Holiday Party

Tomorrow, room 10 will be having a party in the afternoon to celebrate the upcoming holiday!!  Feel free to send a treat for your child to share with their classmates.

I hope you all have an amazing 2 weeks off and I will see you next year!!


:)
Miss Mynes

next year?!?!?!

After the holidays, we will continue to work on our literacy skills using rich literature to inspire us.  here are a list of some of the books we will sure and the focus for each book.

The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss - rhyming words
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? by Bill martin Jr. and John Archambault - letters and sounds
Mouse Mess By Linnea Riley - beginning letter sounds
Eating the Alphabet: Fruits and Vegetables from A to Z by Lois Ehlert - identifying fruits and vegetables
Alphabears by Kathleen Hague - letter and name recognition
Olivia Saves the Circus by Ian Falconer - sounds spelling
Sheila Rae, the Brave by Kevin Henkes - how print is organized
The Cookie-Store Cat by Cynthia Rylant - organizing letters and words
Top Cat by Lois Ehlert - rhyming words

These are a few of the books we will enjoy in January.  If you have them at home or use the public library, read them to your child so when they are introduced to them in class they are familiar.

:)
Miss Mynes

JG Workman Holiday Extravaganza

This Thursday is the JG Workman Holiday Extravaganza.  It is always a fun night.  Watching the children preform brings a festive feeling to the holidays and i know I almost always shed a tear of pride watching my students shine.  Ms Piazza has been working hard with the children and I know you will love their performance.  The concert starts at 6pm and you can drop your child off at the classroom any time after 5:30.  You pick them up from the classroom after the concert.  It is scheduled to end at 7:30.

I hope to see all of you this Thursday.
Miss Mynes

some fun this week

This week, we continue our tradition of bringing the whole school together 3 times to sing Christmas Carols.  This year the carol sings will be this morning, Wednesday and Friday mornings.  The children love this time when Mr Jennings plays the piano and we build the excitement for our holiday concert and the impending holidays.

:)
Miss Mynes

a little about today

Library is canceled today as some students will be having their sight and hearing tested in the library.  We will get new library books tomorrow afternoon when we visit Miss Parton in the library.

The children have physical education with Mr. Kirsi.

:)
Miss Mynes

upcoming

Well, our paint blot art is taking longer than expected due to dying time.  Give a child a pipette and they sure do love to pile on the paint.  Our next art project will be called Who Can Resist?.  we will be using candles to create a scene and then painting it with water colours.  The paint doesn't stick to the wax and your wax drawing shines through.  If you have any candles, especially tea light candles, that you don't want or need, feel free to send them in for this fun activity.  Here is the poem we will learn to go with our art experience:

Who Can Resist?
Who can resist the swirl of colour
The wild wax lines on the page?
Not I, said the paintbrush,
As it danced across the stage!

:)
Miss Mynes

Art Focus Continued

On Monday, we continue our art focus by making paint blots.  We will use eye droppers, paper and plastic wrap to make paint blot pictures.  We will learn the following poem.

Not Everything Is as It Seems!

Not everything is as it seems,
Clouds dance, becoming dinosaurs.
Puddles swirl into rainbow tails.
Shadows can walk on all fours.
Paint blots lead us to magic trails.
Not everything is as it seems!

Have a great long weekend and I will see you all on Monday!
:)
Miss Mynes

a slight delay

Our Great Artist paintings took longer than expected - which is a good thing!  I loved seeing some children but lots of thought and care into their painting.  But this put us a day behind so today we will begin our collages.  We also have library where the children will get new library books.  The children have physical education this afternoon with Mr. Kirsi.

Have a great day
Miss Mynes

A little about today

Yesterday, we didn't all get a chance to create and title our great work of art so that will continue today.  My Pate is out at the Kindergarten Professional Learning Community this morning and I will be there this afternoon.  The children have physical education with Mr. Kirsi this afternoon so be sure they have running shoes.  As you begin to send your children to school in boots, remember to send indoor shoes with them.  They can leave them at school if you like until the end of boot season.

:)
Miss Mynes

school clothing

As many of you know, we keep a stock of clothing in the class for children to use when needed.  We are getting a little light on sizes.  When your child wears them home, wash them at your leisure and then send them back.  If your child looks terrific in the school clothing item and you want to keep it, just send in another item to replace it, maybe one your child has outgrown or doesn't like.  If you have clothing waiting to be donated, you could donate it to room 10.

Thanks for your support,
Miss Mynes

tomorrow

Tomorrow, we will be making collages.  If you have any fun things at home that you think would be great in a collage, feel free to send them in.  Coloured paper, pictures, clean eggshells, buttons, ribbon, feathers, glitter, cinnamon sticks, doilies, fabric peices, yarn and string all are great for collages.  We will also learn the following song to the tune of My Favourite Things from the sound of Music.

Snips of bright paper and bits of white eggshells,
Tiny red buttons and cinnamon stick smells,
White paper doilies, with fabric and strings,
These are a few of my collaging things!

:)
Miss Mynes

I'm a Great Artist!

On Monday,  we will be introducing different artists' work and inviting the children to experiment with their colours, textures, and techniques.  for added literacy fun, we will explore the titles the artists have given their work - and have fun titling our own.  We will learn the following song, to the tune of I'm a Little Teapot

I'm a great artist,
look at my style
Just watch me draw
And paint for awhile.
I can be O'Keefe,
Monet and Klee
And, of course, I can
Paint just like ME!

Have a great weekend,
Miss Mynes

a little about our day

On Thursdays, room 10 sees Mr. Kirsi for health education and Ms. Piazza for music/drama/dance.  I know the children are practicing their musical number for the Holiday Extravaganza with Ms. Piazza.  Usually, we also see Miss Parton on Thursdays.  During these times, Miss Parton, Mr. Pate and myself work as a team to teach the children about our current theme.  Today, this partnering session is canceled as Miss Parton is going on a field trip.

Have a great day,
Miss Mynes

rainy days

This is just a reminder of rainy day procedure.  If it is raining, feel free to enter the school at 8:30 and hang out with your child until 8:40 when classes begin.  Let's hope we don't have to do it too often.  The halls become a noisy nightmare on these days but that's the way life goes sometimes.

:)
Miss Mynes

end of day procedure

Now that Mr. Vlahos has created a Kiss and Ride for end of the day pickup, please be patient as we work out this new system.  If you indicated you want to pull your child from afternoon recess, your child will be waiting for you at the parking lot doors at 3:15.  It will take the door duty teacher a few days to learn your cars, I'm sure, so patience will be needed.  If JG Workman is your home school and therefore you walk to pick up your child, you can pick them up from the park as usual.  Please be sure you or your child tell a yard duty teacher or early childhood educator they are leaving to be sure all children are safely dismissed.

:)
Miss Mynes

our next unit

Next week, we begin a short unit based on Lois Elhert's Market Day.  We will be learning about markets, farms, buying and selling and folk art.  We will be making a class marketplace in social studies and math as well as making folk art in art.  Milk cartons, meat trays, bottle caps and the like will be helpful in our folk art creations.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Miss Mynes

Share Christmas

This is our December charitable drive.  Miss Henry is spearheading this great initiative to help people in our community.

http://www.bbnc.ca/share-christmas.php


WHO is the BBNC?

Birchmount Bluffs Neighbourhood Centre, (BBNC) is a non profit agency, Charitable Number 107842452RR0001. BBNC's Share Christmas - Sponsor-a-Family program was founded in 1992, operating out of the City-run facility at 93 Birchmount Rd. in southwest Scarborough, Ontario.

The foundation of the program is based on families in need being sponsored" by the community. The program receives no program funding as it is run entirely on donations. The number of families sponsored each year depends on the number of sponsors and donations. Each family applying for the program is interviewed and their needs are assessed. Even though the program is called "Share Christmas", it is open to people of all religious denominations.

WHO do they help with Share Christmas?

It has grown from assisting approximately 10 families at the onset, to 350 families in 2009.Their catchment area that runs from Lake Ontario to Eglinton, and from Victoria Park to McCowan, and includes many new immigrants and families living below the poverty line. Education is lacking and unemployment is very high. The area includes many working families who are having difficulty making ends meet, never mind having anything left over for something special during the holiday season.

DEADLINE FOR COLLECTION

Friday December 9th (This date may change)


WHAT ARE WE COLLECTING???

Food, Personal Hygiene Items and Household Cleansers

Basically any nonperishable food is perfect for the hampers. There can never be too much food. The number of boxes of food supplied depends on the size of the family. A basic rule of thumb is a minimum of 2 boxes, and an additional box for each person in the family. Therefore a family of 3 would have 4 boxes of food.

Hygiene products are very expensive for our families, and as a result, they quite often go without. Significant importance is placed on toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, tampons, sanitary napkins, shaving supplies and toilet paper. Other items include shampoo, creme rinse, body soap, hand soap, baby powder, shampoo and soap, mouthwash and Kleenex.

Household cleaning products would include items such as dish soap, laundry soap, fabric softener sheets, paper towels, glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner, bleach and all-purpose cleaner.


HOW CAN OUR KIDS HELP?!

Please ask them to bring in some donations of the Personal Hygenie and Household items, as well as canned goods. For the time being items can be dropped off at Room 8 until we can find some boxes to put at 4 corners for the donations.



Thanks so much.

tomorrow

Tomorrow morning, both Mr. Pate and I will be absent as we are required to attend a workshop.  I just wanted to warn you as things go less smoothly when one of us is away and even less smoothly when both of us are away.  Please be patient with the occasional teacher and early childhood educator as they try to navigate their morning.

See you tomorrow afternoon,
Miss Mynes

as the weather gets colder

We are deep into Autumn and the temperatures are dropping.  Please remember - germs make us sick, not cold weather.  We generally get sick more often in the winter as we spend more time indoors and therefore share our germs to all those around us.  If you want to reduce how often your child gets sick this Winter then bring them to school for 8:40 and let them stay until 3:30.  Dress them warm and let them play in the fresh air.  Their cheeks will be rosy, they will be smiling and happy children mean happy parents.

:)
Miss Mynes

tomorrow

This is just a reminder that tomorrow is a professional activity (PA) day and classes will be cancelled to give teachers and parents an opportunity to meet and discuss their child's progress.  Have a wonderful weekend and I will see you all on Monday.

:)
Miss Mynes

our next unit

Our next unit, starting next week, is based on two books by Lois Ehlert, Colour Zoo and Colour Farm.  We will be talking about zoo animals, farm animals, colours and shapes.  Here are some things we could use to help us with some activities: a shoe box, coloured cellophane (red, orange, yellow, blue, green, purple - only a small sheet of each), nature magazines we can cut up, for a cooking activity - bread cheese slices, wowbutter, raisins, thin pretzel sticks, carrots. 

Thanks for your continued support,
Miss Mynes

tomorrows activity

Tomorrow, we are doing a social studies about city nature.  Even though we all live in the city, there is nature all around us.  Trees, flowers in window boxes, birds and of course squirrels.  Tonight, draw your child's attention to the nature you see so they have some great ideas for our mural tomorrow.

:)
Miss Mynes

parent interviews

Parent interviews are a time for you and I to check in and discuss your child's progress.  Scheduling interviews is a requirement and does not mean I have any concerns about your child.  Due to circumstances beyond my control, I am now available for interviews Wednesday from 3:30 until 6pm, as well as Thursday from 3:30 until 9pm and Friday from 8am until 12pm.

As a parent you have many options:
1.  You are comfortable with your child's progress and have no questions - feel free to cancel the interview.  I can meet with you anytime you have a concern, even outside of parent interview dates.
2.  Call to reschedule if the interview time assigned to you does not work for you and your family.
3.  Request a telephone interview.  I can call you at a time mutually agreed upon and answer any questions you have.
4.  I am also comfortable discussing any questions you have over email.  Some of you have my email address.  If you don't, just write me a note and I will provide it for you.

Hope to see you all at the Eid celebration tonight.
Miss Mynes

school photos

I put a class picture in every child's backpack and if you ordered photos or took retakes, those envelopes where there too.  Unfortunately, by the end of indoor recess, there as a school photo left on the ground.  If you did not receive a class photo, let me know, I have extras.

:)
Miss Mynes

our squirrel unit

For our squirrel unit, I would love to have your help.  We hope to make squirrel treats to attract squirrels to the space outside out classroom window.  Cheerios and dried corn (cow corn) would be awesome!  Unshelled nuts ( for matching not eating) - acorns, walnuts, pecans, Brazil nuts and pistachios would be great.  Graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, butter, chopped nuts (not peanuts) and any kind of frozen juice concentrate will help us make Nutty Squirrel Treats for us to eat.  Also, collecting a large amount of acorns with your child would help us with an art activity.

As always thank you for your support.  if you are unable to help us, don't worry - we always have a ton of fun activities we can do with the materials our classroom already has.

:)
Miss Mynes

a little about today

Today in social studies, we are going to make Cat Coupons.  We have learned that sharing can be fun.  To further this lesson we are each making a coupon for a friends.  It may be to share a toy, read a book together or play a game.  Today, ask your child who they made a coupon for and tomorrow ask them who made a coupon for them.

:)
Miss Mynes

Rememberance Day

On Friday, we will be having a Remembrance Day assembly with the whole school.  Today Mr. Pate read them a story about Remembrance Day and they made postcards for soldiers.  Talk to your child about Remembrance Day and it's significance to your family.  It will make the assembly on Friday more meaningful and also help the children better understand their heritage.

:)
Miss Mynes

a bit about Monday

On Monday, we continue our unit about pets.  We will be making a graph about the pets we have at home.  We will be reading a book called My Cats Nick and Nora.  It's about a hilarious day in the life of two pet cats and the children who love them.  The children will also have music/drama/dance with Ms. Piazza.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Miss Mynes

a little about today

Today, we have Health with Mr. Kirsi and Music/Drama/Dance with Ms. Piazza.  We will be continuing our unit about pets by creating a Venn diagram about what people and pets need.  We will also be reading a book called Charlie Anderson, about a cat that lives with more than one family.

Have a great day!

Miss Mynes

Albert Campbell Library

Due to the Great Golden Bear assembly today, we rescheduled our visit to the public library to Friday.  The children's librarian will read us stories, do some finger plays and sngs and give us packages about the library.

:)
Miss Mynes

Halloween

Thank you to those of you who sent in treats to share for Halloween.  It is a fun day but you all know how sugar effects children - it makes them crazy.  Please try to limit the amount of candy your child brings to school following Halloween.  A child with a ton of candy often leads to them sneaking and sharing candy at inappropriate times.  And although we do not allow sharing snacks at school, they still do and it isn't fair for the parents who limit their child's sugar intake.

I hope you all have a ton of fun Trick-or-Treating tonight.

See you tomorrow,
Miss Mynes

allergy alert

When sending in food to be shared amongst the children, for example for class parties or birthdays, please do not send in any tomato sauce or eggs.  We have children who are allergic and we want to keep them safe.

Thanks for you support.

A note about tomorrow.  The Halloween Howl is tomorrow.  It should be fun but please do not confuse this event with our class party.  We will celebrate Halloween as a class with a party on October 31st, Halloween, in the afternoon.  The children are free to wear their costumes and bring in food to share with their friends.

thanks,
Miss Mynes

a little about tomorrow

Tomorrow, thanks to a donation from the Luong family, we will be making Bird's Nest Treats!  Using pretzels, shredded wheat cereal, licorice strings, mock peanut butter, crushed graham crackers and marshmallows we will makes birds nests that are yummy to eat!

:)
Miss Mynes

You Tube Stars!

Our grade 6s are You Tube Stars!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LLFCrJ7P2g&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

 

Check it out!

 

:)

Miss Mynes

Tomorrow

Tomorrow, Mr Pate and I will be attending a Kindergarten Professional Learning Community.  This is were kindergarten teachers come together to share best practices.  Mr pate will be attending in the morning and I will be attending in the afternoon so the children will always have one of us with them.  I know we will come back on Monday filled with wonderful ideas.

:)
Miss Mynes

school photos

Just a little FYI before you buy your child's school photo.  Picture retake day is October 27th.  If you child wasn't looking their best in the original photo and you want to try again, just write me a note and I will be sure to have their picture retaken on October 27th.  The children often do better on their second try.

:)
Miss Mynes

Our Next Unit

Our next unit, starting later this week, is based on Lois Elhert's Feathers for Lunch.  We will be learning about birds, animals sounds and bird calls and habitats. 
Here is where you can help:
-empty 2L milk cartons to make bird feeders
- pretzel sticks, shredded wheat cereal, licorice whips, Wowbutter (looks and tastes like peanut butter but made of soy), graham cracker crumbs and marshmallows to make bird's nest treats
- bird seed mixture, small milk cartons and soil to plant bird seed and see what grows

I know it is asking a lot but if we all work together the burden can be lighter.  These activities will be amazing but even if we are unable to get the materials, we will still have a fun and informative unit.

Thanks for your support,
Miss Mynes

Tomorrows Plan

Tomorrow, we continue learning about trees.  We are working together to make a dictionary about tree terms.  We are also going to make a prints and rubbings mural using leaves, twigs and small branches.

:)
Miss Mynes

a bit about tomorrow

Because of my absence this morning and the rain this afternoon, we have postponed our leaf experiment until tomorrow.  Tomorrow we will also collect leaves to sort and graph them.

When you are out wit your child, talk to them about the trees and leaves that you see.  Note changes in the seasons and the growth of the plant life around you.  Look for signs of Autumn.

:)
Miss Mynes

our new tree

Today, we made a tree for all seasons.  It is a permanent display in the class.  We will change our tree to reflect the seasons.  Of course, today we coloured leaves and put them on the tree.  Your child can feel free to bring real leaves or leaves they have made in to add to our tree.  Our tree will be beautiful.

Tomorrow, I am absent in the morning as Mr. Vlahos and I are at a meeting for the Early Developmental Index.  It is a survey I fill out based on each child in the class.  I have completed these surveys many times.  When the time comes for me to complete them this year, you will receive more information about the process.

Have a great evening,
Miss Mynes

Baking Activity - Soft Oatmeal Raisin Delights

Yesterday the children had practice being bakers and using their listening skills. Isata brought in a recipe for Soft Oatmeal Raisin Delights and asked if we could make them. We made a list of the ingredients and checked to see what we had in the school. A small group of children went to Sun Valley to get the rest of the ingredients. In the morning the children took turns measuring ingredients, mixing the batter and following the directions that I read out. We put them in the oven and had a tasty treat in the afternoon. Twenty out of twenty-two children loved the cookies. We had one cookie each, 1/2 cookie for seconds and even 1/4 cookie for those that wanted thirds. If that's not the sign of a delicious cookie I'm not sure what is!

Soft Oatmeal Raisin Delights

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Makes: 4-5 dozen cookies

Ingredients

1 cup - Unbleached all purpose flour

1 ½ tsp - Baking powder

1 tsp - Ground cinnamon

½ tsp - Baking soda

1/3 cup - Light brown sugar

½ tsp - Ground nutmeg

¼ tsp - Ground cloves

½ cup - Butter, softened

1 Large egg

2 tbsp - Fancy molasses

1 1/3 cups - Unsweetened applesauce

1 ¾ cups - Large flake or quick cooking oats

1 cup - Rasins

¾ cup - Toasted almonds (optional)

1 ½ tsp - Vanilla

Directions

1. In bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and cloves; set aside.

2. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.

3. Beat in egg and molasses until combined.

4. Alternate adding the flour mixture and applesauce into the butter mixture (add 3 parts flour and then 2 parts applesauce).

5. Stir in oats, raisins, almonds, if using and vanilla.

6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop batter by tablespoonfuls (15 mL) onto baking sheet.

7. Bake in 375°F (190°C) oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch.

Tip #1: If you don’t have cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves you can substitute 1 ½ tsp (7 mL) of pumpkin pie spice. If you don’t want to use nutmeg and cloves increase the cinnamon to 1 ½ tsp (7 mL).

Tip #2: If you don’t have molasses simply increase the brown sugar to ½ cup (125 mL).

Nutrition information per cookie: Calories: 62, Protein: 1 g, Fat: 2 g, Carbohydrate: 10 g, Fibre: 1 g, Sodium: 39 mg

If you have some time and all the ingredients try making these cookies.
Enjoy the long weekend with your family.
See you on Tuesday.

Cheers,

Mr. Pate

a little help....

Mr Vlahos informed Mr. Pate and I that we are already out of money for the year.  Running an amazing kindergarten program is expensive and $300 doesn't go far.  That means some of the activities I was excited to do may not happen with out a little help.  Anything we may need that isn't already in our classroom, I will let you know.  Please do not feel obligated to donate the requested items but if you can, it would be great.

For our next unit:

nail polish remover (with acetone) for an experiment where we extract the fall colours from leaves

OK.  That's all for the next unit but I will be posting more requests with my hat in my hand as they arise.

:)
Miss Mynes

Our Next Unit

We are just wrapping up our unit focusing on numbers and counting, fish, sea life and imagination.  On Monday, we will begin a unit on seasons, autumn, trees and leaves and growth and change.  We will read Lois Elherts Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf.  We will do art, science, math and language arts activities all linked to our theme.  We will also read the following:

Have You Seen Trees? by Joanne Oppenheim
I Am a Leaf by Jean Marzollo
The Seasons of Arnold's Apple Tree by Gail Gibbons
Why Do Leaves Change Colour by Betsy Maestro.

:)
Miss Mynes

Monday!

On Monday, we are going to do a beautiful art and science activity called Saltwater Painting.  After we paint fish and sea creatures and let it dry, we will have beautiful sparkling pictures.

Our fishing activity today was a flop.  The kids did a great job making the fish but our fishing rod was missing it's magnet so we had to scrap fishing.  Such is life. 

Have a great weekend!
Miss Mynes

Our New Unit

Torrow, we begin a unit based on Lois Ehlert's Fish Eyes.  We will learn about numbers and counting, fish, sea life and imagination.  We will be doing a Math activity called Let's Go Fishing!, where we work on our sorting skills while we "fish" and sort the fish we catch.

We also have a Great Golden Bear assembly where the school honours our most respectful students.

:)
Miss Mynes

a little about today

Today we have a busy day - picture day, library, physical education.....never mind the regular things we do each day.  We are going to make Luscious Letter Place Mats combining language arts and art.  We will choose a letter and draw a food that starts with that letter.  we will use the placements at Drama Center when we set the table.  If there is time, the seniors and I will do an oral language activity called I'm going on a Picnic.  It involves listening, memory and alphabet skills.

Tomorrow we are making Alphabet Pretzels!  The kids love cooking.

:)
Miss Mynes

Upcoming activities

Today we are beginning a science experiment called sunlight science.  It will show the children how plants  will always seek the sun.  We will be reading Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.  Also, Mr. Pate and Ms. Piazza will bring the children to the Terry Fox Run.

On Monday, we will have a Fruit and Vegetable tasting party!  We will also be exploring where our favourite fruits and vegetables are grown around the world and plotting it on a map.

Have a great weekend!
Miss Mynes

Our New Unit

Today, we begin a unit based on Lois Ehlert's Eating the Alphabet.  We will spend the next several days focusing on fruit, vegetables and the alphabet.  Today, we get new library books and we have physical education with Mr. Kirsi.

:)
Miss Mynes

Seeded or Seedless

Today we  made predictions about weather or not different vegetables had sees inside or not and then we chopped them open and check to see if we were right.  At the end I revealed the big surprise.  Ask your child how you can tell if it is a fruit or a vegetable (hint - if the seeds are on the inside it's a fruit).  Amazingly the children were very excited to eat the vegetables.  Ask your child what vegetables they liked to eat, you may have some new, healthy ideas for school snacks.  All the broccoli and tomatoes disappeared fast!

Tomorrow we are talking about which vegetables grow above the ground and which grow below.

:)
Miss Mynes

vegetable art

Today the children will be making an art piece using vegetables as a print making tool.  We have lots of interestingly shapes vegetables to help us make beautiful works of art.  If you are able to attend Meet the Teacher night then you will see them on display in the classroom.

Have a great day,
Miss Mynes

Science Experiments!

Today we began a science experiment to learn about how plants drink water.  We put celery in water with food colouring to watch the water move up the stalk to the leaves.  Also, yesterday, due to a malfunctioning stove, we were unable to eat our vegetable soup but it is all cooked and we will eat it this afternoon...yummy!

:)
Miss Mynes

Tomorrow is special

Tomorrow the students and I will be making vegetable soup.  Today we began a unit on vegetables.  Feel free to have your child bring in their favourite vegetable tomorrow to be added to the soup.  A small group of children will be going across the street to buy the vegetables we need for the soup.  When your child gets home tomorrow, ask them about our vegetable soup!

:)
Miss Mynes

Our First Week

As we start our second week at school, I am excited!  Our first week was amazing.  All the new students started with smiles - no tears!!  I am thrilled about what a clever and well behaved class we have.  Today, we are continuing to learn about gardens and plants.  A few more students will plant their flower bulb and we will read The Tiny Seed.  I plan to read with the seniors and then the seniors will write in their journals and the juniors will work in their writing folder.  In the afternoon, we are watching a movie about growth - seed to plant, caterpillar to butterfly etc.  We have music with Ms. Piazza today.

:)
Miss Mynes

Mr. Kirsi and Ms. Piazza

Good Morning!

Monday came very quickly but I'm happy to be back. We had a great first week and I know it's going to be a great year.

This year the children will be seeing Mr. Kirsi and Ms. Piazza.

Mr. Kirsi will have the children for a gym period on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and will have a health class period on Thursday mornings right before lunch. Make sure you send your children with proper running shoes so they can take part in all the activities Mr. Kirsi will be teaching them.

Ms. Piazza will have the children on Monday, Thursday and Friday afternoons for a period of Music/Drama/Dance. Ms. Piazza knows many songs that she will be sharing with the children and getting them up off the carpet and expressing themselves. Don't be surprised if your children teach you some new songs.

Hope you all have a great day.
Cheers.

Mr. Pate

Play-dough Experts

Hey Everyone,

The children did a great job making play-dough. We decided that we would start with white play-dough and the next time we would add some colour. Green seems to be the next class pick.

After making the play-dough the children went to work. They used their hands, rollers, cookie cutters and anything else they could get their hands on to mold and manipulate the dough.

Cheers,
Mr.Pate

Welcome Back!

Good Morning Everyone,

I would like to welcome back all our returning families to another school year and welcome all of our new families. Our first year of Full Day Kindergarten was great and our second year is going to be ever better. Miss Mynes and myself have been working in the classroom to get it ready for the first day and we are excited to have the children come in and see all the changes that have been made.

Today I will be asking the children to help make play-dough. We made play-dough a lot last year so I know many of the children are play-dough experts! Here is the recipe we have been using. Give it a try at home with the children!

Uncooked Play-dough

2 cups - flour

1 cup - salt

1 tbsp - oil

2 tsps - cream of tartar or alum (optional preservative)

1 cup - hot water

Powder paint/food colouring/dry juice mix

Mix powder paint with flour, salt and cream of tartar. Add oil and water.
Knead. Store dough in plastic bags. Play-dough will last about a week maybe longer since we have 21 children in the class using the play-dough at once.

Cheers,
Mr. Pate

if anyone is reading.....

As I prepare for the first day of school, I realize I need a seed collection and I'm sure all of you can help.  Please save all your seeds.  For example, apple, grape, cherry pits, acorns or beans.  We are beginning the year focusing on seasons, growth, flowers, plants and colours.

Thanks for sending in your seeds.

:)
Melissa

Summer time

Be sure to explore our amazing city with your child this summer.  A child with interesting life experiences has more connections to the world around them.  Check out these links:

http://www.toronto.ca/

http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/harbourkids/index.cfm

http://www.torontozoo.com/

Toronto has a ton of free events in the Summer.  Have a wonderful holiday!  I will see you in September!

:)
Miss Mynes

Report Cards

All students will receive a report card today.  Please check your child's backpack for the brown envelope.  Tonight, you and your child can complete page 2 of the report card and return it to school tomorrow.

:)
Miss Mynes

Wednesday

As we wind down the school year, we are preparing for our end of the school year celebration.  On Wednesday afternoon, weather permitting, we will have an outdoor afternoon filled with treats, water fights (for those who want to), stories in the shade and any other fun thing we can think of.  Feel free to send in treats for the children to share and any other outdoor fun things your child wants to share with the class - water squirteers, sidewalk chalk, bubbles and the like.

I have to say, my first year of all day kindergarten has been amazing.  The children have been a delight and have learned so much.  I look forward to seeing the juniors continue to grow next year and I know Miss D'Heureux is going to really enjoy getting to know the seniors next year in grade one.

Have a fun, safe summer!
:)
Miss Mynes

Next Weeks poem of the week

This is our final poem of the week for the year.

Mom bought me a pet,
It comes when I call,
Its name begins with p,
My pet is best of all!
My pet is a ______________.

This Weeks Poem of the Week

Many words begin with n.
Can you name nine or ten?
Let's start off with nice and new.
This will not be hard to do!
The word______begins with n.

Next week is a poem all about P to end off the year!!

The Volunteer Tea

I hope to see all of you that have volunteered your time for our school and our children at the Volunteer Tea this afternoon.  There will be yummy treats and flowers and lots of thank yous going around.

:)
Miss Mynes

A Special Event

Today, Njacko Backo will be performing.  He is a musician and dancer.  He will perform with his band Kalimba Kalimba.  Check him out at njackobacko.com.

:)
Miss Mynes

winding down

As the school year winds down, we are all excited and looking forward to our long holiday.  The challenge for the children is to make the most of these last two weeks.  We continue to work hard on our reading, writing and math skills.  On the last day of school we will have an end of the year party.  Feel free to send in treats.  If the weather cooperates, we will have our party outside.  The children can bring water guns on this day for a fun water fight.

:)
Miss Mynes

We did it!

Our school achieved an eco gold certification this year.  It's a big achievement.  Here are some interesting eco facts.  They are American facts but still relevant. 

- Before it closed, New York City's main landfill site was on Staten Island.  It was the size of more than 1,200 soccer fields all put together.

- Did you know every person in the United States of America makes almost five pounds of trash each day?

- The Nike Company recycles athletic shoes.  They make the recycled shoes into special material called Nike Grind.  this material is used as a surface for basketball courts, tennis courts, and even playgrounds.

- People in the United States recycle less than half of the trash they create.

- Plastic items that are thrown into landfills instead of being recycled, will last for hundreds of years.

- Sometimes, when a landfill is full, the area is covered with soil and made into a golf course or ski slope.

- Recycling one ton of paper can save about 17 trees.

- Most of the garbage that we throw away each day could be reused, recycled, or made into compost.

Work with your child to create good habits.  Create less garbage by reusing items, recycling items and composting.  The planet will thank you.

:)
Miss Mynes

This Weeks Poem of the Week

Movies, museums, and merry-go-round,
Music that makes the most wonderful sound.
Maples in meadows and mountains so high,
Macaroni and mangos you might want to try.
Messages and mail from friends far and near,
Mornings in May when the sky is so clear.
How many marvelous things can you name?
Join in and play the initial m game!

Library Books

It is the time of year when Miss Parton is inventorying the library.  Please return all library books that you have at home.

Thanks for your support.
:)
Melissa

It's almost the end.

Well, these hot days are welcome but it makes for a hot classroom.  Please be sure to dress your child for the weather.  Some of the children are feeling overheated.  It is currently around 76 degrees in room 10.  The children are much more attentive when they are dressed appropriately.

Enjoy the heat!  I know I am.

:)
Miss Mynes

I'm back!!!!

After a fun filled, sunny 4 days at camp with the grade 8's, I am happy to be back.  The grade 8s were very well behaved but I always love being with my little ones.  We began a poem all about the letter L today.  We had physical education outside at the park and brought balls out too.  I read with the seniors - they are such great readers now!  Our new sight word is the word "more".  This afternoon, we will continue our individualized numeracy work in our math folders.

Have a great day!
:)
Miss Mynes

Fun Fair

Tomorrow, the parent council is having a fun fair for the community.  Last years fun fair was a great success.  Let's hope the weather is warm and sunny despite the forecast.  I hope to see all of you with your friends and family. 

:)
Miss Mynes

right now in math

Right now, we are all working on different aspects of numeracy.  Some of us are working on printing numbers, some counting, some quantity,  and some even adding and subtracting!  Try to find opportunities to count with your child at home.  Maybe counting pieces of laundry as they help you put them in the machine or counting toys as they tidy them up.  There are many board games that reinforce counting that are fun for the whole family - Trouble is my favourite!

Have a great day,
Miss Mynes

Next Weeks poem of the week

Jack likes cherry jam.
Jill likes it too.
Jenny likes apple jam,
So does Jane and so does Sam.
But there are other things to like,
Let's name a few today.
There's just one thing to keep in mind,
They must begin with j!

our writing lesson for tomorrow

Tomorrow, we are focusing on how label books are organized. They organize their information into categories.  The students are being encouraged to write their own label books as a way of practicing writing tricky words.  We have been learning strategies for spelling tricky words.  So far we have focused on writing the sounds you hear and how to figure out sounds you don't know.  The kids are great writers.  Over the next few weeks I will be sending home some of the children writing folder work and I know you will be impressed.

:)
Miss Mynes

just a couple of things...

Thank you to the Luong family for the delicious birthday treats.  The children ate every last grape, blueberry, piece of pineapple and cantaloupe!

Here is an updated list of our sight words:

an
and
am
big
can
day
do
did
for
fun
get
had
here
how
have
if
little
love
me
so
she
too
we
would
want
were
who
you

:)
Miss Mynes

a bit about our day

Today, we continue our work on the letter g sound.  In physical education, we are working on our spatial awareness by moving around and over pylons.  In mathematics, we are working in our math folders.  Everyone is working at their own pace but we are all working on numeracy.  The children have library today.

Today is also Subway lunch day.  If you ordered your child a submarine sandwich, it will be given to your child during the lunch hour.

Have a great day!
Miss Mynes

a great morning

Thank you so much to the parent volunteers that helped us with scientists in the school today.  It was a great day of learning about backyard bugs.  Ask your child what they learned about bugs today.

:)
Miss Mynes

Math Folders

We have had a wonderful year of play based, hands on math.  We do math every day but it rarely translates into a piece of work that can be brought home.  We are at the time of year where we will begin to do math folders so the children can begin to express their math skills with paper and pencil.  Each child will progress as their skill level increases.  Some of us are practicing writing numbers, others on showing quantity and counting.  Ask your child what they did in their math folder today.

:)
Miss Mynes

Next weeks poem of the week

Can you think of words that begin like fix?
Perhaps you can thin of five or six.
Or perhaps fifteen or forty-fourty-four,
Can you possibly think of even more?
Give it a try, let's have some fun,
But start by thinking of only one!

Scientist in the School

Today, I am sending home a note with information about the upcoming visit by the Scientist in the School.  I will need 3 volunteers to help the scientist.  There is an $8 fee for the program.

:)
Miss Mynes

our next literacy units

Our next literacy unit is called Writing Words Without Worry: Using Spelling Strategies.  We will be working towards using sound spelling to write new words, using spelling resources to write new words, using sight spelling to write new words, attempting new words with confidence and writing independently.  I just know your children are going to impress you with all they will be learning.

:)
Miss Mynes

Our Reading Strategies

When the children are reading, I encourage them to use three strategies to solve "mystery words" - words they don't know.

Look at the picture.
Look at the letters.
Think about what makes sense.

Encourage your child to use these strategies when they come across a mystery word.

:)
Miss Mynes

our trip on Thursday

We will be leaving the school at 11am, so for the parents who are volunteering on the trip, please be here by 10:45am.  Pack your child a large snack for the morning as we will eat that before we go and eat our lunch when we return, which won't be until 2pmish.  We will be seeing Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  Ask your child to tell you about it when they get home.

:)
Miss Mynes

Next weeks poem of the week

I'm thinking about
All kinds of food.
They begin with c.
What can you include?
I can include _________.

Have a great weekend,
Miss Mynes

Yard Clean Up

Tomorrow, the whole school will participate in the Yard Clean Up.  After Winter, the yard is full of litter and we need to spring clean.  From 2:20, Mr. Choto and Mr. Pate will bring the children outside.  They will have gloves for hygiene.  The children always really love this event and the yard looks great when we are done.

:)
Miss Mynes

Sight Words

Our new sight word for the week is she.  Here is a list of the sight words your child is learning at school.

an
am
big
can
did
do
day
for
fun
get
had
here
how
have
if
me
so
too
want
were
would
we
yes


:)
Miss Mynes

updated class list

Felisha
Sadia
Bandon
Alaina
Eghosa
Isata
Taslimah
Kyle
Darla
Kai
Arnab
Alessandra
Phisone
Hadia
Aimee
Eric
Keean
Nikolas
Ariel
Ivan
Gelila
Wahaj
Shownak

our upcoming feild trip

Tomorrow, your child will be bringing home a permission form for our upcoming Field trip.  Please return page 2 of the form as soon as possible so we can organize our trip.

Thanks,
Miss Mynes

Scholastic Book Club

Scholastic Book orders are due on April 8th.  I will order the books on this day.  Feel free to send cash but it must be exact change as I cannot guarantee I will be able to make change for you.

Happy Reading,

Miss Mynes

Next Week's Poem of the Week

Next week, we are starting some new poems.  They are still focused on letter sounds but we will be doing different activities than we have been with our other poems.

Initial b

Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to me,
All the gifts that you give me
must begin with a b!
So, please give me a _________,
And a _________ that is green,
And the very best ___________
That you've ever seen!

our new language unit

Tomorrow, we are starting a new unit in language.  The goals of the unit are as follows: use our knowledge of letters and sounds to read unknown words, use context and syntax clues to read unknown words and use multiple cuing systems when attempting to read unknown words.  The students of room 10 are great readers already and this unit will help support those emerging reading skills.  Tomorrow, we are going to make labels for things in the classroom.

:)
Miss Mynes

A fun night

It was great to see so many families last night for family math night.  I know Miss McGregor, Mr Pate and I had a full classroom all evening with families having fun doing math games and activities together.  Be sure to provide feedback to the staff about the event so we can be sure to continue to improve the event for next year.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Miss Mynes

Family Math Night

Tonight, J.G. Workman P.S. is holding a Family Math Night.  Classrooms will be open with various math themed activities and games to do and play with your children.  Miss McGregor, Mr Pate and I will be together in room 10 with activities that your children have experienced in their math lessons.  It begins at 5:30 and ends at 7pm.  You can come and go as you please and are encouraged to visit any classes you like, not just your child's classroom.

:)
Miss Mynes

Skating Day

Tomorrow is the schools last skating day of the year.  Feel free to bring your child down to skate with the school.  Of course, you will have to skate with them.  It is a wonderful experience for all the children and adults in the school (except kindergarten).  The school leaves right after lunch to walk down to Birchmount Arena for the afternoon and walks back in time for dismissal.  If you plan to bring your child, just let Mrs. McLaughlin, Mr. pate or myself know so we don't call you for a safe arrival check.

:)
Miss Mynes

a bit about our day

Today, in Math, we will be building towers that are taller than, shorter than and the same height as different objects in the classroom. 

Mr. Pate is ill today so Ms. Maharaj will be covering for him.

Have a great day!

Miss Mynes

Earth Hour

Today, the Toronto District School Board will be participating in Earth Hour.  From 2pm till 3pm we will not be using electricity (except for the clock).  The planet will have Earth Hour from 8:30 till 9:30 pm tomorrow.  Work with your child to come up with ways to have fun together without using electricity.

:)
Miss Mynes

a little about our day

Today, in math, we are ending our unit in location and movement by reading and acting out Robert Munch's Up, Up, Down.  Our next unit will be a measurement unit starting with length.  Keep an eye on your child's backpack for fun ways you can support this unit at home.

:)
Miss Mynes

Skating Day

Today, the students in grades 1 to 8 will go skating all afternoon.  Mr Pate and I do not bring the students but you are welcome to bring your child down to Birchmount Arena and join them on the ice for a fun afternoon of skating as a school.  Just call Mrs. McLaughlin at 416-396-6365 and let her know or let Mr Pate or I know.

Happy Skating!
Miss Mynes

a little about our day

Today, in our writing lesson, we are reading a beautiful book called What a Wonderful World based on the Louis Armstrong song.  We will be talking about how song writers are authors, too.  The children will be encouraged to create songs to accompany their play.

:)
Miss Mynes

Character Matters

This month, the Great Golden Bear award for room 10 will go to the student or students that are chosen by their peers to be the most honest.  We have been reading about and talking about honesty every day.  At home this month, focus on the importance of honesty.

:)
Miss Mynes

a bit about tomorrow

Tomorrow morning, the school will be enjoying a performance by Hoza.

http://hoza.ca/

I don't know what time the performance will begin but parents are welcome to join us.

I hope you all have a wonderful March Break!  Let's hope the weather is better than today and we can get outside and be active.

:)
Miss Mynes

our writing lesson today

Today, we are going to read a book called Fancy Nancy.  In this story, Nancy uses many forms of writing.  After the story, we are going to talk about all the ways Nancy used writing and the children will be encouraged to use some of these in their play.  When your child gets home from school today, ask them what kinds of writing they tried today.

:)
Miss Mynes

Our New Math Unit

Today we began a new math unit.  In support of the unit, try to use words from the following list when conversing with your child.

beside
on top of
over
near
in front of
behind
to the left of
under
to the right of

:)
Miss Mynes

a bit about tomorrow

Tomorrow, in our reading lesson, we are going to talk about how to use a book like Castle by David McCauley to guide their play.  Some of you may remember the castle building craze that hit our class at the beginning of the year.  This discussion will encourage the children to get ideas from books.  We will also be talking about the story Cinderella and talk about ways we can use that story in our play.  Things like acting it out or retelling it with the felt board.

Have a wonderful evening,

Miss Mynes

a bit about tomorrow

Tomorrow, we are going to read Whistle for Willie and talk about ways the children can use the book in their play.  Yesterday, we read Madlenka and during center time, one child pretended to be Madlenka while some other children pretended to be the people she visited to tell them about her wiggly tooth.  They had lots of fun.

:)
Miss Mynes

Wednesday is Skating Day

On Wednesday, children in grades 1 to 8 will be going skating as a school.  Kindergarten does not go but if you want to go with your child and skate with them, it is a great way for our youngest students to be included in this fun event.  For those children who will be in class with Mr Pate and myself on Wednesday afternoon, we are going to have a fun afternoon with a movie and games and other fun activities.

:)
Miss Mynes

Our Sight Words

These are the words your child, especially seniors, are learning to read.

fun  little  were  big  yes  here  me  too  day  am  did  why  if  an  had  get  do  we  can  who  how  so  for 

We read these words all together each day.

Have a wonderful weekend.
Miss Mynes

our next literacy units

The next units in reading and writing are about connecting print and literacy to each other in the spirit of building and creating and play.  For the kindergarten student, much of life is about building and creating.  Children will find many ways to open doors to play.  It is as essential to them as air itself, which is why we use play in these units to foster literacy development.  In recent years, there has been some polarization regarding those teachers who feel strongly connected to the idea of play in the kindergarten classroom and others who feel school must be purely "academic".  Studies show a play based program better prepares children for not only the primary division but the junior division as well.

:)
Miss Mynes

a little about our day

Today, the children are going to practice telling a story, either real or imagined.  This is our last week in our story telling unit, which is a writing unit.  Our next language unit is about moving their writing into their play.  The children know so much about writing now and they need encouragement to write for enjoyment.  Bringing writing into their play centers is a great way to practice our writing in a nonthreatening, fun way.

I hope you had a great long weekend.
Miss Mynes

Next weeks poem of the week

Uli the Unusual Unicorn

Walking along, an unforgettable sight.
Uli the unusual unicorn
With a polka dot body and a giant's height.
Uli the unusual unicorn
When people see her they make quite a to-do.
Uli the unusual unicorn
But I've never seen a unicorn - have you?

a bit about tomorrow

Tomorrow, in our writing lesson, we are going to use our writing about our interests to make up a story to tell our partner.  The stories can be real or imaginary and they should include all of the story ingredients (characters, setting and important events).  Then, they will draw and write about one important event from their story.  The children are getting to be great writers - it is amazing what daily practice can do!

Tonight, ask your child to tell you a story!

:)
Miss Mynes

a lilltle about today

Today, in our writing lesson, we continue to talk about how writers get their ideas.  We have discussed how emotions and special objects can give you ideas.  Today we are talking about how our interests give us ideas, too.  We will be drawing and labeling 4 of our interests.

In Math, we will finally start our 3D shape unit.  Today, we will be exploring the 3D shapes and using a feely bag to identify the shapes using only our hands.

Have a great day!
Miss Mynes

This Week in Room 10

This week we begin the poem Two Tuneful Toucans.  Our new sight word is the word "why".

Today we are celebrating Valentines Day.  We decorated bags to carry out valentines in, we exchanged valentines, ate yummy treats (thank you to those parents who sent in yummy treats) and danced.  It's a nice way to celebrate the special people in our lives.

This week we continue working on our storytelling and we will begin learning about 3D shapes.

Enjoy the mild weather today,
Miss Mynes

100s Day

Tomorrow is the 100th day of school.  We have been counting the days in school and will celebrate tomorrow with each of us making a collection of 100.  When your child gets home from school tomorrow, ask them how the 100th day of school  was.

Have a great afternoon,
Miss Mynes

PS  I hope to see all of you at the Family Fitness Night tonight.  There are some great raffle prizes and good information being shared.  See you tonight.

This Weeks Poem oo the Week

Silly Sisters Sing

Their stage awaits them and the curtain is set
Silly Sisters Sing
But they giggle too much - they're not ready yet.
Silly Sisters Sing
Once they begin, it's the words they forget.
Silly Sisters Sing
So they dance and sing the alphabet.
Silly Sisters Sing

Heads Up

I wanted to let you know that room 10 and 9 will be going on a Field trip on April 21st.  We will be going to the Markham Theater to see Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  For the parents who have been with me to the Markham Theater before, you know that they put on great productions.  We need parent volunteers so if you want to join us, book the day off now.

:)
Miss Mynes

our class list

Hadia

Felisha
Sadia
Arnab

Maiya

Bandon

Alaina

Eghosa

Isata

Taslimah

Kyle

Darla

Kai

Wahaj

Alessandra

Phisone

Aimee

Eric

Keean

Nikolas

Ariel

Ivan

a bit about tomorrow

Well, tomorrow should be interesting.  Today, your child will bring home a paper letting you know how to find out if the schools are open or not.  I suggest the CBC radio 99.1.  I find they are accurate and give frequent updates.  Luckily, I don't live too far from the school so unless the Toronto District School Board cancels classes, I will be here.  Hopefully, we are all overreacting and we can have a fun day at school tomorrow.  If there is no blizzard or extreme cold, we will be going outside for physical education so please be sure your child has all their outdoor clothes.  It would be a shame to have our lesson cancelled because one child is dressed inappropriately.

Happy Shovelling in the morning - ugh!

Miss Mynes

Our Poem of the Week

Rock and Roll Rabbits

Racing on stage with the flashing of lights.
Rock and Roll Rabbits
Hoping for the most exciting on nights.
Rock and Roll Rabbits
Who would have thought of such a thing?
Rock and Roll Rabbits.
Hares that play music and really sing!
Rock and Roll Rabbits.

a little about our day

Today, we are focusing on storytelling.  We will be discussing having the words you write match your picture.  The students will tell their partner a story and then they will draw and write about their story.  The seniors will be required to write a sentence and the juniors will be required to write a word.  I will be there to support them in finding the words they need.  I encourage them to try to write independently, writing the sounds they hear, but will also provide the word on the word wall in order to find and copy it if they prefer.  Often children as so worried they will spell it wrong that they will not try to spell independently.  This holds back their writing progress.

In Math, we will be continuing our short unit on probability.  The children will be writing (seniors) or telling (juniors) about things that might happen in kindergarten and never happen in kindergarten.

It is also book exchange day in the library so the children will be bringing home new library books today.

:)
Miss Mynes

A Special Event

Today, the whole school will be at a presentation in the gymnasium by Q-Mack.  His message is anti-bullying and he does amazing basketball tricks.  I have been lucky enough to see him at a Boys Reading Club conference a few years ago and hope the kids will enjoy him today as much as I did then.

When your child gets home from school, ask them about Q-Mack and what he taught them about bullying.

Have a great day!
Miss Mynes

Our New Math Unit

Today we began our math unit on probability.  We will learn to use mathematical language in informal discussions to describe probability (e.g., chance, never, sometimes, always).  Tomorrow, your child will bring home a paper telling you of a fun - and totally optional - way to support this unit at home.  No need to send it back to me, just have fun at home.  Board games are another fun way to reinforce probabliliy, and card games.

Many of the students are sick right now.  Thank you for keeping your ill child at home.  I know that can be inconvient but the germs going around are strong enough to knock out half the class so they are easily transfered from student to student.  We try to reinfoprce prpopr hygene like washing hands and hand santizer is available, although I never encourage it as it is no substituate for a good hand washing.  As long as the temperature is aboput -27 (wind chill taken into consideration), the children will be going outside.  Fresh air is a great way to blow away the germs.

Have a good day,
Miss Mynes

Next weeks poem of the week

Quite Quarrelsome Queens

Never agreeing, they quibble and shout
Quite Quarrelsome Queens
Stomping their feet, always rumbling about.
Quite Quarrelsome Queens
Should they eat inside or have a cookout?
Quite Quarrelsome Queens
Should they eat their hot dogs with sauerkraut?
Quite Quarrelsome Queens

a bit about tomorrow

Tomorrow we has physical education.  Please be sure your child has running shoes at school so they can participate safely.  In the gym, we will be working on circle games - games that happen in a circle formation.

In Mathematics, we will be making a Pictograph about shoes.  The students will learn how to plot information on a graph as well as read information from a graph.

Have a nice evening,
Miss Mynes

Professional Activity Day

This Friday is a professional activity day.  There is no school for students.  Teachers will be writing their report cards on this day.  In February, the junior kindergarten students will receive a written report called the Junior Kindergarten Summary.  The parents of seniors will be given the opportunity to have an interview.  The interview times will be sent home on the same day as the report cards.  I am very flexible with when we have an interview and you have the option of  declining the interview or a phone interview as well.  Well, I should get to writing those reports.

:)
Miss Mynes

The News Your Children Share

Here is a sample of the things your children share during Sharing Time.

One day, my mom bought me a plant and a barbie.
When my dad bought me a Beyblade.
On Sunday, my dad bought me a barbie.
One day, my mom bought me a pink barbie.
One, day when I was shopping with my dad, he got me a Beyblade game for the Wii.
One day I got a dog.
One day, my dad bring me some toys.
My sister is going to bring me to Phisone's house.

Sharing time is a time to tell our classmates about an interesting experience we have had.  When you do something interesting with your child, talk to them about it so they can be prepared to talk about it at sharing time.

:)
Miss Mynes

New Math Unit

This week we will begin a math unit on data relationships.  The children will learn to collect objects or data and make representations of their observations, using concrete graphs.  They will also learn to respond to and pose questions about data collection and graphs.

I will be sending home a letter of fun ways to support your child's learning at home.

Enjoy the snowy day!

:)
Miss Mynes

Our Sight Words

It is amazing to see juniors and seniors finding sight words!  They are so proud of themselves when they see a word they know.  Here is a list of the sight words we have learned so far: so, for, big, here, me, day, am, did, if, get, we can, how, little, fun, an, who.

Happy Reading,
Miss Mynes

Next weeks poem of the week

Over Old Oaks

Breezes and sunshine fill up the sky
Over Old Oaks
Owl and eagels soar as they fly
Over Old Oaks
Branching green leaves reach up so high
Over Old Oaks
A beautiful sight that pleases the eye
Over Old Oaks

Math

Right now, in Math, we are working on a data management and probability unit.  In kindergarten that means sorting.  We are looking at different attributes (colour, size, texture, shape etc.).  Ask your child how things are the same and different.  That will help them focus on objects attributes.

Enjoy the fresh snow,

Miss Mynes