Message from the Director
Hello Kindians,
Martin Luther King Jr. once said “Life’s persistent and most urgent question is ‘What are you doing to others?’”
In November, Kindi did give to others! Our community of parents and students gave twenty-five baskets of food to the Lisle Food Bank to be distributed to families in need in the area. It was a joyous scene seeing our children extremely excited delivering the boxes and the turkeys to the Food Bank. Those families had a company this Thanksgiving!
Giving back is rewarding to the Giver and the Receiver. It cleanses the Giver’s soul and meets a Receiver’s need. It is a habit that we need to grow our children into. It is a way of life children will learn by watching their parents living it and their school doing it. At Kindi, we cherish the culture of Giving and our students learn how that is true happiness.
We will have more Giving projects to come. With your engagement, Kindi can give many a better life. As Denzel Washington once said “At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished .. It’s about who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back!”
I wish everyone a great, safe, and restful Winter Break. See you again next year!
Hatem Elagha
Executive Director
Kindi Academy
Martin Luther King Jr. once said “Life’s persistent and most urgent question is ‘What are you doing to others?’”
In November, Kindi did give to others! Our community of parents and students gave twenty-five baskets of food to the Lisle Food Bank to be distributed to families in need in the area. It was a joyous scene seeing our children extremely excited delivering the boxes and the turkeys to the Food Bank. Those families had a company this Thanksgiving!
Giving back is rewarding to the Giver and the Receiver. It cleanses the Giver’s soul and meets a Receiver’s need. It is a habit that we need to grow our children into. It is a way of life children will learn by watching their parents living it and their school doing it. At Kindi, we cherish the culture of Giving and our students learn how that is true happiness.
We will have more Giving projects to come. With your engagement, Kindi can give many a better life. As Denzel Washington once said “At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished .. It’s about who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back!”
I wish everyone a great, safe, and restful Winter Break. See you again next year!
Hatem Elagha
Executive Director
Kindi Academy
News from our 3-6 Class
Ms. Radhika & Ms. Heathers Class,
"Mistakes are proof that we are trying." ~Jennifer Lim
As the children work towards becoming more independent this time of year, we set examples by showing them what to do. For instance, with the arrival of cold weather, we showed the children how to properly hang up their coats, pull out the sleeves, and how to put on their coats. This has become a norm in our classroom as we keep working towards building confidence and independence with important life skills.
November wrapped up quicker than imagined, and we're approaching the end of the year soon! We discussed the parts of a turkey and talked about the story of Thanksgiving. We also talked about the importance of helping people who are less fortunate than us. Thank you to all of the families who donated food items so that we could put together boxes of meals for the food pantry! The children enjoyed decorating the boxes that were sent to the food pantry! We were able to donate over 22 boxes of food from Kindi Academy to provide needy families with a delicious Thanksgiving meal!
We also had a wonderful experience at the Museum of Science and Industry this month! The children enjoyed watching how a tornado and storm form as well as seeing how a tsunami is created! One of their favorite exhibits was the mirror maze with colorful lights and floor to ceiling mirrors! We look forward to our first in-school field trip too!
As December continues, we will present the parts of a snowman, gingerbread man, and reindeer to start off the Winter season! Academically, the children are working, working, and working some more! They have been busy little bees; completing various works from different areas in the classroom and are excited to learn new concepts. We now have more than half of our class reading and blending words! Woo-hoo!
The past few months have been filled with fun and lots of learning! We look forward to winter break to rest up and ready to learn some more in the new year!
~Room 101
Ms. Krystyn & Ms. Nosheen's Class,
Special thanks to Ms. Radika for sharing her culture and teaching our students about Diwali
this month! We enjoyed learning about the Diyas (candles) and how they represent light over
darkness. People celebrate by cooking lots of food and devouring sweets, cleaning their
homes, and shooting off fireworks. We listened to a read-aloud story about Diwali and colored
some worksheets. This month we also celebrated Lilyann and Safiyah’s birthdays!
We had our first field trip to downtown Chicago! The children enjoyed seeing the various
exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry! The children loved the giant submarine and
circus exhibits. They were also enthralled with the weather exhibits, such as the recreating of
tsunamis, tornados, and lightning! The Maze of Mirrors was also a big hit!
November was a great time for our class to learn about the map of North America. We
talked about how we live in the United States of America compared to our neighboring countries of
Canada, and Mexico. We talked about the different climates and weather in warmer countries.
We also explored our North America artifact box! This box contains items collected from all
over North America consisting of money from other countries, post cards, miniature animals
and even a small toy from Mexico.
This month has been an open door to some harder math concepts. Some students have been
learning about how to read a clock, fractions, addition, bead chains, and we even learned
about the 45 layout work. The 45 layout is great way for children ready to build numbers and
understand place value using the physical place value chart, Golden Beads, and large number cards along with units through the thousands! It is called the 45 layout because it takes 45 of each value to complete a chart. This Montessori work is also a large process of order work. It was
wonderful to see the children work together, take turns to set it up, and put it away
when finished.
Language is another area of the classroom the children have been working hard in. A majority
of our class has hammered down their letter sounds so now the real fun can begin! Some
children are working on blending while others have started reading Bob Books. Blending is
reading three letter CVC words, typically with a vowel sound in the middle. The children put
the letter sounds together to form the word, which is the initial first step to reading.
Lastly, thank you to all families for participating in our Thanksgiving food drive this month! We
were able to fill three boxes filled with meals to deliver to the those in need with your items. The children did a wonderful job decorating the boxes. This month the children learned about the parts of a turkey. They also enjoyed making corn, pumpkin pie, and the story of Thanksgiving bracelet
craft. After working hard on crafts, we took a break for popcorn and learned about Squanto,
the Native American who taught the pilgrims how to grow popcorn. We ended our last day
before break sharing a meal together and reading stories about Thanksgiving.
-Room 102
Special thanks to Ms. Radika for sharing her culture and teaching our students about Diwali
this month! We enjoyed learning about the Diyas (candles) and how they represent light over
darkness. People celebrate by cooking lots of food and devouring sweets, cleaning their
homes, and shooting off fireworks. We listened to a read-aloud story about Diwali and colored
some worksheets. This month we also celebrated Lilyann and Safiyah’s birthdays!
We had our first field trip to downtown Chicago! The children enjoyed seeing the various
exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry! The children loved the giant submarine and
circus exhibits. They were also enthralled with the weather exhibits, such as the recreating of
tsunamis, tornados, and lightning! The Maze of Mirrors was also a big hit!
November was a great time for our class to learn about the map of North America. We
talked about how we live in the United States of America compared to our neighboring countries of
Canada, and Mexico. We talked about the different climates and weather in warmer countries.
We also explored our North America artifact box! This box contains items collected from all
over North America consisting of money from other countries, post cards, miniature animals
and even a small toy from Mexico.
This month has been an open door to some harder math concepts. Some students have been
learning about how to read a clock, fractions, addition, bead chains, and we even learned
about the 45 layout work. The 45 layout is great way for children ready to build numbers and
understand place value using the physical place value chart, Golden Beads, and large number cards along with units through the thousands! It is called the 45 layout because it takes 45 of each value to complete a chart. This Montessori work is also a large process of order work. It was
wonderful to see the children work together, take turns to set it up, and put it away
when finished.
Language is another area of the classroom the children have been working hard in. A majority
of our class has hammered down their letter sounds so now the real fun can begin! Some
children are working on blending while others have started reading Bob Books. Blending is
reading three letter CVC words, typically with a vowel sound in the middle. The children put
the letter sounds together to form the word, which is the initial first step to reading.
Lastly, thank you to all families for participating in our Thanksgiving food drive this month! We
were able to fill three boxes filled with meals to deliver to the those in need with your items. The children did a wonderful job decorating the boxes. This month the children learned about the parts of a turkey. They also enjoyed making corn, pumpkin pie, and the story of Thanksgiving bracelet
craft. After working hard on crafts, we took a break for popcorn and learned about Squanto,
the Native American who taught the pilgrims how to grow popcorn. We ended our last day
before break sharing a meal together and reading stories about Thanksgiving.
-Room 102
Ms. Brooke and Ms. Sabera's Class,
“He will learn from the Child how to perfect himself as a teacher.” ~Maria Montessori
I hope your November was filled with, “peace, respect, and gratitude.” These meaningful words were embraced with many of our lessons and practices this past month. I experienced the class gaining new perspectives while enriching their unity and friendships. It has been very heartwarming.
Native America/Earth
Our class learned about Native American life, our Earth, the first Thanksgiving, and meaningful words like "gratitude" and "respect". The kids were fascinated to hear how different the lives of the Native Americans were compared to their own. They learned about the types of homes Native Americans built, tools they made, and a life with no computers, phones, cars, or electricity! We drew from a pictograph like Native Americans. To honor the Native Americans, we made our own translation of these concepts through practice of warm greetings to one another and discussing the use of natural materials they used to live. We learned the four elements of Earth, examined rock samples, the parts of a volcano, and Earth’s layers. Each child used clay to create their Earth model.
Unity
At line time, we practiced peace and unity. Each child chose from a pile of stones, choosing one in which they were to name it with any word of kindness. Some ideas given were: Love, Peace, Thankful, Like, and Kind. The stones remain in our room to remind us at any time how we should treat one another and value our Earth.
Our First Thanksgiving
For our Thanksgiving feast, the items donated were arranged in boxes in which the children were able to decorate collectively. Lots of glue, stickers, and design went into our masterpiece! Great work 103! Then for the feast, boys wore their own headdresses and girls made pilgrim hats and bibs. We recited “A Buffalo’s Prayer” then they shared things they were grateful for. At last, time to feast!
Squeeze the Orange
To close our wonderful November, the children squeezed oranges to make orange juice! They loved the process of making it and thought it was delicious- pulp and all!
-Room 103
“He will learn from the Child how to perfect himself as a teacher.” ~Maria Montessori
I hope your November was filled with, “peace, respect, and gratitude.” These meaningful words were embraced with many of our lessons and practices this past month. I experienced the class gaining new perspectives while enriching their unity and friendships. It has been very heartwarming.
Native America/Earth
Our class learned about Native American life, our Earth, the first Thanksgiving, and meaningful words like "gratitude" and "respect". The kids were fascinated to hear how different the lives of the Native Americans were compared to their own. They learned about the types of homes Native Americans built, tools they made, and a life with no computers, phones, cars, or electricity! We drew from a pictograph like Native Americans. To honor the Native Americans, we made our own translation of these concepts through practice of warm greetings to one another and discussing the use of natural materials they used to live. We learned the four elements of Earth, examined rock samples, the parts of a volcano, and Earth’s layers. Each child used clay to create their Earth model.
Unity
At line time, we practiced peace and unity. Each child chose from a pile of stones, choosing one in which they were to name it with any word of kindness. Some ideas given were: Love, Peace, Thankful, Like, and Kind. The stones remain in our room to remind us at any time how we should treat one another and value our Earth.
Our First Thanksgiving
For our Thanksgiving feast, the items donated were arranged in boxes in which the children were able to decorate collectively. Lots of glue, stickers, and design went into our masterpiece! Great work 103! Then for the feast, boys wore their own headdresses and girls made pilgrim hats and bibs. We recited “A Buffalo’s Prayer” then they shared things they were grateful for. At last, time to feast!
Squeeze the Orange
To close our wonderful November, the children squeezed oranges to make orange juice! They loved the process of making it and thought it was delicious- pulp and all!
-Room 103
Updates from Our 6-9 Classroom
“The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence".
Maria Montessori
The depth of our students' engagement in all the activities of class is preparing them to accomplish new challenges.
Our First year students are reading and working on analyzing the elements of a story. Students are reading text and practicing identifying the setting, characters, plot, problem, and resolution of the story. They are also excited about performing proofreading exercises and learning to apply new these new grammar and editing skills to their writings.
In math, addition and subtraction with carry over and borrow using the stamp game is providing students the opportunity to internalize these concepts. Identifying and adding coins exercises have been introduced.
In science, we have an ongoing study of vertebrates and fundamental needs of humans. Students are also enjoying learning about matter and the three states of matter with experiments and research work. This month we demonstrated how liquid water is frozen to become a solid (ice) and when the water is heated up to boiling, we can see the steam (gas) rise!
Our Second year students have been challenged to apply new vocabulary into their own creative stories. Proofreading is also an integral part of their language exercises.
Ongoing practice of addition, subtraction, and multiplication problems further solidify their learned mathematical concepts. They are excited to learn 2 digit divisor and 4 digit dividend with the stamp game. New geometrical concepts are being introduced as well to lay the foundation for future mathematical concepts.
In science, students are researching matter and the states of matter. They are also working on the parts of invertebrates with the ongoing planet and Fundamental Needs of Humans projects.
Our Third year students presented their Native American research and dioramas to the class. They took pride in sharing their knowledge and hard work with their young classmates. Ongoing reading and writing exercises are providing them the opportunity to apply correct usage of vocabulary, punctuation, and spellings. Reading and writing is an integral part of our learning.
In math, students are practicing to calculate area, perimeter, measurement, and addition and subtraction of fractions with unlike denominators using the lowest common multiple (LCM).
In science, children are demonstrating their skills in research work focused on matter and the states of matter.
"Always believe in yourself"
Sincerely,
6-9 Teachers
Physical Education
All PE classes begin with a warm up each session to build a foundation for overall physical fitness. All students are encouraged to participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity while performing basic movement patterns. 6-9 students perform jumping-jacks, lunges, squats, push-ups, mountain- climbers, and 3 minutes of jogging before getting into our daily game. This month, students have gotten to enjoy a variety of gross-motor challenges to develop a deeper understanding of spatial awareness and relationships to objects and people. We started with crab soccer - using animal movements as a foundation. As students began to successfully execute basic movement patterns, we graduated to more traditional soccer. Next, we added in the Giant Wubble Ball to our soccer games! First Graders loved the Giant Wubble and even gave it name!
Ms. Jackie
Maria Montessori
The depth of our students' engagement in all the activities of class is preparing them to accomplish new challenges.
Our First year students are reading and working on analyzing the elements of a story. Students are reading text and practicing identifying the setting, characters, plot, problem, and resolution of the story. They are also excited about performing proofreading exercises and learning to apply new these new grammar and editing skills to their writings.
In math, addition and subtraction with carry over and borrow using the stamp game is providing students the opportunity to internalize these concepts. Identifying and adding coins exercises have been introduced.
In science, we have an ongoing study of vertebrates and fundamental needs of humans. Students are also enjoying learning about matter and the three states of matter with experiments and research work. This month we demonstrated how liquid water is frozen to become a solid (ice) and when the water is heated up to boiling, we can see the steam (gas) rise!
Our Second year students have been challenged to apply new vocabulary into their own creative stories. Proofreading is also an integral part of their language exercises.
Ongoing practice of addition, subtraction, and multiplication problems further solidify their learned mathematical concepts. They are excited to learn 2 digit divisor and 4 digit dividend with the stamp game. New geometrical concepts are being introduced as well to lay the foundation for future mathematical concepts.
In science, students are researching matter and the states of matter. They are also working on the parts of invertebrates with the ongoing planet and Fundamental Needs of Humans projects.
Our Third year students presented their Native American research and dioramas to the class. They took pride in sharing their knowledge and hard work with their young classmates. Ongoing reading and writing exercises are providing them the opportunity to apply correct usage of vocabulary, punctuation, and spellings. Reading and writing is an integral part of our learning.
In math, students are practicing to calculate area, perimeter, measurement, and addition and subtraction of fractions with unlike denominators using the lowest common multiple (LCM).
In science, children are demonstrating their skills in research work focused on matter and the states of matter.
"Always believe in yourself"
Sincerely,
6-9 Teachers
Physical Education
All PE classes begin with a warm up each session to build a foundation for overall physical fitness. All students are encouraged to participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity while performing basic movement patterns. 6-9 students perform jumping-jacks, lunges, squats, push-ups, mountain- climbers, and 3 minutes of jogging before getting into our daily game. This month, students have gotten to enjoy a variety of gross-motor challenges to develop a deeper understanding of spatial awareness and relationships to objects and people. We started with crab soccer - using animal movements as a foundation. As students began to successfully execute basic movement patterns, we graduated to more traditional soccer. Next, we added in the Giant Wubble Ball to our soccer games! First Graders loved the Giant Wubble and even gave it name!
Ms. Jackie
Updates from upper elementary classrooms
4th Grade English Language Arts and Reading
As 2021 is coming to an end, the 4th grade class continues to grow. Students are working on different text structures (compare and contrast, description, sequence of events, etc.). They are learning the difference between these structures, and how to recognize them. This will help students when it comes to writing, if they know what format and structure to follow.
Students have finished their first novel which was Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Students worked together in pairs to compete a character analysis project. Students had fun getting to know the characters better. Students have also started learning about nonfiction text features. These text features will help the students read nonfiction literature which will help the class further their academic careers.
4th Grade Social Studies/World Regions
As our semester of World Regions is coming to an end, students have explored the Middle East and Africa. Students are learning about the culture, history, and issues that these regions face. Students are starting to learn that many of the same issues can be found all over the world. This is the point of social studies, to create informed citizens of the world.
As 2021 is coming to an end, the 4th grade class continues to grow. Students are working on different text structures (compare and contrast, description, sequence of events, etc.). They are learning the difference between these structures, and how to recognize them. This will help students when it comes to writing, if they know what format and structure to follow.
Students have finished their first novel which was Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Students worked together in pairs to compete a character analysis project. Students had fun getting to know the characters better. Students have also started learning about nonfiction text features. These text features will help the students read nonfiction literature which will help the class further their academic careers.
4th Grade Social Studies/World Regions
As our semester of World Regions is coming to an end, students have explored the Middle East and Africa. Students are learning about the culture, history, and issues that these regions face. Students are starting to learn that many of the same issues can be found all over the world. This is the point of social studies, to create informed citizens of the world.
Happenings in the Science Room
This month fifth grade was all about soil and dirt! They learned about soil formation, the different soil types and layers, as well as composting.
The 6th graders have been learning about mitosis, meiosis, and heredity.
The 6th graders have been learning about mitosis, meiosis, and heredity.
To close the solubility unit, the 7th graders performed a lab where they created their own solubility curve. Also we have covered pH and covalent bonds.
8th grade was all about potential and kinetic energy. They got to build and understand the physics concepts on how roller coasters are designed and how they work. They also experimented with levers by building catapults and testing them, while providing modifications as needed.
News from our Middle School
English
The 5th graders have been hard at work. They have finished the novel Esperanza Rising and have analyzed it by making scrapbooks. (Check them out in the front hallway of the school! They look great!). They have also been writing a short story about a time that they learned to do something. Be sure to ask them to share their stories! As our last unit of the semester, we will be reading short stories, articles, and poems dealing with overcoming failure and turning it into success. The last week before winter break, we will start reading a novel called I Will Always Write Back. Please be prepared....reading this novel will be homework over break.
The 6th graders have also completed reading their latest novel, The Giver. We had amazing discussions and their insights and ideas really impressed me. They finished the unit by creating their own Utopia that would solve some of the problems that we face in our society today. They practiced writing from a different perspective by re-writing a scene from the story from the perspective of a different character. We have also started our last unit of the semester. We will be focusing on mythology, specifically stories from Greek, Norse, and Egyptian mythology. Please be prepared.....students will have a novel to read over winter break.
The 7th and 8th graders have also finished reading Fever 1793, a novel about the yellow fever pandemic in Philadelphia in 1793. It was interesting to learn about how people's responses to pandemics have changed, and yet not changed throughout the past 200 years. They completed the unit by writing their own pandemic stories (be sure to ask them to share....they were a lot of fun). We have also started reading the last novel of the semester, War of the Worlds, and should be finished before winter break. The students are busy preparing for finals and I know they feel they are ready for a break!
Thank you all for your continued support of these awesome students!
Ms. Andrea
Drama / Creative Expression 4th-8th Grade
One of the main hurdles of public speaking is lack of confidence. Students in class are learning to not worry about what others are thinking. They are challenging themselves by participating in games and activities that help them build confidence and work on their creativity. I have seen the students gain confidence over the last few weeks. Students are preparing to give an informational speech on a topic of their choice. It is amazing to see the growth of the students!
The 5th graders have been hard at work. They have finished the novel Esperanza Rising and have analyzed it by making scrapbooks. (Check them out in the front hallway of the school! They look great!). They have also been writing a short story about a time that they learned to do something. Be sure to ask them to share their stories! As our last unit of the semester, we will be reading short stories, articles, and poems dealing with overcoming failure and turning it into success. The last week before winter break, we will start reading a novel called I Will Always Write Back. Please be prepared....reading this novel will be homework over break.
The 6th graders have also completed reading their latest novel, The Giver. We had amazing discussions and their insights and ideas really impressed me. They finished the unit by creating their own Utopia that would solve some of the problems that we face in our society today. They practiced writing from a different perspective by re-writing a scene from the story from the perspective of a different character. We have also started our last unit of the semester. We will be focusing on mythology, specifically stories from Greek, Norse, and Egyptian mythology. Please be prepared.....students will have a novel to read over winter break.
The 7th and 8th graders have also finished reading Fever 1793, a novel about the yellow fever pandemic in Philadelphia in 1793. It was interesting to learn about how people's responses to pandemics have changed, and yet not changed throughout the past 200 years. They completed the unit by writing their own pandemic stories (be sure to ask them to share....they were a lot of fun). We have also started reading the last novel of the semester, War of the Worlds, and should be finished before winter break. The students are busy preparing for finals and I know they feel they are ready for a break!
Thank you all for your continued support of these awesome students!
Ms. Andrea
Drama / Creative Expression 4th-8th Grade
One of the main hurdles of public speaking is lack of confidence. Students in class are learning to not worry about what others are thinking. They are challenging themselves by participating in games and activities that help them build confidence and work on their creativity. I have seen the students gain confidence over the last few weeks. Students are preparing to give an informational speech on a topic of their choice. It is amazing to see the growth of the students!
skiPhysical Education
Each PE class is started with a warm up similar to grades 1-3 with simple body weight exercises jogging, burpees, push-ups, squats, lunges, etc. to build overall physical fitness prior to starting a game or sport. Upper elementary and middle school students are encouraged to participate daily in moderate to vigorous physical activity while performing movement patterns in a variety of activities. Through team building games and sports we work cooperatively with others to accomplish a set goal in both competitive and noncompetitive situations. 4-8th Graders began the month with Battleship Volleyball - a fun, active twist on a classic board game. Students worked in teams to set up hoops around the floor on either side of the volleyball net and used volleyball skills such as serving, bumping, spiking, passing techniques to try and land the ball in the opposing team’s hoops or “battleships”. Students also enjoyed playing “Giants, Wizards, and Elves” – similar to “Rock, Paper, Scissors,” but with strategy forming and cooperative gaming techniques to use for tag. Students also enjoyed rounds of Gaga Ball to build on individual critical thinking strategies.
In our monthly Health Education lessons, students learned how to read a nutrition label – ask your student when grocery shopping to help read labels or discuss the labels on your favorite foods! Students are learning life skills about how to make healthy food choices. Your students are learning how to identify how positive health practices and relevant health care can help reduce health risks (e.g., proper diet and exercise reduce risks of cancer and heart disease). This past week we had a discussion about the American College of Sports Medicine’s weekly exercise guidelines for heart health and healthy weight management- how students can remain active for a lifetime.
Art
This month art students in grades 4-8th studied caricature illustrations. We compared this form of drawing to traditional realism and photorealism. Students added facial to features to pre-made cartoons then enjoyed drawing themselves as a caricature. Next, we learned about Pablo Picasso and Cubism. Students were challenged to make animals using geometric shapes to compose a two-dimensional, “flat” effect mimicking that of Cubism. This month was concluded with 6-8th grade receiving a brief history of Pop Art that will continue on to next week. Students used black and white to contrast one bright color to add a focal point or visual point of emphasis in their illustrations. 4-5th Grade students worked on seasonal décor (snowflakes and snowmen) that you will see added to the hallways for some winter festivities!
Ms. Jackie
Each PE class is started with a warm up similar to grades 1-3 with simple body weight exercises jogging, burpees, push-ups, squats, lunges, etc. to build overall physical fitness prior to starting a game or sport. Upper elementary and middle school students are encouraged to participate daily in moderate to vigorous physical activity while performing movement patterns in a variety of activities. Through team building games and sports we work cooperatively with others to accomplish a set goal in both competitive and noncompetitive situations. 4-8th Graders began the month with Battleship Volleyball - a fun, active twist on a classic board game. Students worked in teams to set up hoops around the floor on either side of the volleyball net and used volleyball skills such as serving, bumping, spiking, passing techniques to try and land the ball in the opposing team’s hoops or “battleships”. Students also enjoyed playing “Giants, Wizards, and Elves” – similar to “Rock, Paper, Scissors,” but with strategy forming and cooperative gaming techniques to use for tag. Students also enjoyed rounds of Gaga Ball to build on individual critical thinking strategies.
In our monthly Health Education lessons, students learned how to read a nutrition label – ask your student when grocery shopping to help read labels or discuss the labels on your favorite foods! Students are learning life skills about how to make healthy food choices. Your students are learning how to identify how positive health practices and relevant health care can help reduce health risks (e.g., proper diet and exercise reduce risks of cancer and heart disease). This past week we had a discussion about the American College of Sports Medicine’s weekly exercise guidelines for heart health and healthy weight management- how students can remain active for a lifetime.
Art
This month art students in grades 4-8th studied caricature illustrations. We compared this form of drawing to traditional realism and photorealism. Students added facial to features to pre-made cartoons then enjoyed drawing themselves as a caricature. Next, we learned about Pablo Picasso and Cubism. Students were challenged to make animals using geometric shapes to compose a two-dimensional, “flat” effect mimicking that of Cubism. This month was concluded with 6-8th grade receiving a brief history of Pop Art that will continue on to next week. Students used black and white to contrast one bright color to add a focal point or visual point of emphasis in their illustrations. 4-5th Grade students worked on seasonal décor (snowflakes and snowmen) that you will see added to the hallways for some winter festivities!
Ms. Jackie
5th-8th Grade Social Studies News
Our students have been hard at work this past month in Social Studies. The kids had a great time at the Field Museum this past month, where we got to see history come alive for everyone through the different exhibits.
Our 5th graders have finished their unit on Ancient India, which included a project where the kids had to write newspaper articles on events in Ancient India. The kids took on roles as news reporters reporting on different events, such as the Development of Hinduism and Buddhism, or the events of the Mauryan and Gupta Empires. Now, we are studying Ancient China, before we learn about the development of Judaism and monotheistic religions.
6th graders are in the middle of a unit on Europe. We spent the previous few weeks studying the Physical Geography and the History of Europe. The kids got the chance to do some reading from our book and practice presentation skills when learning about Medieval Europe. Kids did a great job using their tech skills in creating Prezis, and others went old-school creating posters! Now, we are looking at the different regions of Europe, comparing the various cultures, economies, and governments across the continent.
7th graders have finished their study of Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. We are currently studying Africa, and have taken a look at the Physical Geography and History of Africa. We’ve had some very interesting discussions in class about Colonialism and the effects that European Colonialism had on Africa. We will also be looking at East Asia this week before we start preparing for Final Exams!
8th graders spent last month studying Exploration of the East and the Atlantic World. The kids did a great job putting together Flipgrid Skits about either Ferdinand Magellan or Hernan Cortez. They got really into it and it was amazing to see how the kids can come together to make history come alive! We are now studying Absolute Monarchs in Europe, before we begin preparing for Final Exams.
Final Exam Review Guides were distributed to students and have been posted on Google Classroom, along with review links to Quizizz games. Start studying little by little now so it doesn’t seem like so much in the weeks to come.
Thanks for all your support in your child’s education! For regular updates on our Social Studies classes, be sure to check our website (http://memisovskisocialstudies.weebly.com)
Happy Holidays to all!
Best,
Sevim Memisovski
Social Studies Teacher
4th-8th Grade Technology News
Students have been working really hard in Technology Class! Our 4th graders have been working hard using Google Slides to create a short slideshow on different animals that the kids researched. They then picked one of their animals from the research to create on Google Drawings using different lines and shapes. They also got the chance to begin using Google Sheets, which we will continue in the weeks to come!
The 5th graders have also worked hard on a mini-Research Project on the White House! The kids got to research different rooms in the White House and made a Google Slides presentation about them. We are currently working with Google Sheets, making spreadsheets and organizing data. To do this, we got to use M&M’s to see how easy it is to make charts, graphs, and even do math...all on Google Sheets!
Our 6th-8th Grade classes have been focusing on Google Sheets the last few weeks. The kids started learning the basics with some help from M&Ms. We also organized temperature data from the month of November to help create spreadsheets and complete basic math/statistical functions using Google Sheets. We also spent a class discussing Internet Sources and how to evaluate websites to ensure they are credible. This month we are continuing with Google Sheets and will create a Pixel Art Project using conditional formatting.
All classes have continued working on Typetastic to build good keyboarding skills. There are goals that the kids need to start meeting on Typetastic as well for WPM (words per minute) and accuracy. They have been making great progress this year. Please continue to encourage your child to keep up with the Typetastic Assignments in Tech Class as they come up.
Thank you for your continued support in your child’s education! For updates on technology class assignments and links, please visit my website (http://mrmtechnology.weebly.com).
Happy Holidays to All!
Best,
Sevim Memisovski
Technology Teacher
Our students have been hard at work this past month in Social Studies. The kids had a great time at the Field Museum this past month, where we got to see history come alive for everyone through the different exhibits.
Our 5th graders have finished their unit on Ancient India, which included a project where the kids had to write newspaper articles on events in Ancient India. The kids took on roles as news reporters reporting on different events, such as the Development of Hinduism and Buddhism, or the events of the Mauryan and Gupta Empires. Now, we are studying Ancient China, before we learn about the development of Judaism and monotheistic religions.
6th graders are in the middle of a unit on Europe. We spent the previous few weeks studying the Physical Geography and the History of Europe. The kids got the chance to do some reading from our book and practice presentation skills when learning about Medieval Europe. Kids did a great job using their tech skills in creating Prezis, and others went old-school creating posters! Now, we are looking at the different regions of Europe, comparing the various cultures, economies, and governments across the continent.
7th graders have finished their study of Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. We are currently studying Africa, and have taken a look at the Physical Geography and History of Africa. We’ve had some very interesting discussions in class about Colonialism and the effects that European Colonialism had on Africa. We will also be looking at East Asia this week before we start preparing for Final Exams!
8th graders spent last month studying Exploration of the East and the Atlantic World. The kids did a great job putting together Flipgrid Skits about either Ferdinand Magellan or Hernan Cortez. They got really into it and it was amazing to see how the kids can come together to make history come alive! We are now studying Absolute Monarchs in Europe, before we begin preparing for Final Exams.
Final Exam Review Guides were distributed to students and have been posted on Google Classroom, along with review links to Quizizz games. Start studying little by little now so it doesn’t seem like so much in the weeks to come.
Thanks for all your support in your child’s education! For regular updates on our Social Studies classes, be sure to check our website (http://memisovskisocialstudies.weebly.com)
Happy Holidays to all!
Best,
Sevim Memisovski
Social Studies Teacher
4th-8th Grade Technology News
Students have been working really hard in Technology Class! Our 4th graders have been working hard using Google Slides to create a short slideshow on different animals that the kids researched. They then picked one of their animals from the research to create on Google Drawings using different lines and shapes. They also got the chance to begin using Google Sheets, which we will continue in the weeks to come!
The 5th graders have also worked hard on a mini-Research Project on the White House! The kids got to research different rooms in the White House and made a Google Slides presentation about them. We are currently working with Google Sheets, making spreadsheets and organizing data. To do this, we got to use M&M’s to see how easy it is to make charts, graphs, and even do math...all on Google Sheets!
Our 6th-8th Grade classes have been focusing on Google Sheets the last few weeks. The kids started learning the basics with some help from M&Ms. We also organized temperature data from the month of November to help create spreadsheets and complete basic math/statistical functions using Google Sheets. We also spent a class discussing Internet Sources and how to evaluate websites to ensure they are credible. This month we are continuing with Google Sheets and will create a Pixel Art Project using conditional formatting.
All classes have continued working on Typetastic to build good keyboarding skills. There are goals that the kids need to start meeting on Typetastic as well for WPM (words per minute) and accuracy. They have been making great progress this year. Please continue to encourage your child to keep up with the Typetastic Assignments in Tech Class as they come up.
Thank you for your continued support in your child’s education! For updates on technology class assignments and links, please visit my website (http://mrmtechnology.weebly.com).
Happy Holidays to All!
Best,
Sevim Memisovski
Technology Teacher
Updates from our spanish classroom
Spanish with Maestra Kim:
The 3-6 year old Spanish classes are finishing their clothing unit, have worked on expressing how they feel, have practiced counting to new heights, and are learning terms for family members. Along the way we also learned a song to practice the Spanish alphabet!
The 6-9 year old Spanish students continue to impress me with their excitement for learning! While I only intended on practicing our Spanish numbers up to 100, the 3rd graders weren’t satisfied until we reached a billion!! (We may have skipped a number or two along the way!) We also learned terms for various emotions and expressed aches and pains in our bodies with “me duele.” In addition we learned the Spanish alphabet, highlighting those tricky “secret agent” letters that have a different sound in Spanish than in English.
Spanish with Maestra Alicia:
4th Grade:
The students have been very engaged in learning about classroom objects and school supplies by asking and answering questions using: Que es? (What is it?), Que hay? (What's on?). Students enjoy the challenge of seeing who knows the most items.
I introduced the verb “tener” and students are comfortable using new vocabulary to express what they have in the target language. Promptly we will learn about schools and classrooms in the spanish-speaking countries.
5th. Grade:
Students have been working on the verb “Tener” to talk about “having something” (possession). Now students are very comfortable expressing what they have and don't have in spanish. They continue to improve their knowledge with a lot of writing practice to master the irregular verb “tener”. We have read “Ecuador” to learn about “Las Islas Galapagos” and the different animals that live there. Students were very enthusiastic to talk in Spanish about Las islas. Awesome!
6th. Grade:
All students have been continuing to improve their fluency with common classroom phrases as well as improving their receptive comprehension of Spanish input. Students are learning to talk about activities, say where they are from and say what they like and don't like to do. They really have a lot of imagination to talk about their likes and dislikes!
7th. 8th Grade:
Students have been busy reviewing and expanding their knowledge of gustar with nouns, interrogative words and present tense of -er verbs and -ir verbs. They have also been working on new vocabulary and grammar to talk about family, ask and tell ages and express possession.
The 3-6 year old Spanish classes are finishing their clothing unit, have worked on expressing how they feel, have practiced counting to new heights, and are learning terms for family members. Along the way we also learned a song to practice the Spanish alphabet!
The 6-9 year old Spanish students continue to impress me with their excitement for learning! While I only intended on practicing our Spanish numbers up to 100, the 3rd graders weren’t satisfied until we reached a billion!! (We may have skipped a number or two along the way!) We also learned terms for various emotions and expressed aches and pains in our bodies with “me duele.” In addition we learned the Spanish alphabet, highlighting those tricky “secret agent” letters that have a different sound in Spanish than in English.
Spanish with Maestra Alicia:
4th Grade:
The students have been very engaged in learning about classroom objects and school supplies by asking and answering questions using: Que es? (What is it?), Que hay? (What's on?). Students enjoy the challenge of seeing who knows the most items.
I introduced the verb “tener” and students are comfortable using new vocabulary to express what they have in the target language. Promptly we will learn about schools and classrooms in the spanish-speaking countries.
5th. Grade:
Students have been working on the verb “Tener” to talk about “having something” (possession). Now students are very comfortable expressing what they have and don't have in spanish. They continue to improve their knowledge with a lot of writing practice to master the irregular verb “tener”. We have read “Ecuador” to learn about “Las Islas Galapagos” and the different animals that live there. Students were very enthusiastic to talk in Spanish about Las islas. Awesome!
6th. Grade:
All students have been continuing to improve their fluency with common classroom phrases as well as improving their receptive comprehension of Spanish input. Students are learning to talk about activities, say where they are from and say what they like and don't like to do. They really have a lot of imagination to talk about their likes and dislikes!
7th. 8th Grade:
Students have been busy reviewing and expanding their knowledge of gustar with nouns, interrogative words and present tense of -er verbs and -ir verbs. They have also been working on new vocabulary and grammar to talk about family, ask and tell ages and express possession.
Updates from our Arabic Room
Marhaban and Welcome!
Arabic classes in Kindi are in full swing. As we in Kindi believe on hands on activities in teaching, Arabic classes are not different in that. We applied the Montessori concept in linguistics into our Arabic classes. Students have their hands on the sentences, building it up. We also tailored Kahoot and Quizzes on line for our units.
This month the upper elementary classes in Kindi are studying the hobbies unit, beside the use of pronouns with present tense verbs and passive pronouns while the middle school students are working on the animal units and the different types of plurals in the Arabic Language .
We ae are ready for our mid-term final in a couple of weeks.
With your family, have a lovely winter break!
إجازة شتاء سعيدة
Ms. Hayat Al-Quttub
Arabic classes in Kindi are in full swing. As we in Kindi believe on hands on activities in teaching, Arabic classes are not different in that. We applied the Montessori concept in linguistics into our Arabic classes. Students have their hands on the sentences, building it up. We also tailored Kahoot and Quizzes on line for our units.
This month the upper elementary classes in Kindi are studying the hobbies unit, beside the use of pronouns with present tense verbs and passive pronouns while the middle school students are working on the animal units and the different types of plurals in the Arabic Language .
We ae are ready for our mid-term final in a couple of weeks.
With your family, have a lovely winter break!
إجازة شتاء سعيدة
Ms. Hayat Al-Quttub