Mrs. Bowen's Classroom: Autumn Greetings!

Hello everyone!
Happy Autumn :) Autumn is my favorite season- I love the colors, foods, smells, and the experiences. We started exploring and observing the leaves even before they changed colors on the trees. We talked about the different shapes of leaves, and even the purpose of leaves. They were amazed that they eat leaves! They compared the difference between tree leaves and leaves that we can eat as food.

When they were investigating spinach, they were able to try a spinach leaf if they wanted.
Here were some of their responses:

"Tastes like a regular, old leaf." (Marlo)
"Tastes like a tree." (J'Lyn)
"Tastes kinda weird" (Patrick)
"Can we have more?" (Andrew)

The children have also been busy filling their noggins with facts about apples. On Wednesdsay, the children learned that there are different types of apples and they all have a different taste to them. They were able to taste a slice of three different types of apples. After we graphed what our favorite apple was, we found out that the children enjoyed the granny smith and gala apples the best (7 votes for each.) J'Lyn was the only one to like the red delicious apple best. Interesting to see! Next week, we will read a book about making an apple pie. I will have an apple toaster strudel warming up in a toaster, so the students should REALLY feel like they are making an apple pie. They will be able to make a special apple treat as well :)

In math, they have been exploring their shapes both within the classroom as well as throughout the outside environment. They were also introduced to their first math game! They were so excited! They couldn't keep their hands off the colorful game boards and spinners. At home, please keep emphasizing the standard "rules" of playing games with a partner. We talked a lot about sharing, taking turns, and cooperating with one another. Also, you will be getting your Kindergarten class phone book on Monday. The students worked so hard on them, so please utilize them to the fullest!

Did your child tell you about technology on Thursday? They got to work on "real" computers as they would say. Mr. Tom taught them the basics and responsibility they have when handling laptops. They are itching to play games on them!

In phonics, we have been learning about how sentences are made up of words and that words are made up letters. They also were about to form their names with playdough which they LOVED. They did so well that many of them started on their last names!

The children have been working on appropriate social skills when interacting with their peers. I have been doing many games and activities to help them form positive relationships with their classmates, but support and help from home would be appreciated! There will be many upcoming projects that we will be doing in the next few weeks that calls for extra helping hands, so I will be sure to contact parents to see if they would be interested in volunteering! Thanks! Please let me know if there are any questions, comments, or concerns!

Few more pictures of the KIA (Kindergarteners in Action)...