CLNL+October+2011

**Olga Iris Guzmán - Principal**  **-**
 * = **Public School 228 Queens**
 * Early Childhood Magnet School of the Arts**
 * 32-65 93rd Street**
 * East Elmhurst, N.Y. 11369**
 * (718) 899-5799 • Fax (718) 899-7323**


 * “The Little School with a Heart”**

= = ||
 * Diana Rodriguez –Assistant Principal I.A.**


 * Parent Curriculum Newsletter **
 * ** OCTOBER 2011 ISSUE ** || ** OCTOBER 10 IS COLUMBUS DAY ** ||


 * == **PreK** == || **//__ READING __//****// : //** **We have been reading traditional stories about families and our community. The children are asked and answered questions about the story, the characters and the part they like the most. We also recite poems and sing songs related to our themes.**
 * //__ WRITING __//****// : //** **We continue writing our names by using the appropriate direction on each stroke, from top to bottom and from left to right. We are learning to write letters.**
 * //__ MATH __//**** : ** **We are learning about shapes; exploring circles, squares and triangles. We hunt for and look for shapes around us. We count and sing the days of the week and we count how many boys and girls are there in our class.**
 * //__ ART __//****// : //We are learning about materials in the arts, and we are using primary colors to create new colors.**
 * //__ MUSIC: __//** **We are singing our favorite songs and learning positional words.**
 * //__ Social studies: __// We are celebrating Hispanic Heritage month by inviting our parents to participate in various activities. We are learning about families and how we help each other.**
 * //__ TECHNOLOGY: __// We are learning about the computers and how to use the “Starfall” program.**
 * //__ SCIENCE __//****// : //We are learning about the seasons and how to explore seeds and leaves.**
 * //__ PHYSICAL ED. & HEALTH __//****// : // We are learning about healthy habits and how to eat in a family style.** ||


 * == **Kindergarten** == || **//__ READING: __//****Unit 2 – Readers, Read, Think, and Talk About Emergent Story Books**
 * In this unit, we will learn how to read stories we have become familiar with through repeated classroom readings. We will read on our own and with partners, and put into practice strategies we have learned such as: using the pictures to understand the story, re-reading, and changing our voices to make them sound like the characters.**
 * //__ WRITING __//****// : // Unit 2 – Approximating Small Moments**
 * We will write true stories about events in our lives by writing across pages, with drawings, using proper sequences, and by including labels for items on each of our pages. We will retell our stories by using storybook language.**
 * //__ Music __//****// : //We are reviewing Pre-K songs: Old MacDonald, Wheels on the Bus, etc. We are practicing Character Day songs. The instruments we are learning are bells. The games are - Listen and Move. Our composer is Joaquin Rodrigo.**
 * //__ MATH __//****// : // This month, we will introduce coins and continue to develop number sense by counting through teen numbers. We will compare lengths, identify shapes and extend patterns. We will also continue practicing number writing, and learn about estimating.**
 * //__ SCIENCE __//****// : //What are some changes in trees and plants during the fall? We will identify, observe and compare tree and plant parts.**
 * //__ Social STUDIES __//**** : We will learn about families and homes and how they are important for all of us to feel safe and secure.**
 * //__ TECHNOLOGY: __// We will identify areas in our classroom where technology equipment is located and identify SMARTBOARDS and laptops. We will also practice proper use and care of the equipment.**
 * // __PHYSYCAL ED. & HEALTH__ //****__ : __ We will discuss proper behavior to keep us safe within our classroom and school building. We will learn about practicing healthy habits in the classroom and at home.**
 * //__ Library: __// Kindergarten is borrowing! We will use TC concepts of print to identify the front cover, back cover and spine of a book while integrating the use of technology** ||

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 * == **First Grade** == || **//__ READING __//****// : //**** We practice “tackling trouble” by learning that when we come to hard words or tricky parts of books, we use different strategies to read our books, alone and with a partner. We sound out tricky words and use the pictures to help us see if it makes sense. **
 * //__ WRITING: __//**** We begin our unit of “Writing for Readers” by writing small moments across three pages, showing a beginning, a middle and an end. We end our unit showing details across 3 pages. **
 * //__ Music __//****// : //**** We are reviewing K songs. We are practicing Fall and Character Day songs. We are using instruments to practice different rhythms and we are playing Listen and Move games. Our composer is Joaquin Rodrigo. **
 * //__ MATH __//**// : // **We are learning about the everyday uses of numbers in our lives. We continue practicing counting by 2’s, 5’s and 10’s. We are beginning to practice to count pennies and nickels and telling time by the hour.**
 * //__ Science __//**** : **** How are animals alike and different? We will identify, describe and compare animal characteristics. **
 * //__ SOCIAL STUDIES: __//**** We learn why our families are important by learning that families teach us values, customs, languages and traditions. We learn about how family members care for each other. **
 * //__ TECHNOLOGY __//****// : //**** We are all working with the children teaching them how to use the SMART BOARDS IN THE CLASSROOMS TO WRITE AND CONNECT TO THE INTERNET. We are still teaching how to turn on laptops, open up the web, and shut down correctly **
 * //__ PHYSYCAL ED. & HEALTH __//****// : //**** Students are learning about the effects of activity on the body and what inactivity does to the body. We learn more about why physical activity creates healthy bodies. **
 * //__ Library: __//**** First grade is borrowing! We are learning the important aspects located on the front cover, back cover and spine of a book through technology integrated with Social Studies. **


 * == **Second Grade** == || **//__ READING __//****// : //**** Unit 2: Tackling Trouble: Readers notice and tackle difficult parts in their books. The children will develop automaticity with grade level frequency words and vocabulary. Readers will learn to envision the story, think about what’s happening and predict what could come next. **
 * //__ WRITING __//****// : //**** Unit 2: Authors as Mentors, Part I: Students will be writing personal narratives and learning from mentor authors to aim for higher goals as writers. Part II: They will also use complete sentences that hold a thought. Writers will use tools to help them write words correctly. Students will know when to use capital letters and end their sentences with punctuation. The Students will work with partners to check and improve their work and they will also check the content of their stories. **
 * //__ Math __//****// : //**** Unit 2: Students make up, represent, and solve addition word problems. They will learn addition facts as well as subtraction facts. Students will learn strategies that use doubles facts (example: 4+4), how a number can be named in many ways and the relation between addition and subtraction facts. We will also use number sequences and patterns using frame and arrow routines. **
 * //__ Music __//****// : //**** We are using different instruments to practice different rhythms. Our composer is Joaquin Rodrigo. **
 * //__ SCIENCE __//****// : //**** What is in and on the earth? We will identify, observe, describe and compare living and non-living parts of soil. **
 * //__ SOCIAL STUDIES __//****// : //**** Unit 1: We will study: Living in a Neighborhood, A Walk through a Community and comparing communities as well as our state and our country. We will also discuss the Hispanic Heritage Month, and the beginning of the fall season. Topics will also include Columbus Day and Halloween/Character Day. **
 * //__ TechnolOGY __//****// : //**** This month, teacher and students will begin discussing safe uses of Web resources. We will start with Microsoft Word and Power Point to publish our work. Smartboards will be used to enhance our lessons. **
 * //__ PHYSICAL ED. & HEALTH __//****// : //**** Students will have knowledge and skills to establish and maintain fitness by participating in physical activities (games, sports, exercises). We will also demonstrate care, consideration, and respect of self and other during physical activity. **
 * //__ Library: __//**** Second grade is borrowing! We are learning why it is important to include a title, picture, author, illustrator, spine label and bar codes on books with hands on technology materials. ** ||


 * WE ARE DEDICATED TO THE SUCCESS OF ALL OUR CHILDREN. **


 * Please note that you may find the Parent Curriculum Newsletter at ps__228q.wikispaces.com__ every month.**