INFER! FIGURE IT OUT DUDE! And SAFETY RULES!

This week we have been working hard at learning how to INFER.  Our target was “I can make an inference to help me make better predictions.”  We make inferences every day without even thinking about it.  Infer is simply a fancy word for “figuring it out”.  The students know that Mrs. Kressin is excited and happy to start school every day.  I do not have to come right out and tell the students I am excited and happy every day, but they are able to INFER that I am happy by the big smile on my face and my excited “Good Morning!” they are greeted with.  Good readers are always trying to INFER or FIGURE OUT what is going on.  It is kind of like detective work, trying to figure out what is going to happen before it happens.  To INFER we use CLUES in pictures or words to help us figure things out.  Sometimes they are clues on characters faces to help us know how the character is feeling.  

To INFER we also use our own BRAIN POWER to figure things out.  Using your own BRAIN POWER will help you to use what you already know about something to help you to INFER.  For example, students may be reading a book about a birthday party.  They may be able to infer that the main character will get to have a birthday cake at their party because they know they get to have birthday cake at their own birthday party.  So we are using our own experiences and knowledge to help us figure things out.  Even though we are in Kindergarten, we know a lot of things about a lot of things!  Making inferences helps us predict what will happen next! 

We had a special visitor this week.  A student’s family member came in to give us a SUPERB SAFETY TALK!  Officer Chris was an excellent source of knowledge for our students!  The students were amazed with everything that he carries with him and on his belt!  The student’s learned about gun safety, and that no gun is safe even if it looks like a toy, tell an adult!  Some toy guns look like real guns, so we have to be very careful and always tell an adult if you ever find a gun.  Students learned about seatbelt safety and what it means to be a safe rider in a bus or car.  Students also spent some time talking about STRANGERS.  Students learned what people are “Safe” people.  If a stranger were to ever approach you to try to talk to you, you should put your arms up, take a step back and yell “STAY BACK!”  If they don’t leave you alone, you run away, and scream and yell as loud as you can so that a “safe” adult can come help you!  Check out the video below of the students practicing their “STAY BACK!”  Officer Chris also went over different scenarios of when you should or should NOT call 911.  The students learned a lot and were fascinated by everything Officer Chris was teaching them! 

LUNCH FOR LEADERSHIP!!  3 students in class were recognized for Leadership.  They students were nominated because of their daily leadership abilities.  These students are always kind, helpful and communicate really well with their peers.  These students would also do the “right” thing even if it were not easy!  Here they are enjoying their lunch.