October is the best time of the year to explore and inquire about Fall and naturally discover the changes that this exciting, colourful season brings. Thanksgiving, colours, the cooler weather, and Halloween will be highlighted in our discussions.
French vocabulary will focus on these basic words:
autumn/ L’automne Thanksgiving/ L’action de Grâce turkey/ dindon leaves/ les feuilles red/ rouge yellow/ jaune brown/ brun orange/ orange
season/ saison pumpkin/ la citrouille
ghost/ le fantôme witch/ la sorcière
Please reinforce the connection between letters and sounds by reading with your child on a daily basis. Reading can include stories and any environmental print (i.e. cereal boxes).
In math, we often focus on patterning, counting and numeral recognition, which is reinforced via games. We will be introducing and experimenting with simple surveys and graphs, which means discussions on collecting and tracking information. Science activities will include a fall nature ‘expedition’ and leaf collecting. In religion, we reflect on the effects of God’s magnificent seasonal changes. This month's gospel value focuses on good "citizenship".
Each month we will be introducing high frequency words (also known as "popcorn" words because they frequently ‘pop up’ in text). Some "popcorn" words could include: I, a, me, see and bus. Look for them in books, magazines and newspapers etc. at home. A magnifying glass can turn this activity into a wonderful hunting adventure!
A Halloween celebration will be held at school on Monday, October 31 st . On that day, the children are invited to wear a simple costume to school for our annual Halloween Costume Parade. If your child does not wish to wear a costume, he or she could wear black or orange instead. Please avoid masks and remember that any and all weapons (even toys) are forbidden at school. Reinforcing healthy eating habits are ongoing, so we kindly ask that you avoid sending candy for your child’s snack beyond the initial few days following the excitement of Halloween.
We have requested each family make some ‘playdough’ to help replenish our supply on a rotating basis. The schedule and recipe was sent home in September and we thank those who have already sent in their contribution. Thank you so much for your participation.
School Council will be offering an opportunity for each child to receive a monthly treat - POPCORN (starting in November). We encourage every child to participate in this school fundraiser.
Please do not send your child to school if he/she is ill with flu, fever, or a very bad cold and always notify the office if your child ever contracts anything contagious.
Thank you for a terrific start to our school year! We wish all our families a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!
Sincerely,
The Kindergarten Teams
