Where the SOARing Begins

• October 19 - Fall Fesitval
• October 23 -27 - Red Ribbon Week
• October 25 - Early Dismissal for Pre-K @ 12:20pm
• October 26 & 27 - NO SCHOOL for Teacher Workdays

MONDAY: Wear bright colors OR a positive message to show kindness and a positive mindset.

TUESDAY: Wear a WE shirt OR your favorite team to show that we are "all on the same team."

WEDNESDAY: Wear your ZONE - Represent your feelings by wearing Red, Blue, Yellow, or Green.

THURSDAY: NO SCHOOL

FRIDAY: NO SCHOOL

TUESDAY (Oct. 31): Wear your costume - please NO MASKS or scary costumes. Leave your props at home!

WEDNESDAY (Nov. 1): PJ Day - Wear your pajamas to school. NO bedroom slippers!

This week we will...

• Take a closer look at tree parts and record what we see.
• Discuss what circumference means when measuring a tree trunk and other objects.
• Discuss how we can use our senses to explore trees and learn that some things may be touched and some may not be safe to touch.
• Discuss the parts of a tree: trunk, roots, crown.
• Discuss the importance of keeping trees safe from harm.
• Learn the difference between deciduous trees and evergreen trees.

Jaydah said, "Apples grow on trees."

Buddy said, "Trees have sap."

Parker said, "Trees have honebees."

Addy said, "I can climb trees."

Camila said, "Trees have apples on top of them."

Holland said, "Trees grow in all seasons."

Westin said, "Pinecones grow on them."

Zachary said, "Blood comes out of damaged trees."

Willa said, "Squirrels climb trees."

Camden said, "Treees grow from seeds."

William said, "Leaves can grow on them."

Arianna said, "Bananas live in trees."

Nancy said, "Banana monkeys live in trees."

Levi said, "Trees grow all night."

Trees fascinate children and spark their curiosity and wonder. Maybe you have some childhood memories that involve trees.

• Did you ever climb a tree?
• Did you play chase and hide behind a tree?
• Did you lie down under a tree and wonder whether it touched the sky?
• Did you ever try to wrap your arms all the way around a tree?
• Did you wonder why there are holes in trees and what's inside them?
• Did you ever imagine what the world would be like without trees?

This study builds upon your children's interest in trees to help them explore science and social studies. This study focuses on helping to develop an understanding of the characteristics of trees and their role in our natural and man-made worlds. During the study, your children will use skills in literacy, math, technology, and the arts to investigate and represent their knowledge about trees. This is going to be a great study!

Our class is beginning to study trees. We'll be observing and comparing trees to learn about what lives in them, what they're made from, and who cares for them. We hope that this study will help our children explore and appreciate nature.

If you are able to take a "tree walk" with your child, we would appreciate your help in colleciting tree parts to investigate. If you can, please take a bag to a tree area and collect things that have fallen such as leaves, bark, twigs, flowers, fruit, or cones. Thanks!

This week we will:

• Without actually seeing have the children identify a variety of familiar classroom sounds, e.g., a drum beat, keys jingling, shoes walking on the floor, or paper tearing.

This week we will discuss:

• What does it mean to take turns?
• Read a story about friendship
• What do you like to do with your friends?
• What should you do if you and your friend want the same toy?

FOLLOW MY DESIGN

Learning Outcomes: Geometry and Spatial Reasoning, Listening and Speaking, Relationship Skills

At the table, show your child how to create a simple design by flipping, sliding, or turning the items in front of you. Next, use a book or menu to make a barrier so your child can't see what's in front of you. Give directions such as "Flip the fork. Slide the knife. Turn the sugar packet." After the child follows the directions, remove the barrier to see if your designs match. Try again and let your child give the directions this time!

Why It's Important

Children need lots of practice manipulating items to develop spatial thinking and reasoning. Build a foundation for geometry by using words such as "flip," "slide," and "turn."

Not Ready Yet

Your child may need more time watching you flip, slide, and turn the objects. Don't worry about putting the menu between you. Continue to reinforce the words "flip," "slide," and "turn" as you manipulate the objects and help your child as needed.

Need a Challenge

Don't set up the initial design. See if your child can set up the silverware to mimic your design. This reinforces spatial reasoning. As you are giving instructions during the game, you can be more specific with directions such as “slide your spoon to the left.”

• Check Class Dojo everyday for messages.
• Sign your child's Red To Me log and Daily Reflection Form every night
• Return the Red Book Bags every Thursday morning.

5:00 PM and into Evenings and Weekends

Email: laplanted@wilkes.k12.nc.us
Phone: 336-651-4359