reporting day

Today, I will be sending home your child's report card.  If possible, please sign and return page two so I can file it in your child's Ontario Student Record before the end of the day tomorrow.

:)
Miss Mynes

the last day

On Thursday afternoon, the last day of school, we will be having a class party.  Feel free to send in a treat for your child to share with the class.  If it is a hot day, we will have a water fight at the end of the day.  The children can bring water squirters to use.

:)
Miss Mynes

now it is official

On Friday, you all recieved a notice telling you who your child's teacher will be next year.  That means you know it will not be me.  I am devistated to be leaving the wonderful children and families in this community.  In the spring, principals recieve from the school board their staffing allotment and from there they assign teachers to what grade/role they will teach the following year.  I was stunned to not be assigned to kindergarten and so began my journey in finding a new school to work at.  Anyone who listens to the news will know the teaching profession if over full with qualified candidates and after many application and interviews, I was able to find a job teaching kindergarten at Fraser Mustard Early Learning Academy.  I am excited to be part of this new innitiative by the school board.  If I can't be here teaching your children, Fraser Mustard is a great alternative.  I hope I can keep intouch with the Workman families that I have been priviliged to teach, some of you for many years.

I'm trying to save my tears for Thursday,
:)
Miss Mynes

some like it hot

This last week of school is looking like a hot one - which makes me very happy :)  Assuming the forcast is right, please send your chld to school with a bottle for water, a hat, sunscreen and maybe even sunglasses.  This will help keep your child comfortable during recesses.

Can you say patio season?

 :)
Miss Mynes

home toys

I don't mind if your child brings toys from home to extend their play within the classroom or to play with at recess.  That being said, I teach the children that their home toys are their responsibility and often toys brought to school get lost or broken.  I won't keep track of their toys for them.  When your child is selecting a toy to bring to school, suggest to them that they leave special toys at home.

:)
Miss Mynes

today

Today, we are focusing on our oral language, talking about buttons in support of our unit on Ten, Nine, Eight.  We will also create shoes in order to make a graph tomorrow in mathematics.

We will visit the computer lab.

:)
Miss Mynes

today

Today, we are going to turn drama centre into a bedroom so we can put the babies to bed just like the daddy put the little girl to bed in our book of the week Ten, Nine, Eight.  We will also see Miss McGregor for music and physical education.  I am expecting that we will meet with the childrens librarian from Albert Campbell library so she can tell us about what is happening at the Albert Campbell library this summer but I haven't been told the details yet.

:)
Miss Mynes

this week

This week, we are focusud on the book Ten, Nine, Eight by Molly Bang.  It is about a father and his daughter counting down to bed time.

Tomorrow, the childrens libriarian from Albert Campbell library with be visiting us to tell us all about what is happening at the library this summer.  On Thursday, all primary students will be performing a dance.

Have a good day,
Miss Mynes

a busy day

Today is Purple and Yellow Day.  We also have our annual panoramic photo where the entire school gathers for a group photo.  For those of you with sturdents starting junior kindergarten next year, you will be coming to meet next years kinderagrten teachers, Mrs. Matnishyan and Mrs. McGrath, and Miss McGregor.  You will spend time in room 10 doing activities planned by Mrs. Matnishyan.

Enjoy,
:)
Miss Mynes

the Volunteer Tea

I hope to see all of you that have volunteered to help us in room 9 or throughout the school this year.  Many of the teachers have bought or made a treat to thank you for your support.

See you this afternoon,
:)
Miss Mynes

activity day

This morning, the primary division will be participating in activity day.  I have no idea what activities we will be doing or what time it begins.  Ask your child about their fun morning after school today.

:)
Miss Mynes

a little about today

Today, the children see Miss McGregor twice, once for music and then again for physical education.  In class, we will focus on the vocabulary in the book Swimmy and also do a graphing activity.

Tomorrow is the Parent Council pizza lunch as well as Activity Day.

:)
Miss Mynes

if only.....

This week, we are focusing on the book Swimmy.  I sure wish the aquarium that is being built here in Toronto was finished so you could bring your child.

Maybe next year,
:)
Miss Mynes

Silly Sally

today, we begin our unit based on the book Silly Sally.  Silly Sally walks on her hands to town.  Along the way, she is joined by many creatures who add to the sillyness of this story.  After we read the book, discuss new vocabulary and demonstrate the directional words (e.g., backwards, forwards etc), we will paint water colour pictures as the illustrations are painted with water colours.  In the afternoon, we will begin a new math unit about graphing and work in our math folders on patterning.

A busy day indeed.
:)
Miss Mynes

fevers :(

It seems we have an outbreak of fever in our class.  Yesterday, we had more kids absent in the morning then here.  I hope everyone is recovering and we miss you.  Please review with your child proper hand washing procedure as that is the best way to avoid passing viruses along.

Take care,
:)
Miss Mynes

oops

Well, when you arrive in your classroom and there is a box there, you assume it is yours, even if you don't remember ordering it.  That was my mistake.  The caterpillars that were delivered to room 9 actually belong to room 10 and grade 1/2.  Sadly, I have passed them along.  We will just have to see butterflies in the wild.  I guess if that is the biggest mistake I make this year, it isn't such a bad one.

:)
Miss Mynes

art lessons continued

Today, we continue to learn about the use of colour in illustrations.  Our book for the week, Rosie's Walk, has warm coloured illustrations.  We will paint our own warm pictures today.

:)
Miss Mynes

this weeks theme

This week, we focus on the book Rosie's Walk by Pat Hutchins.  It is about a fox that is after a chicken and she is oblivious to his presence yet stays safe the whole way around the farm.  If you can this week, visit a farm.  Walk around the farm and look for bee hives.  Your bodily-kinesthetic, naturalist and interpersonal learners will love it.

:)
Miss Mynes

next week

Next week, we will be learning all about butterflies!

:)
Miss Mynes

metamorphisis

Yesterday, we began the exciting project of turning caterpillars into butterflies.  It is a very exciting thing to watch.  I will keep you updated on our progress.  Watching a butterfly emerge from it's coccoon is an experience akin to watching a chick hatch from it's egg - priceless!

:)
Miss Mynes

a little about today

Today, we wrote about our ideal hot dog.  We discussed the vocabulary in The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog.  I read with some seniors. In the afternoon, we will play a math game to help us with our sorting skills.  The children see Miss McGregor twice today, once for dance and once for physical education.

:)
Miss Mynes

another fun idea...

This week,  take your child to a place in your neighbourhood where pigeon congregate.  Ask your child "How do they walk?" "What do they eat?"  Your linguistic, bodily-kinesthetic and naturalist learners will love it.

:)
Miss Mynes

next week

Next week, we focus on the book The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog by Mo Williams.  Next week would be a great week to have a hot dog for dinner or better yet, visit a hot dog stand.  Ask your child: How do the cooks prepare the hot dogs?  What do customers like on their hot dogs?  Your linguistic, interpersonal and intrapersonal learners will love it.

:)
Miss Mynes

our special event today

Meet Blue Spruce Nominee Rebecca Bender


Thu May 16, 2013

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

60 mins

Albert Campbell

Come meet Rebecca Bender, the award-winning children's author and illustrator of 'Giraffe and Bird', and learn about their new adventures. She will talk about how pictures and words work together to make a story. For more information visit the branch or call 416-396-8890.

Presented in co-operation with the Canada Council for the Arts through The Writer's Union of Canada.

:)
Miss Mynes

Writing with purpose

With only a little help, Courtney wrote a birthday message for her friends.  Writing with a purpose helps a child see value in learning to read and write.

agenda cover contest

JG WORKMAN SCHOOL AGENDA COVER CONTEST GUIDELINES


TUESDAY MAY 14, 2013

THE WINNING AGENDA COVER WINS ICE CREAM BARS FOR HIS OR HER CLASS AND A SPECIAL PRIZE.

THIS YEARS THEME : SCHOOL SPIRIT

Posters should reflect some aspect of this year's theme: What do we know about school spirit? When do we show school spirit? How do we raise school spirit? Why do we need school spirit? What does school spirit mean to you and your classmates? Why is this important to you?



Posters should provide a picture with a slogan or message which reflects this year’s theme: “SCHOOL SPIRIT”



Grades: JK/SK through 8

SIZE: 8½" x 11"

Colour or black and white

Design: Hand drawn. No computer generation allowed. Must be your own creation. Must be a two‐dimension painting, drawing, collage or combination, in color or black

and white,



REQUIREMENTS: Must have school name and picture of Workman Bear. Here is alink to the Workman Bear Head.  If it doesn't work, please let me know and I will give you a hard copy.

C:\Documents and Settings\046845\Desktop\bear_head_2col[1].JPG

IDENTIFICATION: The back of the poster must include name, grade, teacher, and room number.



Second Place and Third Place entries will be recognized. The top three entries will be placed on display.



Submit entries to Mr. WEBSTER BY WEDNESDAY MAY 29th,, 2013.



JUDGING:

Covers will be judged on how well the design conveys the message, “School Spirit” originality, creativity, attractiveness, and if they meet all of the criteria requirements outlined.

a little help

The children have been asking for food packages for drama centre.  The children have turned drama centre into a restaurant and grocery store, depending on the day.  As you use up food at home, and if the packaging is appropriate, please send it into school to enhance our drama centre.

Thanks for your support,
Miss Mynes

school clothes

Sometimes, we get wet at school.  Be it at the water table (we do have smocks but the kids seem to dislike wearing them) or we have an accident, we can all agree wet clothing is uncomfortable.  If you have old clothes, maybe ones your child has outgrown or simply past their prime, I  would appreciate you donating them to the class.  When your child does wear school clothes home, just toss them in the laundry hamper and return them after you do your laundry, no rush at all.  Also, if your child wears home something they love, feel free to keep it and send in a similar piece of clothing to keep our school clothes bin full.

Thanks for your support,
Miss Mynes

donations

The children have been asking for shoes for drama centre.  Do you have some pretty shoes that are past their prime or hurt your feet?  If so, we would love you to donate them to room 9.  The children will enjoy dressing up in them.

Thanks,
Miss Mynes

Science in action

Smiti, Isaiah and Talitha are trying to blow the dice across the table!

Writing with a purpose

Antony didn't want anyone to tidy up his tower, so he wrote a note to let everyone know.

Ewwww

I say yuck but Smiti and Tsering say yay! They are making mud cupcakes.  Good times working on team work and experiencing nature and science.

a little about today

Today, we will continue our Peter's Chair unit by discussing the book to deepen our comprehension.  We will build towers of blocks as tall as we are.  We also have to go back to our pink pictures from yesterday and discuss their work (many of them left their names off).  Ah, the small things that are big to learn in kindergarten.  :)  The children will have drama and dance with Miss McGregor and also physical education.

:)
Miss Mynes

Measurement

We are working on the concept of mass. Yuki and Cassandra are trying to balance the scale.

our poem of the week

When I Was One

When I was one, I was so small, (hold up one finger)
I could not speak a word at all. (shake head)
When I was two, I learned to talk. (hold up two fingers)
I learned to sing, I learned to walk. (point to mouth and feet)
When I was three, I grew and grew. (hold up three fingers)
Now I am four and so are you! (hold up 4 fingers)


:)
Miss Mynes

Visual arts at its best

Zoey is a creative child. When given time to explore, she can make some great creations! And we are saving the earth by reusing materials.

:)
Miss Mynes

first Wednesday of the month

Today, we will be going to see the children's librarian at Albert Campbell library.  The children will also see Miss McGregor for physical education.

Have a wonderful day, I know we will.
:)
Miss Mynes

Day 1

Today is Day 1.  The children see Miss McGregor twice today, once for music and again for physical education.

:)
Miss Mynes

today

Today, the children see Miss McGregor for health and we see Ms. Dykstra to get new library books.  In class, we are continuing our work with Noisy Nora by listing all the ways Nora made noisy and thinking of other ways we could make noise.  We will look for books about mice in our classroom library and make a "mouse library".  We will finish turning our fingerprints into mice.  We will also do a counting activity.  If time permits, I will read with seniors and we will write in our writing folders but I think I may be being overly ambitious.

:)
Miss Mynes

a little about today

Today, we continue our Noisy Nora unit.  We will use the rhyming scheme to predict the text.  We will turn our thumb prints into mice.  We will also work in our math folders doing an activity that strengthens our counting skills.  The children will see Miss McGregor for physical education.

:)
Miss Mynes

Spring Cleaning

This afternoon, the kindergarten students, along with the Environment Committee, will be cleaning up the school yard.  The children will be given plastic gloves so they will not be directly exposed to germs.

:)
Miss Mynes

next week

Next week, we will focus on the book Noisy Nora by Rosemary Wells.  In the story, no one is paying attention to Nora and so she gets attention the only way she knows how, by making noise.  It has an important lesson for all of us: pay attention to children when they are doing good things and they will do good things for your attention, pay attention to children when they do the wrong thing and they will always do the wrong thing for your attention.  The behaviour we pay attention to is the behaviour that will continue, even if the attention you give is to correct or admonish them.

Have a great weekend,
Miss Mynes

The Napping House

This week, we have been focusing on the book The Napping House.  We have been talking about our sleep habits, words about sleep, the mood colours can represent.  We have also been singing Are You Sleeping? and Rock-a-Bye Baby.

Also, we seem to have a lot of sickness in the class.  It is flu season - ugh!  Please keep your child at home if they are ill.  I know kids often want to come to school but when they do, they spread their sickness to all their friends.  I know it can be hard to keep them home but please do whenever possible.

Hope you are having a great day - it doesn't feel nearly as warm as the weather forecast said it would be.

:)
Miss Mynes

Measure area

Yuki is measuring area and sorting. Then she will count the bears. So much learning in one activity!!

oops

Some of you may have recieved a notice about Pink Day today that said the children should wear pink to show support for diversity and "all types of discrimination".  Of course, that was an error lol.  We do not want the children to support discrimination.  Today, we wear pink to show support for the fight against discrimination.

:)
Miss Mynes

our trip on Thursday

The instructional leader from Forest Valley is on my Dragon Boat team and I will see him at practice tonight and find out what modifications will happen in the weather forecast is correct for Thursday.  I know that they modify for rain.  That being said, please send your child ready to be outside no matter what the weather because if we can go outside, we will.  Please return the permission form for the trip right away.  I have many children who have not returned their form and I cannot bring them on the trip without the form.

Thanks,
Miss Mynes

a little about today

Today we will read and discuss the book Mouse Paint.  We will also paint pictures with different lines and patterns like the illustrations in the book.  Also, we will read another Blue Spruce selection and vote on if we liked it or not.

We will go to the computer lab.

:)
Miss Mynes

our trip next week

Next week, on Thursday, we are going to Forest Valley.  It is a Toronto District School Board outdoor education site.  We will be going on a sensory hike, using our senses to explore the forest.  Please be sure your child has a litterless lunch and clothing appropriate for the weather.  We go to Forest Valley no matter what the weather.

:)
Miss Mynes

The sand castle project continued

Rane has joined in on the sand castle project started yesterday by Antony and Cassandra.

maybe today?

After we got back from the library yesterday, we had so little time and in the afternoon the children were wired (spring fever perhaps?) so my lessons from yesterday were scrapped for shorter, simpler ones.  So today, I plan to teach them.  we also have health with Miss McGregor and we get new library books with Ms. Dykstra.

:)
Miss Mynes

Cassandra and Antony at sand table

We made the walls to keep out the bad guys from getting to our castle.

a little about today

Today, we begin our day with Wake Up Wednesday then head over to Albert Campbell Library to visit with the children's librarian.  We will read Make Way for Ducklings and discuss the story.  The children will practice writing the names of the 8 ducklings.  We will also do a math lesson about area and practice writing the number 12.  Finally, the children will see Miss McGregor for physical education.

:)
Miss Mynes

a fun idea

This week, we are focusing on the book Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey.  If possible, bring your child to feed the ducks this week.  Ask your child "Do any of the ducks have babies?" "How many babies?" "Do any of the ducks look like Mr. and Mrs. Mallard?"

:)
Miss Mynes

a little about today

Today, Mrs. McGrath has Easter activities so I will be keeping it simple by sticking with our routines - reading with seniors, writing folders and math folders.  We have computer lab at 1pm and a Great Golden Bear assembly at 2:15pm.

Next week, I plan to focus on the book Make Way for Ducklings.  We will also visit Albert Campbell Library on Wednesday.

Have a wonderful long weekend.  I know I am looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow.

:)
Miss Mynes

a little about today

Today, we continue our Little Red Hen unit.  We will make a story pyramid of the story (mapping title, setting, characters and plot).  We will also learn about the number 10 (our new math unit will start next week).  I will read with the seniors and the students will writing in their writing folders and practice the number 10 in their math folders.  the children see Miss McGregor for music and then again for physical education.

Have a great day!
:)
Miss Mynes

Jump frog jump

We loved the book Jump, Frog, Jump and this game is the prefect follow up. We are learning about colours, turn taking, improving our fine motor skills and much more. Ne'er mind that it is really fun.

Science

There is no better way to learn science concepts than the water table. The higher you pour from, the faster the water goes.

thanks!

Thank you to all the parents that are following the school rules and staying outside while waiting for your child to start school.  Our hallway is less congested and the children are learning to be independent in caring for their belongings as well as dressing and undressing more independently.  I know it can be shocking that your small child can do it alone but they can.  Show them you believe in them and their abilities by allowing them to take care of themselves.  I am always there to help when they ask but asking for help is another way to take responsibility for themselves.  Kindergarten is the time when children start becoming responsible for themselves and rely less on their parents to do eveything for them.  Evn toddlers can learn to dress and undress themselves.  Believe in your child and allow them to develop the wonderful feeling of pride you get when you reliaze you can do it yourself.  It feels great!

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

Drama centre

Caring for children is another important skill to practice. We pretend we are parents and care for our babies just like you do at home.

Making meatballs

Teamwork is an important skill that the children will use for the rest of their lives. Almost every job requires working in a team.

a little about today

Today the children have music and physical education with Miss McGregor.  in class, we will be doing a math activity where we create shapes using folder paper.  We will also practice writing the tricky number 8.

I hope you have been enjoying the pictures I have been posting on the blog.  The most important work that happens in the classroom is the supported, self-initiated play of the children.

:)
Miss Mynes

Olivia's trophy continues to grow

Antony's castle

The day before we go back

I have had a very relaxing vacation and am looking forward to getting back to school tomorrow. I am spending the day packing healthy food to get me through the day tomorrow and being sure I have everything ready for a smooth morning to start off our first day back.

Our class has grown to 21 students and our new students have blended into room 9 beautifully. I am looking forward to a busy, fun spring where we continue to grow as people and as life, long learners.

The spring is always such an invigorating time but that may just be because I can see the end of snow pant season and that makes me happy.

Enjoy your last day of the break and I will see you all tomorrow,
:)
Miss Mynes

Visual arts

Olivia made a trophy!

March Break

I hope everyone has an amazing, safe vacation!  Enjoy playing with your children, reading lots of great books, and lots of fun, family excursions.

I will see you all after the break and I look forward to hearing about your adventures.

:)
Miss Mynes

tomorrow

I am absent tomorrow for an appointment.  It is crazy that it couldn't be rescheduled to the March Break.  I don't know what occasional teacher will be in for me but Mrs. McGrath will take good care of the kids while I am off, I am sure.
Today, we will paint tall, tall grass like the illustrations in the book In the Tall, Tall Grass by Denise Fleming.  We will also create "handy rulers" to use to measure things on Friday.

:)
Miss Mynes

reminder

Tomorrow we are going to Albert Campbell Library at 9:15am.

:)
Miss Mynes

a March Break idea

Are you celebrating St. Patrick's Day on the March Break?  Try this fun activity.

Leprechaun Bubble Pipe

What you will need:
acorn, kitchen knife, nail, straw, cool-temp glue gun and glue, 1 cup warm water, 1/2 cup green dish washing liquid, 1 tsp salt, bowl, plastic spoon

Find a large acorn.  Cut top off and dig out the meat to make a little bowl.  Make a hole in the side near the bottom of the bowl, just big enough for the straw to fit into.  Using the cool-temp glue gun, put the straw into the hole and fill the area around the straw with glue.  Blow gently through the straw to make sure no glue is clogging the hole.  Set the bubble pip aside.  Mix up some bubble solution by adding 1 cup warm water, 1/2 cup green dish washing liquid, and i tsp salt together in a bowl.  Stir to dissolve the salt.  Dip the pipe in the bubble solution, and blow gently.

:)
Miss Mynes

More chalk

Art by Livia

Chalk is fun!

Tanisha is a great artist!

Next week

Due to a missing library book. We are going to focus on In the Tall Tall Grass by Denise Fleming next week. We will learn about rhymes, onomatopoeic words, improve our comprehension skills and so much more.

Have a great weekend,
Miss Mynes

a little about today

We start our day with a Great Golden Bear assembly focused on fairness.  We will also visit the computer lab.

Please remember to send your children prepared to play outside each day.  Although I cannot predict if Mr. Vlahos will allow us outside or not, all children will go outside if recess isn't cancelled.  The snow isn't fun without proper clothing.  Winter boot, snow pants, winter jacket or coat, winter hat, mittens or gloves and a scarf ensures a good time.  On a day like today where it is wet, rubber boots may be a good alternative.

:)
Miss Mynes

if you can....

Now that the weather is wet, we sometimes get our pants wet at recess.  Those mud puddles just jump out at you.  If you have pants that your child has outgrown, I would really appreciate you donating them to our class.  We use these donated pants for a child to change into when they get their pants wet so they can be comfortable in class.

Thanks for your support,
Miss Mynes

a bit about today

Today, we will explore the ocean through visual art.  We will use construction paper, glue and sand in salt shakers to make pictures.  We will also focus on the concept of taller and shorter by building towers with blocks that are taller or shorter than given objects.

)
Miss Mynes

and another thing....

Another thing we could use.....

If you have sand paper at home that you could donate, we could explore the sounds a hermit crab may make moving across the sand.

Thanks, as always,
:)
Miss Mynes

reduce, reuse, recycle

If anyone has large cardboard boxes as home that they are not using, I would love for you to donate them to the class.  We could use them at drama centre so we can pretend to be hermit crabs.

Do you have a rock collection with porous rocks in it that you want to get rid of?  I could use the porous rocks to show the kids how sand is created in the ocean.
:)
Miss Mynes

a little about the week

This week, we are focusing on the book A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle.  On Wednesday afternoon, a friend of Ms. Dykstra who visited the Antarctic will be showing the kids some photos and talking about his experience.  Thursday morning is our Great Golden Bear Assembly focused on the character trait of Fairness.


On Tuesday we get new library books.

:)
Miss Mynes

a little about today

Today we will sing our Gingerbread Men song and read Gingerbread Baby.  We will discuss the book to enhance our comprehension.  We will write thank you letters to the donors who paid for our Science Center Trip (parents only paid for the bus).  In the afternoon, we will work on our measurement skills.

The children will see Miss McGregor for drama and dance and then again for physical education.

Have a great day!

:)
Miss Mynes

a fun idea

This week, we are focusing on the book Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett.  In support of this unit, visit a bakery.  Watch the baker make gingerbread cookies.  Invite your child to ask the baker questions: How do you know which cookies to bake?  How do you arrange the cookies?  Where do you get your recipes?  Where do you get your supplies?  Your spatial, naturalist and interpersonal learners will love it.

:)
Miss Mynes

school pants

If you have any pants your child has outgrown, I would love if you donated them to the class?  When we not wearing snow pants, we get wet at recess and wet pants are uncomfortable.

:)
Miss Mynes

Valentine's Day

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day.

In the morning we will make trains with bananas, strawberries and yogurt.

In the afternoon, we will have a Valentine's Day party.  Feel free to send in a treat for your child to share with their classmates.  The children can also brings a toy or game from home to share during the party.

:)
Miss Mynes

a fun idea

This week, if possible, take your child to a train station.  Encourage your child to find different train cars.  Ask, Is there a caboose?  Do you see the engineer?.  Your logical-mathematical, linguistic and naturalist learners will love it.

:)
Miss Mynes

a bit about the week

This week, our focus is shaped by the book Freight Train by Donald Crews  We will learn the song Down by the Station.

On Tuesday, junior students will receive a written report and seniors receive an interview time.  For those of you who are parents of junior students and you requested an interview, I have scheduled you one as well.  All interviews were scheduled because I was required, in the case of the seniors, or at your request, for the juniors.

On Wednesday and Thursday, all children in the school will receive a dental screening.  Also on Wednesday, after school, I will be bringing our 5 chicks back to the farm.

Thursday is Valentines Day and will will be having a party in the afternoon.  Feel free to send in a treat for your child to share with their friends.

Friday is a Professional Activity day.  In the morning, I am available for interviews.  The school is closed for the children.

:)
Miss Mynes

thank goodness

Well, thank goodness I took our 5 chicks home yesterday because this snowstorm broke my car on the way to school today.  Luckily, for almost all of you, JG Workman PS is your home school so you are able to walk to school everyday.  For those of you on alternate attendance who have to drive, I hope your car has a better engine than mine and if you take public transit, good luck.

:)
Miss Mynes

a few things

First off, as of this morning we have 5 chicks that have hatched.  Let's hope for a full dozen by tomorrow.

I have a plea for all parents and caregivers.  Please put effort into being on time for school.  You should be waiting outside the kindergarten entrance doors until a teacher opens the door and invites the children in.  Parents should say goodbye at this time and remain outside.  If you are late, please bring your child to the classroom and then head off to whatever your day holds.  Having so many parents inside the school makes an already crowded hall more crowded and holds their child back from learning class routines and Independence.  Mrs McGrath and I are professionals and can handle undressing and dressing 19 4 and 5 year olds ourselves.  We work to teach the children to be independent in a supportive environment.  Our routines are designed to develop the children self reliance and this will not happen if the routines are disrupted.

Thank you for your support and trust that we have your child's best interests in mind,
Miss Mynes

Bob it born!!

I rushed to school early this morning and helped a tired chick out of his shell.  In honour of Bob Marley Day, he will be named Bob.  Hopefully his peeping will remind his brothers and sisters that it is time to hatch.

:)
Miss Mynes

cold weather

Please try to have warm clothing for yourself and your child so you can go outside in the cold weather.  I am noticing the children are VERY restless and they usually are not at all.  Kids love to play outside, especially if there is snow.  Remember, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.

:)
Miss Mynes

a little about today

Today the children will see Miss McGregor for music as well as physical education.  In class, we begin our unit on Flower Garden by Eve Bunting.  We will paint flowers.  In support of this unit, I encourage you to bring your child to a florist, if possible.  Ask if you can see them make a flower arrangement.  Your naturalist, interpersonal and intrapersonal learners will love it.  Even a browse at the grocery store flower section would be great.

:)
Miss Mynes

a little about next week

Next week, we will focus on the book Flower Garden by Eve Bunting.  It is a story of a little girl helping her father plan a birthday surprise for her mother.  We will also continue working on expressions and equality in mathematics.  On the 6th, we will visit Albert Campbell Library and on the 7th our chicken eggs should hatch.  It is going to be a fun week.

:)
Melissa

Chicken!

Just for your information, our chicken eggs are expected to hatch on February 7th.  Let's hope I took good car of the eggs and we have 12 healthy chicks on that day.

Cross your fingers for me,
Miss Mynes

today's special event

Today, we will have a fancy tea!  We will have herbal tea and fancy cookies.  The children will see Miss McGregor for drama and dance and then again for physical education.

:)
Miss Mynes

a litttle about tomorrow

Tomorrow, we will have yogurt parfaits with sprinkles.  We will talk about fancy words from the book Fancy Nancy.  We will also discuss rhyming words.

I have plastic parfait glasses and sprinkles and will buy the yogurt tonight after school.

Have a fancy day!

:)
Miss Mynes

Next Week

Next week will most likely be a week preferred by the girl's in the class but the learning will be great for everyone.  Our week will be based on a book called Fancy Nancy.  Nancy is a glamour queen who loves everything fancy.  When she decides to teach her boring family to be fancy the fun begins.  The story is filled with fancy vocabulary.  We will have many fun activities based on the book including a fancy tea with tea and cookies and yogurt parfaits with sprinkles.  There are many things I would love to have for this unit and welcome any donations: a plume pen, cookies for the fancy tea, tiara's, boas, sequined clothes, sequined scarves, fancy shoes, yogurt, parfait glasses and sprinkles.

Thank you so much for your support.

Enjoy the long weekend.  I will be spending tomorrow writing the junior kindergarten summary for my junior kindergarten students.

:)
Miss Mynes

cold weather

The Toronto District School Board has a cold weather policy.  The children have a normal recess and lunch if the temperature is above -20.  From -20 to -28, the children will have a 10 minute recess and 20 minute lunch.  Below -28 the children stay inside.  That being said, it seems Mr. Vlahos has a different cold weather policy for our school where the children stay inside more than the policy dictates.  For that reason, I cannot predict when we will or will not go outside at recess or lunch.  My advice is to dress your child for outdoor play every day.  Snow pants, boots, jacket, scarf, hat and mittens are essential in the winter time so the children can be comfortable outside and can enjoy themselves.  Children love playing outside, especially if there is snow, so please provide them with all they need to enjoy themselves, including a positive attitude about the weather.

:)
Miss Mynes

A little about today

This morning, we will read Edward the Emu by Rod Clement.  We will strengthen our oral language skills by learning more about emus, strengthen our comprehension by discussing the story, improve our letter knowledge by examining the names of the characters ans work together to identify and represent animals and the way they move (your spatial and naturalist learners will love this).  If we have time, I will read with seniors and we all will write in our writing folders.  In the afternoon, we will create dances that have a pattern and juniors will write the number 4 in their math folders.

The children will have drama and dance and physical education with Miss McGregor.

Wit the cold weather, Mr Vlahos may choose to shorten recess to 10 minutes and lunch to 20 minutes.  Remember, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.

:)
Miss Mynes

Royal Ontario Museum

Today, the primary division is heading to the Royal Ontario Museum.  We will be having a self guided tour.  Thank you to all the parents who have volunteered.  I haven't been to the ROM in years so I am excited to share the experience with the children.

:)
Miss Mynes

Edward the Emu

Next week, our unit will be based on the book Edward the Emu.  It is the story of Edward who is bored of being an emu.  He tries being a seal, a lion, and a snake.  When he gets home, he discovers another emu and he is bored no more.  In support of this unit, visit a zoo.  before leaving, list all the animals Edward tried to be.  Check the animals off as you find them at the zoo.  Examine the habits of each animal.  Ask the children which animal they want to be.

Monday is our field trip to the Royal Ontario Museum.  There are still a few people who haven't returned their permission forms.  Please being your signed form on Monday.  Don't forget the trip is all day so if your child usually goes home for lunch, you will have to send a packed lunch for Monday.

Have a great weekend,
Miss Mynes

Punctuality

Please make every effort to be on time for school - 8:40am.  You should wait with your child outside the kindergarten entrance doors until one of the teachers invites the children into the building.  Punctuality is a healthy habit and following routines at school is the building blocks of our whole education.  I also find that children are significantly less independent when their parent is there is observe or assist them and the kindergarten curriculum expects that the children develop the skills to dress and undress themselves independently.  Mrs McGrath and I are there to teach, encourage and assist with getting dressed and undressed for school.

Thanks for your support,
Miss Mynes

so exciting!!

After school on Thursday, I will be going to Green Acres Farm to pick up our chicken eggs.  We will spend a month caring for the eggs and then enjoying the chicks after they are born.  It will be a memorable few weeks for all the children.

:)
Miss Mynes

The Dot

This week, we will be focusing on the book The Dot.  It is about a teacher's encouragement that helps a little girl find the artist within and the lesson spreads.  In support of this unit, try to visit an art museum.  Look for pictures with dots in them.  Look for works of art that employ the pointillist technique.  Discuss the various types of paintings, asking the children to identify the pictures they like the most.  Ask them about the feel and mood of the painting's and drawings: "Which paintings create a playful mood? Which paintings create a serious mood?  Do colours make a difference?"

Today, we will discuss the book, paint with dots, write our names with dots and begin our patterning unit in Math.

We will also visit the computer lab.
:)
Miss Mynes

Thursday

Thanks to a walk in clinic and Penicillin, I am back today.  Throat infections really hurt :(

Today your child should be choosing new library books.  Please remember, if your child receives an overdue notice and you have returned the books referenced, just return the note, letting me know the books have been returned, and I will remove them from your child's account.  Unfortunately, library books are not always checked in properly.

Today, the children will see Miss McGregor for a health lesson.

:)
Miss Mynes

a few fun ideas

In support of our unit this week based on the book Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, take your child to a park or other spot where pigeons live.  Take food so your child can feed the pigeons.  Ask "What colour are the pigeons? Do they prefer to walk around or fly around? How many feet do the pigeons have? Do they have arms? Without arms, how could a pigeon drive a bus?  You could also take a ride on a bus.  Ask the driver to show you the parts of the bus mentioned in the book - steering wheel and accelerator.

:)
Miss Mynes

a little about this week

This week, our anchor text is Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus.  Today, we will work on our oral language skills be talking about the expressions on the pigeons face in the pictures.  We will sing a song called The Pigeon on the Bus.  We will draw pigeons.  We will also go on a number walk and look for numbers around the school and what those numbers mean.

:)
Miss Mynes