Happy Halloween

     This week we finished up our study of Fall. We read the book "The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything" and used felt story props to help tell the story.  This book has a great predictable and repetitive text with motions to go along with it.  The felt story props and the book were put on the shelf for the children to use during work time.  Many of the children enjoyed retelling the story using the props.  
     We also started "Alphabet Exercises" this week.  This activity takes place during our group meeting.  The children review the letters we have covered during our letter of the week lessons.  The children look at a large picture card and say the letter name (arms up over head), letter sound (arms on shoulders or making the tactile cue for the sound), and name the picture (touch toes).  This gives children a change to practice letter names and sounds and associate them with a movement.  The state standard related to this activity is for preschool students to learn some letter names and sounds in addition to those in their first name by the end of their preschool experience. 
     The Get It, Got It, Go! assessment of early literacy skills was also given this past week by our itinerant preschool teacher, Ms. Alicia.  This state assessment looks at children's skills in the areas of picture naming, rhyming, and alliteration (words that begin with the same sounds).  This timed test is given in the Fall and Spring to all preschool students.  The children are asked to do rapid picture naming (1 minute), rhyming (2 minutes), and alliteration - words that begin with the same sound (2 minutes).  The number of correct responses is recorded.  I also use this information and information from the beginning of the year screening, baseline testing, and observations to complete your child's progress report.  I look forward to discussing your child's progress at conferences during the next 2 weeks.         
     In November we will be studying food, nutrition, cooking, and Thanksgiving. 

REMINDERS and UPCOMING EVENTS...
*Parent-teacher conferences 11/7 and 11/14.  Please arrive on time and wait in the hallway for your conference.  So that we can discuss your child's progress without any distractions, please make childcare arrangements.
*No School 11/5 and 11/11.
*Scholastic Book Orders due 11/8.  Order now to make sure the books arrive before the holidays.
*We'd love to have you volunteer to help in our classroom.  Sign up on our class Shutterfly site under the volunteer tab. https://williamsmontessoripreschool.shutterfly.com/
*Parents MUST wait with their child at drop off until the classroom door is opened.  Once the door is opened, please walk your child to the door and make eye contact or say hello to the teacher.  This is to ensure your child's safety. 
*Thanksgiving Celebration - Thursday 11/21.  Check your child's folder for more information.
*As the weather gets cooler, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately.  We will be playing outside on days when the temperature is about 32 degrees. 
*Thank you to all the parents who have been sending in supplies as we need them.  This week we need food coloring (classic colors).