Mrs. Gas' Happenings

Today the kids and I read our first decodable book together- “I Can”. Using the pictures and the sight word “I”, we were able to read each page together and to partners. The students were so excited and proud to announce that they can read! I even had a few students jumping up and down with glee. As a teacher, it reminded me how powerful a feeling it is when one discovers the power of words. I hope we can always remind each other of the joy found in learning and achieving something new.

I’ll be sending the decodable books home each week-please feel free to read them with your child each night. When you do practice, sign and date the back of the book, and your child will receive a prize. Enjoy!

Hi All,

Just a quick reminder that there will be NO SCHOOL this Monday, September 7th, in honor of Labor Day. Classes will resume on Tuesday.

Favor de recordar que NO HAY ESCUELA lunes, el 7 de septiembre.

Gracias and Thank You!

Hello All!
By now your child has completed 6 days of kindergarten, and I must say we have had an excellent week. Last week, we completed lots of “get to know you” activities, and had our first experience with learning centers. We learned about healthy and unhealthy foods, and also had our first art class.

This week, we are exploring the theme “Marvelous Me.” We read two books as a class, “Me Too!” by Mercer Meyer, and “From Head to Toe” by Eric Carle. Most importantly, we are learning the letter names and sounds for the letters M and S, as well as our first sight word, I (as in I can run, or I can swim).

A Few Reminders:
** Please send a healthy snack with your child on Mondays and Fridays. The rest of the week is provided by the school.

** If you have not already done so, please provide me with a change of clothes for your child to keep at school IN ADDITION to an art smock. This art smock can be a large tshirt if needed.

** If you would like to volunteer in our classroom, please send me an email or note. We’d love to have you!

Happy 6th day of school!

It’s almost the first day of school, and just like my students, I’m full of jitters and excitement. Will my students like me? Will I be able to bring them fun, differentiated and captivating opportunities to learn? What will our new routine look like this year? Tomorrow is the kindergarten social, and I can’t wait to meet my new kindergartners. I’m also looking forward to starting my position as primary ELL specialist, and can’t wait to reconnect with familiar faces in a new way.

As an adult, I can look at my anxieties about the new school year in a positive and productive manner, and turn my jitters into joy at the new opportunities that are on the horizon. However, if you are a parent, family member, or friend of a student getting ready to go back to school, you may be having a harder time encouraging your student to greet the new year with the same enthusiasm. Below, please find some tips for helping your child get ready for school.

1. Stay Positive- In the days leading up to school, be sure to focus on all of the things your child does well, and independently. If they are returning to a familiar school, remind them of favorite memories, talents, and skills that they have. If they are coming to our school for the first time, focus on talking about what a great time they will have (i.e. “You are going to have SO much fun during centers in Mrs. Gas’ room” not “I’m going to miss you so much.
2. Make Rest a Priority- During the summer, students (and teachers-trust me) are out doing fun things, and subsequently bedtimes and wake-ups can be pushed back at times. A few days before school starts, have your child go to bed and wake up at the same times they will be during the school year. It’s hard to be excited to start your year when you are exhausted from summer.
3. Keep in Touch- Your teacher is your ally. As your child’s teacher, I am awestruck every day by the trust you all put in me to provide your children with meaningful and joyous opportunities to learn. Please, please, please let me know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. My contact information is on this blog, on the school’s website, and on notes that your child will receive. My goal is to keep the lines of communication open, and I’d love to know any extra information that might lead to a smoother transition for your child.

I can’t wait to meet, or catch up, with all of you! I’m looking forward to posting updates from our first week activities soon!