Greetings! I hope everyone is staying warm in this frigid weather. This past week, the Kindergarten students have been rocking out learning about the author Eric Litwin and his popular children's book Pete the Cat: I Love my White Shoes. They had fun creating Pete's town out of blocks, and placing the strawberries, blueberries, water, and mud on the sidewalks that Pete stepped in. They each had a role in the process. Everything from making the speed limit signs to making the sun that hung over the town, everyone was thoroughly engaged making a suitable town for Pete. The students (and the entire school) are looking forward to the 24th of January when we will be taking part in a Skype session with Mr. Eric himself! What an experience it will be! Perhaps Pete the Cat: I Love my White Shoes would be a great book to read on Monday evening with you child. If you haven't read it, it is a family-oriented book that sends a great message to people of all ages: No matter what you step in, keep walking along and singing your song... because it's all good.

In literacy this week, a major focus for the children has been learning their short vowel sounds. They had fun trying to "stump" their teacher by giving me a word that doesn't have a vowel in it. They were amazed! I even got the challenge of "Mississippi."The children loved pointing out vowels in environmental print, such as in their lunch food labels or in books. Try reinforcing this at home so they can take vowel sounds from their school classroom to their everyday life at home. They have also been excited about finding hidden words within other words, such as cat, cold, or one. They think it is so neat!

"I had 4 grapes but then I ate 2. How many grapes do I have left?" This is an example of subtraction stories the children have been introduced too. Last week, we talked about addition and what it means. This week was learning to subtract with manipulative's such as small blocks or crayons. We also talked about shapes such as hexagons, trapezoids and triangles. We studied the different characteristics of what makes a triangle... well, a triangle. They enjoyed making triangles with different shapes and angles today on their geoboards.

The veterinarian office is going to officially start on Monday. I would like to thank everyone who has donated items to the center. I couldn't have pulled it together without you! It will never be to late to donate, so don't hesitate to send something in if you have something just "lying around." I would also like to thank Bo James (J'Lyn's father) for coming early to shovel and put salt on the school's sidewalk. Such a kind gesture that is very much appreciated. Thanks again!

Here is J'Lyn exploring the bamboo tablet, something they were very excited to learn about!