Hello Fall!

This week it is really starting to feel like fall!  There's a chill to the air and we've been wearing raincoats out for recess!  In the classroom we've settled into routines and are setting goals for the year.  We look forward to sharing these with you at conferences!

We are deep into our pattern unit in math...this week I've seen more tricky patterns than ever!  There were even patterns with 5 or 6 colors!  Wow!  We continue to have fun with pattern games.  I've added some to the take homes...have fun!  Are there any patterns around your house?  Any small items your child can create a pattern with?  I'm sure they would love the opportunity to show you some tricky tricky patterns!

In language arts we've begun centers!  Thank you parent volunteers for making this possible!  We now have extra time for practicing our handwriting and phonics studies.  So far we've been sorting picture cards by the letter they start with or by the vowel they have (depending on the group) and playing alphabet BINGO.  Centers will vary from week to week but will generally include games to help develop phonics skills at many levels.  I know that the kids have really enjoyed our parent volunteers, and I so appreciate the help.  If you have the time, please consider signing up for a day!

Maps, maps and more maps!  Theme has begun with a look at maps and globes and differentiating between the land and water.  We each colored our own world map, showing both land and water.  Being that we live in the state of Washington our worldly travels will naturally begin here in Washington!  To start we are reading books, talking about and drawing the things that are common around our state... Orcas, lighthouses, apples, flowers, farmer's markets, trees, elk...ask your child what else they see around our lovely state!

It continues to be a joy spending my days teaching, learning and growing with your children!