Caterpillars and Butterflies

In the last few weeks we have been sharing Mr Leung's caterpillar display.  We read books, made clay caterpillars, watched videos, wrote notes and observed as the caterpillars were undergoing transformations.

We learned so much just by watching and asking questions to our caterpillar experts in Mr Leung's class!

Here are just a few of the pictures from our adventure:

Looking at cocoons for the first time (We learned later that they are not called cocoons but are chrysalis because these were butterfly caterpillars not moth caterpillars) .  Our class noticed they looked like little sticks that were brown and maybe hard to the touch. 

We were alerted on day 5 of the caterpillars being inside their chrysalis that some have hatched.  The new butterflies are drying their wings.  

Students hard at work writing to a family member about what they know. 

Exploring different states of chrysalis. 

Observing all of the hatched butterflies for the first time. 

Anticipating the release! 

Painting hydrangeas

 Today we experimented with different materials, processes and techniques to create unique visual art.  We studied beautiful pink hydrangeas and used sponges and different shades of paint to create our masterpieces!

May & June Newsletter

What’s happening in Kindergarten…

Inquiry – Our inquiry focus this month will continue to be plants, planting and changes in the natural environment as spring arrives.  We will be observing different types of plants and seeds in our classroom, experimenting with planting and noticing changes in our playground. 

Personal/Social/Emotional Development – We will learn about community helpers and discuss their roles (e.g. Doctors, Veterinarians, Mail carriers, teachers).  Students will begin to recognize places and buildings within their community and talk about their functions (e.g. arena, hospital, grocery stores, post office).

Math – Our math focus will be ordinal numbers (e.g. first, second, third) and composing and decomposing numbers to 10.

Language – We will focus on words that rhyme and begin and end with the same sounds.  Our study of non-fiction will focus on the features found in a non-fiction text such as photographs, captions, labels, and glossary.  We will explore the role of authors and photographers in creating non-fiction texts.   

Save the Date!

Both Kindergarten classes will be participating in a school wide “Author’s Day” on June 20^th.  Parents and families will be invited to listen to their student read and share their stories.  More detailed information will follow!

Dress for the Weather!

Students require a separate pair of rain boots or running shoes to wear outdoors and a pair of running shoes for inside the classroom.  As the weather warms, please send in ball caps or sun hats for sun protection while outside!  Please apply sunscreen at home in the morning, we do not apply it at school.

Spare Clothes

Please ensure that your child has a full change of clothes in the backpack or at school.  Accidents happen and we don’t want to interrupt your day to bring spare clothes to school!

Veterinarian Visit

Both Kindergarten classrooms enjoyed a very interesting and informative visit from Vet Dr. Eva and Vet Tech Sarah, along with Lady the Dog!  The students enjoyed listening to Lady’s heartbeat, learning about healthy ears and teeth and proper grooming.

Important Dates

May 3^rd – Roywood’s Yard Sale

May 13^th – Officer Neil visits

May 19^th – Victoria Day (No School)

June 6^th – PA Day (No School)

June 14^th – Fun Fair!

June 20^th – Author’s Day & Open House

June 26^th – Report Cards go home

June 27^th – Last Day of Classes for Students

Exploring Addition

We're exploring addition and subtraction through songs, stories, manipulatives and dramatic retells this month!  Here are a few photos of our "Mama Duck" and "Ducklings" practising adding as they leave the nest and jump into the pond while Miss Amanda reads the story!

Save the Date!

More special dates to mark on your calendar!

Detailed notes will be sent home soon.

May 3rd - Roywood's Yard Sale!

June 14th - Fun Fair!

June 20th - Author's Day and Open House

Plants, Planting and Spring!

Our spring inquiry has focused on plants and planting.  We've learned about the parts of a plant, what plants need to grow and survive.  We've planted grass, flowers and observed different household plants.  We hope to see more new spring growth in our playground soon!

Part of learning about the environment included learning about Earth Day and caring for the environment.  Our classes participated in a school-wide play ground clean up on April 23rd!

Scientists in Schools!

Here's a huge update of what's been happening in Kindergarten lately!

First off, our Scientists in Schools presentation about water was exciting and a lot of fun!