What’s black and white and waddles? Penguins, of course! Since our return to school, kindergarten has been busy learning about penguins, with a particular emphasis on the Emperor and Adelie penguins that live in Antarctica. Along with the many factual books that we have read thus far, the class is enjoying the series of Tacky the Penguin books by Helen Lester, as well as Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and FLorence Atwater. Earlier this week the class began to create a mural of Antartica. As the class learns more about life on this frozen continent each day, they add more details to the mural. Please come and take a look. If you look closely, you’ll see some mighty familiar-looking B,CD penguins on it too!
In Language Arts, we’ve begun reviewing the correct formation of each letter and are now adding the associated sound. Many children are attempting to sound out words on their own, which is quite exciting for them. We have additional help from a new mentoring program, spearheaded by Upper School students. Twice a week for half an hour, four eighth and ninth grade students come to our classroom to work in small reading groups with the kindergarteners. Based on the responses from both age groups, our first week was very successful, and the children have really enjoyed these opportunity to read to the “big kids” here at BCD.
During our first week back, the class celebrated Gabriel and Olivia’s school birthdays (they turned six over vacation). Carmen and Geoff joined us in the classroom, and each read a book to the class. At the end of lunch, we shared delicious brownies. Thank you, Geoff and Carmen, for joining us in Kindergarten!
We also enjoyed a wonderful Lunch Bunch, courtesy of the Carmel and the Hiam/Scribner families. Having a hot lunch on such a cold winter day was a treat. All enjoyed the macaroni and cheese, fresh fruit and veggies, and jello. Thank you, Juliane and Becky, for such a nice meal!
Upcoming calendar:
No school this coming Monday, Jan. 17 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.)
The next Pizza Friday will be Jan. 21
Enjoy the long weekend!
Andrea
