Mrs. Prater's Creative Kindergarten Class

100th Day of School & Teeth

2012-01-27T11:44:00.001-08:00

100th Day of School & Teeth Week
January 30th thru Feb 3rd

Activities:
-Students will complete various activities involving 100th day of school!
-We will read an array of stories, discuss and complete activities related to
Teeth. The Mixed-Up Tooth Fairy, My Wobbly Tooth Must Not Ever Never Fall Out, Throw Your Tooth on the Roof, and You Think It’s Easy Being the Tooth Fairy?
Students will make a dental health book.
Students will illustrate what the Tooth Fairy looks like to them.
Students will write and illustrate what they think the tooth fairy does with their teeth.
Writer’s Words: love take just
Please practice writing these words three times each and creating sentences.
LDC All Week!

Math:
Activities include time, fractions, money, graphing, addition, and subtraction.

Information:
Please discuss with your child about good dental health. (see homework sheet in brown folder)
-I hope everyone enjoyed the Fairy Tale Village Exhibit. It was a Huge Success!!!
-100th Day of School is Jan. 31st (ALL Projects are due Tues. 1-31st !
-Please see items needed for our 100th Day Celebration! A sign up sheet is on the board outside of my room.
Thanks, Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

Author Study: Alma Flor Ada

2012-01-18T13:10:00.000-08:00

Author Study “Alma Flor Ada”
January 17th thru 20th

Activities:
-Read aloud, The Golden Coin, students will create a classbook explaining what they would wish for if they had the Golden coin.
-Read aloud, The Three Golden Oranges, students will create their own collage.
-Read aloud, The Rooster who went to his Uncle's wedding, the students will sequence the story.
-Read aloud, Jordi's Star. Students will paint their own stars.
-Read aloud, The Malichite Princess. Students will make own friendship quilts.
-Sight Words: this that they
Please practice writing, spelling, and creating sentences using these words with your child.
Please practice writing in the journals I sent home daily with your child.
-Journal all week!

Math:
Activities include fractions, money, graphing, number operations, measurement, and time.

Information:
-Fairy-tale Village (homework project) see brown folder for more details. Due 1-26th
** Helpful websites students can access from home:
(starfall.com & PBS Kids)
Thanks, Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org) 

The Three Little Pigs & The Three Billy Goats Gruff

2012-01-06T11:54:00.000-08:00

Three Pigs & Billy Goats Gruff
January 9th thru 13th

Activities:
-Read aloud, The Three Little Pigs, students will create their own pig using straw, sticks, & bricks.
-Read aloud, My Lucky Day & The 3 Little Dassies, students will create a story board and dramatize the story.
-Read aloud, The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig, students will create a class fairy tale.
-Read aloud, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, students will create and write about their own troll.
Read aloud, The Three Silly Girls Grubb, students will write and illustrate “How they helped the Troll give up his mean ways”
Journal All Week!
-Sight Words: had and live
(Please practice writing, spelling, and creating sentences using these words with your child.)
-Please practice writing in the journals I sent daily!
(Creating stories)

Math:
-Activites involving fractions, sorting, sequencing, graphing, money, and temperature.

Information:
**Helpful websites students can access from home:
(Starfall.com, PBS Kids, & Tumblebooks.com)

-Thanks for all of your Help and Support!

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

2012-01-02T13:50:00.000-08:00

Goldilocks and the Three Bears
January 3rd thru 6th

Special thanks to ALL Parents and Students for All of the Wonderful & Thoughtful gifts! I truly appreciated each and every one of them. Hope Everyone had a Safe and Terrific Holiday Break! Happy New Year! 

Activities:
-Read aloud, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Goldilocks Returns, Somebody and the Three Blairs, A Chair for Baby Bear, plus various other versions. Students will complete a class book, write and illustrate what happens After Goldilocks left the three bears house…, and make puppets to retell the story.

Journal All Week!
-Sight Words: No Down Out
(Please practice writing, spelling, and creating sentences using these words with your child.)

Math:
-Activities involving sorting, sequencing, graphing, and temperature.

Information:

-Thanks, Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org) 

Holidays Around the World

2011-12-09T14:07:00.000-08:00

Holidays Around the World
December 12th thru 16th

**Stanford Testing is Complete!

Activities:
We will be studying how different cultures celebrate this time of year.
-Dec. 12th & 13th We will visit each of the other Kindergarten classes to learn about various Holidays. Kwanzaa, Christmas, Hanukkah, Las Posadas, Diwali, and Chinese New Year.
-LDC (Wed. & Thurs. only)

-Our Class Holiday Party Thursday December 15th 1:30pm
-Book exchange! Please send a gift wrapped book (value $5 dollars) with your child by Wed. Dec. 14th. If the book is just for a boy/girl, please note that on the card.
-Parents are invited to our party to help and have fun!
-Field Day is Friday, Dec. 16th!
Students will need to bring a sack lunch and a reusable water bottle with their name on it.
-Special Thanks to Mrs. Sheehan and Mrs. Loffredo for organizing our classroom activities and to ALL of the Parents that helped to implement these activities and make them a HUGE SUCCESS! All of your support and generosity are greatly appreciated!

Wishing you and your Family a Wonderful & Safe Holiday and a SPECTACULAR NEW YEAR!
LOVE,
Mrs. Prater
dprater@houstonisd.org 

The Gingerbread Man & Stanford Testing

2011-12-01T06:56:00.001-08:00

The Gingerbread Man
3rd PYP Planner – Tell Me A Story
Stanford Testing
November 28th thru December 9th

Stanford Test (Dec 5th thru 9th). Please make sure that your child has a good breakfast each morning.

Activities:
-We will read various versions of the classic Gingerbread man story including The Gingerbread Man, The Gingerbread Boy, and The Gingerbread Girl, The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School and many more.
-The students will work on a storyboard and a story web.
-We will use a Venn diagram to compare two of the stories.
-We will decorate and eat our own Gingerbread man, Friday, Dec. 2nd .

Math:
-Activities including patterns, graphing, numerals to 20, number stories, time to the hour and half hour, and money.

Information:
-Stanford Testing will begin next week. Dec 5th - Dec 9th . A portion of the test will be given daily, first thing in the morning. These scores are only used for placement in the Gifted and Talented program. The only test preparation needed, is a good nights REST and a good Breakfast. Friday, we will have a practice test and discuss the expectations. I will explain to the students that the test will include information from Pre-K to 2nd grade. We will also discuss that they are not suppose to know everything. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
-Field Day is Friday, Dec. 16th! Students will need to bring a sack lunch and a reusable water bottle with their name on it.
-Holiday Party is Thursday, Dec. 15th @ 1:30pm! During the party we will have a “Book Exchange!” Please send a gift wrapped book (value $5.00) with your child by Wed., Dec. 14th. If the book is just for a boy/girl, please note that on the card. Please see me or Mrs. Sheehan for further information and how you can help.
-Thank you to ALL who helped make our Thanksgiving Feast a HUGE SUCCESS!
Hope Everyone Had a Wonderful Holiday! 

Thanks Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)
(www.mrsprateratmarktwain.blogspot.com)

Thanksgiving

2011-11-14T13:27:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving
November 14th thru 22nd

Activities :
-Read aloud, One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims, students will use Native American symbols to write their names.
--Read aloud, The Great Turkey Race, Students will write what they are thankful for …
-Read aloud, One is a Feast for Mouse, students will use leaves and vegetables to make their Thanksgiving place mats.
-Read aloud, The Silly Turkey Party, students will make turkey hats to wear to the Feast.
-Read aloud, Sixteen Runaway Pumpkins, students will re-tell story and act it out.

-LDC (all week)

-Writers words: will we day
-Practice writing, spelling, and creating sentences using these words with your child daily.

Math :
-Activities include graphing, money, patterns, estimation, telling time to the hour and half hour, and number operations.

Information :
-Disguise the Turkey Project! (Please see Brown Folder for additional information) Projects are due this week!
- Book Fair is the week of Nov 14th thru 18th!
-We will have a BOOK FAIR PARADE on Tues, Nov. 15th , students are welcomed to dress up as their favorite book character. We will change into school uniform after the parade.
-Our Annual Thanksgiving Feast will be held on Tues., Nov. 22nd @ 2:00pm in the school cafeteria! Parents volunteering to help set-up should arrive @ 1:30pm. ALL are WELCOMED!
-Special Thanks to ALL Parents for donating books, treasure chest toys, snacks, etc. to our class! Your Generosity is Truly Appreciated!
-Please continue to send in your box tops!

Thanks, Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

Fire Safety week (extended)

2011-11-03T13:25:00.000-07:00

Safety Week
(Extended)
October 31th thru Nov. 11th

Activities :
-Read aloud, Curious George and the Firefighters, students practice dialing 911, and discuss Fire Safety.
--Read aloud, Don’t Talk to Strangers, students discuss Stranger Danger, and role play various situations.
-Read aloud, Officer Buckle and Gloria. Students write their own safety tip.
-Other read alouds, include Stop Drop and Roll, A Very Busy Firehouse, Emergency, and Dot the Fire Dog.

-LDC all week!

-Writers words: this little wind
-PLEASE Practice writing, spelling, and creating sentences using these words with your child daily.

Math :
-Activities include graphing, money, patterns, estimation, and number operations.

Information :
-Fire Station Field Trip was a HUGE SUCCESS thanks to ALL of our
Parent Volunteers! 
-Parent Conferences are Wed. 11-9th & Early Dismissal!
-We are collecting white button down dress shirts for our upcoming SCIENCE LAB DAY! Please send (1) for your child no later than Friday, 11-4th. Thanks!
-Our Annual Thanksgiving Feast will be held on Nov. 22nd @ 2:00pm in the school cafeteria! ALL are WELCOMED!
-Book Fair is the week of Nov 14th thru 18th!
-We will have a BOOK FAIR PARADE on Tues, Nov. 15th , students are welcomed to dress up as their favorite book character.
-Please continue to send in your box tops!
Thanks, Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

Fire Safety

2011-10-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

Safety
October 31th thru Nov. 4th

Activities :
-Read aloud, Curious George and the Firefighters, students practice dialing 911, and discuss Fire Safety.
--Read aloud, Don’t Talk to Strangers, students discuss Stranger Danger, and role play various situations.
-Read aloud, Officer Buckle and Gloria. Students write their own safety tip.
-Other read alouds, include Stop Drop and Roll, A Very Busy Firehouse, Emergency, and Dot the Fire Dog.

-Journal all week!
-Writers words: call your our
-PLEASE Practice writing, spelling, and creating sentences using these words with your child daily.

Math :
-Activities include graphing, money, patterns, estimation, and number operations.

Information :

-Fire Station Field Trip (Wed. 11-2nd @ 9:00-11:00am) Parent Volunteers are welcomed!
*Please send a sack lunch!
-Parent Conferences are Wed. 11-9th & Early Dismissal!
-We are collecting white button down dress shirts for our upcoming SCIENCE LAB DAY! Please send (1) for your child no later than Friday, 11-4th. Thanks!
-Please continue to send in your box tops!

Thanks, Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

2011-10-28T14:09:00.001-07:00

Fire Safety

2011-10-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

Safety
October 31th thru Nov. 4th

Activities :
-Read aloud, Curious George and the Firefighters, students practice dialing 911, and discuss Fire Safety.
--Read aloud, Don’t Talk to Strangers, students discuss Stranger Danger, and role play various situations.
-Read aloud, Officer Buckle and Gloria. Students write their own safety tip.
-Other read alouds, include Stop Drop and Roll, A Very Busy Firehouse, Emergency, and Dot the Fire Dog.
-LDC all week (No Journal)
-Writers words: call your our
-PLEASE Practice writing, spelling, and creating sentences using these words with your child daily.
-Phonics poem, Hickory, Dickory, Dock

Math :
-Activities include graphing, money, patterns, estimation, and number operations.

Information :

-Fire Station Field Trip (Wed. 11-2nd @ 9:00-11:00am)
Parent Volunteers are welcomed!
*Please send a sack lunch!
-Parent Conferences are Wed. 11-9th & Early Dismissal!
-We are collecting white button down dress shirts for our upcoming SCIENCE LAB DAY! Please send (1) for your child no later than Friday, 11-4th.
-Please continue to send in your box tops!

Thanks, Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

Telling Time & Sequencing (Cont. 2nd PYP Planner)

2011-10-24T07:06:00.000-07:00

Telling Time and Sequencing
(Eric Carle)
October 24th thru 28th

We will continue our 2nd PYP Planner “The Big O”
Activities
-Read aloud, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Students sequence the story and create their own The Very Hungry Kindergartner, small book. The kids will make and eat own butterflies.
-Read aloud, The Pigs on a Blanket. Students will create an animal clock.
-Read aloud, Have You Seen My Cat? Students will write their own cat stories and make a cat using sponge painting to create texture.
-Read aloud, The Grouchy Ladybug. Students work on telling time to the hour and half hour.
-Read aloud, Papa Please Get the Moon for Me, students will create their moon.
-Writers words- look yes my
Please practice writing sight words, creating sentences and stories with your child daily!
-Journal all week!

Math
-Activities involving telling time, patterns, number operations and measurement.

Information
-Spooky Spaghetti was a HUGE SUCCESS! Thanks to All PARENT VOLUNTEERS!
-Report Cards are for you to keep!
-We are collecting men’s white button down dress shirts for our upcoming SCIENCE LAB DAY! PLEASE send (1) for your child.
-NNAT Testing is Thursday, (10-27th ) in the morning only!
-Please continue to send in your BOX TOPS!
-Free Dress Friday, (10-28th )

Thanks, Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

Our 2nd PYP Planner - The "Big O"

2011-10-14T13:10:00.000-07:00

The Big “O”(Organization)
Our 2nd PYP Planner
October 17th thru 21st

We are beginning our PYP Planner:
Activities:
-Read alouds, The Mixed Up Alphabet, What Makes a Rainbow, Me on the Map, I Pledge Allegiance, Pigsty, If You Give A Pig A Pancake, If You Take A Mouse To School, and If You Give A Moose A Muffin.
-Students will make their own rainbow
-Students will create a map of their day
-Students will complete their page of a class book related to the stories.
-Students will create a Map of their day (before-during-after school)
-Journal ALL Week!
-Sight Words: by in on
Please practice writing sight words, creating sentences and stories with your child daily.
-Phonics Poem – “Finger Play”

Math:
-Activities include number operations, algebraic thinking, measurement, geometry, and problem solving.

Information:
-Me Museum was a HUGE SUCCESS!!! Thanks to ALL Parents that helped make this an amazing showcase!
-Please send in your box tops!
-Picture Day! (Tues. 10-18th)
-Spooky Spaghetti is Sat. (10-22nd) 4:00 – 8:00pm

Thanks,
Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

Me Museum

2011-10-10T17:52:00.000-07:00

Me Museum
October 10th - 14th

Activities:
-Writers Words....am...not...of.
-Journal all week, except Friday.
-Work involving nouns, proper nouns, and story elements.
-Completion of Five Senses & Me Museum projects.

Math:
-Activities involving problem solving, positional words, and numerals.

Information:
-Me Museum -You are invited to view your child's work,
-Friday (10- 14th) from 8:00-9:00am.
-Thank you to “ALL PARENTS” who helped our class prepare for the Me Museum!
Your Kindness and Generosity are Greatly Appreciated!
-Early dismissal this Wednesday!

Thanks,
Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

Project Week!

2011-09-26T11:51:00.001-07:00

Project Week
Sept. 26th thru Oct. 7th

Activities:
We will finish our 1st PYP Planner, “All About Me” next week.
-Read aloud, Me First, I’m Gonna Like Me, and Elmer
-Me/We book, students work in pairs to complete their page of a class book.
-Life size self portraits.
-Students will complete their own personal “Rainbow of Me!”
-Students will write and illustrate to complete “My Me Map!”
-Students will complete a symmetry project.
-Me Museum: All parents are invited to attend our Me Museum, Oct. 7th (8:00am – 9:00am). Plan to let your child show you all of their AMAZING work!
-LDC All Week!
-Sight Words: go be me

Math:
-Activities include number operations, patterns, and quantitative reasoning, geometric shapes, and symmetry.

Information:
-Homework Project ( Me Poster!)
Please send to school no later than next week. Your child will present his/her poster to the class.
-Field trip to The Children’s Museum tomorrow (9-27th).
Please bring a sack lunch!
-Wed. (9-28th) is our Class Party (7:45am to 8:15am). Hope to see everyone there.
-Fall Holiday (Thurs. 9-29th) NO SCHOOL!
-Free Dress Friday!
-Thanks for making our Kinder Pizza Party a HUGE SUCCESS!
-Thanks to ALL Parents that have volunteered, donated treasure chest toys, snacks, etc. All of your efforts are GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Thanks, Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

5 Senses

2011-09-19T11:51:00.001-07:00

5 Senses
Sept. 19th thru 23rd

-Read aloud, My 5 Senses, students will create a poster depicting each of the 5 senses.
-Read aloud, Big Smelly Bear, students will create their smelly page of a book.
-Read aloud, The Peace Book, students will make their own peace sign.
-Read aloud, Touch That!, students will create a textured caterpillar.
-Read aloud, Taste Good!, students will explore an array of taste with sweet, bitter, salty, and sour.
-Journal all week!
-Handwriting
-Students will receive (3) sight words each week which begins this week.
-Sight words: Like can do
Please practice writing, spelling and creating sentences using these words with your child daily. Thanks!
Math:
-Activities involving geometric shapes, position and location, number operations, patterns, and measurement.
Information:
-Please read “ALL” notes included in Brown Folder.
-There are (2) homework assignments in the Brown Folder. Both assignments are due upon completion.
-“All About Me Poster” Project! (see brown folder for further details)
(Posters are due the week of Sept. 19th )
-Please send a baby photo of your child to play the “Guess Who” game. Place photo in a zip-lock bag and label with your child’s name on the back. All pictures will be returned. Thanks!
-Our 1st Field Trip to the Children’s Museum, will be Tues., Sept. 27th (10:45am to 2:00pm)
-Kinder Pizza Party (Sept. 22nd @ 5:30pm) Hope everyone can attend!
-Please Join the PTO!

Thanks, Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

Friends

2011-09-09T14:02:00.001-07:00

Friends
Sept. 12th thru 16th

-Read aloud, Rainbow Fish, students will create their own fish and write about sharing.
-Read aloud, Friends, students will create a storyboard and use to retell the story.
-Read aloud, Inch by Inch, students will make rulers and measure various items in the classroom.
-Read aloud, Play With Me, students will interview a friend and introduce them to the class.
-Read aloud, It’s Mine, students will write and illustrate something that is special to them.
-Journal all week!
-Handwriting
-Students will receive (3) sight words each week which begins this week.
-Sight words: I is it
Please practice writing, spelling and creating sentences using these words with your child daily. Thanks!
Math:
-Activities involving geometric shapes, position and location, number operations, patterns, and measurement.
Information:
-Please read “ALL” notes included in Brown Folder.
-“All About Me Poster” Project! (see brown folder for further details)
(Posters are due the week of Sept. 19th )
-Please send a baby photo of your child to play the “Guess Who” game. Place photo in a zip-lock bag and label with your child’s name on the back. All pictures will be returned. Thanks!
-Our 1st Field Trip to the Children’s Museum, will be Tues., Sept. 27th (10:45am to 2:00pm)
-OPEN HOUSE is Tuesday, Sept. 13th @ 6:00pm. Mark your Calendar!!!
-Kinder Pizza Party (Sept. 22nd @ 5:30pm)
-Please Join the PTO!

Thanks, Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

Families

2011-09-02T14:22:00.000-07:00

Families
Sept. 6th thru 9th

-Read aloud, Me and My Family Tree, students will make a class graph of their family members on chart paper.
-Read aloud, A Chair for My Mother, students will write and illustrate to complete a class book. (Just Me and My Dad/Mom)
-Read aloud, Who’s Mouse are You?, students will complete a glyph about themselves.
-Read aloud, Don’t Forget to Come Back!, students will complete a home and family portrait.
-Journal all week!
-Handwriting
-Students will receive (3) sight words each week which begins this week.
-Sight words: the a see
Please practice writing, spelling and creating sentences using these words with your child daily. Thanks!
Math:-Activities involving geometric shapes, position and location, number operations, and patterns.
Information:
-Please read “ALL” notes included in Brown Folder.
-Please send a baby photo of your child to play a "Guess Who" game. Please place picture in a ziplock bag and label the back of the photo with your child's name. All photo's will be returned. Thanks!
-“Me Doll” Project! (Due Sept 6th )
-Our 1st Field Trip to the Children’s Museum, will be Tues., Sept. 27th (10:45am to 2:00pm)
-OPEN HOUSE is Tuesday, Sept. 13th @ 6:00pm. Mark your Calendar!!!
-A SPECIAL THANKS TO “ALL PARENTS” that donated items for our Chicka, Chicka Boom, Boom snack! All items were greatly appreciated.
-Volunteers are greatly needed and appreciated. Please watch weekly not for opportunities.
-HISD requires “ALL” Volunteers to register with the district and undergo a background check. Please start this process soon so that this will not delay you from volunteering in the classroom or assisting with field trips or other events held at our school. Our school office can help assist you with this process.
-KUDOS to Mrs. Rota for assisting our class as needed! THANKS!

Thanks, Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

1st PYP Planner- All About Me!

2011-08-26T14:32:00.000-07:00

Chicka Chicka
Boom Boom
August 30th thru Sept. 2nd

*We will begin the 1st of our six PYP Planners: “All About Me”
Activities:
-Read aloud, Chicka Chicka, Boom Boo, sudents will create their own coconut tree using the letters in their name.
-Read aloud, Chrysanthemum, students will make their own name plates using paint dots.
-Read aloud, My Name is Alice, students will write/illustrate something that begins with the first letter in their names. Students will study their names. (Letters, sounds, and syllables)
-Read aloud, Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten, students will make a door hanger.
-Fun Cooking Friday, students will follow a recipe to make an edible Chicka Chicka, Coconut tree.
-We will begin to write in our journals.
-Handwriting will begin this week.

Math:
-Activities involving geometric shapes, number operations, and patterns.

Information:
-Please read “ALL” notes included in Brown Folder.
-“Me Doll” Project! Please see note in Brown Folder for more detail and due date.
-Our 1st Field Trip to the Children’s Museum, will be Tues., Sept. 27th (11:30am to 2:30pm)
-When we need items donated, I will place a sign-up sheet on the corkboard outside the classroom. Please assist when possible. Thanks!
-Volunteers are greatly needed and appreciated. Please watch weekly not for opportunities.
-HISD requires “ALL” Volunteers to register with the district and undergo a background check. Please start this process soon so that this will not delay you from volunteering in the classroom or assisting with field trips or other events held at our school. Our school office can help assist you with this process.

Kinder 1st Week

2011-08-25T14:01:00.001-07:00

Kindergarten
August 22nd - 26th
Parents,
We are off to a FANTASTIC START! You will receive a note like this every week. I will try to keep you up to date on everything as it relates to our class. This week we will focus on procedures and rules. Next week we will begin our 1st PYP Planner (Primary Years Program), (All About Me).
Information:
-Brown Folders and E-mailed Green folders will go home every Tuesday. You will find information regarding school life at Mark Twain and student work. Please read through everything. Please return folders to school no later than Friday of the same week.
-L.D.C. (Literary Development Center) is a special program we are fortunate to have at Mark Twain. It focuses on Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. We will cycle in for two weeks and then have a few weeks off before our next turn. All classes are on a 2 week rotation. When we are not in LDC, Journal writing takes its place until our next rotation. Our 1st rotation is scheduled for (Sept.) @ 8:15 – 9:00am.
-Journal is student writing time in our classroom. During this time, I help small groups with writing and allow (1) student each day to dictate a story to me or a parent volunteer. The student’s stories are then dramatized (with the help of other students in our class) at the end of the hour. This is a fun-filled learning activity for all involved. Our Journal time is from (8:00-9:00am).
-Parent Volunteers are welcome and encouraged. This week we are getting organized. Please see the forms in the brown folder for ways to be involved.
-Birthday- Parents are asked to bring cupcakes @ 2:00 to share with the class. I am happy to send home Birthday party invitations in the brown folder, if you are inviting the entire class. Otherwise, they need to be mailed.
-Snacks will be given daily @ 2:00pm. Our Room Parent will devise a schedule for parent to donate snacks to our class. (ALL ALLERGIES WILL BE NOTED!)

We have had an AMAZING few days! Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions/concerns regarding your child. I hope their experience at Mark Twain is PRICELESS! 
Thanks,
Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

Welcome to Mrs. Prater's Kindergarten Class 2011-12

2011-08-19T13:51:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Kindergarten

Dear Parents,
I hope you and your child had a wonderful and safe summer. I am so pleased to have your child in my class. Together, we are going to have a Fantastic Year!
To ensure everyone has a successful school year, below are a few items I thought you should know:
Classroom Rules:
1. Follow Directions
2. Respect other’s rights and property
3. Work Cooperatively and Quietly
4. Keep hands and feet to yourself
Discipline System:
A record of daily behavior will be kept on our chart in the classroom. Each child has a pocket with four colored cards in it. Each color corresponds to a level of behavior.
Orange - Best Behavior!
Yellow - miss 5 minutes of recess
Blue - miss 10 minutes of recess
Red - miss most of recess and contact parents
Your child will be given (2) warnings, before their card is turned. In addition, If your child has 3 or more days of good behavior he/she will have an opportunity to visit our Treasure Chest on Fridays for a wonderful TREAT!
Special Information:
Clothing: Please send your child to school in uniform everyday. Make sure your child can zip, button, fasten, or tie whatever they are wearing.
Backpacks: Please send a backpack everyday with a change of clothes in a ziplock bag.
Toys: Please do not let your child bring their personal toys to school, except on “Show and Tell” Friday’s. (Toy weapons or handcuffs are not allowed) In addition, please discuss with your child’s teacher if you are considering bringing a live pet for “Show and Tell.”
Allergies: We will have cooking and tasting experiences throughout the year. Please inform your child’s teacher about special diets or food allergies IMMEDIATELY!
Lunch: Kindergarten children will not be allowed to buy anything extra in the cafeteria. Please do not send any candy or soft drinks in lunches brought from home.
Snacks: We will have snack daily @ 2:00pm. (Special arrangements are made for students with food allergies)
Birthdays: PTO offers parents an opportunity to purchase a “Birthday Gram” to help celebrate your child’s special day. (PTO Parent and a group of 5th graders will come to the classroom and sing “Happy Birthday,” take their picture, and give your child balloons attached to a special treat) In addition, parents can bring cupcakes to be shared with the class during snack time @ 2:00pm. I will inform parents if we have any students with food allergies.
Birthday Party Invitations: I will be happy to send home Birthday party invitations in the Brown Folders if you are inviting the entire class, otherwise, parents are encouraged to mail invitations individually.
Emergency Information: Please fill out and return the two white enrollment cards that you will receive the first day of school. Notify your child’s teacher if any of your contact information changes (i.e. Home, work, cell, etc..) We must be able to contact you in the event of an emergency.
Brown Tuesday Folders: Brown folders will go out every Tuesday with information from PTO, Principal and Teachers. PTO is now sending most information via e-mail instead of paper. (Go Green) Please return folders no later than Friday of the same week.
Please view our classroom BLOG weekly! My BLOG is used to inform parents’ of weekly activities that are planned for the week.

Let’s have an AMAZING YEAR!
Thanks,
Mrs. Prater
(dprater@houstonisd.org) & Blog address (www.mrsprateratmarktwain.blogspot.com) 

2011-06-06T09:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents,
Thank you for sharing your children with me! We had such an AMAZING YEAR! Thank you for ALL of the heartfelt cards of appreciation and gratitude as well as the Wonderful gifts. They were TRULY appreciated! I hope you and your families have an Awesome & Safe Summer!
Please have your child practice reading and writing throughout the summer, but most importantly, make sure they are having fun doing both! Below are a list of websites students can enjoy during the summer as well. Take care and have lots of FUN!!!! 

Language & Math:
www.starfall.com (click more starfall) for additional games
www.tumblebooks.com
www.pbskids.com
www.bookpals.net
www.mathmagician.com
www.funbrains.com
www.scholastic.com/parentordering
google: English language games ( for additional language games)

Love,
Mrs. Prater

Oceans

2011-05-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

Oceans
May 16th thru June 3rd
Activities
-We did a great job with our IIM research. We know all there is to know about Bottlenose dolphins!
-We will continue our study of the ocean animals this week.
-Writers word....new...never...more...each.
-Journal next week!
-Thank you to all Parents that help make our trip to Moody Gardens so AMAZING!
Upcoming events.....
-Mark Twain 5th grade exhibition. I will send you more information when I have it. The dates maybe on the May calendar already. I highly recommend attending. It is always a great event and you will get to see what your children will be doing in a few years. Believe me, you will be amazed.
-Tuesday May 31st is Kindergarten Awards day at 8:30.
-Thursday June 2nd is our End of the Year Kindergarten party. Permission slips will go home soon. Children can wear swimming suits under clothes. We will have games, bubbles, sprinklers and many other fun activities. We will have lunch provided in the park.

Questions or concerns please see me.
Thanks,
Mrs. Prater
dprater@houstonisd.org

Ants and Bees

2011-04-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

Ants and Bees
April 18th – 22nd and April 25th – 29th

We will finish up our study of butterflies and then begin working on ants and bees.
Activities
-Read aloud various factual Ant/Bee books. Students will learn body parts and life cycles of both.
-Read aloud, Ant Cities, students create their own Ant City. Students will label rooms and functions of the city.
-Read aloud, Two Bad Ants, students work in small groups to create their own room that the Ants visit.
-Students will compare facts they know about Ants and Bees using a Venn diagram.
-Students will create own Bee hive and bees.
-LDC All Week!
-Writers words...over...way...there.
Math
- Students will work with graphing and estimation.
Information
-All Picture money is due no later than Thursday 21st .
-Kindergarten Program Wed. April 20th at 6:30.
(Students should arrive between 5:45 – 6:00 to prepare for the program)
-Field trip April 26th. (Butterfly Museum and Permanent Exhibits) All Parents are welcomed to attend, however you are required to purchase your ticket at the museum. The cost is $13.00. (Memberships welcomed !)
Thanks,
Mrs. Prater dprater@houstonisd.org

Information Dates for your calendar!

-Field Trips
-The Houston Museum of Natural Science April 26th.
-May 13th to Moody Gardens.
-April 2oth Kindergarten program (evening).
-May 31st Kindergarten Awards.
-June 2nd Kindergarten End of the Year Party (Karl Young Park)

Butterflies

2011-04-11T13:14:00.000-07:00

Butterflies
April 11th thru 15th

Activities
-We will read various factual books about the life cycle of butterflies. The students will study each stage.
-Label Butterfly body parts.
-Explore Symmetry of butterfly wings.
-Write factual information about butterflies.
-Create own life cycle collage.
-Study the Monarch butterfly.
-In the room we are studying live insects and their life cycles. We will have ladybugs, butterflies and will have a praying mantis egg sack.
-Writers words- call...down...find.
-Journal all week!
-Math symmetry and measurement.
Information
-I am sending home the "Texas Reader's & Writer's Notebook" for students to use and keep at home. (Please do not send back to school)
-Please send black T-shirts & flashlight for Kinder Program.
- -Upcoming events....April 26th, field trip to the Science Museum. The rest of the year is going to be very busy. I will do my best to keep you informed of ALL that we have scheduled. Parents are invited and encouraged to attend many things. I know you cannot come to everything, so watch the schedule and come when you can.

Thanks,
Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

Information Dates for your calendar!

-Field Trips-The Houston Museum of Natural Science April 26th.
- May 13th to Moody Gardens.
-April 20th Kindergarten program (evening).
-May 31st Kindergarten Awards.

Ladybugs

2011-03-29T13:56:00.002-07:00

Ladybugs
March 28 - April 1
Activities
-Read aloud, First Discovery-Ladybugs, students will demonstrate their knowledge of the Ladybug life cycle.
-Science Writing- We have live Ladybug larvae in our classroom. The students will write of the progress through their life cycle.
-Students will write their own ladybug stories.
-Students will label parts of a ladybug.
-Size comparison writing. Students will write about things as small as a ladybug.
-Students will write ladybug facts.
-Journal all week.
-Writers words....time ....which ...then.
Math
-addition, subtraction, graphing, money, and time.
Information
-Art a la carte Thursday, 4-31st
-Spring Kindergarten Program, Wed. April 20th 6:30.
-Field Trip to the Natural Science Museum/Cockrell Center Tuesday April 26th. @ 10:45-2:00pm
-Special Thanks to All Parents that attended our field trip to see “Flat Stanley!” It was truly AMAZING!

Thanks Mrs. Prater
dprater@houstonisd.org

Information Dates for your calendar!
-Field Trips-The Houston Museum of Natural Science April 26th.
-May 13th to Moody Gardens.
-April 2oth Kindergarten program (evening).
-May 31st Kindergarten Awards.

Ladybugs

2011-03-29T13:56:00.001-07:00

4th Planner- "What Goes Around Comes Around"

2011-02-28T07:15:00.000-08:00

Frogs
Feb. 28th -March 4th
We are beginning our fourth planner. What Goes Around Comes Around! It is a study of life cycles.
Activities
-Read aloud, From Tadpole to Frog, students complete their own life cycle book.
-Read aloud, Jump Frog, Jump, students use visual discrimination to find a pattern, and measure their own frog jumps.
-Read aloud, Frogs, students will write Frog Facts.
-Read alouds, Frog in Space, Five Green and Speckled Frogs, & Frog and Toads
-LDC all week!
-Writers words... when... went.... been.

-Math activities using addition and measurement.

Information
-We are so excited to have a visit from the Houston Grand Opera make-up artists. Three of our kindergarten teachers will be transformed into classic story characters right before our eyes. Wed. March 2nd.
-Thank you to ALL the Parents who have been bringing treasure box toys, snacks and volunteering with class activities!
-Kudos to Mrs. Lupita (Natalia’s Mom) for her Art a la Carte lesson Friday! It was Amazing!
-Go Texans Day went very well and Thanks to Mrs. Mc Morris for taking pictures of everyone in their western wear! Also, thanks to Mrs. Vessels and Mrs. McMorris for helping with our Texas treat “Chili” and Smores Friday!

Thanks,
Mrs. Prater
(dprater@houstonisd.org)

Information Dates for your calendar!
-Field Day March 11th (am).
-Field Trips-March 25th to see Flat Stanley the Musical.
-The Houston Museum of Natural Science. (April)
-May 13th to Moody Gardens.
-April 20th Kindergarten program (evening).
-May 31st Kindergarten Awards.
-June 1st Kindergarten end of year party.

Texas

2011-02-21T11:53:00.001-08:00

Texas
February 21st - 25th

Activities
-L is for Lone Star- students will Texas facts!
-Read aloud, The Cowboy and the Black-Eyed Pea, students complete a small cowboy/cowgirl book using color and numeral word recognition.
-Read aloud, Armadillo Rodeo, students will create their own Lone Star collage.
-Read aloud, Cowgirl Rosie, students write "wild west" ideas, and create their own cowboy/cowgirl.
-Read aloud, Alamo Across Texas, students learn state symbols and use them to create their own small Texas book.
-Read aloud, Armadilly Chili, students will make and eat Chili, the state dish of Texas!
-Plus much more......
-Journal all week!

Math
-Math activities involving measurement and estimation.

Information
-Thanks to EVERYONE (Parents & Students) for ALL of the AMAZING Valentine’s Day gifts. I Truly appreciated them ALL! 
-Kids should wear their cowboy/cowgirl wear on Friday. (Go Texans Day!) We will walk out to see the trail riders come in. All kids need a lunch from home for Friday Feb. 25th.

Information Dates for your calendar!
-Mark Twain International Festival Saturday February 26th 1-4.
-Field Day March 11th (am).
-Field Trips-March 25th to see Flat Stanley the Musical. Last week in April (no date yet), to The Houston Museum of Natural Science. May 13th to Moody Gardens.
-April 2oth Kindergarten program (evening).
-May 31st Kindergarten Awards.
-June 1st Kindergarten end of year party.

Thanks,
Mrs. Prater
(dprater@houstonisd.org)

4th PYP Planner-Where In the World Are We From

2011-02-11T11:25:00.000-08:00

Where in the World....
February 7th- February 18th Activities
-Read aloud, Whoever You Are, students begin the study of their heritage.
-The next project will be a research project. We will use the IIM method that the older students at Mark Twain use independently. Our projects will be worked on together to help our students learn the process.
-Read aloud Everybody Cooks Rice. Students will use their "passports" to visit each class and sample rice dishes of the world.
-Writers words...out... not... this...that ..they...love.
-Journal all week.
Math
- games involving logic, strategy, and spatial reasoning.
Information
-Friday Feb. 11th... The Bash!
-Monday February 14th class Valentine's party.
-Friday Feb. 18th Everybody Cooks Rice rotation.
Thanks, Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

Information
Dates for your calendar!
-Field Day March 11th (am).
-Field Trips
-March 25th to see Flat Stanley the Musical.
-April 26th , to The Houston Museum of Natural Science. (10:45 -to 2:00)
-May 13th to Moody Gardens.
-April 2oth Kindergarten program (evening).
-May 31st Kindergarten Awards.
-June 1st Kindergarten end of year party.

Teeth

2011-01-24T14:55:00.001-08:00

Teeth
January 24th thru 28th

Activities:

We will read an array of stories, discuss and complete activities related to
Teeth. The Mixed-Up Tooth Fairy, My Wobbly Tooth Must Not Ever Never Fall Out, Throw Your Tooth on the Roof, and You Think It’s Easy Being the Tooth Fairy?
Students will make a dental health book.
Students will illustrate what the Tooth Fairy looks like to them.
Students will write and illustrate what they think the tooth fairy does with their teeth.
Writer’s Words: her may your
Please practice writing these words three times each and creating sentences.
LDC All Week!

Math:
Activities include time, fractions, money, graphing, addition, and subtraction.

Information:
-Art a la Carte is Friday (1-28th )
Please discuss with your child about good dental health. (see homework sheet in brown folder)
Please send in your child’s Fairy Tale Village if you have not done so already. Thanks!
-100th Day of School is Feb 1st (see information regarding the 100th Day Project in the Brown Folder) Projects are due next week!
-Please see items needed for our 100th Day Celebration! A sign up sheet is on the board outside of my room.
Thanks, Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

Author Study - Alma Flor Ada

2011-01-18T09:59:00.000-08:00

Author Study “Alma Flor Ada”January 18th thru 21st

Activities: -Read aloud, The Golden Coin, students will create a classbook explaining what they would wish for if they had the Golden coin.
-Read aloud, The Three Golden Oranges, students will create their own collage.
-Read aloud, The Rooster who went to his Uncle's wedding, the students will sequence the story. -Read aloud, Jordi's Star. Students will paint their own stars.
-Read aloud, The Malichite Princess. Students will make own friendship quilts.
-Sight Words: this that they
Please practice writing, spelling, and creating sentences using these words with your child.
Please practice writing in the journals I sent home daily with your child.
Phonics Poem: What Do You Need?
-LDC all week! (no journal)

Math:
Activities include estimation, graphing, number operations, measurement, and time.

Information:
-Fairy-tale Village (homework project) see brown folder for more details.
Due 1-24th
** Helpful websites students can access from home:
(starfall.com & PBS Kids)
-In class Bash Project (Tues. 1-18th )
-Pep Rally (Friday 1-21st) Please have your child wear a Blue shirt.

Thanks, Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org) J

Three Pigs and Billy Goats Gruff

2011-01-10T11:41:00.000-08:00

Three Pigs & Billy Goats Gruff
January 10th thru 14th

Activities:
-Read aloud, The Three Pigs, students will create their own pig using straw, sticks, & bricks.
-Read aloud, My Lucky Day, students will create a story board and dramatize the story.
-Read aloud, The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig, students will create a class fairy tale.
-Read aloud, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, students will create and write about their own troll.
Read aloud, The Three Silly Girls Grubb, students will write and illustrate “How they helped the Troll give up his mean ways”
Journal All Week!
-Sight Words: yes all up
(Please practice writing, spelling, and creating sentences using these words with your child.)
-Please practice writing in the journals I sent home last week daily!
(Creating stories)

Math:
-Activites involving fractions, sorting, sequencing, graphing, and temperature.

Information:
**Helpful websites students can access from home:
(starfall.com or PBS Kids)
-Art a la Carte Tuesday & Bash Project Friday!
-Box Tops! HEB is having a special. If you by ten items with box top labels, you get a coupon worth 50 box tops at checkout to use for our school.

-Thanks for all of your Help and Support!
Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org) :)

Our 4th PYP Planner-Where in the World Are We From?

2011-01-04T05:27:00.000-08:00

Three Bears January 4th thru 7th

Special thanks to ALL Parents and Students for All of the Wonderful & Thoughtful gifts! I truly appreciated each and every one of them. Hope Everyone had a Safe and Terrific Holiday Break! :) Welcome Back!

Activities:
-Read aloud, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Goldilocks Returns, Somebody and the Three Blairs, A Chair for Baby Bear, plus various other versions. Students will complete a class book, write and illustrate what happens After Goldilocks left the three bears house…, and make puppets to retell the story.

Journal All Week!

-Sight Words: be on as or
(Please practice writing, spelling, and creating sentences using these words with your child.)

Math:
-Activites involving sorting, sequencing, graphing, and temperature.
Information:
-Thanks, Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org) :)

Holidays Around the World

2010-12-10T13:29:00.000-08:00

Holidays Around the World December 13th thru 17th
**Stanford Testing is Complete!

Activities:
We will be studying how different cultures celebrate this time of year.
-Dec. 14th & 15th We will visit each of the other Kindergarten classes to learn about various Holidays. Kwanzaa, Christmas, Hanukkah, Las Posadas, Diwali, and Chinese New Year.
-LDC (Monday only)

-Our Class Holiday Party Thursday December 16th 1:50pm
-Book exchange. Please send a gift wrapped book (value $5 dollars) with your child by Wed. Dec. 15th. If the book is just for a boy/girl, please note that on the card.
-See the sign-up sheet outside the classroom for party items.
-Parents are invited to our party to help and have fun!

Wishing you and your Family a Wonderful & Safe Holiday and a SPECTACULAR NEW YEAR!

LOVE,
Mrs. Prater :)
dprater@houstonisd.org

3rd PYP Planner- Tell Me A Story

2010-11-29T14:13:00.000-08:00

The Gingerbread Man
3rd PYP Planner – Tell Me A Story
Stanford Testing
November 29th thru December 10th

Stanford Test (Dec 1st thru 7th). Please make sure that your child has a good breakfast each morning.

Activities:
-We will read various versions of the classic Gingerbread man story including The Gingerbread Man, The Gingerbread Boy, and The Gingerbread Baby.
-The students will work on a storyboard and a story web. -We will use a Venn diagram to compare two of the stories.
-We will decorate and eat our own Gingerbread men.

Math:
-Activities including graphing, numerals to 20, number stories, time to the hour and half hour, and money.

Information:
-Stanford Testing will begin this week. Dec 1st- Dec 7th. A portion of the test will be given daily, first thing in the morning. These scores are only used for placement in the Gifted and Talented program. The only test preparation needed, is a good nights REST and a good Breakfast. Tuesday, we will have a practice test and discuss the expectations. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.
-Thank you to ALL who helped make our Thanksgiving Feast a HUGE SUCCESS! Hope Everyone Had a Wonderful Holiday!
Thanks Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)
(www.mrsprateratmarktwain.blogspot.com)

Thanksgiving

2010-11-15T14:10:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving
November 15th thru 23rd:
Activities :
-Read aloud, One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims, students will use Native American symbols to write their names.
-Read aloud, The Great Turkey Race, Students will write what they are thankful for …
-Read aloud, One is a Feast for Mouse, students will use leaves and vegetables to make their Thanksgiving place mats.
-Read aloud, The Silly Turkey Party, students will make turkey hats to wear to the Feast.
-Read aloud, Sixteen Runaway Pumpkins, students will re-tell story and act it out.
-Journal (all week)-Writers words: Where come said
-Practice writing, spelling, and creating sentences using these words with your child daily.
Math :
-Activities include graphing, money, patterns, estimation, telling time to the hour and half hour, and number operations.
Information :
-Disguise the Turkey Project! ( Please send as soon as possible)
-Thanksgiving Feast (Nov. 23rd @ 2:00) Parents should arrive @ 1:30 to help set-up in the cafeteria.
-Book Fair (11-15th & 11-16th) 4:00 to 7:00pm
-In an effort to help our Kindergartener’s become independent writer’s, we are discontinuing our Journal Helpers at this time. Thanks to ALL of the Parents who have volunteered their time and support! It was Truly Appreciated and Successful! Beginning Dec 1st! Thanks :)
-Stanford Testing (12-1st thru 12-7th) Please make sure your child is here on time. We will start PROMPTLY at 8:15am daily.
**Please view my “BLOG” (www.mrsprateratmarktwain.blogspot.com)
Thanks, Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

Eric Carle - Sequence & Patterns

2010-11-08T05:38:00.000-08:00

Eric Carle (Author Study)
Story Sequence & Patterns
November 8th thru 12th
Activities :
-Read aloud, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, students will create a small book sequencing events from the story.
--Read aloud, Have You Seen My Cat? Students will match characters in the story and create their favorite cat using sponge painting.
-Read aloud, The Very Busy Spider, students will retell and dramatize the story.
-Read aloud, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, students will sequence the story and review color words.
-LDC all week (No Journal) -Writers words: What said was
-Practice writing, spelling, and creating sentences using these words with your child daily.

Math :
-Activities include graphing, money, patterns, estimation, telling time to the hour and half hour, and number operations.

Information :
-Disguise the Turkey Project! ( Please see instruction in the Brown Folder) ALL Turkeys are due by 11-15th
-Thanksgiving Feast (Nov. 23rd) more info to follow. Please see Mrs. McMorris or Mrs. Agosta for further information.
**Please view my “BLOG” (www.mrsprateratmarktwain.blogspot.com)
Thanks, Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

Telling Time

2010-10-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

Time
November 1st thru 5th
Activities :
-Read aloud, Midnight Fright, students we make a clock and write a sentence about time.
--Read aloud, Telling Time, students will make a wrist watch and practice telling time to the hour.
-Read aloud, What Time Is It Mr. Crocodile?, students will sequence time cards.
-Read aloud, Telling the Time, students will practice counting by 5’s.
-LDC all week (No Journal)
-Writers words: here go from
-Practice writing, spelling, and creating sentences using these words with your child daily.-Phonics poem, Hickory, Dickory, Dock!

Math :-Activities include graphing, money, patterns, estimation, telling time to the hour and half hour, and number operations.

Information :
-Breakfast in the classroom starts Tuesday, Nov. 2nd .
-Thanksgiving Feast (Nov. 23rd) more info to follow.
**Please view my “BLOG” (www.mrsprateratmarktwain.blogspot.com)
Thanks, Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

This is our 2nd PYP Planner "The Big O"

2010-10-21T11:40:00.000-07:00

Safety
October 25th thru 29th
Activities :
-Read aloud, Curious George and the Firefighters, students practice dialing 911, and discuss Fire Safety.
--Read aloud, Don’t Talk to Strangers, students discuss Stranger Danger, and role play various situations.
-Read aloud, Officer Buckle and Gloria. Students write their own safety tip.
-Other read alouds, include Stop Drop and Roll, A Very Busy Firehouse, Emergency, and Dot the Fire Dog. -Students will create safety puppets.
-LDC all week (No Journal) -Writers words: are that do
-PLEASE Practice writing, spelling, and creating sentences using these words with your child daily.
-Phonics poem, Hickory, Dickory, Dock

Math :-Activities include graphing, money, patterns, estimation, and number operations.
We are having a Halloween Math Rotation & cookie craft on Friday
(10-29th)

Information :
-We are going to plant onions, carrots, and radishes on Tues from 11:00 to 12:00. (2) Volunteers are needed. Please see me if you are available.
-NNAT will be administered Tues. (10-26th ) in the morning. The only preparation needed is a good night sleep and a healthy breakfast.
Thanks, Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

Project Week

2010-10-12T18:06:00.000-07:00

Project Week!October 11th- October 15th
Activities :
-We will finish our 1st PYP planner, "All about Me" this week.
-Me/We book, students work in pairs to complete their page of a classbook.
-Life-sized self portraits. -Me and My friend class book.
- Students will complete a book “I Can Be Me!”
-Students will complete their own personal "Rainbow of Me".
-Students write and draw to complete their own "Me Map."
-Students will work with Symmetry. -Plus many more fun activities!

Me Museum:As a culminating activity all parents are invited to visit our Me Museum. October 15th from 8-9 am. Plan to let your child show you all their wonderful work.

Information:
-The Children's Museum Field Trip is Wednesday the 13th. Money, and permission slips due the day before the trip. Sack lunches are needed the day of the trip.
-Kudos to Mrs. McMorris, Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Agosta for All of the tracing and painting of our class Life-Size Me Portraits. They are AWESOME! J
-Please sign-up during our Me Museum to attend a Parent/Teacher conference next Friday (10-22nd ) beginning @ 12:45pm. There will be a sign-up sheet posted outside my classroom Friday (Oct. 15th ).

Thanks,
Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

Project Week

2010-10-03T12:42:00.000-07:00

Project Week
Oct. 4th thru 8th

Activities:
-Read alouds, It’s Ok to be Different, It’s Hard to be Five, I’m Gonna Like Me, and Me First.
-Students will create a Life size portrait of themselves.
-Students will complete their page if “I’m Glad to be Me” book.
-Me/We book. Students will work with a partner to complete their page of a class book.
-Students will complete “My Me Map.”
-Sight Words : he for me
Practice spelling, writing, and creating sentences using these words with your child daily. Thanks
-Specials this week: Music, Art, & PE
-Journal all week

Math:
-Activities include number operations, graphs, patterns, coins, and measurement.

Information:
-Special Thanks to Mrs. Lee (Makenna’s Mom) for hosting our First “Art a la Carte” lesson. It was a Huge Success! J
-Jump Start Read Day is Thursday, Oct. 7th – We will have a guest to visit our class to read “The Snowy Day”
-Field Trip to Children’s Museum (Oct. 13th @ 10:45 to 2:45) Parent volunteers are needed. Students will need to bring a sack lunch.
-Please send in your BOX TOPS!
Thanks,
Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

Five Senses

2010-09-27T17:30:00.000-07:00

Five Senses
Sept. 27th thru Oct. 1st

Activities:
-Read aloud, My Five Senses, students will find pictures depicting each of the five senses.
-Read aloud, Look Here!, students play I spy with your partner and record findings.
-Read aloud, Big Smelly Bear, students create their own Smelly page. (Strawberry, lime/lemon, cherry, grape, and orange)
-Read aloud, Touch That!, students create a texture caterpillar.
-Read aloud, Hear This!, students play what’s that sound?
-Read aloud, Taste Good!, students explore tastes. (bitter, salty, sweet, and sour)
-Sight Words : my we
Practice spelling, writing, and creating sentences using these words with your child daily. Thanks
-Specials this week: Media Center & Music
-Journal all week

Math:
-Activities include number operations, graphs, patterns, coins, and measurement.

Information:
-We will have our First “Art a la Carte” Tues. (9-28th)
-We need 15-20 kid-friendly magazines for a class project this week. Please send to school Wed. (9-29th). Thanks!
-There are (2) homework activities in the brown folder. Please send completed activities no later than Friday, (Oct. 1st)
-Homework Project- All about Me Posters are due Friday (10-1st)
-Field Trip to Children’s Museum (Oct. 13th @ 10:45 to 2:45) Parent volunteers are needed. Students will need to bring a sack lunch.
-Please send in your BOX TOPS!
-Please join the PTO. Your support is needed and Appreciated! We would like to have 100% participation from our class.
-Mark Twain has adopted a new program to target no place for hate. It is called “Positive Works” (positivethinkingworks.org)

Thanks,
Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

Friends

2010-09-21T20:43:00.000-07:00

Friends
Sept. 20th thru 24th

Activities:
-Read aloud, Fish is Fish, Students will discuss and write about friendships.
-Read aloud, The Peace Book, Students will discuss Peace and decorate a Peace Sign.
-Read aloud, Best Friends for Frances, Students will discuss how to interact appropriately between friends.
-Read aloud, Swimmy, Students will write about what it means to be a Good Friend.
-Read aloud, Frederick, Students will create a book about friends.
-Sight Words : have see is
Practice spelling, writing, and creating sentences using these words with your child daily. Thanks
-Specials this week: PE & Art
-LDC all week

Math:
-Activities include number operations, graphs, patterns, coins, and measurement.

Information:
-KUDOS to Everyone that helped make our class a HUGE SUCCESS!
-Tuesday, Sept. 21st is International Peace Day!
-Friday is Early Dismissal @ 12:30pm (12:15 for Kinder)
-We will have our First “Art a la Carte” lesson next week.
-Homework Project- All about Me Poster! Directions are in the Brown Folder.
-Poster are due no later than Sept. 30th .
-Please send in your BOX TOPS!
-Please join the PTO. Your support is needed and Appreciated! We would like to have 100% participation from our class.

Thanks,
Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

Friends

2010-09-13T18:41:00.000-07:00

Friends
Sept. 13th thru 17th

Activities:
-Read aloud, Rainbow Fish, Students will create their own fish and write about sharing.
-Read aloud, Friends, Students will create a storyboard and use to retell the story.
-Read aloud, Inch by Inch, Students make rulers and measure various items.
-Read aloud, Play With Me, Students interview a friend and introduces them to the class.
-Sight Words : little a to
Practice spelling, writing, and creating sentences using these words with your child daily. Thanks
-LDC all week

Math:
-Activities include number operations, graphs, patterns, coins, and measurement.

Information:
-Our Class Party is Wed. (9-15th ) on the Kinder Playground @ 3:30 to 5:30pm. We will have light snacks in the classroom.
-Please send a baby photo with your child’s name on the back in a zip-lock bag. We are going to play “Guess Who?” I will return ALL photos when we complete this activity.
-Homework Project- All about Me Poster! Directions are in the Brown Folder.
-Poster are due no later than Sept. 30th .
-Open House is Tuesday, Sept. 14th @ 6:00 pm. Mark your Calendar!!!
-Please join the PTO. Your support is needed and Appreciated! We would like to have 100% participation from our class.

Thanks,
Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

Families

2010-09-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

Families
Sept. 7th thru 10th

Activities:
-Read aloud, Me and My Family Tree, Students will graph their families in relation to size.
-Read aloud, A Chair for my Mother, Students draw and write to complete class-book. (Just Me and My Mom/Dad)
-Read aloud, Who’s Mouse are You? Students will complete a glyph about themselves.
-Read aloud, Don’t Forget to Come Back! Students will complete a home and family portrait.
-Sight Words : I am the
Practice writing, spelling, and creating sentences using these words with your child daily. Thanks
-JOURNAL all week

Math:
-Activities include number operations, graphs, patterns, and quantitative reasoning.
-I will send home the first of four Home Links Math books. Home links are an extension of our Everyday Math Program. These activities are for you and your child to do at home. Home Links are for you to keep. (Please do not return)

Information:
-Please send a baby photo with your child’s name on the back in a zip-lock bag. We are going to play “Guess Who?” I will return ALL photos when we complete this activity.
-Homework Project- Me Dolls! Directions are in the Brown Folder.
-ALL ME DOLLS are due no later than Sept. 14th .
-Open House is Tuesday, Sept. 14th @ 6:00 pm. Mark your Calendar!!!
-Please join the PTO. Your support is needed and Appreciated! We would like to have 100% participation from our class.
-THANKS TO ALL PARENTS that have signed up to volunteer, sent snacks, classroom items and donated snacks for our Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Alphabet Tree activity. Your time and efforts are Greatly Appreciated!
-Thanks to Mrs. McMorris and Ms. Agosta for volunteering to be our Lead Room Parents. They are off to a GREAT START!

Thanks,
Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

1st PYP Planner - "All About Me"

2010-08-29T18:04:00.000-07:00

Chicka Chicka
Boom Boom
August 30th thru Sept. 3rd

*We will begin the first of our six PYP Planners. “All About Me”

Activities:
-Read aloud, Chicka, Chicka, Boom Boom. Students will create their own coconut tree using the letters in their name.
-Read aloud, Miss Bindergarten gets ready for Kindergarten. Students will create their own small book called “I’m, ready for Kindergarten.”
-Read aloud, Chrysanthemum. Students will study their names. (letters, sounds, and syllables)
-Fun Friday cooking. The students will follow a recipe to make their own edible Chicka, Chicka coconut tree.
-We will begin to write in our Journals.
-Handwriting will begin this week.

Math:
-Activities involving geometric shapes, number operation, and quantitative reasoning.

Information:
-Please read “ALL” notes included in Brown folder.
-If you signed up for the “Green Folder” you will receive most of Mark Twains information by email. Any additional information will be sent home in the “Brown Folder.”
-When we need items donated, I will place a sign-up sheet on the corkboard outside the classroom. Please help when you can.
-Volunteers are greatly needed and appreciated. Please watch my weekly note for opportunities.
-HISD requires “ALL” Volunteers to register with the district and undergo a background check. Please start this process soon so that this will not delay you from volunteering in the classroom or assisting with field trips or other events held at our school. Our school office can help get you started.

Thanks, Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org) J

Welcome to Kindergarten

2010-08-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

It was a pleasure to meet Everyone on Saturday. I truly enjoyed interacting with my new Kindergarten class. I will update my blog every Tuesday, to inform parents what PYP Planners we are currently working on as well as other important information (ie class pictures, field trips, class parties, etc..). Listed below are a few items of importance to help you and your child have a successful 1st week:

-Brown Envelope
Please complete "ALL" forms no later than Friday, 8-27th .

-Mark Twain PTO has gone "GREEN." Therefore, parents are able to view all information through our website (www.marktwain@houstonisd.org). In addition, every Tuesday each student will receive a BROWN FOLDER which will contain the same information for parents who prefer to have a hard copy. I will also include information specific to our classroom that is not viewed on the website.

-Breakfast is served daily @ 7:15 - 7:50 am
(an aide will walk students to their appropriate classes)
(Parents can also walk their child to class)

-Drop off is @ 7:50 - 8:00 am
(students should not arrive to their classroom prior to 7:50 am)

-Dismissal is @ 2:45 pm from the classroom. We will then walk to the cafeteria for carpool @ 2:50 pm.
NOTE: Please do not pick up your child as we are walking to the cafeteria. Also, please notify me as you are picking up your child from the carpool line. This will ensure the safety of all students. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

*Kindergarten parents are encouraged to use the Kinder Parking Lot for Drop off & Dismissal.

-Please notify your child's Teacher as well as Extended Day if you have make other arrangements for your child. (via email, written note, phone call)

We are going to have a GREAT YEAR!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Prater :)

Oceans Away -6th PYP Planner

2010-05-03T13:43:00.000-07:00

Oceans
6th PYP Planner May 3rd thru 27th

Commotion in the Ocean. We will begin our study of the world's oceans.
This is our sixth and Final planner for the year.

Activities:
-Students will learn about various ocean animals throughout this planner: -Students will research an ocean animal and complete a small book. -Students will learn shark body parts/facts, and make a shark hat. -Students will learn about starfish and make their own starfish model. -Students will write Fish Facts! -Journal all week-Sight words- each then into

Math:
Math activities include reviewing patterns, place value, addition/subtraction, time and money.

Information:
- Moody Gardens field trip is Friday, May 7th . Please send. $23.00 for your child & $10.00 for adults if you have not done so already. A sack lunch and a drink are needed for the trip.
-Field Day is May 12th. We are Mrs. Prater’s Pup’s! The kids are getting very excited!
- May 21st Kindergarten Awards ceremony @ 8:30am.
-End of the year class party @ Karl Young Park is Wed., May 26th @8:30am.
Last day of school is Thur., May 27th.
Thanks, Mrs. Prater
dprater@houstonisd.org

What Goes Around Comes Around - 5th PYP Planner

2010-03-30T07:28:00.000-07:00

Ants and Bees March 29th thru April 9th
Activities -Read aloud, Two Bad Ants, and other factual Ant books. Students learn body parts and life cycle of an Ant. -Read aloud, Ant Cities, students create their own Ant City. Students will label rooms and functions of the city. -Read aloud, Two Bad Ants, students work in small groups to create their own room that the Ants visit. -Read aloud, Bees, students label the body parts of bees. -Read aloud many factual Bee books. -Students will list facts they know about Ants and Bees. -Students will create own Bee hive and bees.
-Sight Words over find little-Journal ALL week
Math - Activities include place value, addition/subtraction, measurement, graphing and estimation.
Information
-Special Thanks to ALL Parent Volunteers that help make our trip to the Health Museum a HUGE SUCCESS!!! Thanks, Mrs. Prater@houstonisd.org

Where in the World...

2010-03-09T06:42:00.000-08:00

Where in the World.... March 1 - March 12th
Activities:
-Read aloud, Whoever You Are, students begin the study of their heritage by making a flag and learning about the food from their country of interest. -The next project will be to create a poster and present to the class the facts they have learned through research about their country of interest. This is an in-class project. -Read aloud, Everybody Cooks Rice. Students will use their "passports" to visit each class and sample rice dishes around the world. -LDC all week
-Art a la carte (Wed. 3-10-10)
-Sight Words: call will live
(Please practice writing these words three times and creating sentences)

Math:
Activities include patterns, estimation, calculators, and time.

Information:
-Hope Everyone Enjoyed the BASH!
-Thursday. March 11th Everybody Cooks Rice rotation.
-Wednesday March 24th field trip to The Medical Museum. (see permission slip in brown folder)
-HAVE A WONDERFUL AND SAFE SPRING BREAK!

Thanks,
Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

Texas

2010-02-19T09:34:00.000-08:00

Texas February 22nd thru 26th
Activities :
-Read aloud, Cowboy Roy & Cowboy Small, students complete a small cowboy/cowgirl book using color and numeral word recognition. -Read aloud, Armadillo Rodeo, students will create their own Lone Star collage. -Read aloud, Little Red Cowboy Hat, students write "wild west" ideas, and create their own cowboy/cowgirl. -Read aloud, The Alamo, students learn state symbols and use them to create their own small Texas book. -Read aloud, L is for Lone Star, students use Texas facts to make a classbook. -Plus much more......
-Journal all week!
-Make and eat Chili, the state dish of Texas!
-Writers words: with….went….when
Please practice writing and creating sentences use these words with your child daily.
Math :
-Math activities involving addition/subtraction, measurement, and estimation.
Information :
Special Thanks to “ALL” Parents & Students for the Lovely Flowers, Lunches, Gifts, Kind Words, and most of all Your Continued Support during Teacher Appreciation Week and throughout the year! :)

-Go Texan Day – Friday, 2-26th ( Students need a snack lunch). Students are encouraged to wear western wear and they will have an opportunity to see the Trail Riders.
-Thanks to ALL Parent volunteers that helped make our Valentine’s party a HUGE SUCCESS! Thanks,
Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)

Texas

2010-02-19T09:33:00.000-08:00

PYP Activities
Read Aloud, Cowboy Ray and Cowboy Small, student will create a small book.

Where In the World... Our 4th PYP Planner

2010-01-25T07:39:00.000-08:00

Where in the World.... February 8th thru 19th
Activities -Read aloud Me on the Map, students will create their own small books. This will begin our study of our place in the world. -After learning the songs, Continents and Oceans, the students will know the names and placement of the worlds oceans and continents. -Journal all week! -Read aloud, Mapping Pennies World, students learn the shape of the continents by making a small book. -Read aloud, We Dream of a World, students create their own page of a class book. -Writers words: some….come….from
Please practice writing these words three times and creating sentences daily.

Math -Activites involving measurement, subtraction, graphing and attributes.

Information
-Thanks to ALL Volunteers during our field trip to Main Street Theater! You helped make it a Huge Success!
-Kinder Round-Up (Thurs. – Feb. 11th )
-Chinese New Year
-Valentine’s Day Party (Friday – Feb. 12th @ 2:00pm)

Valentine’s Day Party
Friday – Feb. 12th @ 2:00

Please send a Valentine for every child in the class. (21 students)
I would like the students to write their names in the “from” section only. This makes it easy to pass out during class. Candy is allowed in the Valentine’s Day cards as well as other eatable items (ie fruit snacks, fruit roll-ups, small bags of cheese crackers or cookies) just to name a few. They will pass out their own cards and any treats. Don’t forget to bring your child’s decorated shoebox! I will provide pizza and drinks for our class.
Thanks in Advance for your cooperation!

Thanks, Mrs. Prater@houstonisd.org

Strega Nona, Fairy-Tale Village, & 100th Day Projects

2010-01-19T11:30:00.000-08:00

Strega Nona January 19th - 22nd
Activities
-This week we will read books from the Strega Nona series by Tomie de Paola.
Strega Nona her story, Strega nona Meets Her Match, Big Anthony, The Magic Ring, and Strega Nona Takes A Vacation. -Students will complete their own page of a classbook. My magic pot would make.... and My magic words are. -Students will create pasta patterns and pasta collages.
Sight Words: that they this
Please practice writing these words three times each and creating sentences with your child daily.
-LDC all week! (No Journal)

Math
-Activities include number stories, symmetry, money, and time.
Information
-See notes in brown folder about Fairy Tale village and 100th day of school homework projects. -Field trip planned for Tues. Feb. 2nd. We will see the play Junie B. Jones at The Main Street Theater. Parent volunteers needed.
Thanks, Mrs. Prater@houstonisd.org
Fairy-tale Village Homework Project Due February 2nd or 3rd Please help your child construct a 3-d home, house or building from one of the stories we have studied. The project should be shoe or cereal box sized. Be creative with materials. A list of stories follows. We will create a Kindergarten Fairy Tale village. Please visit our village February 4th. Projects go home that day. (early dismissal)
Books we have read..... The Three Billy Goats Gruff Jack and the Beanstalk The Three Pigs (various versions) Little Red Riding Hood (various versions) Lon PoPo Petite Rouge The Three Little Bears (various versions) The Gingerbread man (various versions) Strega Nona Anansi (various stories) Thanks, the Kindergarten Teachers!
100th Day of school Homework project The 100th day of school is February 3rd. I am asking each child to bring a project of 100 things. This can be 100 small items such as M&M's, pennies, or stickers. They can count them into a bag, glue them on a poster, whatever you would like. I would like the kids to count the items themselves. You can help them group by 10's. Be creative and have fun! Send projects to school Feb. 3rd.

Tell Me A Story - Author Study "Alma Flor Ada

2010-01-05T13:49:00.000-08:00

Tell Me A Story
Author Study “Alma Flor Ada”January 5th thru 8th
We will continue our 3rd Planner –
“Tell Me A Story” with an author study of Alma Flor Ada.
Activities: -Read aloud, The Golden Coin, students will create a classbook explaining what they would wish for if they had the Golden coin. -Read aloud, The Three Golden Oranges, students will create their own collage. -Read aloud, The Rooster who went to his Uncle's wedding, the students will sequence the story. -Read aloud, Jordi's Star. Students will paint their own stars. -Read aloud, The Malichite Princess. Students will make own friendship quilts.
-Sight Words: have your from
Please practice writing, spelling, and creating sentences using these words with your child.
Phonics Poem: What Do You Need?-LDC all week! (no journal)

Math:
Activities include estimation, graphing, number operations, measurement, and time.

Information:
WELCOME BACK! I hope Everyone had a FANTASTIC HOLIDAY BREAK!
-Report Cards go home, Wed. 1-13th
- Stanford Testing will be next week – Jan. 11th thru 15th
A portion of the test will be given daily, first thing in the morning. Please limit late arrivals during this week. In addition, these scores are only used for placement in the Gifted and Talented Program. Please do not over emphasize the test. It is a very interesting week for everyone. I will explain to students that the test will contain information related to Pre-K thru 2nd grade. We will discuss the fact that they are not expected to know all of the information. Also, the only test preparation needed is a good nights rest and a good breakfast. Friday, we will have a practice test and discuss what is to come. If you have any questions/concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thanks for your support!
-Special Thanks to ALL Parents that organized and donated items for our class holiday party!!
Your Efforts were Thoughtful & Appreciated!
Your Generosity, cards and gifts were Greatly Appreciated and helped make my holiday very SPECIAL!
Thanks, Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org) J

Holidays Around the World

2009-10-26T20:39:00.000-07:00

Holidays Around the World - Dec. 7th thru 18th
We will study how different cultures celebrate holidays during this time of year.
Activities:
-Read alouds, Seven Days of Kwanzaa, Olive the other Reindeer, I Have a Little Dreidel, Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and many others. Students will create wreaths, Kinaras, Hanukkah Golblins, and participate in many other holiday activities.
-Writers words: her get look -Practice writing, spelling, and creating sentences using these words with your child daily in their Sight Word Journal.
- Journal All week (no journal during the week of the Dec. 14th)

Math:
-Activities involving patterns, graphing, symmetry, estimation, and number stories (addition & subtraction).

Information:
-Tues. & Wed. (Dec. 15th & 16th), We will have a Holiday rotation to each Kinder class to learn about other Holidays. (ie Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, Ramadan, and Chinese New Year) I need 2 or 3 parent volunteers to help facilitate this activity.

-Thursday, Dec. 17 @ 1:00pm, we will have our Class Holiday party. We are going to have a book exchange. We are asking that your child bring a wrapped book of no more that $5.00 no later than Wed., Dec. 16th. If your child is a boy, please bring a book for a boy and if your child is a girl, bring a book for a girl.

-We are doing a class service project, Weekley Holiday Giving Program,with the YMCA. We have chosen a 6yr old boy who needs the following items donated to make his holiday special:
(board games/education toys, books, movies/Jungle Book, tennis shoes/size 1, jacket/large, bike, and winter gloves). All DONATIONS will be GREATLY APPRECIATED!
All donations are due Mon., Dec. 14th.
Thanks,
Mrs. Prater (dprater@houstonisd.org)
(mrsprateratmarktwain.blogspot.com)

Safety Newsletter

2009-10-19T05:30:00.000-07:00

October 19th - 23rd
Activities :-Read aloud, Curious George and the Firefighters, students practice dialing 911, and discuss Fire Safety. --Read aloud, Don’t Talk to Strangers, students discuss Stranger Danger, and role play various situations. -Read aloud, Officer Buckle and Gloria. Students write their own safety tip.

Read alouds: Stop Drop and Roll, A Very Busy Firehouse, Emergency, and Dot the Fire Dog. -Students will create safety puppets. -Visit from the fire department -Students will make and eat their own traffic light snack. -Journal -

Writers words: on, of, we

-Practice writing, spelling, and creating sentences using these words with your child daily.

Phonics poem: Hickory Dickory Dock

LDC all week !(No Journal)

Math :-Activities include graphing, money, patterns, and number operations.

Information :

-Class Party - Wed. (10-21st) 3:30 - 5:00pm on the Kinder playground.

-Art a la Carte (Wed. 10-21st)
-Field trip to the Fire Station (Friday 10-23rd) Please send a sack lunch. We are walking to the Fire Station.(Chaperones are needed)

-Spooky Spaghetti is Sat. (10-24th) 4:00-8:00pm