Communicating Ideas and Feelings through Music |
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We are exploring patterns and sequencing as a math focus in our current unit. The children started discovering patterns by sorting, matching and grouping real objects (shells, chestnuts and pine cones, etc.) as well as sequencing the stories and events in their daily life.
We showed the children a picture of various patterns and asked them “What do you see?” and “What do these pictures make you think and wonder about”. The majority of them noticed colors, various shapes and other different attributes of patterns. Some of the children had an understanding what is a pattern is and we observed this later when they used manipulatives in the math center.
Following these discussions and observations, we read a book called “Patterns Everywhere” together which helped deepen students thinking. Children showed each other what patterns they could see in the classroom (window blinds, toys, the daily routine) and even on their clothes. We became so creative that we arranged ourselves into a “boy – girl - boy – girl…” pattern. We recognize simple ABAB, AABB, ABCABC patterns in animals, for example in stripes, spots, feathers, wings of the butterflies.
The children are excited to be involved in new explorations of patterns which they then record in their pattern book. They share their findings with each other while reading their books together.
As they started noticing patterns in their environment and in buildings, we went on a pattern hunt around the school campus. We found many stripey patterns and color patterns in the play grounds and on buildings . Children worked in pairs and shared patterns they saw and also talked about repetitive features of their findings.
Children are being introduced to patterns in rhythm (clapping, tapping, movement patterns).
We have also been emphasizing the unit-related stories to see the sequences of the story outlines as prompts. Children daily perform their motivation in developing of their understanding of sequencing of the stories and events.
You can support your child’s learning by noticing and commenting on patterns around you at home or outside, and by discussing the sequence of the stories you read together or the events in your daily life.
A New Guest Visitor to PS2
Last week we had Ms.Umida, her older son and her new baby pay a visit to the ELC. The children were really happy to see Ms.Umida and her baby son Saidbek. We spent some time together interacting with the baby. The children made connections between the baby and themselves, noting how big they were in comparison with the baby. That was fun! We look forward to Ms.Umida coming back soon and wish her and Saidbek all the very best!!!
Enjoyable continuum…
Dear parents of PS2, I would like to introduce myself as it is almost a month since I joined the PS2 classes’ learning journey. I am Shakhnoza Valieva, former preschool educator. I worked with this age of children for more than 7 years. Since 2011, I have been working as a Host Country Culture Studies teacher. I am so happy and fortunate to be back in the Early Learning Centre and working together with the children until Ms. Umida returns from maternity leave. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me at [email protected]
PS2 Team
We showed the children a picture of various patterns and asked them “What do you see?” and “What do these pictures make you think and wonder about”. The majority of them noticed colors, various shapes and other different attributes of patterns. Some of the children had an understanding what is a pattern is and we observed this later when they used manipulatives in the math center.
Following these discussions and observations, we read a book called “Patterns Everywhere” together which helped deepen students thinking. Children showed each other what patterns they could see in the classroom (window blinds, toys, the daily routine) and even on their clothes. We became so creative that we arranged ourselves into a “boy – girl - boy – girl…” pattern. We recognize simple ABAB, AABB, ABCABC patterns in animals, for example in stripes, spots, feathers, wings of the butterflies.
The children are excited to be involved in new explorations of patterns which they then record in their pattern book. They share their findings with each other while reading their books together.
As they started noticing patterns in their environment and in buildings, we went on a pattern hunt around the school campus. We found many stripey patterns and color patterns in the play grounds and on buildings . Children worked in pairs and shared patterns they saw and also talked about repetitive features of their findings.
Children are being introduced to patterns in rhythm (clapping, tapping, movement patterns).
We have also been emphasizing the unit-related stories to see the sequences of the story outlines as prompts. Children daily perform their motivation in developing of their understanding of sequencing of the stories and events.
You can support your child’s learning by noticing and commenting on patterns around you at home or outside, and by discussing the sequence of the stories you read together or the events in your daily life.
A New Guest Visitor to PS2
Last week we had Ms.Umida, her older son and her new baby pay a visit to the ELC. The children were really happy to see Ms.Umida and her baby son Saidbek. We spent some time together interacting with the baby. The children made connections between the baby and themselves, noting how big they were in comparison with the baby. That was fun! We look forward to Ms.Umida coming back soon and wish her and Saidbek all the very best!!!
Enjoyable continuum…
Dear parents of PS2, I would like to introduce myself as it is almost a month since I joined the PS2 classes’ learning journey. I am Shakhnoza Valieva, former preschool educator. I worked with this age of children for more than 7 years. Since 2011, I have been working as a Host Country Culture Studies teacher. I am so happy and fortunate to be back in the Early Learning Centre and working together with the children until Ms. Umida returns from maternity leave. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me at [email protected]
PS2 Team
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This week we started our second Unit of Inquiry. This unit falls under the Transdisciplinary Theme of How We Express Ourselves. The Central Idea is We express our thoughts and ideas in many different ways.
The Lines of Inquiry which will be guiding our learning are:
- How we use different forms of expressions
- Different versions of favorite stories
- Taking on different roles within the same story
Throughout this unit, the students will explore different ways of expressing stories. They will orally tell, dance, draw, and act out stories. They will also paint stories to music. Children will become familiar with book terminologies including as author, illustrator, title, spine and front cover.
In order to make an authentic home-school connection, we would like to invite you to come and read stories in class, in your mother-tongue language or to present different versions of familiar stories.
This week we will start allocating our class bear with its bag of belongings to one child each Friday to take home for the weekend.
Our pet has a journal in his bag. Please help your child write or draw about all the things Bear was able to do at the weekend (for example, visiting the park, grocery shopping, going to a friend’s house and so on). If you don’t go anywhere, your child can simply write about what Bear did at home (read bedtime stories, played with toys, did some drawing and so on).
Please encourage your child to talk about things that they want to write about. For example, I want to write or draw a story about me and Bear. Some children will prefer to have a go at their own ‘writing’, others may ask for help with their writing, while others still may prefer to draw a picture. Please praise ALL efforts. Please ensure your child returns the Adventure Bag to school on Monday with his/her writing, to share with the class.
On Monday mornings, we will read the journal and your child will share about the adventures he or she had with our class bear and your family over the weekend.
Please remember:
- As the weather gets colder, please make sure that the children have two extra sets of warm clothes in their bags. The children will still be playing outside during recess even when it is cold and may get their clothes wet or dirty. The only exception is if it is raining heavily.
- Please don't forget to send your child’s library book back the in its blue folder each week. PS2K class library day is on Tuesdays and PS2A on Thursdays. If the book is not returned, your child is not able to take another book from the library.
- The children are now doing Physical Education (PE) in the gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please send indoor trainers to school with your child on these days in signed.
PK2 Team
Thank you all for attending the conferences last Friday. We appreciate you taking the time to meet with us. These meeting times are very important as they give us the opportunity to help to build that very important relationship between parents, children and teachers.
The children have had a busy and fun couple of weeks in PS2. We inquired further into our Units of Inquiry as we explored how we use our community to support our learning.
We hope that the children came home and talked to you about how we have been playing some new and interesting games.
Mrs. Holly Francis, Mr. Seone Taupeaafe, and Mrs. Lara Mangum very kindly offered to visit PS2 to share their favourite games. Mrs. Francis introduced us to two very-popular games, "Pea Knuckle War" and "Simon Says". Mrs Mangum's games, "Hullabaloo" and "I Spy with my Little Eye" were great fun, too! Mr. Seone Taueaffe played his favorite childhood games, “Guess the animal sounds” and “Musical statues” with students. The students also played the Uzbek game "Oq Terakmi Kuk Terak" (Ms Gulnoza's childhood game) and the Slovakian game "Škôlka" (Ms Luba's favourite game). We looked at the choices connected with the games. We looked at how the games and the rules worked for us. In some cases, we changed the rules with our students to observe how the changes made a difference.
The children have had a busy and fun couple of weeks in PS2. We inquired further into our Units of Inquiry as we explored how we use our community to support our learning.
We hope that the children came home and talked to you about how we have been playing some new and interesting games.
Mrs. Holly Francis, Mr. Seone Taupeaafe, and Mrs. Lara Mangum very kindly offered to visit PS2 to share their favourite games. Mrs. Francis introduced us to two very-popular games, "Pea Knuckle War" and "Simon Says". Mrs Mangum's games, "Hullabaloo" and "I Spy with my Little Eye" were great fun, too! Mr. Seone Taueaffe played his favorite childhood games, “Guess the animal sounds” and “Musical statues” with students. The students also played the Uzbek game "Oq Terakmi Kuk Terak" (Ms Gulnoza's childhood game) and the Slovakian game "Škôlka" (Ms Luba's favourite game). We looked at the choices connected with the games. We looked at how the games and the rules worked for us. In some cases, we changed the rules with our students to observe how the changes made a difference.
On the 21st of September TIS joined in the celebrations of International Day of Peace - it was great opportunity to show how we can all create a more peaceful world through the choices we make.
The children practiced the "Hug Song" which they then performed at the school assembly. This was their very first public performance. Well done to all for the amazing effort!
We would also like to say a big thank you to Mrs. Lim (Ju Seung's mum) for teaching us how to fold the origami cranes which carried the children’s beautiful drawings and messages of peace.
The children practiced the "Hug Song" which they then performed at the school assembly. This was their very first public performance. Well done to all for the amazing effort!
We would also like to say a big thank you to Mrs. Lim (Ju Seung's mum) for teaching us how to fold the origami cranes which carried the children’s beautiful drawings and messages of peace.
REMINDERS:
- Please don't forget to send your child’s library book back the in its blue folder each week. PS2K class library day is on Tuesdays and PS2A on Thursdays.
- Can we very kindly remind you, that we ask that no snacks/food are sent into ELC with your child. If you would like your child to eat a snack at the end of the day, we ask that you bring it with you when you collect your child. The reason for this is that sometimes children decide to be kind and share with friends. This can cause a problem if a child has an allergy. If you would like to to send in a cake to share or individual cupcakes for birthday celebrations, please notify the teacher at least 24 hours in advance. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping the ELC healthy and safe.
- As the wet weather is approaching, please don't forget to send spare clothes to school. Please send a complete set in separate bag labelled with your child's name.
- October 7 to 15: Fall Break - First day back at school for students is Wednesday, September 18.
- Saturday, October 21: UN Day. Our theme this year is identity. UN day takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please complete registration for the Parade of Nations, country showcases and bazaar tables as soon as possible.
Thank you.
Dear Parents,
We had another fun filled and busy week of learning in PS2.
We had another fun filled and busy week of learning in PS2.
Unit: We continued with our Unit of inquiry and we discussed the “wise choices” we make while playing with friends and how they affect our happiness and safety. We also discussed how to solve problems when sharing indoor and outdoor toys. The children were also introduced to a few problem-solving strategies when it comes to taking turns or start the game first.
The students were able to share their favorite outdoor games. Afterwards they drew their favorite activity and we discussed why they chose that particular game.
The students were able to share their favorite outdoor games. Afterwards they drew their favorite activity and we discussed why they chose that particular game.
Role play
We set up a grocery store role play area to develop students' oral communication skills through acting out various roles, such as a customer and a cashier. In addition to developing language skills, the students are developing math skills including number and classification as they sort and count the grocery products. They are also developing their writing skills by creating grocery lists and name tags. it.
We set up a grocery store role play area to develop students' oral communication skills through acting out various roles, such as a customer and a cashier. In addition to developing language skills, the students are developing math skills including number and classification as they sort and count the grocery products. They are also developing their writing skills by creating grocery lists and name tags. it.
Upcoming events:
- Thursday, September 21 is an International Peace Day. The students are invited to wear white. Both PS2 students will attend the assemblies in the afternoon and share their songs with other students.
- Friday, September 22 you are invited to PARENT -STUDENT-TEACHER SETTLING IN CONVERSATIONS. The parent, student, teacher conversations offer you an opportunity to share identified strengths and challenges and to collaboratively set goals for future growth. Teachers will follow the schedule closely so please be prompt for your meeting time.
- Monday, September 25th PS2A students, and on Tuesday, September 26th PS2K students will have individual and class portraits created. These portraits will be used in the yearbook, in class and in our student information system. You will also have the opportunity to purchase prints of these portraits - Mr Erik will email all parents with more details soon. If a student is absent on these days, their individual portrait will be rescheduled but the class photo will not be rescheduled.
Dear Parents,
We would like to introduce, Lara Mangum, Evelyn's Mother and also Lance Yuen and Magda Galazka, Maksmilian’s parents. They have kindly agreed to be class parents for PS2A and PS2K respectively. We really appreciate their taking on this responsibility. You will be getting emails from them when they are organizing projects or events on behalf of the PS2 classes. We appreciate your support supporting them in their endeavours.
We would like to introduce, Lara Mangum, Evelyn's Mother and also Lance Yuen and Magda Galazka, Maksmilian’s parents. They have kindly agreed to be class parents for PS2A and PS2K respectively. We really appreciate their taking on this responsibility. You will be getting emails from them when they are organizing projects or events on behalf of the PS2 classes. We appreciate your support supporting them in their endeavours.
A note from the class parents
Dear Parents of PS2A children,
Welcome to the 2017-18 school year at TIS! My name is Lara Mangum, and I am Evelyn's mom, and volunteer Room Parent for your child's classroom. This is my second year in Tashkent, I am from the United States, my husband works at the U.S. Embassy, and we have five children attending TIS (Andrew grade 8, Aiden grade 6, Noelle grade 4, Adam grade 1 and Evelyn in PS2). I will be working closely with Lance Yuen and Magda Galazka, parents of Maks and Room Parents for the other PS2 class. We are here to serve as coordinators of classroom and school-related events, as advocates for parents, and provide information about the volunteer opportunities available to you at TIS.
Don't hesitate to contact any of us with questions. We look forward to getting to know you better and receiving your support in any capacity.
Thank you!
Lara Mangum, [email protected], +998 90 370 04 19
Lance Yuen, [email protected]
Magda Galazka, [email protected]
Welcome to the 2017-18 school year at TIS! My name is Lara Mangum, and I am Evelyn's mom, and volunteer Room Parent for your child's classroom. This is my second year in Tashkent, I am from the United States, my husband works at the U.S. Embassy, and we have five children attending TIS (Andrew grade 8, Aiden grade 6, Noelle grade 4, Adam grade 1 and Evelyn in PS2). I will be working closely with Lance Yuen and Magda Galazka, parents of Maks and Room Parents for the other PS2 class. We are here to serve as coordinators of classroom and school-related events, as advocates for parents, and provide information about the volunteer opportunities available to you at TIS.
Don't hesitate to contact any of us with questions. We look forward to getting to know you better and receiving your support in any capacity.
Thank you!
Lara Mangum, [email protected], +998 90 370 04 19
Lance Yuen, [email protected]
Magda Galazka, [email protected]
The first two weeks were fantastic! All students were quick to settle in and eager to play with their new friends in their new classroom. They have been able to meet all of the specialist teachers and are learning about our community of friends here at TIS.
UOI: This week we started our first Unit of Inquiry. This unit falls under the transdisciplinary theme of Who We Are. The Central Idea is Our choices define who we are as individuals and as a community. The Lines of Inquiry which will be guiding our learning, are:
If you still remember some favorite games from your childhood, we would be very grateful if you would share them with us. Real life experience, and visiting "experts" sharing ideas with us would help to deepen and broaden the children’s knowledge about the world. You may like to ask your child to explain to you some of the rules of the games they play at home or at school.
As our Unit of Inquiry centers on making choices, we began by talking about how our choices can influence to our class community. Students discussed and brainstormed some wise choices that might help us to build a friendly learning environment.
We have come up with some classroom routines and agreements which will be used throughout the year. We would really appreciate it if you could also talk to your child about good and poor choices. Every time when we decide upon a certain agreement we will let you know. Thus far we have agreed that:
Our Essential Agreements!
- How our choices in play help us build a learning community
- Choices in how we express our learning together
- How we act in our community to support our learning
If you still remember some favorite games from your childhood, we would be very grateful if you would share them with us. Real life experience, and visiting "experts" sharing ideas with us would help to deepen and broaden the children’s knowledge about the world. You may like to ask your child to explain to you some of the rules of the games they play at home or at school.
As our Unit of Inquiry centers on making choices, we began by talking about how our choices can influence to our class community. Students discussed and brainstormed some wise choices that might help us to build a friendly learning environment.
We have come up with some classroom routines and agreements which will be used throughout the year. We would really appreciate it if you could also talk to your child about good and poor choices. Every time when we decide upon a certain agreement we will let you know. Thus far we have agreed that:
Our Essential Agreements!
- We use the ‘magic’ words "please" and "thank you".
- We walk in the classroom, not run.
- We share everything with others.
- We take turns.
- We wash our hands after we use the bathroom and before eating snack and lunch.
- We raise our hand if we want to say something during group discussions