Hello Families,

Last week we began talking about Twiggle, the turtle, who is one of the PATHS characters.  PATHS is the social-emotional curriculum that Spark! uses and it is great!  We created a Twiggle.  It was a great fine motor, following directions and counting (we counted the turtle’s feet before putting them on!) task for the students.  We were able to complete this in small groups and it allowed me time to individualize conversations with all of the students.  This week, students could choose to color or watercolor Twiggle and friends at the art area. We have been reading a book called Twiggle Makes Friends.  This is helping us discuss friendship in our classroom.  Be on the lookout for Starpower tickets!  Students are recognized daily for their positive behavior in the classroom. The color cube used for last week’s song is also being used to play a partner game.  The game is played like this:1.  One player rolls the cube.2.  Player uses the tong to pick up one colored ball.3.  Ball is sorted into tubes.Students are doing a great job sharing and taking turns with this game.  It is a great way to learn/practice multiple skills.  (sorting, fine motor, taking turns.)  (When I have been present to play with students or help facilitate play we have also been counting the balls and predicting which color tube has more/less and counting to find out.) All of the students love the version of “Pop See Ko” that we have been singing!  We sing and dance an adapted version of this Gonoodle.com song.  (I don’t use the video.)  The dance goes like this:1.  One student decides a move that we will all do for “Pop See Ko”2.  We practice this move in our carpet square.  (Students are learning body awareness.)3.  We count “1,2,3,”4.  Then we sing:  “My hands are high” (hands up)  “My hands are low”  (touch toes) “and this is how I Pop See Ko.”  (then we do the dance move and sing/chant  “Pop, See, Ko, Pop, Pop, See Ko.” Ask your student how he/she likes to Pop See Ko. This week we have begun doing small group practice with cutting/scissor rules at the art area.  We also opened our painting area.  Please send in a family picture if you can.  Several families emailed pictures and I printed them out.  Feel free to do this. Please send in water bottles for snack time if you choose,  This is working well. Thanks for your patience as I learn Seesaw.   Here is some information about sending in a “Me Bag.”   Please send in when you are able in the next week. 

All About Me Bag

Please fill a reusable grocery bag or a paper gift bag (not a plastic bag due to licensing requirements) with 3 special items that your student connects with in some way.  Please bring the bag to school to share with your classmates.

Here are some suggestions:

-something in your favorite color

– favorite book

-something you like to play or do

-a picture or artifact of your favorite sport or hobby

-a picture or drawing of your family or someone special in your life

Find items small enough to fit inside the bag.  Please do not bring fragile or irreplaceable items.  All items will be returned. Please put your child’s name on the bag with masking tape or another method.

 It is our pleasure to spend time each day with your student and see your family at drop off and pick up!  We look forward to hearing what each student has to say everyday! With our best,Ms. Mary and Ms. Sherry