Happy New Year! January is here and it is going an exciting month as we learn about space, the solar system and our own planet. Ms. Wu and I are looking into a possible trip to the planetarium in Dalian! Keep your eyes open for the permission slip in your child’s backpack.
We will also be preparing for the talent show on January 30th at 2:00p.m. The students will be showing off their best skills, so make sure to save the date on your calendar. We are also having a presenting assembly on the 16th at 10:30a.m.
The temperature outside is very cold. It is very important for your children to have warm coats, hats and gloves, which are easy for them to put on. Please make sure your child is prepared to play outside in the wind and snow. Also, please label everything that your child brings to school. Kindergarten students often have a difficult time recognizing their own belongings. With so many items to keep track of, the lost and found is filling up. Take the time tonight to write your child’s name and grade in all of their personal items.
Raz-Kids.com- Your child should be reading for 15 minutes, or more, each weeknight (Mon-Fri) as part of their homework. I have received a lot of positive feedback from parents and students using RazKids. However, some students are not using it enough. Daily reading, of at least 15 minutes, is important in developing literacy skills and getting ready for Grade 1. If you are having trouble with the RazKids program please contact me.
*Reminder: to access RazKids, go to raz-kids.com, log on as user: k1dalian and find your child’s name.
RazKids is also available on iPad and Android tablets and mobile phones.
Thank you parents who donated to the Raffle Basket Fundraiser. We have collected some great items. The tickets will be on sale from Monday January 12th to Friday January 23rd. Please do not send in any money until then. Tickets will be sold at 1 for 5RMB or 3 for 10RMB. The money will be donated to a local orphanage. Good Luck!
Language Arts: The students are continuing the Read Well program as well as the Reading Power on Wednesdays.
Math: The next math unit is Measurement. Over the next few weeks we will be learning how to compare length, height, weight and volume. You can help your child at home by asking measurement questions about how about every day objects. For example: Which bus is longer? Which book is heavier? Which bowl has less food? Etc.
Themes: Space. This month we will begin the exploration of our universe. We will be looking at our place on Earth and taking a tour of our Solar System and the universe beyond. Using the skills that we are developing in Math and English language arts we be learning about the different planets and stars in the night’s sky. We are also planning trip to the planetarium!
Physical Education (PE): We have PE on Monday, Thursday and Friday. Please make sure that your son or daughter comes dressed in their PE uniforms on that day and they are wearing proper running shoes and warm outdoor gear. This month we are continuing to play cooperative games and we are learning to work as a team.
Library: We have Library every Friday. The students may take home 2 English books and 1 Mandarin book each week. Please help your child remember to bring their books back on Thursday or Friday and enjoy reading with them throughout the week! Because of the long holiday, all books must be returned by January 16th.
Cooking: In cooking class this month we will be making an edible solar system. If any parents are able to come in and help prepare some fruit and materials on January 26, please send me an email.