Last week, we kicked off our Small Moments writing unit. Thank you for helping your child brainstorm ideas for the writing topics list. These will come in very handy in the weeks ahead. These lists generated lots of excitement (and laughs) when we shared our ideas.
The children are learning how to take a small moment from their life, break it up into parts and tell it across several pages until the whole story is complete. They are learning how to be in the "driver's seat" of their own writing, learning how to judge when their story need more, and when it is finished. This is all a long process, and one we will engage with all year.
The concept of Part - Part - Whole is becoming common, content-wide, language for lots of our learning tasks. In addition to writing, the children are seeing parts and wholes during math (3 + 5 = 8; part-part-whole), as well as during word study (/sh/ and /ut/ are two parts that make the whole word shut). We will continue to find ways this concept threads through other content areas such as reading, science, social studies and more.
Halloween is a hot topic of conversation each day. Information regarding our parade and party on October 31 has gone out from the front office. If you have any questions, please let me know. Many thanks to our room parents for coordinating what is sure to be a fun celebration that day!
I am all set on supplies from my last request, with the exception of still hoping for some half-dollar coins. This week, if you are able, I could use an assortment of pumpkins for a project. I have one medium-sized orange pumpkin, and one white. Any other kinds... smaller, larger, lumpy, striped, etc., would be welcome so feel free to send one in or drop it by the office for us. We are always appreciative!
Enjoy the week ahead!