First, thank you so much to everyone who came together to make Friday’s field trip happen. It was my first time attending this particular event and I found it very interesting. I believe the children too found it a marvel and learned a bit about our country’s beginnings. Though we will take time this week to discuss further about the constitution and its bearing in our lives, I hope you too will speak with your child about your own understanding of its relevance in our lives.
This past week, we also enjoyed the COW (Computers on Wheels). This will now be a weekly special. Students were introduced to two new websites which they are welcome to use: Freerice.com and Duolingo.com. In Freerice, the children can focus on subjects such as vocabulary, geography, and math tables. This site donates rice to third-world countries as our children learn. Our classroom goal for the year has been suggested at 2 billion up to even 5 billion! We will discuss it further in class meeting on Tuesday and decide; so have your child keep record and bring his or her total each week so we can add it to the classroom total.
Duolingo is a language learning site. As parents, you can assist them with setting up a profile which will keep track of their progress. Learning other languages is very relevant at this age as the children hear the Story of Language again and wish to expand their basis in the world. Also, we live in a global time; thus, being exposed to other languages is exciting, fun, and very relevant. We will begin a pen pal letter exchange also with Montessori schools in other lands. So exciting!
Other websites to keep in mind and utilize from home as well as school: IXL, Typing.com, Utah Compose, and Kahn Academy.
This past week, we also began working in our respective smaller math and reading groups. Some reading groups are ready for work that includes a book of their own. If you are able and willing to donate $5 towards that book, it would be much appreciated. I will be ordering them this week.
Another piece of the Montessori classroom that is key to the child’s whole growth is the conference. This is where the child and teacher meet and discuss what is working, what is still a challenge, show what work is being accomplished and discuss what other work needs to be done or lessons to be had. These conferences will begin this week. At the end of the week, please begin expecting their work journals to come home showing their progress from the week and having a signature from me indicating that we met. Your child will have a set time every OTHER week; check with him or her about it. Please sign that you have seen the log each weekend though.
This upcoming week has much in store for it. I’m excited to be working with your children. Keep them eager and give them chores 🙂 so they grow responsible in class too!
If you’d like to volunteer as a chaperone on October 12th for the fourth grade visit to the American Heritage Center, please email me soon.
Check the other tabs on this page and especially the calendar! This next weekend’s the 5K Color Run and Pancake Breakfast-SEE YOU THERE!