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

= __**Important Dates**__ = Feb. 2 – Group Photos Feb. 5 – International Fair (hosted by the PTA) Feb. 14-18 – Love of Reading Week (All School, hosted by the library) Feb. 21 – Shaheed Day – NO SCHOOL

**__ Welcome to the Farm! __**  We will kick-off our new unit next week. We’re looking to go on our very first field trip to a farm. If you know of one or know anyone who might have connections, please let me know. We would really love to go visit a local farm

= = = = =**Calling All Singers....** = = = We welcome all parents to come in any time in the day to teach us a song, a tune or a nursery rhyme. Please send me a note or email if you would like to teach our class a song. .

**__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__** – Students shared what they did during their winter holiday with each other and wrote their first entry in a new journal. They were given opportunities to share their stories.


 * __Patterning__** – Patterning is part of our daily calendar math. This week children used several skills to create and finish their own pattern using new shapes introduced (trapezoid and hexagon).


 * __Junk Art__** – You should see some of our creations! It’s amazing to see how far they’ve come since first semester. Their artwork has changed in so many ways!


 * __ Handwriting/Fine-Motor Practice __** – We continue building our fine-motor skills. This semester I have introduced handwriting in our fine-motor activities. Students have been doing a lot of coloring as this is an important component of building fine-motor control. This week we have been working on top-to-bottom and left-to-right strokes. Please reinforce these skills at home if you see your child interested in writing at home.