Roseway Heights School
Cynthia Wojack
We are beginning our year in great shape. The children's report cards show hard work by all. We're reading simple words in books. We are writing about how everyone is growing. The year of the rabbit or cat will surely bring more progress.
Our music: Ms. Crystal put together a fantastic music program and we shined! Giovanno was a soloist in singing with all of the kindergarteners. Many thanks to all you who came and enjoyed.
Martin Luther King Day: Our magazine, "Let's Find Out" showed the boys and girls how Dr. King's work changed many of our country's laws. I know there was much thinking about laws that restricted people from water fountains, restaurants, schools and voting. We have planted a seed in realizing the importance of equality and justice for all.
Kindergarten Round-up: Our first opportunity to introduce pre-schoolers to kindergarten was held in January. Our class invited about 12 preschool visitors to our classroom. We met new friends, answered questions about next year in kindergarten and wished everyone good luck as they grow up. In fact, most of our class chose Kindergarten Round-up as the best day in January! Thanks to Mr. Vogel for leading some rousing games of bingo while I was talking to visitors in the MPR.
Growing: Our important theme in class for January is the idea of growing. We have read books about people, animals and plants growing and changing in many ways. A fun project that we all did was bringing pictures of ourselves as babies or toddlers. It was a blast guessing who these young people were. We have a bulletin board showing how our 22 kindergarten students have grown and changed.
One hundred day: In February, we will celebrate our 100th day of school. We have been literally counting the days. Another fun project, the children will bring collections of 100 things. Past collections have included Legos, candy, peas, stickers and toys. Who knows what will come this year? Stop by and see our 100 day bulletin board display take shape. Also in the planning stage is a "100 Museum" in the showcase outside our room.
Enhancement work: All of our kindergarten teachers have been trained in a special kind of reading instruction called "Enhancement." Basically, you will see me and Ms. Lauralee, our educational assistant, reading groups of similar letters or words with the class. It requires the boys and girls to look, listen and respond when the teacher's signal is given. The letters and words we read directly support the work we are doing with our reading program. It has been powerful with the class reaching our reading goals. In January, our kindergarten teaching team, attended an enhancement review. The purpose was to practice these group reading strategies and learn some great vocabulary development techniques.
Classroom volunteers: WE NEED YOU! There are soooooooooooo many things we can do with the right amount of help. If you have any time to give, please let me know. It can be one hour or one day. What I guarantee, is that you will feel needed, appreciated and proud.
