Welcome to Kindergarten    

e.shatavsky@sidebysideschool.org

203.857.0306  ext. 112 

Kindergarten was buzzing with stories of Hurricaine Sandy, voting and candy (in that order) the day we returned.  The kids wrote their news with detailed pictures and words.  We think most of their stories are fairly accurate too!

This week we will begin a shortened rest time.  In place of rest we will introduce a quiet time where the children will be reading/looking at picture books and little books.  We are excited about introducing the reading baskets which have books at your child's "just right" reading levels.  Most of these books have just one word on a page with a strong picture cue.  These books are perfect for helping to get in the habit of "getting your mouth ready" for the first sound in a word and using the picture to make a good guess. 

Here's an example: Let's say there's a picture of a baseball cap and the word on the page says "cap."  An emergent reader may say "hat," but when reminded to get her mouth ready for the first sound in the word will self-correct to "cap."  See what I mean?  Those pictures are so important for helping your child make connections to the print.

We look forward to talking to you about our reading program at conference time in December. 

This week we will launch our school study.  The Kindergarteners will find out all they can about the school building and the people who work here.  We will learn how to do an interview and then choose several staff members to learn about using our interview skills.

Don't forget to send in your raffle basket items --our basket theme is "gourmet foods."  Sign up to help out at the Harvest Fair baked goods table.  Side By Sides needs your support!