February+10,+2010+(vol.+1,+issue+11)

= **__Important Dates__** =

Feb. 14-18 – Love of Reading Week (All School, hosted by the library) Feb. 14 – Pre-K4 picnic (on campus) Feb. 21 – Shaheed Day – NO SCHOOL

**__Valentine’s Day Picnic!__** To celebrate friendships in our class and also in Ms. Teresa’s class, we will have our very first picnic this Sunday, the 14th Feb. Children will need home lunch for this day as we will not be eating in the cafeteria.

**__ Welcome to the Farm! __** We’re off to a great start in our new unit. This week students sorted and discussed what they thought were farm animals. We had some interesting discussions coming from so many different cultures and experiences. We are still looking for a farm to visit. If you have any contacts, please let me know.

= **__Small Group Time__**=

**__Mathematical Games__** – We continue to play math games. Each game is differentiated for children with varying abilities, and a great way for children to learn how to play games.
 * __Movement and Sound__** – We have been listening to different soundtracks to work on identifying different sounds. Being able to discriminate different sounds is an important skill for reading and writing.
 * __Patterning/Weaving__:** We used paper strips to make up and down patterns. This activity helped children apply their mathematical knowledge of patterning to a real life. It also reinforce their fine-motor skills.
 * __Fine-Motor Practice__** – In your child’s red folder you will see some fine-motor/handwriting practice papers that your child has been working on. In one of the activities students practiced top-to-bottom strokes on sand paper before using a pencil. Please reinforce top-to-bottom strokes with your child at home.