February News

Welcome to February! It is hard to believe we are already half way through the school year! The students have been improving when dressing for the outdoors, so please keep practicing those zippers, boots and buttons at home!

Theme: Our themes this month are ‘friendship’ and ‘Valentine’s Day’. We will be reinforcing cooperation, sharing and problem solving through drama, stories and songs. We will learn some simple Valentine’s Day poems.

T he importance of learning problem solving skills for children: Children need to learn how to solve problems on their own. Start helping your child learn problem-solving skills and work with them on how to solve problems and make healthy decisions for themselves. When kids learn problem-solving skills they gain confidence in their ability to make good choices for themselves. When kids lack problem-solving skills they may avoid doing anything to try and resolve the issue.

Children who lack problem-solving skills may not recognize they even have choices in solving problems. These kids may react impulsively without thinking through their choices. For example, a child who doesn’t recognize his options when his friend takes his toy may lash out by hitting because he thinks this is the only way to get his toy back. Helping kids learn how to identify their options can help them ensure they are making healthy decisions for themselves.

Tips on how you can help your child problem solve: When problems arise, don’t rush to solve your child’s problems for

him. If you see your child struggling with something, allow your child an opportunity to figure it out before helping.

Role model problem-solving skills help your child learn what to do in real life situations.

Provide plenty of praise when your child is able to find a solution to a problem.

Discuss progress and re-visit the issue periodically to see if any further changes are necessary.

Reading: The JK’s are doing a wonderful job returning their leveled readers/ alphabet books. For our reading strategy, we are working on making connections to stories we read.

Before Reading: "Show me the front cover of the book. What do you think this book is about? Let's look at some of the pages… what is happening on this page?"During Reading:"I want you to point to the words as you read them. What do you think is going to happen next?"After Reading:"Tell me what this book was about? Tell me about your favourite part. What do you think will happen next if the story continued? Has something like this ever happened to you?"

Writing: We will continue to work on copying print and sounding out words phonetically. The students will have opportunities to write small messages and letters to friends using some high frequency words from our word wall.

Word/letter activities:1. Have your child use magnetic letters to make a word from "Words I

need to know" from their book. Mix up the letters and ask them to make it again.

2. Write a sentence from the book on paper. Cut up the sentence, word by word, and have your child put it back together and read it. Encourage your child to re-read their guided reading book to other family members.

Math: This month, the kindergarten students will be working with 3-Dimensional objects and learning their names; cube, cone, cylinder, rectangular prism and sphere. Please look for objects with these shapes at home and outdoors. We will also test to see which of these objects slide and/or roll.

Valentine’s Party: Our class’ Valentine exchange and popcorn party will take place on Friday, February 13th. We will be sending home class lists for each student for Valentine’s Day cards if you chose to participate. To make it easier for your child when delivering their valentines, another option is to make your valentines out to ‘my friend’. Exchange of valentines at our party is optional. The students will also participate in a primary Dance. Please do not send in treats as food will be provided.

Reminders: Don’t forget snow pants, mittens, hats, and scarves for your child as they go outside at lunch recess. If you are missing any articles of clothing please let us know and we will do our best to find them.

Scholastic- Scholastic is due this month on Friday, February 6th. Please continue to look through the monthly catalogues with your child and help to instill a love of reading! Your orders continue to allow us to order brand new books for our classroom to support our upcoming units!

Family Day- Family Day takes place on Monday, February 16th. There is no school in this day Have a great time with your families!

The Kindergarten Team

Miss Colacci, Mrs. Dolman, Miss Andolina, Mrs. Zehra

FDK Moments……