Thank you all for a very successful first semester. The children have made so much progress! I am so proud of them. They are blessed to have wonderful parents.
Enjoy your holidays! We will see you in the new year!
Amy Kiger
Friday, December 16, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Happy December!!
We have had another busy week. We are making holiday presents, pine trees with glitter, and other surprises!! We are still working on words that sound the same and different. We are singing "jingle bells" with instruments. I think this will be the new favorite.
Speech- we continue to work on vocabulary, matching, sorting, chaining words together, and following directions.
OT- we have worked on cutting, gluing, tracing... the list goes on and on.
PT- we have been working hard walking on the balance beam and tossing bean bags. Today we practiced throwing overhand and underhand. They still love the bikes in the gym, but some days we struggle to find the time to get down there to ride them.
Santa shop closes tomorrow at 10AM.
I have a sub tomorrow, so have a GREAT WEEKEND!!
Mrs. Kiger
We have had another busy week. We are making holiday presents, pine trees with glitter, and other surprises!! We are still working on words that sound the same and different. We are singing "jingle bells" with instruments. I think this will be the new favorite.
Speech- we continue to work on vocabulary, matching, sorting, chaining words together, and following directions.
OT- we have worked on cutting, gluing, tracing... the list goes on and on.
PT- we have been working hard walking on the balance beam and tossing bean bags. Today we practiced throwing overhand and underhand. They still love the bikes in the gym, but some days we struggle to find the time to get down there to ride them.
Santa shop closes tomorrow at 10AM.
I have a sub tomorrow, so have a GREAT WEEKEND!!
Mrs. Kiger
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
November 23, 2011
I wanted to send a quick post to wish you all a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING. I know this season I have so much to be thankful for... wonderful students, supportive parents, knowledgeable therapists, and an amazing aide.
As I sat today and planned for December, I realized that when we return there are only 3 weeks left in the first semester. WOW!! I guess it is true that time flies when you are having fun!!
This first semester has been filled with so much growth that I am excited to see what can be accomplished in another semester.
As we start the holiday season, please let me know if you have any opposition to Santa, gifts, Holiday cookies, or Christmas trees. I am happy to provide alternate activities.
Regarding the Santa Shoppe, we have the forms in cubbies to go home. We do not have a scheduled time. We will take the students with money down to shop in small groups. I have been told that items sell out quickly. I urge you to plan for shopping on Tuesday or Thursday.
Once again... HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Amy Kiger
As I sat today and planned for December, I realized that when we return there are only 3 weeks left in the first semester. WOW!! I guess it is true that time flies when you are having fun!!
This first semester has been filled with so much growth that I am excited to see what can be accomplished in another semester.
As we start the holiday season, please let me know if you have any opposition to Santa, gifts, Holiday cookies, or Christmas trees. I am happy to provide alternate activities.
Regarding the Santa Shoppe, we have the forms in cubbies to go home. We do not have a scheduled time. We will take the students with money down to shop in small groups. I have been told that items sell out quickly. I urge you to plan for shopping on Tuesday or Thursday.
Once again... HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Amy Kiger
Friday, November 11, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
WOW!! Time flies when we are having fun.
We spent the last two weeks focusing on food and pizza. We read Who Stole the Cookies?, Pete's A Pizza, and If You Give A Mouse a Cookie. We have the youtube version of a few of them. This engages the students.
We made student pizzas with peperoni, pineapple slices, and cheese. They all enjoyed this. We have been working on identifying the first letter of each child's name, singing the ABC's while pointing to the letter, and writing the first letter of their name.
Ms. Lenore has been focusing on jumping to a target, jumping off of a 6 inch step with both feet landing at the same time, walking a balance beam, and tossing (under hand) bean bags into a pail. The kids continue to love the trikes in the gym.
Ms. Stephanie has been addressing sensory as appropriate depending on student needs. This helps us prepare the students to learn. We appreciate everything that she has shared and the suggestions that she has made. She has also worked on cutting, coloring, tearing, and gluing. The kids always love working with her.
Ms. Sarah and Ms. Lorraine are alternating weeks with the kids. They bring different activities to our AM and PM class to differentiate the lessons. This week they worked on Wh questions, as well as increasing the accuracy of responses. For several children, they worked on chaining words together and marking syllables.
The great thing about all these ladies (AND Mrs. Rolfson, too) is that they work hard to meet the needs of each individual child.
I want to take a quick minute to THANK the Cardinal PSG. They realized that we were in need of a few more trikes, so they placed and order. We appreciate this!!
I am always available by phone 852-1036 ext 1586, email- akiger@brownsburg.k12.in.us, or through the notebook.
I hope you all have a great weekend!
Mrs. Kiger
We spent the last two weeks focusing on food and pizza. We read Who Stole the Cookies?, Pete's A Pizza, and If You Give A Mouse a Cookie. We have the youtube version of a few of them. This engages the students.
We made student pizzas with peperoni, pineapple slices, and cheese. They all enjoyed this. We have been working on identifying the first letter of each child's name, singing the ABC's while pointing to the letter, and writing the first letter of their name.
Ms. Lenore has been focusing on jumping to a target, jumping off of a 6 inch step with both feet landing at the same time, walking a balance beam, and tossing (under hand) bean bags into a pail. The kids continue to love the trikes in the gym.
Ms. Stephanie has been addressing sensory as appropriate depending on student needs. This helps us prepare the students to learn. We appreciate everything that she has shared and the suggestions that she has made. She has also worked on cutting, coloring, tearing, and gluing. The kids always love working with her.
Ms. Sarah and Ms. Lorraine are alternating weeks with the kids. They bring different activities to our AM and PM class to differentiate the lessons. This week they worked on Wh questions, as well as increasing the accuracy of responses. For several children, they worked on chaining words together and marking syllables.
The great thing about all these ladies (AND Mrs. Rolfson, too) is that they work hard to meet the needs of each individual child.
I want to take a quick minute to THANK the Cardinal PSG. They realized that we were in need of a few more trikes, so they placed and order. We appreciate this!!
I am always available by phone 852-1036 ext 1586, email- akiger@brownsburg.k12.in.us, or through the notebook.
I hope you all have a great weekend!
Mrs. Kiger
Friday, October 28, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Today was pumpkin day. We sponge painted pumpkins with Ms. Stephanie and made our own Jack-o-lanterns.
I am very pleased with the progress of our students. Keep up the great work!!
We will not be having a party Monday or dressing up.
Have a great weekend,
Mrs. Kiger
I am very pleased with the progress of our students. Keep up the great work!!
We will not be having a party Monday or dressing up.
Have a great weekend,
Mrs. Kiger
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Hope everyone had a Great Fall Break! I wanted to let you know that coupon books need to be returned or the money is due as soon as possible. Box tops can also be sent in for the contest. Picture retakes are October 31 for AM and PM. I have forms that will be coming home Thursday.
We have had several students absent due to illness. Please keep in mind that they should be fever free without medication for 24 hours. I do not know what is going around except it is congestion with a fever. It seems to have a short duration.
In class we have been working on our cornucopia. The pumpkins that were returned so far look great. If you have not returned it, feel free to send it in any time. It will NEVER be too late.
The children love the books 5 Little Bats and the Old Woman that Swallowed a Bat. We have worked on First, next, last and words that rhyme with bat. This morning two of our friends read the books to us. It was great to see the retention of the story and the ability to lead the class.
I am very proud to announce that we reached 100% with parent teacher conferences. I was able to meet with at least one parent for every child in my classes. This partnership is important to me, however it is VERY important to your child's success!!
Thank you for sharing with me,
Mrs. Kiger
We have had several students absent due to illness. Please keep in mind that they should be fever free without medication for 24 hours. I do not know what is going around except it is congestion with a fever. It seems to have a short duration.
In class we have been working on our cornucopia. The pumpkins that were returned so far look great. If you have not returned it, feel free to send it in any time. It will NEVER be too late.
The children love the books 5 Little Bats and the Old Woman that Swallowed a Bat. We have worked on First, next, last and words that rhyme with bat. This morning two of our friends read the books to us. It was great to see the retention of the story and the ability to lead the class.
I am very proud to announce that we reached 100% with parent teacher conferences. I was able to meet with at least one parent for every child in my classes. This partnership is important to me, however it is VERY important to your child's success!!
Thank you for sharing with me,
Mrs. Kiger
Friday, October 14, 2011
Friday Update for the Week of October 10, 2011
WOW! It has been a long week. We have been busy. Ms. Lorraine came in one Monday to work on numbers and patterns, while using candles for incentives. Each attempt was a candle for their cake. The kids loved it.
For PT with Ms. Lenore, we had a pumpkin patch made of green crate paper vines and pumpkins with action pictures attached. The children took turns navigating the vines to choose a pumpkin. Then we all did the motion (walk like a crab, flap our arms, hop like a frog). We also worked on volleying our orange (pumpkin) balloons. This was hard because they were all so excited. We will be doing both of these activities more.
Today for Fine Motor, Ms. Stephanie brought in her iPad. They read a pumpkin story and work on counting pumpkins. We also carves our pumpkins.
At group, we continue with the usual (calendar, counting, weather, songs, etc). We have added a literacy activity this month we are working on distinguishing between print and pictures, sorting based on numbers, colors, letters, pictures, and oral language skill of manners.
I truly believe that repetitions are helpful and practice helps with generalizing skills.
The therapists and I have been working hard on progress reports and preparation for parent teacher conferences. I am looking forward to celebrating your children with you next week.
Have a great weekend!
Amy Kiger
PS. The morning class had a visitor (pictures are attached). The afternoon visitor will be on the 27th of October.
For PT with Ms. Lenore, we had a pumpkin patch made of green crate paper vines and pumpkins with action pictures attached. The children took turns navigating the vines to choose a pumpkin. Then we all did the motion (walk like a crab, flap our arms, hop like a frog). We also worked on volleying our orange (pumpkin) balloons. This was hard because they were all so excited. We will be doing both of these activities more.
Today for Fine Motor, Ms. Stephanie brought in her iPad. They read a pumpkin story and work on counting pumpkins. We also carves our pumpkins.
At group, we continue with the usual (calendar, counting, weather, songs, etc). We have added a literacy activity this month we are working on distinguishing between print and pictures, sorting based on numbers, colors, letters, pictures, and oral language skill of manners.
I truly believe that repetitions are helpful and practice helps with generalizing skills.
The therapists and I have been working hard on progress reports and preparation for parent teacher conferences. I am looking forward to celebrating your children with you next week.
Have a great weekend!
Amy Kiger
PS. The morning class had a visitor (pictures are attached). The afternoon visitor will be on the 27th of October.
Friday, October 7, 2011
October 7, 2011
Today was another great day!!
Paint toast was back by popular demand. Ask your child about painting bread with colored water. After toasting it, we enjoyed a colorful and tasty snack.
This week we have completed an obstacle course with Ms. Lenore, a paper plate spiders with Ms. Stephanie, requesting more of preferred activities with Ms. Lorraine, and the great outdoors. Outside we painted with water, colored with sidewalk chalk, and popped bubbles.
Have a great weekend,
Mrs. Kiger
PS. I will be calling you next week if you do not have a conference already scheduled.
Paint toast was back by popular demand. Ask your child about painting bread with colored water. After toasting it, we enjoyed a colorful and tasty snack.
This week we have completed an obstacle course with Ms. Lenore, a paper plate spiders with Ms. Stephanie, requesting more of preferred activities with Ms. Lorraine, and the great outdoors. Outside we painted with water, colored with sidewalk chalk, and popped bubbles.
Have a great weekend,
Mrs. Kiger
PS. I will be calling you next week if you do not have a conference already scheduled.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
For the morning class, it was field trip day. We had a great time on the hay ride. The wagon took us to the pumpkin patch where we could pick a small pumpkin. We had cider and a cookie before boarding the bus to return. We were late getting back, so our second trip to the bathroom was on an as needed basis. Pumpkins are in backpacks.
The afternoon class started to complete their My Book. This book is an individualized book that we will work to complete. We worked on following directions, and we went to the kindergarten playground to enjoy the wonderful fall weather.
Reminder: I need to know what time is best for parent teacher conferences.
Mrs. Kiger
The afternoon class started to complete their My Book. This book is an individualized book that we will work to complete. We worked on following directions, and we went to the kindergarten playground to enjoy the wonderful fall weather.
Reminder: I need to know what time is best for parent teacher conferences.
Mrs. Kiger
Monday, September 26, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
WOW!! Today was another busy day. Ms. Sarah (SLP) was here today. While she worked on choosing big/little, matching big/little, and what doing questions, Mrs. Rolfson and I worked on colors. Our games worked on categorizing and matching by color, things we eat, animals, all, some, same, different, and which one does "not" belong.
Participation in these centers was very impressive. The morning group played a movement dice game, while the afternoon children when to the gym to kick, throw, and catch balls.
I have received a few responses for Parent Teacher Conference night. If I do not hear from you by the middle of next week, you will receive an email or phone call to schedule a time.
Our AM class will be attending a field trip at Beasley's on October, 3rd. Parents are welcome to attend. At this time, they need to follow the bus or meet us there around 9:30-9:45. Please plan to pay $5, this includes a small pumpkin, cookie, and a glass of cider.
Our PM class will have a field trip in the spring.
Have a great evening,
Mrs. Kiger
Participation in these centers was very impressive. The morning group played a movement dice game, while the afternoon children when to the gym to kick, throw, and catch balls.
I have received a few responses for Parent Teacher Conference night. If I do not hear from you by the middle of next week, you will receive an email or phone call to schedule a time.
Our AM class will be attending a field trip at Beasley's on October, 3rd. Parents are welcome to attend. At this time, they need to follow the bus or meet us there around 9:30-9:45. Please plan to pay $5, this includes a small pumpkin, cookie, and a glass of cider.
Our PM class will have a field trip in the spring.
Have a great evening,
Mrs. Kiger
Friday, September 23, 2011
September 23, 2011
Good Afternoon!
The children worked hard today. With Ms. Stephanie (OT), we cut the sacks that we sponge painted last week. Then we stuffed them with paper. We twisted the branches and glued on apples. I am very excited to say that 100% of the children participated in this activity. They are very proud of their fall trees.
At the other station, we worked on lacing with lacing discs. Overall, the children did really well. This was the first lacing attempt for many of them. We also enjoyed bikes, balls, and hula hoops in the gym.
The children are doing really well with the routine!
Have a great weekend,
Mrs. Kiger
The children worked hard today. With Ms. Stephanie (OT), we cut the sacks that we sponge painted last week. Then we stuffed them with paper. We twisted the branches and glued on apples. I am very excited to say that 100% of the children participated in this activity. They are very proud of their fall trees.
At the other station, we worked on lacing with lacing discs. Overall, the children did really well. This was the first lacing attempt for many of them. We also enjoyed bikes, balls, and hula hoops in the gym.
The children are doing really well with the routine!
Have a great weekend,
Mrs. Kiger
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Question of the Month- September
September 21, 2011
Dear Parents,
Thank you for the support that you have shown to me and to your children. We have been extremely busy with Speech, fine motor, and gross motor activities. We have been going weekly to the library. This trip takes place every Tuesday. Mrs. Reaves and Mrs. Jeter have been in here weekly to address communication through books and activities. Mrs. Nicolini-Borem has been in here introducing lots of messy play. We liked the shaving cream best!! Mrs. Delamarter has been working us hard. We have been on scooters picking up apples, walking a balance beam, and rolling in the leaves.
This month we have the themes of apples and leaves. Our songs are: Apples Are Falling and The Leaves on the Tree (lyrics follow):
If you hear them singing, now you can sing along.
More to come,
Mrs. Kiger
Thank you for the support that you have shown to me and to your children. We have been extremely busy with Speech, fine motor, and gross motor activities. We have been going weekly to the library. This trip takes place every Tuesday. Mrs. Reaves and Mrs. Jeter have been in here weekly to address communication through books and activities. Mrs. Nicolini-Borem has been in here introducing lots of messy play. We liked the shaving cream best!! Mrs. Delamarter has been working us hard. We have been on scooters picking up apples, walking a balance beam, and rolling in the leaves.
This month we have the themes of apples and leaves. Our songs are: Apples Are Falling and The Leaves on the Tree (lyrics follow):
“Apples Are Falling”
(Sung to the tune of: “Are you Sleeping?”)
Apples are falling, apples are falling
(move arms from above head to ground, wiggle fingers)
From the tree, from the tree
(stretch arms up high and wide for tree branches)
Pick up all the apples, Pick up all the apples
(pretend to pick apples off the floor)
One, two, three; one, two, three
(Use fingers to count out 1, 2, 3)
“The Leaves on the Trees”
(Sung to: “The Wheels on the Bus”)
The leaves on the trees turn orange and red, orange and red, orange and red,
the leaves on the trees turn orange and red, all around the town.
The leaves on the trees go swish, swish, swish… swish, swish, swish…swish, swish, swish…
the leaves on the trees go swish, swish, swish, all around the town.
We’ll rake them in a pile and jump right in, jump right in, jump right in…
we’ll rake them in a pile and jump right in all around the town.
If you hear them singing, now you can sing along.
More to come,
Mrs. Kiger
Welcome Letter to Parents- August
Welcome To Preschool
I was very glad that we had a great turn out at Back to School Night. I enjoyed the opportunity to talk to you and catch up on everything you did this summer.
Over the course of this year, I will work with both you and your child. We will make our activities functional and productive to meet every child's needs. We will have a question of the month that I would love for you to complete with your child. There is no need to be elaborate. Please know that your participation is very much appreciated.
This month we are putting together a daisy on our hallway bulletin board. Enclosed is a daisy petal, we would love for you to complete this sentence: “My favorite summer activity was…". (Please wrap it back up to keep it safe). This will be kept until we change the board. I also want to add that with SO MANY white walls we will be keeping the children’s work to display it. When it comes home, please let you child know how proud you are of them.
This task of educating your children cannot be completed without Mrs. Mary Beth Rolfson. We are blessed to have her. We have worked together prior to this year, and we are both dedicated to the education of your child. To respect Mary Beth, please send any student questions to me. With confidentiality laws, she is prohibited to discuss progress with parents.
We have the best therapists working with us this year. We have Mrs. Sarah Reaves and Mrs. Loraine Jeter providing speech services. Mrs. Stephanie Nicolini-Borem will be providing occupational therapy and sensory strategies. Mrs. Lenore Delamarter will be working to develop the children's gross motor skills. If you know any of these ladies, you know that your child is extremely lucky to have them on their team.
We have had a great start to school. I am excited to be working with all of you. We are going to start a blog for continued communication; however with being out of the classroom during the "blog boom" it may be early September before I have that task mastered!!
Please know that we cannot write daily due to the supervision needs, but we are always available by email akiger@brownsburg.k12.in.us or by phone 852-1036 ext. 1586.
Respectfully,
Amy Kiger
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