Homework

                Our Classroom        
Reading:  We will be using the Kindergarten "Read Well" reading program.  I am very excited about this program as it helps students with letter recognition, letter sounds, word recognition, and reading.  It is a very sequential program tt is age appropriate and is a lot of fun!  This program will begin in October.  All students will be assessed to find their individual instruction level in reading and then grouped for reading instruction at their level with peers also working at their level.  We have found this to be very effective in supporting our students in making reading progress.  After each unit (every 1-2 weeks) students will be assessed and results will be sent home along with practice stories and a list of any sounds or words your child may need additional work on. 

We have an exciting hands-on math program called "Math Expressions".  You will be seeing some worksheets, but many of our daily activities will be hands-on.  We use many manipulatives to learn to understand and communicate the concepts and processes of math.

We will also begin our "Foss Science" in October.  This is a very, very engaging science program where students learn to ask and answer like the scientists they are!  The kindergartners absolutely love it!  Our first unit beginning in October is Animals 2 by 2 (Fish, Snails, Worms and Bugs).  In the spring we will begin exploring Wood and Paper.

I try to deal with all DISCIPLINE issues in the classroom.  Each child is responsible for his/her own actions.  If a child continues to need reminders for a certain action; he/she will receive a short time out to think about their action and how to improve on these.  If a problem becomes serious or consistant, I will tell you personally; but this very rarely happens as Kindergarten students always want to please their teacher.  What a great group of students I have this year.  I can tell they have been raised to be very respectful and polite!

I will be sending home Weekly Newsletters each week.  Attached will be your child's homework for the week.  All homework will be turned in the following Monday giving the weekend for any catch-up that needs to happen.  A vital piece of homework is reading with your child at least 20 minutes EVERY day!  You can read to them, with them, or listen to them read their Read Well homework.  Research validates the importance of spending this quality time together reading! 

Specialist Schedule:

Music: 
PE:   (wear tennis shoes!)
Library: 

To weekly view the homework calendars, please go to my "Documents" page on the site.  
If you have any questions, please e-mail me at gjohns2@tacoma.k12.wa.us or 
leave a message at 571-3890.  
Thanks again for being a vital partner in your child's learning!