We began our week in Maths doing whole-group instruction using rekenreks to practice counting teen numbers. We moved on as the week progressed to a more individualized Maths instruction which is the direction we are moving FS 1/2 towards. As the children had playtime, I pulled each child away to spend some time one on one working on Maths concepts (still teen numbers). As the term goes on more of our instruction will take this form.
In Phonics we began working with CVC words focusing on the short vowels A and I. We practiced writing some words as well as using magnets to spell. We also spent a lot of time segmenting (taking a word apart to hear all its sounds) and blending them back together.
In our Morning Meetings we continued working on mindfulness and ways we can calm our amygdala if it overwhelms us. We tried a few simple yoga poses.
In IEYC we took a plane trip to the grasslands of Africa and learned about various animals. Our toy animals drank at the watering hole, we painted spots on a cheetah, and we made giraffes. We also learned that an adult male giraffe can grow to be three Mr. de Klerk’s tall!
We also had lots of play time. The students have been exploring different themes in their play and even reading to each other!
There are some very important days coming up after the holiday. We have been counting each day of school and are quickly approaching 100. The 100th day of school will fall on our first Friday back. The students are waiting for our 100 Day party with great anticipation. I would like to ask the students to dress up as if they were 100 years old for our 100 Day party. We’ll have a great day full of all kinds of 100-themed activities.
And of less excitement to the students, we are having parent-teacher conferences during that first week back. The school has designated Thursday from 4pm-6pm as a time when we will be available. Conferences are in 15 minute blocks. Please contact me to reserve your spot. If Thursday evening does not work for you I am also available Wednesday from 1:45-2:30 and Thursday from 1:45-2:30. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss your child’s progress. Appointments are on a first come first serve basis. I can be reached at mariemcclellan@hyundaiforeignschool.com
I hope you have a wonderful holiday next week and I look forward to another great week of learning when we get back!