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Week of January 11th- January 15th
Unit: Transportation
Welcome to a new unit of study .In these unit children have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of transportation items by the examination of trains, boats, cars, airplanes, buses, specialty vehicles and more. There are opportunities throughout the unit for us to tailor discussions and activities to reflect the children and communities.
Children begin the unit by considering the first focus question " What kinds of Transportation do I use and why?
Vocabulary for the week: bicycle, bus, car, express, fare, feet, helmet, keys, license plate, local, Metro Card, parachute, scooter, skateboard, stroller, subway, swim, taxi, train, transportation, truck, van, vehicle, wagon.
Family Engagement: Please contribute transportation related-items such as old Metro Cards, license plates, maps, etc., to add to the Dramatic Play area.
Literacy: The Bus for Us by Suzanne Bloom
If you choose to read this story to your child at home, the following are some questions you can ask. Tip: Always start off with concept questions because the answers are usually more straightforward and direct, and work your way down the list. Understanding where your child is in his/her ability to answer story related questions will give you a better understanding on what questions to ask to engage a higher level of thinking.
Recall Question: What does Tess ask over and over again?
What were some of the vehicles that drove past Tess and Gus before the bus came?
Skill Concept: Why do you think Gus looks sad just before the bus comes?
Gus and Tess take the bus to school. How did you get to pre-k today?
Strategic Thinking: Tess holds her ears when the fire engine drives past. Why?
Strategic Thinking: There is a picture of a skunk on the garbage truck. Why do you think that is there?
Extended Thinking: Us and Gus are rhyming words. What are some other words that rhyme with us and Gus?
Math: Building Blocks: Have your child make a group of 3. Label the group with its numeral.
It is very important to be on time when picking up your child at dismissal time no later than 2:55 pm.
Have a great week!
As always if you have any questions and/or concerns please send me an email cmachado@stbrendandsschoolbronx.org
Ms. Machado
Ms. Natalie
Week of: December 21st, 22nd and 23rd
Thursday, December 24th through Friday, January 1st school is closed. We will all be back in school on Monday, January 4th.Since it is a short week the focus will be on learning all about holidays that are celebrated during the month of December: Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah. Although the focus will be on exploring how each holidays are celebrated, it is equally important for the students to understand not everyone celebrate the same holidays if any at all, and that is okay. What matters most is spending quality family time together and what that may look like depending on your culture, and beliefs.
Family Engagement: Reading books together before bedtime every night
Reviewing numbers 1-20
Practice identifying letters and sounds
Practice writing first and last name
I want to take some time to wish you all the very best for the New Year. May 2021 bring you endless joy, prosperity, health & wealth.
Ms. Machado
Ms. Jessica
Ms. Natalie
Week of December 14th- December 18thWeek Two: Unit Where We Live
Focus Question: Where do people and animals live?
Vocabulary: bedroom, den, downstairs, hibernate, nest, pet, water, forest, farm, dessert
Foundational Text: A House for Hermit Crab, by Eric Carle. If you do not have this book at home, do not worry just click on the link provided https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UlGQUNLwAQ
Here are some key questions to consider asking your child:
Why did Hermit Crab need a new house? What are some of the things Hermit Crab used to decorate his house? Hermit Crab added many things to his home, which one do you like best? Why? When the Smaller Crab moved into Hermit Crab’s house she promised to be goof to his friends. How do you take good care of your friends?
Letter Focus: Ll
Math Focus: Have your child draw a shape with four straight sides of equal length. Ask your child about his or her drawing.
Have a great week!
Ms.Machado
Ms.Jessica
Ms.Natalie
Week of December 7th- December 11thThank you all for participating in our first virtual parent/ teacher conference. It was so nice to finally get some one on one time with you all to discuss all the wonderful things your child has been up to.
This week we start our 4th unit: Where We Live. This unit is designed to reflect the diverse places where people live in neighborhoods across New York City. Students will inquire and learn about the homes of animals, both pets living in homes and those animals that create their own homes.
We begin by students investigating themselves and the people important to them by considering the focus question, “Where do I live? And Where do my family members live?
Foundational Text: The Big Orange Splot by Daniel Manus Pinkwater. If you do not have this book at home, do not worry just click on the link provided https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhiTkZUlpQQ
During bedtime read the story together with your child. Here are some questions to consider asking your child to help guide them understand the meaning of the story:
How did the big orange splot get on Mr. Plumbean’s house? What did the neighbors want Mr. Plumbean to do about the splot? Why were the neighbors upset that Mr. Plumbean changed his house? What happened when the neighbors talked to Mr. Plumbean at night? Do you like the changes Mr. Plumbean made to his house? Why or why not?
Vocabulary: address, borough, city, far, home, near, neighborhood, roads, street.
Family Engagement:
Create your home or building out of a box! Use an empty shoebox, cereal box, anything you can think of that you can find inside of your home. Paint or color it the same color as your house/building. You can also cover it with construction paper if you don’t have paint. Make windows and doors. Put the number of your home to show your address.Letter Focus: Kk
Please continue to help your child at home with letter recognition and phonological awareness.
Math Focus: Ask your child to draw a rectangle, have your child tell about his or her drawing.
Have a fantastic week! If you have any questions comments, concerns please feel free to reach out to me.
All the best,
Ms. Machado
Week of December 1st- December 4th
Unit: All About Us
Focus Question: What makes my family important and uniqueFamily Engagement: Please share any favorite songs, customs, traditions you enjoy as a family.
Please record and post on Seesaw and/or email me.
Parent/ Teacher Zoom/ Phone Conferences: Friday 12/4/2020. See below for your time slot. If you need to make any changes, please reach out to me as soon as possible.
12:30-12:45PM- Arhaan Amelia
12:45-1:00PM- Cecilia Ivan
1:20-1:35PM- Nailah Valentina
1:40-1:55PM- Zaria Neriah
2:15-2:3OPM- Sam CarlaisbelWeek of November 23rd-November 25h
Unit: All About Us
Week Three: What makes my class important and unique?
Reminder: This Wednesday November 25th is a noon dismissal. Please arrive on time to pick up your child.
Thanksgiving Recess: School Closed from Thursday, November 26th through Monday, November 30th. School Resumes on Tuesday, December 1st.
Seesaw: I have sent you all an invitation to download our Seesaw app, if you have not done so please download. Your child may pick and choose what activities they would like to do on Seesaw. This is not mandatory at this time because we cover the same topic in class throughout the week. If your child is not feeling well and you choose to keep them home you can log into the Seesaw app for that day. By submitting a completed assignment, your child will be marked present for the day. If your child has attended school for the day you can still have them complete the activities on Seesaw because it is good practice, fun, and educational.
Letter of the Week: So far we have covered letters A-J. Because it is a short week we will not start a new letter however please take this time to go over letter recognition with your child. Thanksgiving recess is a great opportunity to practice on their handwriting skills.
Continual focus throughout the school year should be helping your child to recognize their first and last name in print, how to hold a pencil, recognizing numbers 1-10, increasing independence with dressing and undressing (bathroom skills, taking off/ putting on jackets independently).
Please arrive on time when picking up your child. Dismissal is at 2:55 sharp! Please try to get here 2-3 minutes before dismissal time.
I truly hope you have an amazing, fun-filled, safe, Thanksgiving break. From the bottom of my heart I thank you all for being so patient and understanding during these times. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!
Ms. Machado
Ms. Jessica
Ms. Natalie
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Week of November 16th- November 20th
Unit: All About Us
Week Two: What feelings do I have and why?
During small group students will be introduced to an interactive feelings chart. They will be able to match how they are feeling from an array of labeled pictures. This chart will become part of the morning routine but also available for them to access throughout the day as desired.
Foundational Text: The Feelings Book by Todd Parr, Friendshape by Amy Krouse,Grumpy Bird, Glad Monster, Sad Monster by Ed Emberley
Vocabulary Focus: afraid, angry, bored, brave, comfortable, excited, sad, scared, silly, strong, surprised, frustrated.
Letter of the Week:Jj
Math: Ask your child to draw you a rectangle. Have your child tell you about his or her drawing. Focus should be on: did they name the shape correctly, can your child tell you why this shape is a rectangle (it has four straight sides, each connecting at a corner that makes a right angle)
Important dates to remember: Thanksgiving Recess - School Closed from Thursday, November 26th through Monday, November 30th. School Resumes on Tuesday, December 1st.
Have an amazing week. As always please email me any questions, comments, concerns.
Ms. Machado
Ms. Jessica
Ms. Natalie
November 11th - School Closed - Veterans DayHello and Welcome to November where we now enter our 3rd unit of study: All About Us. This unit is so important because during your child’s pre-k years they begin to develop an awareness of themselves as a unique individual.
Essential Question: Who am I and Who are the people in my life?
Focus Question: What makes my family unique?
Vocabulary Words:
Mother, father, aunt, cousin, grand mother , grandfather, sister brother, family
Foundational Text:
This is It by Dania People Riley
The Many Colors
Stella Brings the family by Miriam B. Schiffer
I love Saturday'sLetter of the Week: Ii
All the best,
Ms.Machado
Ms. Jessica
Ms. NatalieLesson Plan: 11/2-11/6
Unit of Study: My Five Senses ; Week 4
Essential Question: Essential Question: How do we use our senses to explore, investigate and understand the world around us?
Focus Question: How do we use our sense of taste?
Student Objectives: We taste with our mouths and tongues.
Our sense of smell and taste work together.
Vocabulary: flavor, mouth, savory, sour, sweet, taste, taste buds, tongue
Foundational Text:
Thank you, Omu! by Oge MoraLetter Focus: H
Math Focus: This week we are focusing on counting and on numerals. Numerals can help children think more abstractly about numbers. It is important, however, to connect numerals to mathematical ideas and quantities, for example, by comparing small groups and making groups equal in number.
Math-at-Home: Ask your child to guess the number of any of the following items where you live: beds, rooms, windows, doors, clocks, stairs, and chairs. Write the total number of each thing next to its picture.
Have a great week,
Ms.MachadoLesson Plan 10/26-10/30
Unit of Study: My Five SensesFocus Question: How do we use our sense of smell?
Student Objectives: We use our nose to smell.
Vocabulary: aroma, nose, nostrils, smellFriday- Please send your child to school wearing orange and/or black. Please donate a pumpkin for our classroom.
Science: A Nose Knows: Guess the Smell Game: You can set up a fun and simple game for your child to play. Put six edible elements in small containers for your child to smell while wearing a blindfold. In the classroom, I specifically chose food and spices with strong aromas. Here are some examples: a lemon slice, coffee grounds, black pepper, onions, cilantro , cinnamon. maple syrup, oregano.
Letter Focus: Gg
Math: This week we will continue to build their counting skills. We practiced counting to 5 with understanding, as well as creating and identifying groups containing up to five items. We will continue to focus on- keeping one-to-one correspondence between the number words they say and the objects they count.
- Students will learn that the last number they counted tells you how many.
- Students will learn how to figure out if two groups are equal
Math At-Home:
Play board games that require players to count spaces as they move. Compare amounts of various items. For example, ask your child whether there are more forks or knives on the table or figure out whose name has more letters. Write each amount.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to send me an email.
Wishing you all an amazing week,
Ms.Machado
Week of: 10/19-10/23 Unit of Study: My Five Senses
Essential Question: How do we use our senses to explore, investigate and understand the world around us?
Focus Question: How do we use our sense of hearing?
Student Objectives: We use our ears to hear. We use our senses to learn about the people, places, objects, and environment around us. We experience and interact with the world differently when our senses, such as vision or hearing, are impaired.
Vocabulary: adventure, crunch, deaf, ears, hear, hearing aid, instruments, listen, loud, noise, predictions, quiet, sign language, sound, volume
Foundational Text:
Squeak, Rumble, Whomp! Whomp! Whomp! by Wynton Marsalis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FjiOw1XdAg
Supporting Texts:
The Listening Walk by Paul Showers; illustrated by Aliki; (Read Aloud link below)
There’s A Drum in My Ear by Michelle Garcia Anderson; I Can Hear and Puedo oir by Julie Murray; and Apples by Gail Gibbons
Letter of the Week: Ff
Please review and practice handwriting with your little one at home.Math News: This week your child will continue to explore geometric shapes. Focus will be on practicing naming triangles, rectangles, and squares. We will also discuss the attributes of these shapes. Last we will go on a shape hunt to find examples of triangles, rectangles, and squares.
Math-at-Home: Let your child build shapes from straws, toothpicks, etc. Have your child name each shape and count it’s sides. This is such an important skill because it focuses on shape building, identification, as well as counting.
Please if possible donate a pumpkin for our classroom, thank you.October 13th- October 17th Unit of Study: My Five Senses
Children naturally use their senses to explore the world around them. With this unit your child will get the opportunity to develop a wide variety of skills by using his/her senses in hands on learning play.
Essential Question: How do we use our senses to explore, investigate and understand the world around us?Focus Questions: How do we use our sense of sight?
Student Objectives: There are five senses. They are smell, taste, touch, sight and hearing. We use our eyes to see.
We will be discussing how life might be different for people who do not see or hear well and how they communicate with the world around them.
Vocabulary: autumn, blind, Braille, dark, eyes, eyesight, fall, foliage, notice, observe, see, senses, view, vision, window
Foundational Text: Windows by Julia Denos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03gLzH2p8Pg
Supporting Text: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? By Bill MartinJr./Eric Carle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-NlZH_HcOw
Letter Focus: Ee
Math: Shapes
Ask your child to find shapes around the house (T.V, Tablet, picture frame, wheels in bike or scooter etc.). Ask your child to find and count the sides and angles/corners and then name the shapes. Take a picture and tell me what shape did you find? How many sides does it have? I hope you have fun finding shapes at home.
PK.MATH.13. [NY-PK.G.2.] Names shapes regardless of size
Please send in a folder with your child’s name on it
Ms. Machado
10/5-10/9 Unit of Study: Welcome to Pre-k Focus Question: Who else is in my pre-K program?Student Outcomes: The teachers and other adults at my program keep me safe, care about me, and support my learning.
In my classroom, I use materials carefully and make choices about where I play and work.
Classroom rules and routines help me learn and stay safe.
Vocabulary: custodian, director/principal, helpful, job, nurse, administrative assistantFoundational Text: Night Job by Karen Hesse https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcfZYkz2310
PK.SEL.2. Recognizes self as an individual having unique abilities, characteristics, feelings and interests
Level 1: Recall When does the dad in this story go to work? What is the dad’s job? What does he do?
Level 2: Skill/Concept The dad in this story is the school custodian. He keeps the building clean. What are some ways you help keep our classroom and building clean?
Who are the other people in our building that help keep it clean?
Math: This week, students will begin to explore geometry and spatial concepts. Activities will focus on naming familiar two-dimensional shapes ( circle and squares), matching shapes of the same size, and identifying attributes of a shape.
Math at Home: Display pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters for your child to examine. Ask your child to make stacks of coins that are the same shape and same size. Also, using one of each have your child arrange them in order from smallest to largest.
Letter Focus: D
Please continue to go over hand washing with your child.
Please be on time when picking up your child. Pick-up time is 2:55 sharp!
If you haven't done so already please send in and/or email me a family pictureImportant! Check your email in the next few weeks for a special code for your child in order for them to use the fun and education app called SeeSaw!
Reminder: School Closed on Monday October 12th
If you have any questions please feel free to send me an email. Have a wonderful week
Ms.Machado
9/28-10/2 Unit of Study: Welcome to Pre-k
Focus Question: Who are the people in my classroom community?
Student Outcomes: My family, my teachers*, and other children make up my classroom community; their backgrounds, thoughts, needs, ideas and abilities matter.
The teachers and other adults at my program keep me safe, care about me, and support my learning.
Vocabulary: Brilliant, classmates, difference, friends, peers, sharing, turn- taking, unique
PK.AC.5. Demonstrates a growing expressive vocabulary.
Foundational Text:
Chu’s First Day of School by Neil Gaiman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlzTQydoW9s
Letter Focus: CMath: Counting and producing small groups
Recognizing equal groups
At Home Math Tips: Have each member of the family count the items on his or her plate and then say how many there are. Benefit; this reinforces the connection between number words and actual items. The activity also provides practice with the sequence of number words.IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Your childs backpack should have nothing in it. We took everything out that we needed. If something is in it please leave it at home. All regular size backpacks, folders, jackets, clothes, sheets, lunch boxes, blankets and other personal items should have your child's name on them. Mask should be worn everyday, and if possible keep extras in their backpacks.
9/21-9/25: Unit 1 Welcome to Pre-KFocus Question: What do I bring to my classroom community?
Student Outcomes:
I am an important member of my classroom community; my thoughts, needs, ideas and abilities matter.
In my classroom, I use materials carefully and make choices about where I play and work.
Vocabulary:
angry, disappointed, embarrassed, emotions, excited, expressions, feelings, frustrated, passion, playground, proud, lonely, scared, silly
Foundational Text: Count on Me by Miguel Tanco
On Monday it rained by Cherly Kachenmeiser
Additional Text: The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
https://youtu.be/8Y0Hk-lJPd8
Family Engagement:
Please send in a family portrait and/or you can send it via email cmachado@stbrendanschoolbronx.org
Letter of the Week: Bb
Math
Students will work on counting, recognizing, and making small groups. Activities this week encourage children to observe amounts/ quantity.
At Home Math- Tip
Place your child's snack in several small groups, and ask: What group has three (or another amount).
Have a great week!
Week of September 14th-September 18th
Unit Topic: Welcome to Pre-K
Essential Question: What is Pre-K?
Vocabulary: Centers, classroom, library, science, teacher, welcome, materials, movement
During this week we will focus on:- Guiding children on the rug and going over Rug Rules
- Guiding students and modeling how to pick and change a center
- Hand washing procedure
- Daily schedule
Letter Focus: A
Books:
All are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin JR and John Archambault
At Home Math Tips:- Look around for things the can come in pairs, such as shoes and matching chairs
- Look for items with numerals such as clocks, telephone, radios bathroom scales.
- Establish a daily family routine
- Provide a time and place to study
- Assign responsibility for household chores
- Have a regular bedtime.
- Have meals together as a family.
Family Engagement: First day of school recall; share with your little one your memory of your time in preschool. Encourage them to share their experience with you.
Remote Parents: Please log onto to Seesaw for your child’s assignment.
Zoom Meeting: Check your email for our zoom meeting scheduled for Monday, 10am