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Archive for 'Primary'

Primary News June 1 – June 4

Primary News   June 1 – 4

It looks like Hogback Day is delayed until Friday, June 4rd. The rest of this week will be spent on some reading and math assessments, organizing the class, and sending work home! There is so much to do! Progress reports will be sent home the end of next week in Home-School folders. Below is a list of things coming up…

  • June 2nd – Heather Sperling (who works at the Brattleboro Coop will be doing a healthy snack presentation and sharing.
  • June 4th – Hogback Day (Poetry may be cancelled.)
  • June 7th – Poetry at Ann’s studio 10:00-11:45 (We are looking for volunteers.)
  • June 8th – Primary class to South Pond
  • June 9th – South Pond rain date
  • June 10th – Preview Day – Younger Primary students and kindergarteners to Memorial Park. (9:00-11:00)
  • June 11th – Full day of school
  • June 12th – Half day of school, last day of school!

I would like to thank the many people who have helped out in the class this year. Your support has been wonderful! There are so many people to thank. I don’t know where to begin. If I forget someone, please forgive me!

Thanks go out to Julianne, Carrie, Carol B., Paula, Sara (Cyrus), Jess, Heather S. Heather (Makenna), Aaron, Pam, and Celia for spending special time in the class for reading, math, read aloud, special presentations, and subbing.

I would also like to extend a big thank you to all of the Primary class parents for being supportive and involved.

This will be the last class letter. Have a wonderful summer! I will look forward to the new group coming in September!

Judy and Liz

Primary News May 17-21

Primary News    May 17 – 21

Last week…

The students did a great job creating a map of the classroom. We began by comparing a photograph with a map and discussed different map details such as title and key. They are becoming very familiar with the term “bird’s eye view”. The class map was challenging! We started with a large sheet of paper and used blocks to represent shelves, furniture, etc. The students then drew the map, helping each other along the way. We will add more detail this week.

Our bird feeders are getting busy! It can take time to attract birds but once it happens, we should be seeing a lot of activity. We have seen red-winged black birds, gold finches, and a type of sparrow. It has been very entertaining observing these visitors!

Alice was our last V.I.P.! She did a wonderful job “running the show”. Alice shared her sheet, read her book of choice, and shared Ned, her very relaxed cat! We will now have more time during morning meetings for stories, games, and math activities.

Spelling for olders…

sunshine     rainbow    hotdog   baseball     bathroom

outside     starfish    inside      popcorn       toothbrush

Math Homework – Math practice sheets will continue to come home. Thanks for being so prompt in returning them! This is a great time to work with your child and talk about their math thinking.

Coming up…

Spring Art Show – May 26th at 6:00

Hogback Day – June 1st

Ask your child these questions…

  • What games do you play during whole class math time?
  • What happened in The Trumpet of the Swan so far?
  • Tell me what happened in Charlotte’s Web.
  • What was Alice’s V.I.P. book about?
  • What story are you working on?
  • Was drawing a map challenging? In what way?

Have a great week!   Judy and Liz

Primary News May 10 – 14

Primary News    May 10 – 14

Our Monday visit to the Brattleboro Museum was lots of fun. There were some very interesting works painted from different perspectives. I loved the bird’s eye view paintings of the beach! Ask your child about their favorite. The students also looked at symmetrical designs and colored one of their own. The students created their first map – a “heart map” for your pleasure. Happy Mother’s Day! And thanks for coming to our Friday poetry reading. The students did a wonderful job sharing their poems. They were very respectful listeners too!

Ask these questions for more information…

  • Tell me about your measuring results using baby steps, basketball player steps, and craft sticks. Why were the measurements different? (youngers)
  • How do you play get to 100? (olders)
  • What was the problem in The Little House? (youngers)
  • What are some words that begin with “sh”, “ch”, “th”?
  • What sounds does “ea” make? (olders)
  • Who was the V.I.P.? What was something new that you learned about him?
  • What’s happening in Charlotte’s Web?
  • Who did you read with from David’s class? What did you read?
  • What are you reading in your group?

Spelling words for olders

can’t     don’t     it’s    hasn’t    haven’t

I’m      you’re    aren’t     here’s    isn’t

I will be at a workshop on Thursday.

Have a great week!

Judy and Liz

Primary News May 3 – 7

Primary News  May 3 – May 7

Last week…

Our mapping theme has begun! Last week the students spent time looking at a variety of different kinds of maps – cities, towns, states, countries, and the world! Some students are checking out the map books we have displayed in the classroom. Daniel S. brought in a huge atlas to share with the class. We will continue with this theme from now until the end of the school year. Our focus will be looking at things from a different point of view, learning about directions, and basic mapping skills. The students will be looking at works of art from interesting perspectives at the Brattleboro Museum on Monday.

Primary Class Poetry Reading

You are invited to a poetry reading on Friday, May 7th at 2:00. The students will be sharing the poems they chose for Paper Feelings.

Spelling for olders

price       nice     cent     icy       cider

race     space     twice     pencil    place

We were surprised and saddened to find out that Jermiah’s last day was on Friday. He is headed back to Wyoming. The students did a wonderful job sending him off with heart-felt appreciations and a promise to stay in touch. We will miss him!

Ask your child the following questions for more information…

  • What three things did you use to measure in math? (youngers)
  • What is the mystery number?
  • Who was the V.I.P.?
  • What is something new that you learned about him?
  • Who subbed for Judy last week?
  • What do you already know about maps?
  • What are your favorite math games?
  • What are some words that begin with “sh”? (youngers)
  • What’s your favorite role in “Beat the Calculator”? Why do we want the “Brain” to win?

Have a great week!

Judy and Liz

P.S. I will not be in school on Tuesday. Jodi will sub.

Primary News April 26-30

Primary News   April 26 – 30

Before vacation…

Thank you for coming to the Learning Fair! We had a terrific turn out and I was happy to see the students rise to the occasion and “man” their stations. They were very invested in the evening and we all pitched in to clean the classroom. We will continue to study weather but will also begin a mapping unit that focuses on basic mapping skills. We are looking for small blocks of wood for model making. If you happen to have pieces 1 – 2 inches tall (or a little more), please let me know or send them in.

The younger students are doing a great job figuring out subtraction math problems. They are getting proficient at writing an equation and showing their work. They are also learning how to measure accurately using nonstandard and standard measurements.

Older students are also reviewing number problems using both addition and subtraction. They are getting quite proficient when adding 3 and more addends! Ask them about “Beat the Calculator” and “Get to 20”.

Spelling words for olders

Meal    gleam    each    bead     head

Dread    thread    great     steak    break

Ask you child the following questions…

  • What are you reading in your group?
  • What are some strategies you use?
  • Who was our last V.I.P.? (Siena)
  • What is something new you learned about her?
  • What’s the hardest thing about writing?
  • What’s the easiest thing?

Coming up…

The Primary Class will be visiting the Brattleboro Museum on Monday, May 3rd. We will be leaving at 12:30 and arrive back to school at the end of the day. This visit fits in perfectly with our mapping unit. The exhibits are all about looking at things from different perspectives. Linda (art teacher) will be one of the docents.

I hope you had a restful vacation!

Judy and Liz

P.S. I will be taking personal days on April 27th and May 4th.

Jess and Jodi will be subbing.

Primary News April 12-16

Primary News – April 12 – 16

Last week…

Water, water, water! We could really spend the entire year focused on weather and water! There are endless experiments and explorations. At theme group we spent time sharing ideas and questions about our sink/float experiments. The students had many good ideas and some even went home and tried experiments of their own. We have also been spending time observing and sketching clouds. We are looking forward to the Learning Fair. This will give you the opportunity to check out some of the work we have been doing. Don’t forget – Tuesday night at 6:30. Please make sure your child signs up for a time slot to be in the classroom. They can visit other classes before or after.

Ask your child the following questions…

  • How do you play “Beat the Calculator”? (olders)
  • What new math facts are you working on? (olders)
  • Why do you think some things float? Sink?
  • Who was the V.I.P.?
  • What is something new you learned about him? (Shane)
  • Who was the visiting scientist last week?
  • What was the measuring activity you did in math? (youngers)
  • What was your favorite “Spirit week” day?
  • What kinds of clouds did you sketch?

Olders spelling words

north    born    short    fork     horn

morning    more    store    storm    corn

Coming up…

April 13th – Learning Fair 6:30

May 3rd – Primary class to the Brattleboro Museum 12:30-2:30

A note from Pam…

Typing for Olders! This week in Tech, the olders got to try their hands at typing! We’ll be spending 20 minutes a week for the rest of the year playing an online typing game that introduces the basics of touch typing. They took to this new challenge right away, sitting up straight in their chairs and trying their best not to look at their fingers. For families who have internet at home, you can find the link to the “BBC Typing Game” on the primary website. It’s a great option for when your child wants to have a little “tech” time at home.

Have a great week!

Judy and Liz

Primary News April 5 – 9

Primary News   April 5 – 9

Last week…

Reading time has become a more focused hour with smaller groups and higher expectations. The younger students are learning different strategies when reading. Each group works on those strategies as challenging words come up. Students might “hop the word and read on”, sound out the word, or use the context. It’s very exciting to have more time with each group. Celia, Carrie (Ben’s mom), and Craig (Liz’s husband) come in on different days to help out. It’s just great!

We also have helpers in math class. Heather (Makenna’s mom), Sara (Cyrus’ mom), Carol (Forrest’s mom), and Jess (Leanders’ mom) all come in at different times to work with an individual or small group. Thanks so much!

We had a great time on Friday morning at Liz’s house. We met her sheep, played some games, and took a spring walk. The weather was perfect.

Spelling words for olders

book   shook    crook     look    brook

moon    spoon    broom    droop   noon

Ask these questions for more news.

  • If I can spell “ag”, what else can I spell? (youngers)
  • Does air weigh anything? How do you know?
  • Who is the absentminded professor?
  • What experiment did she do?
  • What did you find out with the sink and float experiments?
  • Who was the V.I.P.? What book did she read? What was her estimation item?
  • Tell me about the sink and float experiment. Did anything surprise you?
  • What subtraction games are you playing? (youngers)
  • What kind of surveys are you doing? (olders)
  • What did you do at Liz’s house on Friday?

The Learning Fair is coming up on Tuesday, April 13th from 6:30-8:30. The students will be required to sign up for a 20-30 minute period to be in the class at that time. They will be assigned to an area in the room to explain an activity or experiment. Please call Gail to sign up for a specific time. The times will be: 6:30-7:00, 7:00-7:30. There will be time slots for 10 students for each time slot. Thanks!

Have a great week!

Judy and Liz

Primary News March 29 – April 2

Primary News   March 29 – April 2

Last week…

We are having lots of fun learning more about weather. The “Wild Wizard” visited (Mad Scientist substitute) and entertained us with a fog experiment. It didn’t come out as expected and we talked about the challenges that scientists can have when experiments don’t turn out the way you want! We’re going to try again. Our evaporation experiment is done. Ask your child which saucer evaporated the quickest.

In math, the younger students have been playing subtraction games. They are using different strategies when playing such as: using counters, counting backwards, and figuring it out in their heads. They are going to teach it to the older students this week! The older students are learning strategies when adding several addends together. A lot of great math thinking going on!

When problems arise, the students are sometimes at their best when trying to figure out a solution on their own. Last week there were some unhappy kids coming in after a recess time. Some were feeling left out when playing a Frisbee game – they were included but didn’t get much of a chance to play. A group of six boys met before the next recess and came up with a solution on their own. There was a lot of negotiation going on. They headed out and had a much better time! This is just a small example of working out problems.

Spelling for olders

cloud   proud   shout    trout    house

loud   round   ground   sound     found

Ask your child these questions…

  • Tell me about your wind poem.
  • Did you do a picture with it?
  • What experiment did the “wizard” try? Did it work?
  • What’s the hardest thing about spelling?
  • Who was the V.I.P.? What did you learn about her?
  • What was her book about? The Quilt Maker’s Gift
  • What are you doing at choice time?
  • Are you a part of the “picture club”?
    • Early release day on Friday, April 2
    • We are hoping to go to Liz’s house this week to meet her baby lambs. Thursday morning is a possibility. We’ll keep you updated.
    • Poetry was canceled on Friday because Ann was sick. We’re not sure when the make up date will be.
    • Don’t forget about the Learning Fair the evening of April 13th.

Have a great week!

Judy and Liz

Primary News March 22 – 26

Primary News   March 22 – 26

We really enjoyed the beautiful weather this week. Spring is finally here! This might be a great time to check your child’s locker for clothes that can be taken home. We encourage students to do this on a regular basis but things sometimes accumulate.

We have been exploring some of the mysteries of weather. We focused on clouds this week. A “mad scientist” visited the class. She talked about how clouds are formed and she actually made a cloud in a bottle! She also did an experiment involving evaporation. Ask your child about this visitor!

Math update: The older students have wrapped up their geometry unit and are moving on to addition and subtraction problems, “number strings” (multiple addends) and some measuring.  Younger students will be focusing on solving story problems with addition and subtraction. They will also be introduced to measuring.

Spelling for olders:

boil    spoil     choice     point     soil

coin    join       toy      boy     loyal

Ben was our V.I.P. last week! He did a wonderful job sharing his information. His creation was very interesting. He also shared a very cute joke – What’s a pirate’s favorite letter?

Last poetry date is Friday.

Ask your child the following questions…

  • How did the “mad scientist” make a cloud?
  • What is the evaporation experiment?
  • What is the importance of sun when thinking of weather?
  • What was the story Judy told about the four weather makers?
  • What did you do in Rhythms class?
  • What did you do at Friday’s choice?
  • Who is in your reading group? (It may have changed.)
  • What are you learning in Spanish now?
  • What are some of the temperature readings at the school?

Let’s hope the snow melts soon!

Judy and Liz

Primary News March 15-19

Primary News   March 15-19

Our weather theme focus this week has been clouds. Students looked at three different types – cumulus, cirrus, and stratus. We talked about how clouds can be one way to predict the weather. Ask your child if they can identify clouds that you see outside. Some will know, others maybe not!

Reading time is changing for the younger students! Francie, Christine, and I will have a small focused reading group on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. That means that everyone will be reading in an instructional group for a focused half hour. Some students will be out of the class – in Christine’s room and Francie’s office. We are also changing the groups so students can move along at a quicker pace if they’re ready.

Phoenix did a great job sharing his V.I.P. joke at All School Sing. We loved his pictures too!

Julianne has been reading Charlotte’s Web at our Friday lunchtime. Thanks, Julianne! Ask your child about the story!

We are looking for volunteers to be in the class at a few math instructional times. If you are able and willing to commit yourself to a half hour or hour of time each week, please let me know if one of the times works for you. Your job would be to help out the students in general, or to work one on one with a student. Here are the times: Monday 11-11:30, Wednesday: 10:45-11:45 or 11:15-11:45, Friday: 10:45-11:45 or 11:15-11:30.

Older spelling words:

think   blink     pink     rink     shrink

bank    tank     shrank    plank     thank

Ask the following questions for more news…

  • Tell me about poetry.
  • What weather does a cumulus cloud predict? Stratus? Cirrus? (olders)
  • What begins with “sl”? (youngers)
  • Do you ever take out Lightning?
  • What did you see in David’s class? (Greek mythology puppet show)
  • What have you been doing outside in the snow?
  • What are you reading in reading group?
  • What is symmetry? (olders) What did you do in math class?
  • What is dot addition? (youngers)

I will be attending a conference on Tuesday and Wednesday. Julianne will be subbing with Liz.

Have a great week!  Judy and Liz

Primary News March 8-12

Primary News   March 8 – 12

I am looking forward to our Student-led conferences on Tuesday. If you cannot make it on that day, please contact me so we can arrange a different time. The students have been gathering their work, choosing books to read, and reflecting on their learning. This is a challenging thing to do! The process is the very beginnings of becoming aware of how they learn, realizing what they are good at, and understanding what they need to work on. I have been impressed with how thoughtful many of the students have been when filling in their reflection sheets. Not only will they be looking at their learning, they will also reflect on their relationships with friends, work habits, and how they do in specials. Ask lots of questions!

Our second group of students has begun poetry classes with Ann. Many thanks to Paula Lavender who continues to help out.

Jeremiah was our most recent V.I.P. What beautiful pictures he shared with the class! We learned lots about him (he loves wolves) and he was very confident sharing his joke at All School Sing. Phoenix is our next V.I.P.!

Progress reports will be going home next week (Tuesday). It will be in your child’s home-school folder.

We are looking forward to a normal full week schedule starting next week. Rhythms class will resume on Mondays and we will have more time to focus on our theme – weather and water.   Weekly spelling words for olders will also resume.

Have a wonderful week. Enjoy the snow while it lasts!

Judy and Liz

Primary News – Student led conferences

Student-Led Conferences!

Dear Parents,

As you know, student-led conference day is coming up on Tuesday, March 9th. You will come with your child who will be prepared to share their work, talk about their learning and school experience. Between now and then, we will be preparing for this very special day.

At the conference, you will have the opportunity to sit with your child as s/he goes through different areas of their learning and share it with you. Your child will have practiced beforehand. This will hopefully be a wonderful opportunity for you and your child to reflect on and celebrate the progress they have made this year.

Each conference will be one hour long. First, I will review the expectations for the hour. Then you and your child will have this precious time to share his/her work. Ask lots of questions! Four or five students will be conferencing at the same time. I will be circulating amongst the families to give feedback, make comments, or answer any questions.

Gail has the sign up sheet in the office. Stop by or give Gail a call (254-2668) to schedule your time.

This is a very new and exciting way of doing conferences where you will get the opportunity to see your child’s work through their eyes as well as mine!

I’m looking forward to seeing you on March 16.

Judy

Phoenix in Concert During All School Sing

Primary News February 15-19

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Primary News   February 15-19

Last week…

The 100th day of school and Valentine’s Day dominated our week. On Tuesday, our 100th day, the students kept busy with a variety of math, art, building, and writing activities. Our Valentine celebration went smoothly. One of our class challenges was to read 100 books. They successfully did it! Many thanks to Carol (Forrest), Jess (Leander), Sara (Cyrus), and Gretchen (Eliza) for the treats! It was nice to see so many homemade Valentines this year.

Poetry classes begin on Friday afternoon for the other half of Primary. Students who had poetry will be in the class working on research.

Student-led conferences are coming up on Tuesday, March 9th. On that day, you will spend time with your child in the class. S/he will share their work with you, read, play a math game, and talk about their learning. The week after vacation, the students will be busy preparing for this day. There will be several other students and parents sharing at this time. I will be in the class checking in and giving feedback at times. Please call Gail to sign up for the most convenient time.

Older spelling words

were    when    how   will    some

look     water   new    after   long

Ask your child these questions…

  • What did you do on the 100th day of school?
  • How many tens are in 100?
  • Who was our most recent V.I.P.? (Leander)
  • What is something new you learned about him?
  • What is Julianne reading at Friday lunch?
  • What are some words that begin with Sm?
  • What kind of stories does Mr. H tell?
  • What is something you know about Malachi?

I will not be in school on Friday. Liz will take over with the help of our substitute, Mrs. Cable.

Have a great week and wonderful vacation! No letter will go home the week we get back.

Judy and Liz

Primary News February 8-12

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Primary News   February 8 – 12

Last week…

We are approaching our theme of weather by focusing on each
“branch” of our tree map of weather categories. Last week we began with temperature. We discussed thermometer and students are becoming familiar with Fahrenheit and Celcius scales. They will be reading thermometers using one that they made. We have inside and outside thermometers in place! Older students will be graphing the temperature on a daily basis. We also learned about the water cycle and will continue doing related activities.

Please return reading books to school when finished!

Youngers are moving on to a new math unit. (see attached sheet) Older students will continue with geometry, specifically 3-dimensional objects and symmetry.

Older students will continue with last week’s spelling words. Younger students will continue with their work on blends and short vowel word patterns.

Poetry continues on Friday afternoon. This is the last week for the first group. Students who stay in the class are focusing on an owl research project (youngers) and an independent research project (olders)

VALENTINE’S DAY

The Primary class will celebrate Valentine’s day on Friday, February 12th. Students usually bring in Valentine’s for their friends. We will also have a special snack. Please make sure that your child has a Valentine for every student. Here’s a list of everyone!

Leander       Shane              Jeremiah       Eliza          Alice       Olivia              Siena

Danny               Daniel              Broden        Ben          Makenna       Jordan       Cyrus

Forrest       Phoenix       Sloan              Senait   Samantha  Julian

It’s possible that a new student is beginning this week! His name is Malachi. I’m sure you’ll hear all about it!

Ask these questions…

  • Can you explain the water cycle?
  • What have you learned about owls? (some youngers)
  • What are some Spanish words you have learned? Songs?
  • What are you writing about in poetry?
  • What is precipitation, evaporation, condensation? (some will know!)
  • Who was our V.I.P.? (Samantha!) What is something you learned about her?
  • Who is our new V.I.P.? (Leander!)

Have a great week!     Judy and Liz

Primary News February 1 – 5

Primary News   February 1 – 5

Last week…

Reading time is becoming more focused as the routines are setting in. We are very lucky to have Celia Seger on Tuesday and Thursday helping out at that time. Cary Kowalski, Ben’s mother, is also helping us out too! There are several Marlboro College students who come in at different times. They are making great connections with the kids. In math, we are having a lot of fun with geometry. We are using challenging math terms ie vertices, and I am very impressed with their ability to use these words correctly! Theme group is starting slowly because of our Mondays. On Tuesday, we talked about temperature and students are making a cardboard one to learn about the scales and how to read them. Poetry also continues. The students that stay in the class at that time are focusing on a little research project. The older students have chosen a topic of interest and the younger students are learning about owls.

Please remember to return reading books and book bags! We use these books regularly and like to keep a set of multiple copies.

Danny did a great job sharing his V.I.P. information with cute pictures and a beautiful shell collection for estimation. Phoenix did a great job interviewing him. Samantha is our next V.I.P.

Ask your child the following questions for more news.

What is a vertex? (corners or points on a shape)

What is a triangle? How many sides? Corners? (youngers)

What is a quadrilateral? How many sides? Corners?

What do you do with geoboards?

If you can spell “an” then you can spell….?

If you can spell “ad” then you can spell…?

Tell me about the blend game you played (st, sp, sn, etc.) Youngers

What begins with sp, sn, sm, sl, st?

Spelling words for olders (beginning mid week)

here    there   where  why   these

kind    find    give    live    people

Have a great week!

Judy and Liz

Primary News January 25-29

Primary News  January 25-29

Last week…

We had a short but productive week. We are all happy that Liz is back from her exciting travels! Ask your child about her sharing. Poetry, for half the class, has begun on Friday afternoon. That group will continue to have three more classes with Ann. The other half will have poetry the following four Fridays. Our geometry unit continues with work on quadrilaterals and angles with older students and triangles with youngers. In reading, younger students have adapted nicely to their routine of reading in a small group and rereading the story three separate time. Please make sure to return their books so that they can bring home another one to read to you.

Spelling for olders – Months of the year

Spelling for youngers – Word patterns “at”, short a sound

Math – Math homework will continue coming home intermittently.

Danny is our new V.I.P.! We will be sharing his information throughout the week.

Social Inclusion: Did you know that we have two kindergarten guests for lunch everyday? Two Primary students also visit kindergarten. This is one way to give the students the opportunity to connect with each other. Also, at Friday recess time the Junior High students organize and run a game for those students who want to. They have played Capture the Flag, The Shoe Game, and will be doing snow building challenges when the conditions are just right.

BIRTHDAYS: When it is your child’s birthday s/he can bring in a treat to share. In school, we keep it simple and honor them with a song. If your child is having a birthday party and everyone in the class is not invited, please take care of the logistics outside of school – including passing out invitations. This eliminates feelings of being left out. Also, if the party includes part of the class, please have a conversation with your child about this so the party conversation is at a minimum. We appreciate it!

REMINDER: Please make sure your child has boots, snowpants, mittens, and a hat. If you have any of these items that you do not need, we can use them as extras.

Have a great week!    Judy and Liz

Primary News January 20-22

Primary News   January 20 – 22

It’s a short week but I thought I’d let you know about last week and some things coming up. I’ve had very positive reports so far about winter workshops and sports. The students start the week excited and raring to go. Last week, older students have been working with Susan Kundhart and Jodi Paloni during reading and math times. They were a great help in the classroom. They both thoroughly enjoyed working with the class. In math, both older and younger students continue with geometry work. In reading, younger students have been learning about word patterns (If you can spell –at). Older students’ reading time is so quiet and focused.  Lots of work gets done!

Martin Luther King Jr. – Mr. H. spent time with the students talking about Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. He kept it simple focusing on tolerance, diversity, and acceptance. The students played a cooperation game with balloons. I also talked with them about Martin Luther King’s impact and how we can appreciate and celebrate our differences and similarities. I told a story about a rat, beetle, and parrot. The moral: You have to look deeper to really know someone. (Rat got tricked!) Ask your child about the story. At All School Sing, we also sang songs related to this theme and played the “What’s My Rule” game.

POETRY: Our poetry schedule in a little different this year. Half of the class will have poetry in the library over the next four Friday afternoons. The other half will have class the following four Friday afternoons. This is a long span of time so I am going to take advantage of the small group and focus on a research project with those students in the classroom. Looking forward to that! The younger students will research owls and the older students will pick a weather topic.

Speaking of weather…

Ask your child about the weather word tree map we made.

Daniel was our most recent V.I.P. He shared a terrific creation he made for his guinea pigs. We also met his guinea pigs at a morning meeting. It was so much fun interviewing Daniel with Makenna!

Ask these questions…

  • What have you been doing with pattern blocks in math? (youngers)
  • What is the geoblock in a bag game? (olders)
  • What is an angle? What is a right angle? (olders)
  • What are some “at” words? (youngers)
  • What are some weather words you came up with?
  • How did you categorize the words?
  • What is “winter ready check” and “locker check”?

Liz will be back this week!

Judy and Liz