Lovely Leaves

     This week we talked about leaves.  We read the book "Fall Leaves Fall."  The children used scissors to snip strips of paper and then glue them onto a leaf cut out to make a leaf mosaic.  We also used different colored leaf cut outs to make an AB pattern hat.  Learning to copy, extend, and create patterns are important skills for both reading and math.  Help you child practice making patterns with things at home such as Lego's, shoes and socks, and silverware. 
     Our letter of the week is S.  Some of the children are beginning to write legible letters during our "erase and trace" chalkboard activity.  Next weeks' letter is P.
     We also did a little yoga for the first time this week.  We read some pages of the book "My Daddy is a Pretzel" and did a few yoga poses and some breathing excises.  The children enjoyed trying the yoga poses.  We will introduce more as the year goes on.
     This week we built and drew Mat Man for the first time.  Mat Man is part of the Handwriting Without Tears program that teaches handwriting, builds fine motor skills, and teachers letters.  If you have questions about Mat Man, feel free to ask me at conferences or check out their website:  http://www.hwtears.com/hwt/parents
    
    

REMINDERS AND OTHER NEWS...
*If you signed up to supply treats for our Halloween Party on Wednesday 10/31, please send treats in on Monday or Tuesday next week. 
*If you signed up to attend the Halloween Party, you must have fingerprints on file at the Board Office.  Fingerprints need to be renewed on a yearly basis.  If you do not have up to date fingerprints, you will not be allowed to attend the party.  This is a district policy. 
*Parent-teacher conference confirmations will be sent home next week.  If you did not sign up for a conference time, one will be assigned for you.  I look forward to the opportunity to talk with each parent about their child's progress! 
*Today is the last day to order books from Scholastic for this month.  Thanks to the parents who have ordered!
*Some members of our classroom have allergies and sensitive respiratory systems.  In order to keep everyone in our classroom healthy and comfortable, please have your child refrain from using cologne or perfume before coming to school.  While fragrance sprays are appealing to some people, they can make others with allergies sick.  We appreciate your support and efforts to keep everyone healthy and happy at school. 

HOMEWORK...
*Letter S worksheet
*Pattern page.  Make your own patterns by coloring the blocks, using stickers, or writing letters.
*Next week will begin our Hands on Homework Program.  I will be sending home a game or activity each week.  It is VERY IMPORTANT that you send the game back to school (with all the pieces) by Tuesday of the following week so that other children will have the opportunity to use the game.  Each week, your child will receive a different game or activity for you to do together.