¡Hola Familias!
We had a fun and beautiful week in kindergarten! On Wednesday, we enjoyed a kindergarten-wide Walk-A-Thon on the Rose Park property, complete with running, games, bubbles, parachutes, scooters, and--of course--popsicles!
I'm so thankful for the consistency we've had since school began--we've had every student in school, every day. Wow! The kids are thriving with our new routines and growing so much in the language.
Here's some of what we've been doing this week...
Reading / Lectura: This week we learned and practiced the letters P, Q, R, S, and T. We're almost done with the alphabet! More on assessments for letter names and sounds below...
Writing / Escritura: We continue to work on using family vocabulary to write about our own, original ideas. We've been adding to our work and using details in our words and pictures.
Math / Matemáticas: This week we started using counting mats with numbers 1-5 and counters. We're practicing identifying numbers and forming quantities, seeing parts within numbers (for example, 3 can be 2 blue counters + 1 red counter).
Bible / Biblia: We have been learning about Abram y Sara and God's promises for su familia. We also heard the story of Isaac and his two sons, Esaú y Jacob.
Science / Ciencias: This week we've been exploring our sense of hearing (oídos para escuchar). We played some listening games, identified things we can hear and not hear, and went on a nature walk outside using our ears!
Immersion Tip of the Week
It may seem like your child spends SO much time every day learning in Spanish, but there is still much more English in his/her day! This week, try to give your child a chance to hear Spanish outside of the classroom. This could mean changing the language on a TV show or movie, going to a place where Spanish is spoken, or listening to some new music. Take advantage of every learning opportunity!
Reading Tip of the Week
Encourage your child to use "picture clues" to figure out words. For example (pointing to the word "elephant"): "This is a long word! It starts with the sound "ehh". Hmm, here's a picture of an elephant. I bet this word says "elephant"!" This is an important skill for students to use when reading and decoding new words.
Letter / Sound Assessments Coming Up
We are almost at the end of learning the Spanish alphabet, including the letter names and sounds. Next week, I will be doing a preliminary assessment of your child's progress, which I will send home to you by Friday. You will be able to see how much your child has learned, where your child is needing to grow, and how you can practice at home. I'll also be sending a video showing you the letters and sounds in Spanish early next week. :) Stay posted for more info!
Grandparents' Day
Usually, we invite all of our beloved grandparents to visit for a school-wide assembly to honor them. Unfortunately, this year we are unable to do so, but we have the opportunity to be creative! We will make a craft for our grandparents as well as a video. I would also LOVE to receive some willing grandparents into our classroom virtually to read a story to the class over Zoom! (The story can be in English OR Spanish, depending on the language spoken by abuelo or abuela!) If your child's grandparent is interested in participating, please sign up here so I can contact them.
Baby Picture Needed!
Can you please send me a picture of your child as a baby? We're going to read a book about babies and I like to do a guessing activity with the kids. Please send to me via email, or you can have your child give me a hard copy at school. Please send by next Friday, October 2nd!
Help Wanted
Holland Christian Schools is seeking people who want to build up and encourage young people and families through providing regular school bus transportation for students. Hours are flexible. We are seeking applicants who demonstrate a love for kids, careful, conscientious driving habits, and an interest in providing a needed service to the families of Holland Christian. No previous school bus driving experience necessary. Holland Christian will provide the training necessary. If interested please contact Dan Vos at 616-820-2805 or dvos@hollandchristian.org.
Preschool Drop Off
Your sweet children are becoming so comfortable walking right into school, unpacking at their locker and heading into their classroom. Thank you for entrusting us with your little ones. We still hover nearby making sure the transition from your hands and heart to our hands and heart is a smooth one. As the weather begins to cool down or turn more autumn like, please feel free to wait to bring your child to the door until 8:15. Our doors open and teachers are ready by 8:15 to welcome them into the school day. We'll save the good seats for you no matter what time you arrive! Thank you!
That's it for now! Have a great weekend and enjoy some photos below!
