Friday Experiment

Weekly Pictures

Friday, January 20, 2012

            The Pre-K class has been learning a lot about Chinese New Year this week.  We made two kinds of dragons, wore red clothes, used chop sticks and learnt how to write Chinese calligraphy.  Today we also did a graphing exercise with the stuffed animals that your child brought into school.

            The Pre-K class has grown again and this week Andy Son joined us.  He is from South Korea and has an older sister in the 3^rd grade.  So, if you see Andy or his parents around the school could you please welcome them to the Pre-K team!

            The read-a-thon totals are in and as a class we raised over 19 000NT and read over 700 books.  Ms. Vicky and I are so proud of all of you by reading so many books.

            Next week is Chinese New Year and there will be no school.  Ms. Vicky and I want to wish everyone a happy and restful break and we can’t wait to see you in the New Year!

What we did in our centres this week.

Literacy Centres

1.       Zoo animal acting using masks.

2.       At the Zoo cut and paste sight word books.

3.      Computer story “Red is a Dragon” and “One is a Drummer”.

4.      Guided reading with a teacher.

5.      Phonics book Oo.

Math and Science Centres

1.      Tangram blocks making animals.

2.      Tangram computer game.

3.      Monkey scales.

4.      Tracing 3D shapes.

Student of the Week

The student of the week this week is Bryan.  He has only been with us for a short time but during P.E this week Mr. Burt saw him doing an excellent job, he was listening and participating all the time.  Way to go Bryan!!!!!

Reminders and Notices

1.     Chinese New Year will be from January 23^rd to 27^th and there be NO school.

2.     Valerie has lost her white jacket, could everyone please keep their eyes open for it.

3.     Zoo money and permission forms needs to be brought in ASAP!!!!

Like always, if you have any questions or concern you can always write me an email at bsharp.his@gmail.com or come by and speak to me in person.

Cheers

Vicky and Braedon

Correction

Hello all,

I made a mistake on the blog regarding when to bring chopsticks to school.  It is this Friday January 20th, sorry for any confusion.

cheers
Braedon

Weekly Centers and Animal Scavenger Hunt

Friday, January 13, 2012

            It has been a great week in the Pre-K class this week.  We have been really enjoying our zoo animal unit.  We have been talking about what animals eat, where they live, and the climate that they come from.  If you have time this week could you ask your child about their favourite animal and talk about how animals live.  Also, next Friday (January 20^th) I would like for everyone to bring in one stuffed animal from home.  We will be doing a graphing exercise with them.

            The Pre-K class keeps growing and we have two need students.  Bryan and Arnav have joined us and we are so happy to have them.  If you see them or their parents please welcome them to HIS and the Pre-K team. 

            Next week we will be celebrating Chinese New Year with many activities throughout the school.  On Wednesday everyone will be asked to wear red and Friday we will be eating with chop sticks.  Could you please send in a set of chop sticks next Friday for us to use at lunch time.  

What we did in our centres this week.

Literacy Centres

1.       Zoo animal acting using masks.

2.       African writing books.

3.      Computer story zoo stories.

4.      Guided reading with a teacher.

5.      Phonics book Mm.

Math and Science Centres

1.      Tangram animal blocks.

2.      Tangram computer game.

3.      Monkey scales.

4.      Making 3D shapes

Reading Tips

Your Child's Teacher

When children see their parents and teachers working together, they feel more secure and confident. Taking an interest in your child's education will help your child do better in school.

Teachers can provide advice about helping your child learn to read. Here are some topics you could discuss with them:

·                       your child's reading level

·                       the reading goals for your child and how you can support your child in working towards those goals

·                       books that your child could read easily and books that he or she would find more difficult

·                       books and authors your child might enjoy

·                       the level of your child's interest in reading – for example, whether he or she chooses to read for enjoyment

·                       reading strategies your child could use

·                       books or guides that could help you help your child

At least a few times a week I sit with each students listen to them read.  I am constantly taking notes and seeing where each child needs to improve.  We then work on our goals during our next guided reading time together.  If you ever want to come talk to me about the strengths and weaknesses of your child’s reading level I am always willing to talk.  Keep reading and thanks for all you do for your children.

Student of the Week

The student of the week this week is Valerie for her participation and energy during music class this week.  Great job Valerie, Ms. Faye and I, are very proud of you!!!!

Reminders and Notices

1.     Chinese week will be January 16^th-20^th

2.     Please send in chop sticks Friday January 20^th.

3.     Please dress your child in red January 18^th.

4.     Please send in a stuffed animal January 20^th.

5.     Chinese New Year will be from January 23^rd to 27^th and there be NO school.

6.     Valerie has lost her big white jacket, could everyone please keep their eyes open for it.

Like always, if you have any questions or concern you can always write me an email at bsharp.his@gmail.com or come by and speak to me in person.

Cheers

Braedon

Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. 

~Henry Ford

Corn Starch and Water Experiment

Ice Experiment

Read-a-Thon Instructions

 1.  Record the total minutes on the Student Sponsor Form

2.  Calculate the amount that each Sponsor owes
3.  Add the total amount of money raised and record the number in the GRAND TOTAL box
4.  Collect all of the money from your sponsors
5.  Place the money and the Student Sponsor Form in the yellow envelope and give it to your homeroom  
    teacher before Friday, January 13

January 6th

Friday, January 6, 2012

            I hope everyone had a relaxing holiday.  I have heard through the students that you all had some great adventures and fun over the break.  I spent my time in Thailand, Qingjing Farm and Taipei.  However, by the end I was excited to get back to school and see all of my students again.

            This month in literacy and social studies we are investigating zoo animals and since Hsinchu has a zoo I am planning on taking the students for a field trip.  Permission forms will be sent out very shortly.  I am also planning on a few other field trips throughout the rest of the school year because I believe that there are many learning opportunities to be had outside of the classroom setting.  In math and science this month we are investigating greater than, less than and equal to and various 2D and 3D shapes.

Happy New Year and stay warm!


Student of the Week
The student of the week is Daphne.  She did an amazing job following and being a great leader during music and dance class.  Keep up the great work Daphne!!!!!!

Reminders and Notices

1.     Literacy week sponsorship forms are due January 6

2.     There will be no school over Chinese New Year January 23-27

3.     Zoo field trip will be February 3^rd please bring in your permission forms ASAP

What we did in our centres this week.

Literacy Centres

1.       Phonics Mm.

2.       African writing books.

3.      Computer story “Meet the Meerkats”

4.      Making animal masks.

Math Centres

1.      Tangram animal blocks.

2.      Tangram computer game.

3.      Free exploration of scales.

4.      Making 3D shapes.

Like always, if you have any questions or concern you can always write me an email at bsharp.his@gmail.com or come by and speak to me in person.

Cheers

Braedon

Children have to be educated, but they have also to be left to educate themselves.  ~Abbé Dimnet, Art of Thinking, 1928