Our Dream Hats

Jennie's Hat by Ezra Jack Keats, was a funny story about a girl named Jennie, who thought she would be receiving a beautiful and wonderful hat with big colorful flowers from her aunt. But when she opened the box, the hat inside was plain and white. Jennie was so disappointed,but received a surprise from some special friends who helped her decorate her hat with flowers, pictures, and ribbons.  We had the chance to create our own dream hats this week.  

Free picture collage customized with Smilebox Aloha Parents, This week the focus was on a famous American author, Ezra Jack Keats. This author wrote and illustrated about 25 children's books. Because he experienced poverty and anti-Semitism as  a child, he felt sympathetic to city children from different races and backgrounds.  So Ezra Jack Keats wrote simple stories about concerns children had: the joys and sorrows of a snowy day, inviting friends to a party, the problems created by a new sibling, expecting a perfect birthday gift and realizing it wasn't very nice, etc. The students enjoyed the stories. They compared the problems the characters had with situations in their lives. Each story was followed up with  crafts which are part of our classroom's wallpaper. You are invited to visit and see their fabulous and delightful work! Math concepts this week included: Telling Time, Subtraction, Fact Families, and Shapes (Solid and Plane). Your home is full of great opportunities to explore these Math topics and more with your child throughout the summer. It would also, at the same time, build his or her self-confidence and understanding of mathematical ideas.  Please have your child bring in a recyclable bag by Wednesday, July 15th.  They will be using it to carry all their Summer School treasures home on Friday, July 17th. I know they'd love to share their classwork with their family and friends.  Dates to Remember: Wednesday, July 15th - myON reading assignment due (minimum of 10 books) Wednesday, July 15th - Recyclable bag due Friday, July 17th - Summer School ends Friday, July 24th - Last day for free access to MyON and IXL A hui hou, Mrs. Lee

A Bad Case of Stripes

A Bad Case of Stripes is about a girl who loves lima beans but doesn't want to eat them because her friends dislike lima beans and she wants to fit in. At the end of the story she starts eating them even though her friends think she is weird. She enjoys being different and enjoying different things. We learned each of us is unique and that makes us special.


Aloha Families,

It was a pleasant surprise to receive your special gift, lei, and most of all the videos of the keiki expressing their feelings about our K-1 class. I sincerely appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity as I thoroughly enjoyed this year with your children. Mahalo nui loa!!!!!

K-1 will be able to enjoy a 'Free Swim' on Thursday, May 14th from 1-2 p.m. Labeled towels, slippers, etc. should be brought to school.  They can wear their swim attire under their school clothes. This will replace their PE period on Wednesday, May 13th.

Important Dates:

• Tuesday, May 12th - Gotan-e Service in the Temple at 9:00 a.m. Gotan-e celebrates the birth of Shinran Shonin, the founder of Shin Buddhism. Please dress your child appropriately for this Temple Service.
• Tuesday, May 12th - Library books due
• Friday, May 15th - Polynesian Cultural Center Learning Trip, 8:15 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
•  Please be in school by 7:50 a.m. 
• Attire - HMS t-shirt, shorts, socks, and shoes
• Sunblock rubdown
• Friday, May 22nd - MyON and IXL (Categories M. [Time] and R. [Money]) due. May Book Shares are optional.

Happy Mother's Day,

Mrs. Lee

Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever. Anonymous

K-1 Activities

It was a busy week.  Some Kindergarten teachers from Japan spent time with us.  We had a nice time getting to know them even though we couldn't understand each other.

We listened to the story Leo the Late Bloomer and discussed the ways Leo "bloomed" in the story. It was exciting to see the things he could do after he bloomed.  After thinking of things we could do, we wrote and illustrated it on our flower petals.

Our 5 Senses Bear was the beginning of our unit on Senses.  It was fun to cut out all the circles and glue them together for the bear. The perfume on the cotton ball nose smelled so sweet too.



Aloha Parents,

The children have been raving about myON , the online library of books.  There is a great variety of books for them and they are in ebook heaven. Please continue encouraging your keiki to explore and enjoy the beautifully illustrated works and genres.

Students who are read to have a significant effect on reading and language development.  It also:

• Prepares children for school and has a positive effect on academic success
• Helps children see the connection between speech and the printed word
• Aids in listening, comprehension, vocabulary, and thinking skills
• Develops a good attitude toward reading and learning
• Develops "book knowledge" or a familiarity with books, titles, authors, illustrators, plot, etc.

Students will be required to read a minimum of 5 books per month starting in September.  Remember, the sky is the limit.....so help your child find a comfortable, pleasant environment and listen to the books together until s/he wishes to read alone.

These past few weeks were all about getting into the main core subjects.  The focus for them is as follows:

• Literacy - Concept of Word, Rhyme Recognition, Word and Syllable Segmentation; Sharing Literature; Introduction to High Frequency Words: a, the, like; Free Write with an illustration
• Math -Identify Spatial Relationship; Sort and Objects and Identify the Attribute of each Group; Concrete Graphs; Patterns
• Social Studies - Friends and Family
• Science - Our 5 Senses

I'm excited about teaching these students! I can't wait to see how much they learn and grow this year!!!

A few tidbits to remember:

• Monday, September 1st - Labor Day, No school
• Monday, September 8th - Buddhist Education begins
• Wednesday, September 10th - Swim classes begin.  Please label all towels, swimwear, slippers, swimbags, and goggles (optional). They will need additional recyclable plastic bags for their wet suits and slippers.

Have a great weekend,
Mrs. Lee

A My Name is ...

We listened to the story A My Name is... and learned about the first letters in our names.  We also wrote about one thing we liked!

Free picture slideshow created with Smilebox   Aloha Parents, The students are more comfortable as they are accustomed to all the new routines and procedures.  Life is so much easier. They are even beginning to remind others what they should do when they forget.   When asked what they enjoyed about Kindergarten so far, responses included: writing napping playing on the green space Art, P.E., and Japanese classes the craftivity Bright Vacations cutting for art & crafts everyone mentioned school was fun!  In Social Studies, we are focusing on Friends and Family. For a lesson next week, please have your child bring in a photo(s) of a special time or event they have shared with family and friends. They will show the photo and describe why the special time was important to their families and friends. Photos should be brought in by Wednesday, August 27th.   A few reminders: Tuesday, August 26th - Library books are due. Wednesday, August 27th - P.E. classes are scheduled for Wednesdays.  Please dress your child in the HMS t-shirt and shorts. Wednesday, August 27th - Photo(s) of Friends and Family Celebrations due Thursday, August 28th - Popcorn Social in the Café, 4:15-5:20.  PTO Meeting to follow. Monday, September 1st - Labor Day. National Holiday. A hui hou, Mrs. Lee        

The Polar Express

We hear the silver bell at Christmas time because we believe in Santa, the elves, and the North Pole?  Do you hear it too?


The Polar Express - slideshow

Holiday Greetings,

Children love Christmas, that's for sure! There are so many fun holiday activities to do with the students in class. So far, everyone enjoyed listening or watching videos of Christmas stories, made a gingerbread glyph,painted a Polar Express scene, and tore paper to create Santa.  Math games included skip counting with snowmen or reindeer and practiced even/odd numbers with mittens.
Since keiki and Christmas go together like bread and butter, they can be sure there are many more fun things to do at this time of the year!

Skip counting is an important skill the keiki need to learn.  This will help them to count a large number of items quickly and to count money. Please encourage them to practice skip counting on a regular basis. Most of them are comfortable skip counting by 5s and 10s, but need to work on the 2s. 

Please have your child bring in a 7"x10" piece of Christmas gift wrap (foil or paper) by Thursday, December 12th for an activity. Mahalo.

Please remember:

• Wednesday, December 11 - Library books due
• Thursday, December 12 - Piece of Christmas wrap due
• Friday, December 13th - Ornament for 3rd Grade Buddy due
• Friday, December 13th - December myON Reading assignment and Book Share due
• Wednesday, December 18th - If you wish to share Holiday Goodie Bags, please bring them in by this date. Distribution will be on Thursday, December 19th.
• Friday, December 20th - Winter Program, 9:00 in the Social Hall.  Please advise if you plan to sign your child out before the 11:30 dismissal.  There will be no Afterschool Care.

Have a nice weekend,
Mrs. Lee

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

We've been learning about Johnny Appleseed, graphing, and dots this week.  Watch us in action!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Aloha kakou Parents,

Plans are to Skype with Mrs. Koch and her Kindergarten-First Grade class in Kansas City, Missouri in October.  Prior to our class' initial conversation, we decided to share a bit of our environment with each other.  They'll gather and send some fall colored leaves, seed pods, and pine cones, along with a collection of autumn pictures of Missouri .  We'll send some dried flowers that are native to Hawaii as well as some seashells. Our keiki will share photos of their favorite local places to visit. Their pictures, with an explanation (typed by me) why they enjoyed this particular  place will be compiled into a digital 'Classroom Book' emailed to our new Mainland friends. This is a wonderful learning opportunity for an interactive exchange and collaboration even though they are living thousands of miles away. These real time conversations will expand our classroom walls.

I will need your assistance to email a photo of your child's favorite local place to visit.  It could be their grandparent's home, a park, beach, toy store, etc.  Your child has the option to be included in the photo. Please email the photo to wendy.lee@hongwanji.us by Wednesday, September 25th.   A copy of the book will be emailed to you. Mahalo.

October is National Apple Month! Learning about our favorite fruit is exciting and will be filled with numerous activities.  An upcoming lesson is graphing their favorite type of apple.  Is it Red Delicious, Yellow Delicious, or Granny Smith?  They are asked to bring one of those types of apples  to class by Wednesday, September 25th. Arigato for your help!

Dates to remember:

• Wednesday, September 25th - Digital photo of your child's favorite place to visit in Hawaii due.
• Wednesday, September 25th - One apple (Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, or Granny Smith ) brought to school.
• Wednesday, September 25th - Grandparents' Day RSVP due.
• Monday, September 30th - myON Reader assignment due. (Minimum of 5 books read)
• Wednesday, October 2nd - Grandparents' Day Program, Temple Annex, 10:00-10:30am.

Please email me if you have any questions.

Warmest Aloha,
Mrs. Lee

Is Everyone Ready for Fun?

Is Everyone Ready for Fun? is a funny story about a chicken who has some cow visitors who jump, wiggle, and dance on his couch. After listening to this story we learned about verbs. We thought of other actions the cows could do on the chicken's sofa. Look at our action words and cow creations!

 

 

Is Everyone Ready for Fun? - slideshows

Aloha Parents,

Picture Taking is scheduled for Monday, September 6th, at 8:30am.  Please have your child dressed appropriately for this event when they arrive at school.  There will be a group photo taken this year. Yeah! The keiki will change into P.E. clothes before first recess.  Kindly submit payment for the pictures if you haven't done so.

Please remember:

• Sunday, September 1st - Monday, September 30th - Foodland's Give Aloha Program
• Wednesday, September 11th - Field Trip to Tenney Theatre for A Korean Cinderella with lunch at Hawaii State Art Museum. A reminder will be in your child's school folder on Tuesday.
• Wednesday, September 18th - Library books due

A hui hou,
Mrs. Lee

What is It?

Seven Blind Mice  is story about six blind mice who touch one part of 'Something' by the pond.  Each one has their opinion about what it is.  Then, the seventh blind mouse explores the entire 'Something' and sees the whole truth.

We had an activity to learn how to 'see' the whole truth, too.  Can you guess what our 'Something' is without seeing the entire picture?




Aloha Parents,

The children have been really excited about myON reading program, which is wonderful.  Reading has such a positive effect on academic success!  It helps the keiki see the connection between speech and the printed word, as well as aids in listening, comprehension, vocabulary, and thinking skills. We know that the children need to develop a good attitude toward  reading and learning. 

Beginning in September, one of the monthly assignments will be to read a minimum of 5 myON books.  Most of the K-1 students have already read a wealth of books on various topics.  Please continue to encourage them to read, read, read!

Dates to remember:

• Monday, September 2th - Labor Day, Federal Holiday
• Friday, September 6th - Flu Vaccine and Spray Forms due
• Monday, September 9th - Picture Taking Day

FYI....K-1's classroom has a new phone number  #380-4907.  You may contact me via phone or through email as needed.

Enjoy the weekend!
Mrs. Lee

We've Bloomed!

We are just like flowers.  We bloom when we are ready!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Aloha kakou Parents,

Looking for an iPad or iPhone app for your keiki to learn about animals and laugh at the same time? The app is called Animals 360. It is perfect for viewing animals in high-definition pictures, real sounds, tours of their habitat, and quizzes to test their knowledge. Try it!

I hope you had an opportunity to view Symbaloo, (located under 'Websites for the Keiki' on the left side of the blog) which is a webmix your child will enjoy. All they need to do after opening Symbaloo is click on a tile and immediately start using that particular website. Among those listed are two favorites - Starfall and Build Your Wild Self. They are quite fun and engaging.

Week(s) at a Glance:

• Tuesday, August 27th - HTY Production of A Korean Cinderella and lunch at the Hawaii State Art Museum Field Trip - Parent Consent Form with payment due
 
• Monday, September 2nd - Labor Day (Holiday)

• Friday, September 6th - Flu Vaccine forms due

Have a fun weekend,

Mrs. Lee

 

 

When I Grow Up....

We like being kids, but sometimes we wish we were grown ups.  We'll show you what we would like to become when we get bigger.


When I Grow Up... - slideshows

 Aloha Parents,

The keiki enjoyed their Spring break and returned full of energy.  There are only about 2 more months of school before we head into Summer Vacation. There is so much to do in such a short period of time, but I am certain they'll be up to the challenge.

Mahalo to those who donated recyclable items for our 'Recyclable Treasure' (sculpture) activity with our 7th grade buddies planned for Wednesday.  However, to prepare for this event, it would be nice to have everyone bring in some recyclable items.  Encourage your child to help find some around your home or even a relative's home. 
Items could include: old greeting cards, CDs, bread twist ties, plastic bottles, wrapping paper, cardboard, packaging material, etc. Your imagination is encouraged! All items should be brought to school by Tuesday, April 9th.

Please remember:

• Monday, April 8th - Buddha Day, School is closed.
• Tuesday, April 9th - Recyclable items due.
• Friday, April 12th - Swimming will be 1 hour long because class on April 19th is cancelled.
• Thursday, April 25th - Book Share due.
• Friday, April 26th - Spring Program in the Temple Social Hall 8:30am  
•   Learning Showcase 11:00am -2:00pm in classrooms                                     
• Tuesday, April 30th - myOn Reading assignment due. ( Read a minimum of 6 books)  Encourage your child to read as much as possible using this fabulous reading site. Remember: you have the power to boost your child's learning potential simply by making books an integral part of their lives.

"Education is nothing more, nor less, than learning to think!" —Peter Facione

Warmest regards,
Mrs. Lee

Let the Magic Begin

We have been busy as bees.  Everyday brings new learning and fun activities.  Check out some 'work' we've been doing.

Personalize your own free slideshow design A note from Mrs. Lee:    Aloha Parents,   Jukei has returned to live in Japan. We are very sad because he was a kind and awesome friend to us.  Wishing him a fond aloha and hope to see him when he visits Hawaii.    Please continue to encourage daily reading at home. This will boost your child's confidence, fluency, and writing skills. I mentioned myON Reader as a fun, online site which can also be downloaded on your tablet. Your child will have access to over 1000 digital books that suits their interest and reading level to provide just the right amount of challenge to advance their reading skills.  The interactive digital format brings books to life with audio support, friendly quizzes, and a dictionary. (The app does not provide quizzes, but is still a wonderful way to motivate your child to read independently.  You are also able to download up to 20 books on your tablet.) The 100 Day projects were admired by all the parents and students who passed the Kindergarten classes today.  It meant so much to your keiki and they were thrilled to share it.  Mahalo for all your time, effort, and planning to complete the board.You are such a positive influence in your child's life. Warmest regards, Mrs. Lee

What is it?

Seven Blind Mice by Ed Young was a funny story about 7 different colored blind mice. On each day of the week, each mouse found a strange 'Something' and reported back to the group. To one mouse it was a pillar, to another a snake, to another a cliff, etc.  On the seventh day, the white mouse, remembering what the other mice found, realized it was an elephant.  The lesson is you need to see the whole picture, not just a part of it.
We had fun with our puzzling part.  Can you guess what the whole picture will be?

Customize your own free picture slideshow   A note to the Parents:   Every year on September 15th, teachers and students worldwide celebrate International Dot Day. It is a time to encourage student's creativity.  However, HMS is celebrating Dot Day on Friday, September 14th with students 'making their mark in new and exciting ways'. We'll be eating dot candy, wear clothing with dots, and  create dot pictures!   Please remember: Wednesday, September 12 - Picture Taking in the Gym. Photo orders and payment need to be brought in before or on September 12. Thursday, September 13 - Oreo stacking with our 7th grade Buddy class (a Dot Day activity a little early) Thursday, September 13 - Grandparent's Day program, 9:50-10:20am. All guests may wait outside of  the K-1 class until the doors open. Friday, September 14 - International Dot Day celebration.  Kindergarten students are asked to wear clothes with dots!   

All Alike, All Different

It is fun to see how we are all alike and different at the same time.



A note to the Parents:

Patterns, Patterns, Patterns....that has been the concept in Math this week.  Besides creating patterns using their bodies or manipulatives, the keiki copied, extended, and transferred patterns. They watched a short video called The Princess and the Pea.

The story begins when a young woman, drenched with rain, seeks shelter in a prince's castle for the night. She claims to be a princess, so the prince's mother decides to test her by placing a pea under many mattresses. After a sleepless night, she tells her host something hard was in her bed. Only a real princess would have the sensitivity to feel to a pea.

K-1 students were thrilled since they had the opportunity to paint their own patterns on the mattresses for the princess.  Check out our The Princess and the Pea bulletin board display! While you're out and about with your child, maybe they could identify a pattern for you. Patterns are everywhere!

Mahalo to Dr. Yagi (Sophie's mom) and Mrs. Nakama, (Tori's mom) who volunteered to be our Room Parents. I am sure we can be excited about some fantastic events the Room Parents are planning for the school.

Thanks to everyone's contribution to the HMS PTO Fundraiser. Your donation will help provide additional resources for our children.

Reminders:

• Tuesday, September 4 - Library books due.
• Wednesday, September 5 -  Five Chinese Brothers,  an HTY production at Tenney Theatre.
• Thursday, September 6 - Discovery Center field trip consent form and payment due
• Friday, September 7 - Flu forms due
• Friday, September 7 - RSVP for Grandparents' Day celebration due

Blooming Flowers

Leo, the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus, is a tale of a tiger cub who felt he couldn't do anything right.  He couldn't read, write, or draw. Daddy tiger watched him daily, hoping for him to blossom, while Mother tiger waited, knowing he would make it when he was ready. Finally, the time came when Leo could read, write, draw and speak in sentences. The lesson learned was that we must be patient as each of us blooms when it is our time.

We wrote and illustrated 5 things on the petals of our flower that we are proud to be able to do.  All of us have bloomed in different areas, and that's what makes us unique!


Blooming Flowers - making a free slideshow

A note from Mrs. Lee:

Our Kindergarten plans to design a t-shirt unique to our class so the our keiki will feel special and like a team.  The three Kindergarten teachers need your kokua as we are looking for a screen printing business who could help screen print the t-shirts. Please let us know if you do!

Mahalo for the Environmental Print that has been submitted.  Kindly continue to share any additional EP so our 'wall' will be filled with logos, brand labels, fast food signs, cereal boxes, etc. Mahalo!

Please remember:

• Monday, August 27 -Due date regarding your preference of receiving the Hongwanji Mission School monthly newsletter via our HMS website or a hardcopy. Please send a note or email me.
• Thursday, August 30 - RSVP for Ice Cream Social due.

K-1 On the Go

In Kindergarten we enjoy doing things in small or big groups. We are forever on the go and into everything.  We are active students involved in the going-ons.  That is our learning style!

Create a free picture collage

 

A note from Mrs. Lee:

In Social Studies we're learning about special things families and friends do and how they spend  time together.  Therefore, please have your child bring in 1-2 photos of fun times or events they have shared with their family or friends.  They will also be asked to describe why that time was important.  Kindly have them bring in their photos by Wednesday, August 22nd.

Environment Print (EP) is the print of everyday life and is everywhere.  It is a natural starting point to teach young students to read, write, and do math.  They have a concrete connection to everyday print. They read it within the context of their interests and backgrounds.  We would be most appreciative of any labels from packages, boxes, fliers, paper bags, snack bags, etc. that you could send in for our EP Wall.

Announcements:

• Show and Tell is on Wednesdays and Fridays.
• P.E. days are on Friday.
• Monday, August 20 - Student Council Snack Bar starts from 2:35-3:00 at the Middle School picnic bench.
• Monday, August 20 - Library books due
• Wednesday, August 22 - Family/friends photos due
• Thursday, August 23 - Permission form and payment due for 'Five Chinese Brothers'  Honolulu Theatre for Youth play. (Forms to be distributed on Monday, August 20)
• Friday, September 7 - Flu forms due

K-1, K-1, What Do You See?

We are now in Kindergarten! Each of us is taller, smarter, and older, than last year. During this first week as a Kindergartner, we were busy listening to stories, writing words, and learning where our right and left was.
Our favorite activity was listening to the story 'Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?' Afterwards we painted an animal that was looking at me.

K-1, K-1, What Do You See? on PhotoPeach

A Note from Mrs. Lee:

Aloha Parents,

Mahalo for your support in attending the Kindergarten Orientation on Monday, August 6th.  It is with your cooperation and support that we work together to help your child unlock their potential.

Dr. Yagi, Sophie's Mom, has graciously volunteered to act as K-1 Room Parent for this year.  Our hats off to her for taking on this duty.

A few dates to remember:

• Tuesday, August 14 - Scholastic Book Orders due
• Wednesday, August 16 - Kindergarten Japanese information from Tamayo Sensei due
• Friday, August 17 - School closed, Statehood Day (formally known as Admission Day)

Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or the same way.
-- George Evans

Have a fantastic weekend,
Mrs. Lee

Our Favorite Memories

We all have memories but the best ones are those that we cherish for a long time.  Please listen to us as we share our favorite memory using Voicethread.




A note from Mrs. Lee:
It was such a exciting summer session for all the keiki, including myself.  They enjoyed learning about themselves through various characters after listening to stories by Ezra Jack Keats  and the world's funniest Kindergartener, Junie B. Jones, who is now in first grade. Math was especially loads of fun when they practiced skills using fractions with goldfish, probability with M & M'S, and other daily collaborative activities. The children continued to develop  skills in Literacy, Math, social interaction, and critical thinking in preparation for first grade.
Wishing everyone much success in first grade and in the years to come.
A hui hou,
Mrs. Lee

How Tall is Jack?

Jack and the Beanstalk  is a fairy tale that was quite funny.  The story was about  a boy named Jack, who climbed a giant beanstalk into the magical clouds. He met a hen who could lay golden eggs, a  harp that sang by itself, and the funny ogre with his wife. Like all fairy tales, there was a happy ending. Jack married a princess, became even wealthier, and together they lived happily ever after.
Working in teams, we collaborated and produced our own life-size Jack.  We measured and labelled different parts of Jack. Our creations are hanging in our classroom.  Drop by to check it out!

Another picture collage by Smilebox

A note from Mrs. Lee:

The students are currently engaged in a unit on Junie B., First Grader (at Last). Many giggles have been heard as Junie B. was the world funniest kindergartener, but is now in first grade.  A chapter is read,  followed by a group discussion.  The students individually  compose sentences about key events  and add  an illustration in their 'booklet' daily. The culminating activity will be to retell the story to a peer, using their 'booklet'.
Everyone is given the opportunity to respond to the text before, during, and after the reading.  Eventually the students will develop the capability to focus on the text and increase their comprehension.

How Do You Like to Eat Watermelon?

Who likes Watermelon?  Who likes Sour Patch Watermelon candy?  Find out what we enjoyed most!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com