Oct 31, 2016
Dear Parents,
Our informative and enjoyable trip to Nature’s Bounty was followed by many learning activities in the FDK program. Our class learned about the life cycle of an apple tree. We used apples in measurement activites and compared objects that were bigger, smaller, heavier, and lighter than our apples. In addition, each student measured the circumference of his/her apple and found objects that were as long as the apple’s circumference. We tasted and compared different types of apples. The students learned to identify the parts of an apple and the purposes of the different parts. After cutting the apples in half horizintally and talking about the fraction 1/2 , we discovered the shape of a star in the centre of all the apples. Afterwards, we used the ½ pieces to produce apple prints. The end of our inquiry was celebrated by making and eating applesauce.
In additon to apples, we were given a pumpkin and an immature green pumpkin on a vine from Nature’s Bounty. That brought about the study of pumpkins. We learned about the life cycle of a pumpkin. We examined the pumpkins looking for clues to determine how the pumkin grew. We estimated and counted the creases, measured and compared the circumference, height and weight and even discovered that pumpkins float in water. Finally, the students all contributed in creating a Jack o’lantern out of our big, orange pumpkin. We have enjoyed putting out the lights and sitting beside our lit Jack o’lantern as we read Hallow’en stories.
Last Monday, we went on a walk with our Reading Buddies to look for and collect signs of Fall. Once we got back to the classroom, we sorted our leaves a variety of ways and learned to identify simple and compound leaves. The students sponge painted around some of their favourite leaves to produce lovely artwork which highlighted the different shapes of the leaves. In addition, some students chose to make leaf rubbings and/or leaf wreaths.
In literacy, this month we read many non-fiction texts on fall, apples, leaves and pumpkins and learned about the features of non-fiction texts. We discussed various facts on the different subjects.
Today has been an exciting day! Sorting ourselves in a variety of ways wearing costumes, singing Hallowe’en songs, making Hallowe’en crafts to decorate our House Centre, sorting and recording Smarties, walking through Claremont in the parade and eating many yummy treats. Thank-you to the parents who contributed Hallowe’en treats!
Our school has purchased the use of the ‘Mathletics’ computer program. The students have logged-on at school and are ready to get started using it. I am pleased to announce that the students can use this program at home. Use your child’s specific login and password below to access the program in your home. As you will discover this is a very good program that covers many skills in the Kindergarten math curriculum so please encourage use at home.
We look forward to meeting with you this month to discuss your child’s progress, strengths and needs. There is no written report for FDK at this time of the year.
Thank you Mrs. Anderson and Mr. Burns for you help with supervision on the Nature’s Bounty Trip! Thank you Mrs. Rappitt, Mrs. Petrovich and Mrs. Duncan for your help in the classroom!
Sincerely,
.
Mrs. D. Wright, Mrs. Prentice and Ms. Cross
P.S. Please keep Hallowe’en candy at home.