Congratulations Room 1! We have made it through four weeks and so many lessons. We are now ready to do works individually, in small groups and in large groups. All students have written their group names in the fronts of their planners. Take a look and ask your child what their groups are doing each week. These groups have lessons and follow-up work to do at least twice each week. Each group will have a lesson in geometry, math, history, science, language skills, reading and writing. When you receive your students’ yellow reflection sheet on Fridays, you can now ask more specific questions and expect more specific answers.
Some students are still learning the executive functioning skill of planning. For this reason, some students will be planning on an in-class planning sheet, copying it into their planners and bringing it home daily. Students might not plan a week ahead. This is okay. Help your student know which way works best for you and your student to communicate. That said, I will also be starting to send quick “reminders” to parents through Remind.com saying how many quality works your student did that day. We discussed at class meeting this week how quality of work is very important, that they can push themselves to do a great deal yet the minimum number of quality works per day is four and the maximum is really eight. More than eight and the quality comes into question. Students have also been alerted that not meeting the in-class works’ expectations will result in homework over the weekend. Weekend packets will be available.
Of course, every student is different and needs different direction and expectations. We teach fairness and equality. What is the difference? Equality is everyone gets the same thing. Fairness is everyone gets what they need. If two students wanted to look over a fence and one was tall enough to see over it, we wouldn’t give him a step stool. Yet, if another student wants to see over the same fence but is too short to see over, we would give that student a step stool tall enough to help him. In this way, in our classroom, this is what we do. Chat with your student about what they need to be successful and I will too. If you have any questions about how this applies directly to your student, please don’t hesitate to contact me!
This week we had lessons in the water cycle and fourth years have an assembly coming this next week. We also had lessons in Fundamental Needs. These needs are ones that all people have, from every walk of life: food, shelter, transportation, defense, and spiritual. We also talked about the Timeline of Humans and especially how and why migration occurs. Students learned a skilled way to take notes as they learned about migration. Ask them about it.
Plus, I need to offer a note about the mini-animals students are allowed in the classroom. Yes, students are allowed to bring a stuffed or plastic creature 8 inches or smaller to keep company and give a sense of familiarity and personality. These creatures are expected to honor the same behaviors as the students. If they are doing otherwise (playing during work cycle for instance or flying in the air,) the creature will sit in my area or leave the classroom. Just wanted you to know what the expectations are for them.
In closing, I will say I am so enjoying working with your children. I believe we are getting set for a great pace and thriving school year. Next week, let’s look forward to another awesome week!
Reminder: Freedom Lights Field Trip – Friday, September, 21st, meet at 8:10am at North Shore – Please contact Jennifer Whetton about the ride: jensden8@gmail.com. We still need drivers – Thank you!