Ms. Kirkpatrick’s Newsletter
February 22-25, 2010
Classroom News
We had a very successful Open House on Friday. We had two families attend as well as two new families.
Taylor has a birthday at the end of the week. She was a leap year baby.
The Flint Academy is collecting shoes for the Mission Possible Kids ministry to send to Haiti. There will be a box to collect them at the front of the building. This is a great service opportunity. The shoes can be gently used or new.
We will begin a study on birds this week. I would like to take the students to Veteran’s park to go on a nature walk to look and listen for birds. There will be a permission slip sent home today. Please return it by Wednesday.
I am also planning a field trip to the Dallas Aquarium March 25th. Please let me know if you are interested in attending because I need to make reservation this week and pay the deposit. Unfortunately there will be no discount for adults who attend.
Our Studies
For phonics, each student had their own Valentine’s Day phonic worksheet. They read words and glued them on the corresponding vowel sound to make a heart.
In math, they also did their own Valentine’s Day worksheet by completing equations and coloring by the code to spell love. Each student got their own candy hearts to sort by colors and then graph. We also did several estimation activities. They had to estimate how many candy hearts would fit inside a heart, then they put the hearts in and counted. Lastly, they estimated how many suckers were in a clear bag. As a class we counted and the closest student got to take it home, Nate.
We concluded our study on Thomas Jefferson. The posters the students made are on display in the hallway. Also on display in the hall, are the students’ illustrations of chapters 1-6 of The Adventures of Buster Bear.
In spelling, the class practiced spelling love by gluing candy hearts on the letters. In grammar, we reviewed the pronouns my, mine, I, me. Each student took turns covering up their name in sentences with the appropriate pronouns.
Our focus this week in Bible was on the kindness King David showed to his friend Jonathan’s crippled son. Each student thought up ways to show kindness to their family members and were awarded Kindness Badges.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
February 16-18, 2010
Ms. Kirkpatrick’s Newsletter
February 16-18, 2010
Classroom News
I hope everyone had a wonderful, white weekend. I enjoyed all the beautiful snow and spent time outside this weekend. The two students who made it for school on Thursday enjoyed a short recess in the snow.
We had our Valentine’s Day party on Tuesday. I would like to thank all the parents for all the goodies that were brought.
Open House is this Friday, February 19th at 7:00pm. This is a great time to come to the classroom and see all the hard work your child does.
One of our students, Taylor, was in the hospital over the weekend with an infection, but praise God she is feeling better and will be returning to school!
Our Studies
We spent much of our time last week preparing for Valentine’s Day. Each student decorated a sack to put his or her valentines in. They were working on a gift for their parents for Valentines Day. They will finish it this week to send home.
We spent our history time talking about the history of Valentine’s Day and Saint Valentine. For Bible, we studied Psalms 118:1, which talks about the Lord’s unending love. The students copied it off the board onto heart paper.
In grammar, we began a study on pronouns. We are focusing on pronouns that replace our name (my, mine, I, me). We played a letter scavenger. They went around the room in groups and found letters that I had hidden. Then they sorted them by capital and lowercase letters.
In handwriting, we practiced the letter q. We focused on differentiating it from the letter p. Each student continues to practice his or her individual spelling lists everyday.
We are continuing to read The Adventures of Buster Bear. We just completed the sixth chapter. We have had lots of great conversations about the choices Buster Bear and Little Joe Otter have been making.
February 16-18, 2010
Classroom News
I hope everyone had a wonderful, white weekend. I enjoyed all the beautiful snow and spent time outside this weekend. The two students who made it for school on Thursday enjoyed a short recess in the snow.
We had our Valentine’s Day party on Tuesday. I would like to thank all the parents for all the goodies that were brought.
Open House is this Friday, February 19th at 7:00pm. This is a great time to come to the classroom and see all the hard work your child does.
One of our students, Taylor, was in the hospital over the weekend with an infection, but praise God she is feeling better and will be returning to school!
Our Studies
We spent much of our time last week preparing for Valentine’s Day. Each student decorated a sack to put his or her valentines in. They were working on a gift for their parents for Valentines Day. They will finish it this week to send home.
We spent our history time talking about the history of Valentine’s Day and Saint Valentine. For Bible, we studied Psalms 118:1, which talks about the Lord’s unending love. The students copied it off the board onto heart paper.
In grammar, we began a study on pronouns. We are focusing on pronouns that replace our name (my, mine, I, me). We played a letter scavenger. They went around the room in groups and found letters that I had hidden. Then they sorted them by capital and lowercase letters.
In handwriting, we practiced the letter q. We focused on differentiating it from the letter p. Each student continues to practice his or her individual spelling lists everyday.
We are continuing to read The Adventures of Buster Bear. We just completed the sixth chapter. We have had lots of great conversations about the choices Buster Bear and Little Joe Otter have been making.
February 8-11, 2010
Ms. Kirkpatrick’s Newsletter
February 8-11, 2010
Classroom News
We had a fantastic time at the Yankee Doodle Dandies on Thursday. The play was very informative and very relevant for what we have been and will be studying in history. We also celebrated Bailey’s birthday by eating yummy cupcakes his mother made.
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. We will have our class party on Thursday, February 11th at 2:15. There will be a note attached that will tell you what to bring for the party. Please provide a Valentine for each student from your child. As a part of the party, each student will pass out Valentines to each of their classmates. The names of all of the students will be attached also.
Don’t forget there will be no school on Monday, February 15th for President’s Day. Open House is Friday, February 19th. Please let me know if you plan to attend.
Our Studies
Last week, we have been studying the patriot Thomas Jefferson. The students are making a poster about all the great things Thomas Jefferson has done for our country. We are continuing to learn the Star Spangled Banner. We almost have the first verse memorized.
We went to the nature study room to see all the new animals. The students got to pet one of the sugar gliders who really liked climbing all over me. Everyone thought it was very funny. They got to hold and pet the new rat named Stuart and Mr. Cookie the guinea pig.
We studied the was/were rule much like we did the is/are rule. The students did really well at listening to a sentence and figuring out if was or were was needed to complete it. We will spend another week on this rule before moving ahead.
In handwriting, we practiced the letter e. We have done dictation this week and last week. During dictation, I say a sentence and each student has to write the sentence or fill in the blank depending on each student’s individual level. It has been challenging for some of the students but will only get easier with practice.
In Bible, we studied the story about King Josiah in 2 Kings 22 and 23. This lesson focused on responsibility. The students copied the scripture I Timothy 6:20.
We made a big clock on the floor and the students took turns moving the huge hands to make different hour and half hour times. The students are also practicing addition flashcards everyday to help them memorize their math facts.
February 8-11, 2010
Classroom News
We had a fantastic time at the Yankee Doodle Dandies on Thursday. The play was very informative and very relevant for what we have been and will be studying in history. We also celebrated Bailey’s birthday by eating yummy cupcakes his mother made.
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. We will have our class party on Thursday, February 11th at 2:15. There will be a note attached that will tell you what to bring for the party. Please provide a Valentine for each student from your child. As a part of the party, each student will pass out Valentines to each of their classmates. The names of all of the students will be attached also.
Don’t forget there will be no school on Monday, February 15th for President’s Day. Open House is Friday, February 19th. Please let me know if you plan to attend.
Our Studies
Last week, we have been studying the patriot Thomas Jefferson. The students are making a poster about all the great things Thomas Jefferson has done for our country. We are continuing to learn the Star Spangled Banner. We almost have the first verse memorized.
We went to the nature study room to see all the new animals. The students got to pet one of the sugar gliders who really liked climbing all over me. Everyone thought it was very funny. They got to hold and pet the new rat named Stuart and Mr. Cookie the guinea pig.
We studied the was/were rule much like we did the is/are rule. The students did really well at listening to a sentence and figuring out if was or were was needed to complete it. We will spend another week on this rule before moving ahead.
In handwriting, we practiced the letter e. We have done dictation this week and last week. During dictation, I say a sentence and each student has to write the sentence or fill in the blank depending on each student’s individual level. It has been challenging for some of the students but will only get easier with practice.
In Bible, we studied the story about King Josiah in 2 Kings 22 and 23. This lesson focused on responsibility. The students copied the scripture I Timothy 6:20.
We made a big clock on the floor and the students took turns moving the huge hands to make different hour and half hour times. The students are also practicing addition flashcards everyday to help them memorize their math facts.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
January 25-28 2010
January 25-28, 2010
Classroom News
We have several events coming up in February. The class will be going to see Yankee Doodle Dandies next Thursday, February 4th. Please make sure that the permission slip and money are turned in by the end of the week. Valentine’s Day is also quickly approaching. I will send home more information next week. Don’t forget to order your child a Valogram. The students get very excited to get a surprise the day of the Valentines party.
Our Studies
Every Wednesday, we have a group phonic lesson. We have focused on the consonant diagraphs /th/ and /ch/. The students took turns naming things that begin with these sounds. We made a chart with all the items named.
During math, the students continue to work in their individual workbook. We also have a group life skills math activity. We have been focusing on skip counting by 10’s and counting dimes. Last week, we practiced writing the coin amounts.
I have changed our schedule so that we do one week of science and one week of history rather than doing each twice a week. In history, we focued on George Washington. The students made a book about him. They also did a picture study on a portrait of him. Then the students tried to reproduce it. It will be hanging on the bulletin board with the flag they made.
In science, we have been studying day four of creation. We read the Magic School Bus book about the solar system and God Made Space. The students are currently working on making a mobile of solar system. They have been coloring each planet based on real life pictures of them.
In grammar, the students have been learning the rules for when to use is and are. We did several lessons as a class to observe the rules. After a quick assessment on common and proper nouns, I discovered a majority of the student have a hard time with capital letters. Therefore, we will be doing activities to practice identifying and writing capital letters each week.
The students are learning the Star Spangled Banner. We are currently focusing on the first verse. We read the verse and listen to it every day.
We began a new Bible unit. It covers the truths the Bible teaches us. The first lesson taught that God gave us the Bible and it will never change. The Bible story was Jeremiah.
Classroom News
We have several events coming up in February. The class will be going to see Yankee Doodle Dandies next Thursday, February 4th. Please make sure that the permission slip and money are turned in by the end of the week. Valentine’s Day is also quickly approaching. I will send home more information next week. Don’t forget to order your child a Valogram. The students get very excited to get a surprise the day of the Valentines party.
Our Studies
Every Wednesday, we have a group phonic lesson. We have focused on the consonant diagraphs /th/ and /ch/. The students took turns naming things that begin with these sounds. We made a chart with all the items named.
During math, the students continue to work in their individual workbook. We also have a group life skills math activity. We have been focusing on skip counting by 10’s and counting dimes. Last week, we practiced writing the coin amounts.
I have changed our schedule so that we do one week of science and one week of history rather than doing each twice a week. In history, we focued on George Washington. The students made a book about him. They also did a picture study on a portrait of him. Then the students tried to reproduce it. It will be hanging on the bulletin board with the flag they made.
In science, we have been studying day four of creation. We read the Magic School Bus book about the solar system and God Made Space. The students are currently working on making a mobile of solar system. They have been coloring each planet based on real life pictures of them.
In grammar, the students have been learning the rules for when to use is and are. We did several lessons as a class to observe the rules. After a quick assessment on common and proper nouns, I discovered a majority of the student have a hard time with capital letters. Therefore, we will be doing activities to practice identifying and writing capital letters each week.
The students are learning the Star Spangled Banner. We are currently focusing on the first verse. We read the verse and listen to it every day.
We began a new Bible unit. It covers the truths the Bible teaches us. The first lesson taught that God gave us the Bible and it will never change. The Bible story was Jeremiah.
January 4-7 2010
January 4-7, 2009
Happy New Year! I am very excited to be back after the long break. I hope everybody had a very Merry Christmas. I know I did. The new year brings in a lot of changes. I got married the day after Christmas. It was a simple and lovely ceremony. I will not be changing my name until after the school year. I don’t want to confuse any of the students.
My parents (Mrs. K, the 4th-5th grade teacher) are moving to Seven Points, Texas this week. My dad got a preaching job there. I am very sad to see them, but I know it is God’s will. Please pray for them as well as for my little brother Corey. You can stay updated on his health at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/coreykirkpatrick.
Another small change is that Mrs. Caldwell will not be helping out in our class on Wednesdays. Therefore, the red folders will go home empty on Wednesdays.
Before the break, the students finished up all their Christmas crafts. We went to paint unfinished pottery at Creative Hands. The students got to see huge ice statues of Dr. Seuss’ book How the Grinch Stole Christmas. We will spend this week reviewing what was taught before the break.
I would like personally extend a huge “thank you” to all the parents that made donations to help out the family our class adopted. I am copying a thank you note from the family:
Dear Students and Families at Flint Academy,
Wow! We are so overwhelmed and thankful! What a great surprise to see our pantry full of so much delicious food. We know that God loves us and provides for us because he sends "angels" like all of you to help us. We are also thankful for the presents. We haven't opened those yet but know the kids will be so blessed on Christmas morning because of your gifts. Thank you also for the beautiful and encouraging cards you made for us. We pray that your Christmas season is blessed and the year 2010 is a year filled with hope and love for all of you!
Love and thank
Happy New Year! I am very excited to be back after the long break. I hope everybody had a very Merry Christmas. I know I did. The new year brings in a lot of changes. I got married the day after Christmas. It was a simple and lovely ceremony. I will not be changing my name until after the school year. I don’t want to confuse any of the students.
My parents (Mrs. K, the 4th-5th grade teacher) are moving to Seven Points, Texas this week. My dad got a preaching job there. I am very sad to see them, but I know it is God’s will. Please pray for them as well as for my little brother Corey. You can stay updated on his health at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/coreykirkpatrick.
Another small change is that Mrs. Caldwell will not be helping out in our class on Wednesdays. Therefore, the red folders will go home empty on Wednesdays.
Before the break, the students finished up all their Christmas crafts. We went to paint unfinished pottery at Creative Hands. The students got to see huge ice statues of Dr. Seuss’ book How the Grinch Stole Christmas. We will spend this week reviewing what was taught before the break.
I would like personally extend a huge “thank you” to all the parents that made donations to help out the family our class adopted. I am copying a thank you note from the family:
Dear Students and Families at Flint Academy,
Wow! We are so overwhelmed and thankful! What a great surprise to see our pantry full of so much delicious food. We know that God loves us and provides for us because he sends "angels" like all of you to help us. We are also thankful for the presents. We haven't opened those yet but know the kids will be so blessed on Christmas morning because of your gifts. Thank you also for the beautiful and encouraging cards you made for us. We pray that your Christmas season is blessed and the year 2010 is a year filled with hope and love for all of you!
Love and thank
Christmas News
Christmas News
This is the season of counting all the blessings God has given us. Our class, as well as Mrs. Kirkpatrick and Mrs. Workman, will be blessing a family in need. We have adopted a family who had come upon some difficult times lately. The mother has been substitute teaching as much as she can and the father works for a roofing company but has not been bringing home very much income. They have two children. A 5th grade daughter and a 14 year old son who attends a skill class. Our class is raising money to buy gifts for the children. We have a wish list and would like to raise enough money to buy them several gifts each. The students will make wrapping paper and help wrap the presents.
We need empty toilet paper rolls and shoe boxes for a nativity scene we will be making.
We will be going to Creative Hands to make Christmas crafts on Tuesday, December 8th. We do not need any parents help. We will just go from 2:00-3:00. Please fill out the permission form by Monday, December 7th. There is no price for this field trip.
We will be going to the Gaylord Texan’s ICE exhibit based on “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” We will leave at 9:30. We will eat our sack lunch in the lobby. Please make sure that your child wears their field trip shirt. The exhibit is cold. They do provide jackets, but dress your child appropriately for the weather. Please return the field trip form by Monday, December 7th with the. If you would like to attend please let me know ASAP so we can make arrangements.
We will have our Christmas party after the field trip. I will assign what each student needs to bring to the party.
This is the season of counting all the blessings God has given us. Our class, as well as Mrs. Kirkpatrick and Mrs. Workman, will be blessing a family in need. We have adopted a family who had come upon some difficult times lately. The mother has been substitute teaching as much as she can and the father works for a roofing company but has not been bringing home very much income. They have two children. A 5th grade daughter and a 14 year old son who attends a skill class. Our class is raising money to buy gifts for the children. We have a wish list and would like to raise enough money to buy them several gifts each. The students will make wrapping paper and help wrap the presents.
We need empty toilet paper rolls and shoe boxes for a nativity scene we will be making.
We will be going to Creative Hands to make Christmas crafts on Tuesday, December 8th. We do not need any parents help. We will just go from 2:00-3:00. Please fill out the permission form by Monday, December 7th. There is no price for this field trip.
We will be going to the Gaylord Texan’s ICE exhibit based on “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” We will leave at 9:30. We will eat our sack lunch in the lobby. Please make sure that your child wears their field trip shirt. The exhibit is cold. They do provide jackets, but dress your child appropriately for the weather. Please return the field trip form by Monday, December 7th with the. If you would like to attend please let me know ASAP so we can make arrangements.
We will have our Christmas party after the field trip. I will assign what each student needs to bring to the party.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)