Thursday, November 27, 2014

The First Thanksgiving

Did You Know?

That the Mayflower was as big as two trucks?
That the children on the Mayflower had no toys?
That on the Mayflower there were 2 dogs and 1 cat?
That the children slept on the floor on the Mayflower?
That their clothes were torn and smelly?
That the trip lasted 2 months and 3 days?
That the first houses built in Plymouth had straw roofs that often caught fire?
That benches were used for tables?
That there were no glasses for the Pilgrims to use?
That their mugs were made of leather and wood?
That there were no forks to eat with?
That the Pilgrims used shells for spoons?
That each family had one pot which was used for stews, soap, and candle making everyday?
That the Native American who helped the Pilgrims the most was named Squanto?
That the children in Plymouth did not go to school the first year?
Did you know that in Colonial days, good manners meant children stood for all meals, all family members wore hats while eating, and children only spoke when spoken to at meal time?
That the first Thanksgiving was in October?
That the first Thanksgiving lasted 3 days? 
That on the Mayflower only salted beef, fish, and a bit of butter was eaten?
That the Native Americans brought a gift of 5 deer to the Pilgrims?
That the Pilgrims ate lobster, clams, oysters, fish, carrots, cucumbers, cabbages, turnips, beets, radishes, onions, turkeys, geese, duck, deer, fruits, and popcorn?
That 90 Native Americans came to the first Thanksgiving?

That not one Pilgrim chose to return to England when the Mayflower sailed back?

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Thanks a Lot



At literacy time yesterday, we listened as Raffi sang this song about thanks. We then practiced some "super reader" powers ;to point, and use pictures to read an accompanying booklet called "Thanks a Lot." A heartwarming kindergarten discussion of thanks followed. Some of the things that your children are thankful for: family, friends, school, Legos, chicken, gum, choice time, moms, dads, sisters, brothers, snow, aunties, grandmas and grandpas, the Earth, the sun and moon and stars.

Enjoy your family time this week as we pause to give thanks for all we've got.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Welcome

We have a new member of our class! A big welcome to our new friend and her family. 

Monday, November 24, 2014

Cooking a Feast for Our Buddies

We are thankful for our fourth grade buddies in Mrs. Kelly's class. Today we made some cornbread and homemade butter to "feast" together. Kindergarten cooks have so much fun!



splatter!
cornbread

Butter!


Sunday, November 23, 2014

Super Reader Capes




Last week all of the kindergarten readers got their own "Super Reader " capes. These red fleece capes have really helped kids to stay focused ( and cozy) as they practice their reading powers. Ask your kindergarten kid about picture power, pointer power, first letter power, pattern power, heart word power and fix- it- up power.




We even read a story involving a super cape!






Saturday, November 22, 2014

Friday, November 21, 2014

Kinder- Art



Our kindergarten curriculum offers an opportunity to explore art forms and classic art. This fall, we have learned to " look closely" and to create "still life" artwork. Our featured artist, Paul Cezanne was known for his oil paintings and his ability to look closely at everyday objects. We replicated a still life, and then painted our own version of apples in a bowl.











Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Super Readers!

At reading workshop time, we have been practicing strategies that super readers use. Ask your child to show you how to activate, "Pointer Power", "Picture Power" or "Pattern Power". Next week, we will add to the list of Super Reader Powers. We may even get some reading capes!

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Nicaragua comes to UES



Volunteers fromPlanting Hope came to share about Nicaruagan culture at an assembly this morning. Kindergarten kids got to watch traditional dance,learn some Spanish phrases, see what school is like in Nicaraugua, and learn some dance moves.