It is such a lovely, late summer day.  I hope you all are out enjoying the beautiful weather.

This week we really started digging in with our small group and individual lessons.  I feel like most students are beginning to independently plan their work, with less and less help needed from myself and Ms. Kari.   This week we had our introductory geometry and fraction lessons with individual and small group lessons in language.

This year our class is one of two lucky classes using a new Montessori language material.  I am really excited about this material as I feel like it will drive our students language studies.  Currently, all 6th level students with some 5th and 4th level students are using this material.  As the school year progresses and I can see how the students are getting on, we will likely have more 4th and 5th level students using the material.  It is geared to 5th-8th grade which is the reason we are not using it ubiquitously at this point.

Friday we had a whole group lesson on writing complete sentences, which we will continue with on Monday. We will also have a writing assignment that will allow the students to practice writing complete sentences.  Being able to respond using a complete sentence is an important step in becoming a fluent writer.  As a classroom practice, students are expected to answer all questions in a complete sentence. This is important in writing and speaking as it is a more effective way to communicate.

Your student should have brought home a permission slip for our upcoming field trip to the Natural History Museum of Utah.   This slip has to be returned no later than Thursday, September 18th.  If your student does not return their slip by this date, they will not be allowed to go on the field trip.  You can find a pdf of the slip on the field trip page if your student has misplaced their copy.  This due date is in line with our school field trip policy. If you prefer your student not attend the field trip, they are still required to attend school that day. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions.

We are still in need of a few drivers.  If you are a certified driver, and I have not already heard from you, please contact me via email.  We need to find rides for our entire class otherwise we will not be able to go on this trip.  Thanks to those who have already committed to drive our students to the museum.