Ask me about....

This month we have had learned many exciting things about dogs.  Here are a few things to ask your child about:

• Therapy dogs-how can they help people 
• Mushers- Dogsledding teams
• Agility training and obedience-how you can train a dog to do tricks.

The kids were able to learn about and pet many dogs this month.  Today we watched some dogs do tricks and run through an obstacle course.  We also learned how using treats, you can teach your dog some simple tricks.  The kids LOVED this experience today.  I will be posting a few videos in a week or so.  

A few things...

• Thursday is Pajama Day!!! 
• READING FUN NIGHT is Thursday!  Check out your flyer that came in the Wednesday Envelopes.  Come for dinner starting at 5:30 for a "hot dog" meal.  Enjoy some face painting and photo opportunities.  Starting at 6:30, come listen to Maple Lake staff read stories all about "dogs."  It's a great night and kids of ALL ages are welcome!  We just ask that you accompany your children in the classrooms.  Come see me in our classroom as I read some of our favorite Pigeon books.  My daughter and niece will also be helping out.  I would love to see you!  
• Friday is class color day.  Wear the color purple or your School of Excellence shirt.
• I will be assessing your children again for report cards, so your child may have the same book for a few nights, we will try and get a new book sent home as much as we can.  Thanks for understanding.  

Math Games!

We learned a new math game called "Double Compare."  It's similar to "war" except we choose 2 cards and need to add them together to see who has the biggest number.  We had fun with our partners!!

February Reminders

Hello Kinderfamilies,
Here are a few reminders for the month of February.  It is an exciting month filled with dog-themed activities and MORE:

• Dog Drawing/dog story contest.  Have your child draw a picture of a dog and/or write a story about a dog.  Your child can write the story themselves or they can dictate a story for you to write for them.  Please return these by Friday, February 21st.  The paper to use was sent home today in their Wednesday envelopes.
• Reading minutes:  Please write down how many minutes your child has read each night in their VIP notebook.  If your child meets their goal of 5-10 minutes EVERY night, their name will be put into a drawing to get a ride to school on a fire truck.  FUN!!!  Keep reading!
• Please take a picture of your child reading to their dog or a stuffed animal dog and return to school by February 21st.  These will all be displayed in the hallway the night of Reading Fun Night.
• Friday, February 14th is the 100th day of school as well as Valentine's Day.  Have your child wear red, white or pink.  You may bring valentine treats if you choose, enough for 18 students.  
• It's getting nice out!!!!!  Remember to send boots, snow pants, hats and warm mittens each day for your child! :)
• On February 18th, each student will get a chance to read "in the doghouse" in the lobby.  They will be reading books with their 2nd grade buddy.  We are VERY excited about this!!!
• On February 27th will be our Reading Fun Night.  Come to school for a hot dog dinner and stay and hear some teachers read books about dogs.  There will also be face painting and tattoos.  This is an amazing night, put it on your calendar!

This month we will also be meeting and learning about different types of dogs.  We will see and learn about mushers and dogsled teams.  We also will learn about therapy dogs and even get to see some agility training dogs jump through an obstacle course.  Police dogs will also be coming to our school. If you have any questions about the activities ahead, please let me know!  Happy Reading.

What's new in the S.M.A.R.T Room

January smart room from Annie Jost on Vimeo.