Pleasant Lake Kindergarten Weekly Newsletter
Theme of the Week: Apples
Dear Families,
This week, our classroom was filled with all things apples. Students explored how apples grow and change through each stage of the apple life cycle—from tiny seed to sprout, to blossom, to a ripe apple ready to pick. We discussed what each stage needs to grow, used sequencing cards to show the process in order, and connected this to our own understanding of how living things grow and change.
We also expanded our vocabulary with new science and literacy words such as blossom, core, seeds, and sprout. Students practiced using these words in sentences, labeled apple diagrams, and created mini “Apple Life Cycle” books to show their learning.
To bring our apple study to life, we graphed our favorite apples as a class. Students sampled different varieties and voted for their favorite. After counting, comparing, and creating a bar graph, we discovered that Pink Lady apples were the clear favorite. Later, we made homemade applesauce together. While it turned out a little less delicious than expected, it was a memorable hands-on science and math experience—measuring ingredients, observing changes with heat, and describing the wonderful smell that filled our classroom.
Next week, we will shift from apples to pumpkins. Students will compare the apple life cycle to the pumpkin life cycle, noticing both similarities and differences as we continue to develop observation and sequencing skills.
Literacy
In literacy, we are working on letter-sound correspondence and have studied nearly all the letters of the alphabet. Students are now stretching out words and identifying the beginning, middle, and ending sounds to help them write words phonetically. This week marked a special milestone—students became authors and illustrators by creating their very first books. They used drawings and sounds to tell their own stories, developing early writing confidence and a sense of ownership over their work.
During reading, we focused on how pictures can tell a story when the words are challenging to read. Students learned how to look closely at illustrations to make predictions, describe emotions, and infer what might happen next. Our featured text, “Moon Cakes,” offered rich opportunities to discuss setting, family traditions, and visual storytelling. This kind of “reading the pictures” is an essential early literacy skill that supports comprehension long before fluent decoding develops.
Math
In math, we continued building our number sense through games, hands-on exploration, and discussion. Students played Top It, a game that helps them compare numbers and strengthen their understanding of greater than and less than. We revisited 2D shapes, describing them by their sides and corners, and began exploring how shapes can combine to make new designs. We also discussed what numbers mean, moving beyond counting to understand that numbers represent specific quantities and can help us describe and compare groups.
Technology and i-Ready
Your child’s i-Ready login and password were sent home in the back of their folder. Later this week, I’ll send instructions on how to log in at home. i-Ready allows students to practice reading and math skills at their own pace, offering individualized support based on their needs.
Halloween Plans
Information about our Halloween party will be sent out later this week through SignUpGenius. We are limited to three parent volunteers, and the first three who sign up will fill those spots. Thank you in advance for understanding these guidelines.
Even if you are not volunteering, you are warmly invited to attend our Halloween parade and wear your festive attire. We encourage all students to stay for the whole– 1/2 day on Halloween—it will be a fun, structured day filled with learning and celebration.
Reminders
- Library books are due on Thursday each week.
- Please read your child’s poetry notebook together over the weekend and talk about their favorite poem.
- Thank you for your enthusiasm and support during the Fun Run. The joy, laughter, and teamwork were tremendous to see.
Wishing you a restful and cozy weekend filled with stories, smiles, and maybe an apple treat or two.
Warmly,
River Eubanks