Transitional Kindergarten News

We had a busy and fun-filled week of learning in our classroom! Here’s a look at what we’ve been working on together:

✏️ Writing & Name Practice
Students practiced writing their names using a capital letter at the beginning and lowercase letters for the rest. We also focused on proper letter formation for our “down, up” letters, especially r, n, and m.

🔢 Math
We measured our heights and compared them to an emperor penguin! Students then graphed whether they were taller or shorter than the penguin. We also practiced estimation by guessing how many bugs were in different-sized jars, learning that it’s okay if our estimate isn’t exact—as long as we try our best.

❄️ Science
We explored how animals stay warm in cold climates by testing ice water with and without a layer of “blubber.” This helped us understand how insulation protects animals in Antarctica. We also enjoyed reading many nonfiction books about Antarctic animals and their environment.

🎨 Art
Our artists were busy! Students colored ice skaters and created beautiful crayon-resist skating ponds using oil pastels and watercolors. They also painted adorable penguin colonies with tempera paint and enjoyed expressing their creativity during free art time.

📚 Reading
We began learning about orcas and practiced fine motor and direction-following skills by cutting and pasting orcas, which are now decorating our classroom.

🧩 STEM / Technology
Students built roads using our STEM bulldozer tracks, designed creative marble runs, and worked together to complete 100-piece puzzles—great teamwork all around!  We also participated in a Lego challenge where students had a limited number of legos and time to create something that would help penguins in Antarctica. We then took turns sharing our creations with the class.

🔤 Language Arts
We practiced blending CVC words using our blending board and worked in center groups on phonics activities tailored to each student’s level.

✍️ Writing Center
Students created squiggle designs from a simple square and proudly shared their unique creations with the class.

🎲 Games & Social Skills
We learned how to play Trouble while practicing good sportsmanship, taking turns, and having fun together.

Religion - Mrs. Sgroi taught us about the Beatitudes.

We loved our week of learning and can’t wait for more fun ahead!

 

Things We Collect

Non fiction picture books

Ribbon

Paper lunch sacks

Water bottle caps/milk jug caps

Cardboard tubes

Bubble wrap

Smooth rocks

locks/keys

Nuts/bolts

Stationary/envelopes

Stickers

Craft items

Cardboard egg cartons

Baby food jars