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Ms. Lane, Literacy, Kindergarten

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Literacy - Week of 3/2/26

Our class will be exploring our country to learn what makes the United States so special. Through stories, songs, and activities, students will learn about important leaders, traditions, and the diverse people and landscapes that make up our country.

We will read about baseball, America’s favorite pastime, and talk about different games students enjoy playing with friends and family. Students will also learn about the American flag and have the opportunity to design their own flag to represent our classroom or community.

Bring It Home

Here are some simple ways to practice the skills we are learning at school:

💬 START TALKING
 Help your child practice starting conversations by encouraging polite and clear language, such as:
 • “Excuse me, would you like to play with me?”
 • “I want to tell you about…”

⭐ BIG IDEA WORDS
 Use these words during conversations or while reading together:
 belong, country, right

🔤 WORD PLAY
 Play with sounds and words to build early reading skills:
 • Go on a “sound hunt” and find objects that start with a certain letter sound
 • Read familiar books and pause before the last word so your child can fill it in

📖 WORDS TO KNOW
 Practice reading and spelling these high-frequency words:
 as, come, cut, from, get, hot, if, must, or, our, red, said, stop, that, when, where

📚 LET’S READ TOGETHER
 Make time to read every day! While reading:
 • Ask your child to imagine what’s happening before looking at the pictures
 • Talk about compound words (like doghouse or cupcake) and what the smaller words mean

✏️ WRITING AT HOME
 Support your child’s writing by encouraging them to explain and share ideas:
 • Have your child talk through steps for a game or activity they enjoy
 • Write down their ideas together and read them back
 • Encourage them to “teach” a family member something they know how to do

Literacy - Week of 12/15/25

This week in Literacy, we are diving into holiday-themed stories to build comprehension, sequencing, and creativity. We will be reading If I Lived in a Snowglobe, Sneezy the Snowman, The Wild Christmas Reindeer, and The Polar Express. Each story will be paired with a themed book craft that allows students to connect to the text through art, writing, and hands-on learning. We can’t wait to see their imaginations shine!

Literacy -Week of 12/8/25

 

Hello, Families!
We are working on the final week of our “Happy, Healthy” unit during our literacy time! The students will continue to learn about how they can keep their bodies happy and healthy! 

As we read about good health habits, we will research to find out about different ways to exercise and the reasons why we need sleep. As a class, we will collaborate to write a “Happy, Healthy Blog” so that we can teach others all we have learned.

Bring It Home

Here are some ideas for practicing the skills we are learning at school.

EXPRESSING NEEDS AND WANTS

BIG IDEA WORDS
 Show your child how to politely tell others what he or she needs or wants. Encourage your child to make eye contact and use this language:
 • Excuse me. May I go to ___?
 • Could you please pass me the ___?
 • Thank you. You’re welcome.

Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child:

  • energy

  • exercise

  • healthy

WORD PLAY

WORDS TO KNOW
 Play with sounds, letters, and words to help develop skills that are important for reading:
 • Say three-letter words, such as pan, fit, and hop. Ask your child to tell you the beginning, middle, and end sounds for each word.
 • Say more three-letter words, such as dog, run, and hat. Help your child think of words that rhyme with each word.

Practice reading and spelling these words that children will see a lot in books they read:

  • put

  • does

  • see

LET’S READ TOGETHER

Make a special time and place to read with your child every day. Point out how to use the different features in nonfiction books:
 • Have your child pick a topic from the table of contents. Then find it in the book together.
 • Read diagram labels and photo captions.
 • Look up unfamiliar words in the glossary.
 • Show children how to use the index to find information in the book.

RESEARCH WRITING

Support your child to find facts and answer questions about a favorite topic:
 • Take your child to the local library to check out books about the topic.
 • Show your child how to go online to answer questions about the topic and learn more.
 • Seek out family members, friends, or people in the community who are experts, and encourage your child to ask questions

Literacy -Week of 11/3/25

🌟 Hello Wonderful Families!

Can you believe we’re wrapping up Module 3 already? Time flies when we’re learning and growing together! Over the next month, our class will be exploring “What Makes a Community.” We’ll read stories about the people and places that make our neighborhoods special, learn how everyone—from bakers to bus drivers—helps a community shine, and even create a 3-D map of the places around our school!

Here are some fun ways to keep the learning going at home!

🗣️ Speak Up, Superstar!

Help your child practice clear, confident speaking:
 • Play “Voice Detective”—take turns whispering, talking, and using an “outside voice.” Which one fits best for different places (library, playground, restaurant)?
 • Practice sharing about their day with hands away from their face and eyes up—just like a news reporter!
 • Play a silly “volume meter” game—can they find the just right classroom voice?

💬 Big Idea Words

Use these words in your everyday conversations:
 community, neighbor, location
 👉 Example: “Our neighbor Mr. Lee helps our community by growing vegetables for everyone!”

Add bonus words like: citizen, helper, teamwork, together.

🔠 Word Play Time!

Boost reading and language skills while having fun:
 • Think of words that start with the same sound as your child’s name (e.g., Bonz bounces blueberries!).
 • Make letters with playdough, pasta, pipe cleaners, or shaving cream art!
 • Have an alphabet scavenger hunt—find one item for every letter you can!

🧩 Words to Know

Practice reading and spelling these small-but-mighty words:
 an, did, has, he, in, it, me, put, ran, she, sits, with
 Try:
 • Sticky note word races (stick them around the house to find and read).
 • Flashlight reading—turn off the lights and “spotlight” the word!
 • Word toss—say a word and toss a ball back and forth while spelling it aloud.

📚 Let’s Read Together

Make reading time cozy and special! Snuggle up and talk about:
 • What happens in the beginning, middle, and end?
 • What is this story really about?
 • What clues do the pictures give you about the words?
 Bonus idea: Create a “Family Reading Fort” with blankets and flashlights!

💌 Lists and Letters

Encourage writing in real-life ways:
 • Write a shopping list or a family fun weekend list together.
 • Send postcards, cards, or emails to friends or grandparents—everyone loves mail!
 • Make thank-you notes or drawings for community helpers (firefighters, bus drivers, librarians).
 • Keep a “Kindness Journal”—write one nice thing that happened each day.

🏘️ Community Explorers

Bring the theme to life:
 • Go on a “Community Walk” and notice who’s working to help others (mail carriers, gardeners, crossing guards).
 • Create a pretend “Mini Town” with toys or boxes—who runs the post office? Who works at the bakery?
 • Talk about ways your family helps your community—big or small!

Literacy - Week of 10/27/25

We are wrapping up Module 3! 

Hello families! Over the next month, our class will learn about what makes a community. We will read books about the people and places in a community, and the ways in which we all work together to make a community strong. Children will write letters to teach others about our community, and the whole class will collaborate to build a 3-D map of the places around school that make up our community.


To help your students at home, here are some ideas to use! 



Speak up! 

Show how to speak clearly and use an appropriate voice level: 


  • Remind your child that people can hear you better if you keep your hands away from your face when speaking. 

  • Tell your child when he or she is using a voice that is too loud, too quiet, or just right for the situation.

Big Idea Words

Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: community, location, neighbor


Word Play

Play with sounds, letters, and words to help develop skills that are important for reading: 


  • Think of words that start with the same sound as your child’s first name. Then do the same for names of other people in your family. 

  • Practice making letters and words with all different materials. Try sidewalk chalk, playdough, sand, and shaving cream!

Words to Know

Practice reading and spelling these words that children will see a lot in books they read: an, did, has, he, in, it, me, put, ran, she, sits, with


Let’s Read Together

Make a special time and place to read with your child every day. While you read, ask: 

  • What happens in the beginning/middle/end? 
  • What is the story about? Tell me in your own words. 
  • What clue in the picture shows what the word means?

Lists and Letters

Support your child to write letters and lists: 

  • Work together to write shopping lists or “to do” lists with pictures and words. 

  • Send cards, letters, or e-mail to family members who live far away. Your child will love getting a response! 

  • Write thank you notes for gifts or other acts of kindness. Have your child tell you what to write, and “sign” his or her name.

Literacy - Week of 10/20/25

We are continuing Module 3! 

Hello families! Over the next month, our class will learn about what makes a community. We will read books about the people and places in a community, and the ways in which we all work together to make a community strong. Children will write letters to teach others about our community, and the whole class will collaborate to build a 3-D map of the places around school that make up our community.


To help your students at home, here are some ideas to use! 



Speak up! 

Show how to speak clearly and use an appropriate voice level: 


  • Remind your child that people can hear you better if you keep your hands away from your face when speaking. 

  • Tell your child when he or she is using a voice that is too loud, too quiet, or just right for the situation.

Big Idea Words

Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: community, location, neighbor


Word Play

Play with sounds, letters, and words to help develop skills that are important for reading: 


  • Think of words that start with the same sound as your child’s first name. Then do the same for names of other people in your family. 

  • Practice making letters and words with all different materials. Try sidewalk chalk, playdough, sand, and shaving cream!

Words to Know

Practice reading and spelling these words that children will see a lot in books they read: an, did, has, he, in, it, me, put, ran, she, sits, with


Let’s Read Together

Make a special time and place to read with your child every day. While you read, ask: 

  • What happens in the beginning/middle/end? 
  • What is the story about? Tell me in your own words. 
  • What clue in the picture shows what the word means?

Lists and Letters

Support your child to write letters and lists: 

  • Work together to write shopping lists or “to do” lists with pictures and words. 

  • Send cards, letters, or e-mail to family members who live far away. Your child will love getting a response! 

  • Write thank you notes for gifts or other acts of kindness. Have your child tell you what to write, and “sign” his or her name.

Literacy - Week of 9/22/25

 

We’re wrapping up Module 2!
 Thank you for continuing to support your child’s learning at home. As we move into the next month, our class will celebrate what makes each of us special. We’ll read books that explore how we are the same and how we are different—from our names, to our style, to our favorite things. Children will write stories about their experiences making friends and learning new things. 

Bring It Home: Practice at Home

Asking for Help
 Encourage your child to politely ask for help. Practice making eye contact and using this language:

  • “Excuse me. Could you please help me…?”

  • “Thank you.” / “You’re welcome.”

Big Idea Words
 Reinforce these important words in conversations and while reading together:

  • celebrate, different, special

Word Play
 Play with sounds, letters, and words to build early reading skills:

  • Say the word cat and think of rhyming words together.

  • Challenge your child to find words that begin with s, b, n, or d.

  • Say longer words and clap to count the syllables.

Words to Know
 Practice reading and spelling these high-frequency words:

  • as, do, is, you, to, I, was

Let’s Read Together
 Set aside a special time to read with your child daily. As you read:

  • Ask questions such as: What is the problem? How did the characters solve it? What lesson did they learn?

  • Point out synonyms (kind/nice, big/large) and antonyms (hot/cold, happy/sad).

Story Writing
 Support your child’s storytelling by connecting writing to real life:

  • Look at a photo together. Ask: Who is in the picture? Where was it taken? When did it happen? Write down what your child says.

  • Share the story of your child’s name or stories from your own childhood, adding lots of detail.

Literacy Week of 9/15/25

 

Thank you for continuing to support your child’s learning! Over the next month, our class will celebrate what makes each of us special. We will read books to explore how we are the same and different—from our names, to our style, to our favorite things. Children will write stories about their experiences with making friends and learning new things. Partners will interview each other as part of a class project and use what they learn to create a “flap book” that reveals how they are each one-of-a-kind. Bring It Home Here are some ideas for practicing the skills we are learning at school. 

ASKING FOR HELP 

Support your child with asking for help. Show your child how to politely ask people for help. Encourage your child to make eye contact and use this language: • Excuse me. Could you please help me ? • Thank you. You’re welcome. 


BIG IDEA WORDS

Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: celebrate, different, special 


WORD PLAY

Play with sounds, letters, and words to help develop skills that are important for reading: • Say the word cat. Work together to list other words that rhyme with cat. • Challenge your child to find words that begin with s, b, n, and d. • Say words with more than one syllable. Clap and count each syllable with your child.

WORDS TO KNOW

Practice reading and spelling these words that children will see a lot in books they read: as, do, is, you, to, I, was 


LET’S READ TOGETHER

Make a special time and place to read with your child every day. While you read: • Ask questions such as, What is the problem? How did the characters solve it? What lesson did the characters learn? • Point out words with the same meaning (kind/nice, big/large, sad/unhappy) or opposite meanings (hot/cold, big/small, happy/sad). 


STORY WRITING

Support your child to write stories with characters and a setting: • Look at a photo. Have your child tell you about it and write down what he or she says. Ask: Who is in the picture? Where did we take the pictures? When did this happen? • Tell your child the story of his or her name and stories from when you were a child. Make sure to share a lot of details!
 

Literacy - Week of 9/8/25

Thank you for continuing to support your child’s learning! Over the next month, our class will celebrate what makes each of us special. We will read books to explore how we are the same and different—from our names, to our style, to our favorite things. Children will write stories about their experiences with making friends and learning new things. Partners will interview each other as part of a class project and use what they learn to create a “flap book” that reveals how they are each one-of-a-kind. Bring It Home Here are some ideas for practicing the skills we are learning at school. 

ASKING FOR HELP 

Support your child with asking for help. Show your child how to politely ask people for help. Encourage your child to make eye contact and use this language: • Excuse me. Could you please help me ? • Thank you. You’re welcome. 


BIG IDEA WORDS

Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child: celebrate, different, special 


WORD PLAY

Play with sounds, letters, and words to help develop skills that are important for reading: • Say the word cat. Work together to list other words that rhyme with cat. • Challenge your child to find words that begin with s, b, n, and d. • Say words with more than one syllable. Clap and count each syllable with your child.

WORDS TO KNOW

Practice reading and spelling these words that children will see a lot in books they read: as, do, is, you, to, I, was 


LET’S READ TOGETHER

Make a special time and place to read with your child every day. While you read: • Ask questions such as, What is the problem? How did the characters solve it? What lesson did the characters learn? • Point out words with the same meaning (kind/nice, big/large, sad/unhappy) or opposite meanings (hot/cold, big/small, happy/sad). 


STORY WRITING

Support your child to write stories with characters and a setting: • Look at a photo. Have your child tell you about it and write down what he or she says. Ask: Who is in the picture? Where did we take the pictures? When did this happen? • Tell your child the story of his or her name and stories from when you were a child. Make sure to share a lot of details!

Literacy - Week of 8/25/25

This week we are wrapping up our first module: Curious about Kindergarten. This week's focus is schools around the world. We will be introducing an informational text and students will practice identifying the central idea of a story. We will also go into depth on short a. Below are some suggestions of ideas to do at home to support your student. 


Home Support: 

🔄 GIVE ME SOME DIRECTION!

Build listening skills by giving directions and helping your child follow through:

  • Start with one-step directions and gradually work up to two- and three-step directions.

  • Use words like first, then, and next to help children remember directions.
     For example:
     First, brush your teeth. Then put on your shoes.

💡 BIG IDEA WORDS

Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child:

  • discover

  • dream

  • partners

🔤 WORD PLAY

Play with letters and sounds to help develop skills that are important for reading:

  • Sing the ABCs and songs that rhyme.

  • Play “I Spy” to find alphabet letters around home or when you are out and about.

  • Read alphabet books and recite nursery rhymes. Ask your child to name the letters or tell you words that rhyme.

📚 WORDS TO KNOW

Practice reading and spelling these words that children will see a lot in books they read:

  • a

  • the

📖 LET’S READ TOGETHER

Make a special time and place to read with your child every day. While you read, ask:

  • What’s happening in the picture?

  • Who is the story about? Where does it happen?

  • What is the book about? What did you learn?

  • Can the picture help you with the word ____?

✍️ OPINION WRITING

Support your child to write about how he or she thinks or feels about something and why:

  • Ask your child to share opinions throughout the day. For example:
     Would you rather have ___ or ___ for dinner? Tell me why.

  • Share opinions with your child using “I think” and “In my opinion.”
     Make sure to give reasons why!

Literacy - 8/18/25

This week, we will continue module one of our literacy curriculum, which is called: Curious about Kindergarten. 

Your child is probably full of questions about what’s in store for the year ahead. Over the next month, our class will answer a lot of those questions as we work together to discover what kindergarten is all about.

We will read books about school and find out about schools around the world. Children will write about their favorite things and explore what makes school a special place to learn and grow.

As we begin this exciting journey, here are some ideas for practicing the skills we are learning at school. These simple activities can help support your child’s development and make learning fun at home!


Home Support: 

🔄 GIVE ME SOME DIRECTION!

Build listening skills by giving directions and helping your child follow through:

  • Start with one-step directions and gradually work up to two- and three-step directions.

  • Use words like first, then, and next to help children remember directions.
     For example:
     First, brush your teeth. Then put on your shoes.

💡 BIG IDEA WORDS

Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child:

  • discover

  • dream

  • partners

🔤 WORD PLAY

Play with letters and sounds to help develop skills that are important for reading:

  • Sing the ABCs and songs that rhyme.

  • Play “I Spy” to find alphabet letters around home or when you are out and about.

  • Read alphabet books and recite nursery rhymes. Ask your child to name the letters or tell you words that rhyme.

📚 WORDS TO KNOW

Practice reading and spelling these words that children will see a lot in books they read:

  • a

  • the

📖 LET’S READ TOGETHER

Make a special time and place to read with your child every day. While you read, ask:

  • What’s happening in the picture?

  • Who is the story about? Where does it happen?

  • What is the book about? What did you learn?

  • Can the picture help you with the word ____?

✍️ OPINION WRITING

Support your child to write about how he or she thinks or feels about something and why:

  • Ask your child to share opinions throughout the day. For example:
     Would you rather have ___ or ___ for dinner? Tell me why.

  • Share opinions with your child using “I think” and “In my opinion.”
     Make sure to give reasons why!
 

Literacy - 8/11/25

This week, we will continue module one of our literacy curriculum, which is called: Curious about Kindergarten. 

Your child is probably full of questions about what’s in store for the year ahead. Over the next month, our class will answer a lot of those questions as we work together to discover what kindergarten is all about.

We will read books about school and find out about schools around the world. Children will write about their favorite things and explore what makes school a special place to learn and grow.

As we begin this exciting journey, here are some ideas for practicing the skills we are learning at school. These simple activities can help support your child’s development and make learning fun at home!


Home Support

🔄 GIVE ME SOME DIRECTION!

Build listening skills by giving directions and helping your child follow through:

  • Start with one-step directions and gradually work up to two- and three-step directions.

  • Use words like first, then, and next to help children remember directions.
     For example:
     First, brush your teeth. Then put on your shoes.

💡 BIG IDEA WORDS

Reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child:

  • discover

  • dream

  • partners

🔤 WORD PLAY

Play with letters and sounds to help develop skills that are important for reading:

  • Sing the ABCs and songs that rhyme.

  • Play “I Spy” to find alphabet letters around home or when you are out and about.

  • Read alphabet books and recite nursery rhymes. Ask your child to name the letters or tell you words that rhyme.

📚 WORDS TO KNOW

Practice reading and spelling these words that children will see a lot in books they read:

  • a

  • the

📖 LET’S READ TOGETHER

Make a special time and place to read with your child every day. While you read, ask:

  • What’s happening in the picture?

  • Who is the story about? Where does it happen?

  • What is the book about? What did you learn?

  • Can the picture help you with the word ____?

✍️ OPINION WRITING

Support your child to write about how he or she thinks or feels about something and why:

  • Ask your child to share opinions throughout the day. For example:
     Would you rather have ___ or ___ for dinner? Tell me why.

  • Share opinions with your child using “I think” and “In my opinion.”
     Make sure to give reasons why!