwear during this holiday season! We are collecting pajama sets and nightgowns December 12-16. To find out more about about this incredible organization, please visit their website: www.pajamaprogram.org

Important Dates:

• Thursday, December 15^th Publishing Party
• Friday, December 16^th Pajama Day 11:30 Dismissal
• December 16^th –January 3^rd Winter Break
• Wednesday, January 4^th School Resumes