During the past week many children explored more ways to go to our bank and investigated our non-fiction library. In order to have a relatively quiet space for 'I Ready' kindergarten testing, we set up a table area which unfortunately limited our fictional library access. Most of the favorite fictional stories were still available in the smaller library area and our science and cultural books had a revival of interests.
Some children shared a continued fascination with books about minerals, cats, or Australia, while others were interested in reviewing the stories of "The Golem" and "The Tinderbox". During our story time we read several traditional European folktales retold by American writers such as "Strega Nona", "The Mitten", and "Snoring Beauty", (The last one is part folktale, part comedy).
With the sensorial and math materials, children have been observed working in pairs to play games about identifying geometric solids, grading color tablets, and earning 'gold' with the bank game material.
As much as we enjoy using the materials and discovering/rediscovering all that the environment has to offer, the end of the year is quickly approaching. Beginning Tuesday parent teacher conferences are available for 20 minute time periods after schools on most days. Please sign up for a time or contact me with a preferred time.
Our last great hurrah for this age group is the Water Day on Friday, June 3rd. Sign up and volunteer to assist the station games or share a food item that the children can enjoy for snack. All sign up sheets are available outside of the classroom.
The graduation ceremony takes place on Wednesday, June 8th at 8:45. Following the candle ceremony and butterfly release parents are welcome to share a snack and watch a slide show with some of our school year's highlights. The event should not last longer than 10:00 AM, and some families have opted in the past to sign their child out for the rest of the day. The last official day for students is June 9th and it is a uniform optional day.
One more weekly letter will come next weekend. Please contact me with any questions regarding the end of the year events.
Wishing you a safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend,
Ms. Joanna Boone