Amazing Trip!!

Dear families,
We had an amazing day at Downey's Farm today! There is SO much to do there, we didn't even have time to try everything! Each student got to bring home a pumpkin, as well as an activity booklet containing a map of the farm. Hugo and I solved the mazes and the "spot the difference" game on the way home, and he was able to point out, in order, all the things we did at the farm. Maybe your student can show you all the different activities we did on the map!

If I'm not forgetting anything, we started out by stuffing a HUGE scarecrow, which we got to bring back to school (what do I do with this thing??). We learned that scarecrows are important in the spring because they help protect the newly planted crops which are being harvested right now.

Next we learned about different kinds of pumpkins, squash and gourds. We learned the names of at least 3 different kinds of pumpkins and 2 squash (ask your student if they remember!), and even the special name of the stem!

After snack we got to jump in the hay (amazing) and then we went on a wagon ride through the fairy tale forest and saw where the crops grow.

Hehe! Mlle Sicilia!

After lunch, we went into the "Boo Barn" and then visited the animals. There were goats that we could pet, ducks, chickens and the best cow ever.

At end the day, we got to visit the huge play area where my group bounced, went down a huge slide and explored a pirate ship before it was time to go.

It was a great day with no troubles. Thanks for preparing your kids so well, and to our amazing chaperones. We couldn't have done it without you!

Halloween is around the corner. We know many students get excited for this day. A note was sent out from the office a couple weeks ago outlining some Halloween dos and don'ts. In our classroom, we will not be having any food parties, but certainly we will do some fun thematic activities leading up to and on the day. On Wednesday, please do not send food or edible treats to share. If ever you feel compelled to send something for a special occasion, the dollar store is your best friend. Erasers, pencils, stickers or loot bag items are great alternatives and are super cheap. However, there is no need to send anything, the students will all receive a little something from me.

Students may absolutely come in costume to school if they wish. In fact, we are expecting so many students to do so, that we have planned to parade our classes around the school to show them off! We just ask that the costumes be culturally sensitive and school-appropriate. This means, no weapons, props or masks (face paint is fine), and students need to be able to move around and sit in their costumes so that they can participate in their activities. We appreciate your help in ensuring that props stay home.

In the days following Halloween... oh the candy! I know, because I've seen your kids' amazing lunches, that I don't need to tell you this, but can we keep the treats to just 1-2/day during school time?? I encourage the kids to eat something healthy at morning snack and save their dessert for after lunch. If you could reinforce this, that would be great!

We know our vowels! Each morning when we read the morning message, we look for the letters we know and circle them. The kids can help me read those sounds, at least, but many students are already reading some frequently used words with me (e.g., bonjour). I've explained the French sounds that A, E and I make. Here are the new ones:

O - Pretty much the same as English. It can sound like its name ("fantôme") or sound more like "ah", (as in "octobre"). It never makes the oo sound (as in the English "to") on its own. It would need to be combined with U, as in "bonjour". We may not get into combining vowel sounds in kindergarten, but it's handy to know.

U - Its name and sound are quite tight. I've been having the kids scrunch up their lips like a fish to get the right sound. Another trick is to shape your lips as if to say "oh", but then try to say "ee". The resulting sound is what we're going for. The best way to learn this sound, which does not exist in English, would be to ask your student to teach it to you. They all know it well since it occurs right at the beginning of our poem about "La lune...". U alone, also does not make the oo sound, as above, it would need to follow O to do that.

I sent home our November calendars this week. You'll notice that I do not yet have the date for our November trip to the library, but I do think we will be going. You'll also see that I've listed everyone's name on one of the Fridays. This is your show & tell day. On this day, students are invited to bring one item from home to share with us. It could also be a performance, or sharing a special family member. Last year, we had several parents visit us to tell us about their jobs, and do a short activity with the class. If this is what your student would like to share, please contact me to ensure that we will have enough time! Students will be expected to keep their special item in their school bag when it is not time to share it.

When it is not our show & tell day, we need to remember Dewson's home toys stay home rule. Several students have been regularly bringing little stuffed toys, trading cards, or figurines to school. They are quite distracting, and when they have been momentarily misplaced, it has been full panic mode. Save your special items for this or a future show & tell day. Thanks so much for your help with this!

Have a great weekend and don't forget your activity bags!!