Story Paradise

Friday, November, 30 2012

            Everyone had a blast yesterday at Story Paradise.  It was very well run, interactive and everyone had fun participating in the activities and stories.  I highly recommend going when you have the opportunity.  This was a great way to launch out Literacy Week that starts Monday.  We will be doing even more literacy activities the entire week. 

This year I am inviting parents to come into the classroom and read a story to the Pre-K’s.  This story can be in Chinese or English, and could be a favourite of yours growing up or one that your son or daughter loves to hear at home.  If you are available and would like to share the joy of reading could you please let me know.  We can find a time that is convenient for you.  It does not need to be long but I would like the students to see how everyone takes pleasure from reading.

            The Christmas show is just around the corner and we have been practicing every day.  For the costumes I am asking for all the students to dress in either all brown or black (pants and long or short sleeve shirt).  Could you please start sending in the clothes so we can begin our dress rehearsals as soon as possible.

As we all know Jasmine joined the Pre-K class this week.  Ms. Vicky and I are very proud and delighted at all the help every Pre-K student has offered her.  We have seen everyone go out of their way to help, console and make her feel at home here.

            Since December is a shorter month there will be no homework package.  If anyone else wants to have homework in the New Year please let me know.  Also there will be no letter book going home this week because we reviewed all letters, sight words and phonetic sounds.

Reading Tips

Reading Tip of the Week

Listen to your child read

As your child learns to read, listen to him or her read aloud. Reading to you gives your child a chance to practice and to improve his or her reading skills.

As you listen to your child, remember that your reactions are important. Above all, listen without interrupting. Be enthusiastic and praise your child as often as you can. If possible, be specific with your praise so that your child knows what he or she is doing well.

·                       Show your child that you are enjoying the story by indicating interest and by asking questions.

·                       Give your child time to figure out tricky words, and show your child how he or she can learn from mistakes.

·                       Try to have your child read aloud to you at times when there will be no interruptions.

·                       Make sure that your child selects books that aren't too difficult. Don't worry if the books your child chooses are a little easier than the ones he or she reads at school.

·                       Encourage your child to "listen" to his or her own reading. Listening will help him or her hear mistakes and try to fix them.

·                       Take turns reading with your child, especially if he or she is just beginning to read, or try reading together.

·                       Talk about a story after your child has read it, to make sure that he or she understands it.

Don't forget to encourage your child to read on his or her own!

What we did in our centres this week.

Literacy Centres

1.      Computer story “The Gingerbread Man”

2.      Pocket chart poems

3.      Phonics book Review

4.      Making sight words with stamps

Math Centres

1.      Gingerbread Man board game

2.      Peg board making shapes

3.      Making a 3D Gingerbread Man house

4.      Making 3D shapes from Play Dough

Word of the week:  (review week)

Student of the week

The student of the week is Caroline.  She has begun to speak a lot of English inside the Pre-K class and is always making everyone laugh with her jokes.  Caroline is also a great singer and loves to practice for the Christmas show.  Keep up the great work!!!!

Reminders and Notices

1.      Please return the word rings after a few days

2.      November 30^th Monthly assembly

3.      December 4-7 Literacy week

4.      December 4 School book sale

5.       December 6^th Caves book sale

6.      December 14^th Christmas concert

7.      December Monthly assembly

8.      December 18^th Half day and start of Christmas vacation

As 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

You don't understand anything until you learn it more than one way.

Marvin Minsky