What we're learning!
September - October
Reading We Are Readers: Building Habits and Routines
In a very real way, we are actually showing students that they already are readers. Reading has often been thought of as something that is done in one just-right way. But in this unit, we hold tight to the idea that there are a lot of ways to be a reader. We will move toward reading slowly--first by establishing the habits and routines of readers workshop, then by reading fascinating nonfiction texts, and finally by reading and rereading emergent storybooks. We will move toward conventional reading by focusing efforts on making sure that our children all learn that reading is something they can and want to do. When they reach a point where they want to read a text conventionally but can’t, when they are craving the skills and powers to read conventionally, then our teaching will teach them the skills they need to do that--foundational skills such as concepts of print and super powers that will allow them to take off as readers.
Writing
Launching Writing Workshop
The beginning of kindergarten is a time of new possibilities. Kindergartners enter school ready to read and write like big kids. This first unit capitalizes on that excitement and channels it into
writing all-about books and stories. Simultaneously, children will learn what it means to be part of a writing workshop. As part of this, they will learn how to work with each other as partners--planning together, sharing drafts, giving each other help.
Math
In Kindergarten, instructional time will focus on two critical areas: (1) representing and comparing whole numbers, initially with sets of objects; (2) describing shapes and space. More learning time in Kindergarten will be devoted to number than to other topics.
COUNTING AND CARDINALITY (*0-10)
Know number names and the count sequence.
Count to tell the number of objects.
Compare numbers.
Science
Unit 1 Becoming Avid Scientists Through the Study of Sunlight
This unit will focus on weather and climate, particularly on sunlight and
how it impacts different surfaces on Earth - sand, soil, rock, and water. Students will
use tools and materials to design and build a structure that will reduce the warming effect of
sunlight on an area.
Big Ideas:
- Sunlight warms the Earth’s surface.
- People use tools and materials to design and build a structure that will reduce the
warming effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface.
Social Studies
Unit 1 Community and Self
In this unit of study, students will be presented with the following project:
Someone new is joining our class (We’re ALL new in fact!) How can we make this student feel included? What can we do to make this new student more comfortable? How can we be good friends? What can we do as a class to make them feel welcome and part of our school community?
Big Ideas:
Kindness and respect are at the heart of a strong community.