Kindhearted Kinders: September 2022

September 26th - 29th

Every Child Matters

This week, in honour of Orange Shirt Day, we started each morning learning about our Land Acknowledgement and listening to The Morning Cree Song.

Students listened and watched closely noticing the different types of landscapes, animals and musical instruments in the video.

We also talked about the Cree language and read a book that was written in both English and Cree called - My Heart Fills With Happiness - written by Monique Gray Smith.

As part of our learning in Social Studies, children begin to demonstrate an understanding of the multiple social, physical cultural and linguistic factors that contribute to an individual's unique identity.

Learning Outcome:

- Students appreciate unique characteristics, interests, gifts and talents of others

I CAN...

- appreciate feelings, ideas, stories and experiences shared by others

- value the oral traditions of others

Ask your child:

- What language do you speak?

- Can you think of any other languages that people might speak?

~ Centre Snapshots ~

September 19th - 23rd

It was wonderful to meet with all of you during conferences this past week!

Thank you very much for taking the time to connect with me and help me get to know your child better. I look forward to a great year!

Learning Outcome: Students explore physical activity in a variety of contexts.

~ I CAN...participate in a variety of physical activities and games ~

This week we learned a little more about our very own Canadian Hero. Students talked about a time when they were brave just like Terry. Both Kinder classes had a successful Terry Fox Run and made me very proud! Thank you for all of your generous donations and for helping to make a difference.

We read these books and talked about the importance of always trying to include others...just like how the rainbow includes all of the colours!

Ask Your Child:

What was something you learned about Terry Fox?
What is a game you like to play during gym time?
Why is it important to be physically active?

September 12th - 16th

This week the kinder students continued to build their confidence and fluency with our daily routines. It is so exciting to see their bright smiles and hear their fascinating stories as they come in each day! Students are doing an incredible job leaving heartprints with each other, as well as with everyone in our school community!

💗 💗 💗 💗 💗 💗 💗 💗 💗 💗 💗 💗

Learning Outcome: Students identify how a sense of belonging is supported through people gathering together while following simple expectations and rules.

~ I CAN...follow the group plan and include others during centres. ~

Each day the students are provided with a chance to explore and play during our centre times. Playing is very important because it helps improve the cognitive, social and emotional well-being in all of us! Through play, children develop curiosity and confidence while practicing important life skills such as perseverance, resiliency as well as engaging and interacting with others in positive ways. Students are doing a great job sharing centre materials and learning how to 'actively' listen to each others feelings and ideas. We have been talking lots about 'The Group Plan', 'Expected vs. Unexpected' behaviour and the importance of including others.

Ask your child:

Which centres do you enjoy going to?
Who are some friends that you play with at centres?
What do you do to help include others at centre time?

Here are some photos from centres and different classroom activities last week:

September 1st - 9th

What an incredible start we have had in kindergarten! Students did an amazing job during their staggered entry days and were total SUPERSTARS on our first days all together as a class!

Learning Outcome: Children examine healthy relationships in various learning and playing environments

~ I can practice friendship ~

As we work together to learn the layout of our new school, classroom routines and what's important in Kindergarten, we are also focusing on building healthy relationships with our classmates and others in our school community. These relationships are supported through and built on communication, collaboration, empathy and respect, all of which will continue to be a big focus in our kindergarten learning.

'A heartprint is formed when you do something kind.

Your love touches others leaving heartprints behind.'

~ P.K. Hallinan

We read the story Heartprints by P.K. Hallinan and talked about what we thought a 'heartprint' was. Here a few ideas that students came up with -

"It's a valentine you give someone!"
"Maybe it's like when you fill a person's bucket but you put hearts in it instead."
"It is like doing something kind for your friend, like sharing!"

Together we discussed the importance of leaving 'Heartprints' for others and not 'Hurtprints' Students talked about many different ways they could make others feel loved and cared for -