Dear Families,
As we move further into spring, we begin to see a shift in our students, both emotionally and academically. This time of year can bring on some big feelings, as many children start to realize that their time in kindergarten is coming to an end. Though they may not express it directly, the idea of change can bring about an increase in behaviors. This is entirely developmentally appropriate. With new kindergarten students visiting the school and discussions about first grade beginning, it’s not unusual for current students to feel a bit unsettled. We are approaching these changes gently and with care, continuing to provide the consistency and reassurance they need.
Here is a look at our week together:
Writing: Opinion and Persuasive Pieces
Our focus in writing has been on opinion and persuasive work. Students have been writing petitions, songs, and lists that highlight a problem they see and how they believe we can fix it. We’ve learned about the importance of stating a clear opinion, providing reasons, and considering the “why” behind our solutions. This work ties in beautifully with our Earth Day theme, as students advocated for protecting our planet and shared meaningful ideas for reducing, reusing, and recycling.
Phonics: Building Sentences and Strengthening Skills
In phonics, students are now working on writing dictated sentences. This means I read a sentence aloud, and they listen closely, stretch out the sounds, and do their best to write it independently. This process supports their development in spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure. We’re also reviewing digraphs, which we call the “H Brothers”—sh, ch, th, wh, and ph—and encouraging students to notice and use these special sounds in their reading and writing.
Reading: Fluency and Blending Skills
This week in reading, we continued to strengthen our blending strategies to improve fluency. We’ve been practicing what we call “sliding power,” which helps children move smoothly from one sound to the next when decoding words. This helps reduce choppy reading and supports a more natural reading flow. Fluency work like this builds confidence and encourages students to take greater risks as independent readers.
Math: Addition, Subtraction, and Solid Shapes
In math, we continued working on addition and subtraction within 10. One highlight this week was playing the card game Top It, a hands-on activity where students flip two cards, add or subtract, and compare results with a partner. It’s a fun way to practice facts and strengthen number sense.
We also explored 3D shapes—cylinders, spheres, cubes, and cones—and began learning to decompose numbers, such as finding all the ways to make 8 (e.g., 4 + 4, 6 + 2, 5 + 3). These activities help lay the foundation for deeper mathematical thinking.
Looking Ahead: Assessments and First Grade Placement
Next week, we will begin end-of-year assessments. These assessments help us measure student growth and prepare for their transition to first grade. Teachers meet together to group students based on academic and social-emotional needs. Ms. Bennett will make final decisions about classroom placements, as staffing for next year is not yet finalized. While most of our team remains consistent, please know that classroom decisions are made thoughtfully and with your child’s success in mind.
Important Reminders
- Please return both the Field Trip and Sing and Share permission slips as soon as possible.
- Sing and Share is a special end-of-year celebration, and it’s important that every child participates. We kindly ask that siblings do not attend, so we can ensure that the focus remains on our kindergarten students.
Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership. Your support at home makes such a difference in the growth we see each day. I am proud of all the progress your children are making and look forward to a strong finish to our kindergarten year.
Warmly,
River Eubanks
