In a primary class mixed with three age groups (preschoolers, pre-kindergartners, and kindergartners), kindergartners are considered to be the role models for the class often giving cultural and practical life lessons to their younger peers.
Every afternoon, the kindergarten class is structured with a formal lesson covering the curriculum item for the day and then students begin their work cycle with a follow up writing assignment. Math, science, reading and Spanish goals are then completed by the students.
As more responsibilities are given to our kindergartners, more learning experiences are also provided. For instance, kindergartners go on additional field trips like the recent one to the fire station and an upcoming field trip to Red Rock Canyon.
Favorite children’s chapter books are read to the kindergarten classes each afternoon. Once a chapter book is done, Ms. Melissa and Ms. Diana create activities centered upon the main themes in the book and a chapter book party commences.
“Freckle Juice” chapter book party.
It often includes eating a delicious treat, doing artwork, and then playing games. These hand-on activities reinforce main themes read in the books and gives our students a deeper exposure to the main characters in the books.
Several times a year, outside educational groups are brought to school to provide an assembly for all of the primary students. We recently had drummers from Africa entertain and educate our students.
During the assembly, three performers graced our stage with song, dance, and story. Humor and education were woven into this high energy performance. Students learned that “ja, ja” (pronounced “wow, wow”) are the African words for “yes, yes.”
Children were reminded that Africa is the second largest continent in the world with the second highest population of just over 1 billion people living in 54 different countries. There are nearly 2,000 languages spoken throughout the continent, with 10 main ones used most often including English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, and Swahili. As part of the cultural curriculum, students learned about the importance of music, dance, and storytelling in the African culture and they got to experience it firsthand!
Dancing on stage during the African Drummers Assembly.
See you at the annual FMS/PTO Fall Festival. A school wide event that you won’t want to miss!
Labeling the parts of a pumpkin, in Spanish.
REMINDERS:
Celebrate America Day is Wednesday, 10/24. Your child may dress up in any costume that reflects any of our 50 United States, or they can simply dress in red white and blue! Primary students will be dismissed at 11:15am.
No school on Thursday, 10/25 due to teacher in-service.
Our garden flowers.
No school on Friday, 10/26 in honor of Nevada Day.
THANKS:
To Evangelina (Roman’s mom) and Brianne (Ben and Alex’s mom) for providing a beautiful cooking project (pumpkin muffins). We also appreciate Christi (Camila’s mom) for helping out with making calendar art.
Thanks to Noel, McCoy, and their families for supplying healthy and beautiful snacks, as well as, flowers for our classroom.
