Did someone say Bubbles?

What a time of learning and fun we had in the second week of Kindergarten!!!

Our week consisted of learning the letters of the alphabet, and letter sounds.
How can learning letters not be fun when you get to read stories like Shiver Me Letters-A Pirate ABC andChicka Chicka Boom Boom ?!?



Some of our activities for the week were based off of our story Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.
We laced Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Trees. They weren't going to let lacing get the best of them. We had to try really hard and sometimes start over, but we all got it pretty down pat!



We also made our own Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Trees. Some were made of toliet paper rolls and contruction paper....



Some were etible! Made from Peanut Butter,Celery and Alphabet Cereal. Very Chicka Chicka Yum Yum!! ;)





We also learned shapes. Do you know what a trapezoid and hexagon is? Well, your kindergartner does! We will be learning more about these and other shapes next week. They will be practicing them at home, so you might want to brush up on your shape skills!

Shapes came in handy this week for our science experiment for the week. What was the experiment about you ask? BUBBLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Who doesn't just love bubbles?
Our kindergartners sure did.
They got the opportunity again this week to be scientist. The experiment was to determine what shape a bubble is. We wanted to see if bubbles could form any shape.

With the help of some different shaped pipe cleaners, a paper plate, and some liquid bubbles, our experiment was under way!
If you ask, your kindergartner may tell you that they determined that a bubble is typically a circle.






On Friday, It was our Zero the Hero Day. In honor of the 10th day of school, Zero the Hero taught us the importance of the number zero.



Looks like Mr. Gibbs got to be a Super Hero this week too. We had a little bit too much fun with the Me Box. The kids have just loved getting a chance to take the Me Box home.


We also got the privilege of our first week of volunteers in our classroom. We love our volunteers and thank you so very much for joining us this week( and those who did work from home!). We hope you had just as much fun as we did. Make sure you remember to log your hours in the volunteer book in both Mr. Gibbs and Mrs. Bowden's class. If you aren't sure what or where that is, just ask!

Another successful week of learning and fun.


Mr. Gibbs and Mrs. Bowden

Our First Week of Kindergarten!

Man, did the week ever fly by so quickly!
It seems like just yesterday our new kindergartners were entering our classroom doors. With much anticipation, ok, and some trepidation... They embarked on a new adventure. I am willing to bet that you are anxious to know just what your kindergartner was up to all week. I mean, I am sure you are still trying to get use to calling them "kindergartners"
But, we wasted no time in introducing them into this new journey they like to refer to as "Big Kid School"

Not only was it the first day of school, they had a whole week of "Firsts"
Who could of known just how many things there would be to learn the very first day of school? They took the challenge on and passed with flying colors, No pun intended. Our Colorful Crayons were some Busy Bees! ;)

If you questioned for even a moment if your preschooler could handle the transition to Kindergarten... Take it from us, The first week of school we will write in the books as a success!!

Like, learning our morning routine. By week's end they now are able to unpack their backpack, make their lunch choice, and start their morning work on their own. We know, we know, I mean, it's all you can do to get them to put their toys away and make their bed right? Who knew?

As if that seems to be challenge enough, That's not all!
They learned about being a team, and some were given classroom jobs the very first day. They learned that some of our jobs would include Line Leader, Door Holder, or maybe turning out the lights. Our Colorful Crayons and Busy Bee's take their jobs seriously!


There were so many people to meet. Like Coach Carignan. She introduced them to Physical Education. Alot of running and skipping went on this first week!! If they came home ready for a nap this week, we can give Coach some of that credit!


Mrs. Elliot introduced them to Music class. They learned a new song the very first day. Ask your kindergartner if they remember the name song Mrs. Elliot taught them. They might even sing it for you if you are lucky. It might sound something like this, depending on the rendition ;)

"Hello there jumping boy
Let's play a game!
With a big leap for joy,
Tell me your name"

If your kindergartner is a girl, it might sound like,
"Hello there dancing girl
Let's play a game!
With a big whirl and twirl,
Tell me your name"


Can't forget about Art Class. They got to meet Mrs. Luedeke, our new Art Teacher too!

You might of heard all about getting to sit with their friends and eating lunch for the first time in the big cafeteria. They did awesome getting their food trays and trying to learn their lunch numbers. With a little guidance from Mrs. Barbara and Mrs. Sherri, learning to clean their messes up was a piece of cake! ( So, no excuses helping clear the dinner dishes at home!)


Our classrooms were all a buzz with activity. With our stations, and science experiements. We Tie Dyed shirts. Yes! Your kindergartner actually tie dyed their own shirt! They really turned out awesome. We will be keeping them in the classroom for future activities. But, never fear, we have pictures to share!



Mr. Gibbs class wrote their own book, "Mr. Gibbs gets ready for Kindergarten". Each student contributed a page to compile a whole book!

The students got the opporunity to be scientist and we preformed a science experiment. They created milk rainbows! I'm sure you've heard all about it by now! They really had a blast. If you want to try the experiment at home, and I assure you, you don't want to miss this one, it truly was a cool experiement.
http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/00000066



Fun was had by all during our march in an Elephant Parade. It was based from a book we read called Elmer by David McKee. Check it out if you get the chance.

We ended our week with a celebration of just how much Kindergarten ROCKS!
We made Kindergarten rocks crowns, necklaces, sunglasses and had a campfire!!!!!
Ok, so we had to use our imagination as we roasted our marshmellows over our make believe campfire, but Gosh, isn't that what Kindergarten is all about??? IMAGINATION!


There were so many fun and exciting things going on, that we could never update each and every one. So, we have put together pictures from the week. We welcome you to visit our Shutterfly account and browse the memories we captured for you. Visit back often, as we will update the album frequently.
http://samsulakindergartenrocks.shutterfly.com/

So, you will be able to see for yourself, just how much Kindergarten ROCKS!

Mr. Gibbs and Mrs.Bowden

1st Day Success!

Wow. We had a fantastic first day of school! We had 100% attendance and we have all made a smooth transition into kindergarten. Mrs. Bowden and Mr. Gibbs are very pleased. We are currently in the process of learning what school is about. Next week, we will begin our actual academic learning! Below is a picture of Mr. Gibbs' class on the first day of school - look at all those eager faces!

Kindergarten families, remember to practice letters and sounds each and every night. We will begin two letters a week next week. We are hoping to have all of these mastered by Thanksgiving!

Thanks,
Mr. Gibbs and Mrs. Bowden

Orientation and Meet the Teacher

Kindergarten orientation and meet the teacher was a huge success! Mr. Gibbs met every parent that Mrs. Bowden met all excited for one! We are exciting about starting the new school year and seeing all the parental support is truly helpful! Monday is approaching and it will be a very exciting time for both you and your child. It will be a morning filled with tears (from the parents) and fun (in the classroon). We have been getting the school supplies and we would like to send a big "THANK YOU" for bringing them in! Remember we are asking for two white t-shirts, one of which we will be using Tuesday. So, please send in a white t-shirt with your child. This is very important.

Remember to walk your child to class on Monday. Doors will open at 7:40. You may come in, take pictures, and send the first few moments with your child. At 7:45, we are asking that all parents leave our room and head to the cafeteria. The PTA is giving a special breakfast just for the parents. Your child will be very shy and may cry but we want to assure you, once you leave - they will be just fine!

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact your kindergarten teacher.

Thanks,

Mr. Gibbs and Mrs. Bowden