Our class has been up to so much this week. We began the Great Lessons last week, continued the journey this week, and will learn even more next week. These lessons include: Story of the Birth of the Universe, The Coming of Life, The Timeline of Life, Story of Language and the Story of Numerals. Ask your child about them. We also started making our own Timelines of Life in groups. These stories set the stage for how vast the Universe is and how humble our beginnings and place in the Universe. We included discussions from various cultures about their ideas for the birth of the Universe as well. They are beautiful and help us to recognize the relevance of various ideas and beliefs.
In addition, we have been working in our math and writing lessons. Many children have picked up where they left off last year and several new children have had their first Montessori-materialed lesson this week. They are being quite productive.
Cursive is a work that all students will progress through, if not to write it beautifully which is the greatest hope, then at minimum to read it. Thus, it too has begun in great effort this week.
In our classroom, the work journals are very important keys to time-management. The children are to bring it home each weekend, let parents peruse it and ask about their work, record five events from their weekend, and return with it on Monday, signed on the weekend page. Recording the date at the top, then listing the activities and their time are the assignment. Those that need a bit of support to make this happen have an accommodation available at the supply shelf if needed. It has some of the tasks listed while still expecting other pieces to be personally recorded. This support piece is glued into the work journal each day. Take a look at your child’s this weekend!
Also, each day our students record a quote and some facts or lessons items first thing in the morning. Last week, we focused in geography and space: continents, oceans, alphabetical order, planets, sun and moon. This week, we focused on science: body functions of animals, vertebrate classes, needs of animals, needs of plants, water cycle, photosynthesis, and much more.
Life in our class is active and joyous. We are learning and growing every day. When you ask your child what they did they day, try asking: what material did you work with today? How does that material work? What is it teaching you? If you ever have questions or concerns, contact me directly and I will be happy to provide assistance.
Today I sent home several documents that are very important to you and your student. Please ask for them directly, as I know they made it in the backpacks. Please also check the Donations tab if you wish to aid our class even more. Thank you for all you do and see your child on Monday!
Announcements:
Sept 12th 6th Gr. Parent Mtg – REDWOODS TRIP – 5:30pm – Library
Sept 15th Meet at North Shore at 830 am for our first Field Trip
Sept 21st International Day of Peace
Sept 22 Early Release
Sept 23rd MMA Family Color Run and Pancake Breakfast
Oct 2 Dear America Projects Due – Speak with me for any special requests. Thank you.
FOURTH YEARS ONLY – American West Heritage Center Field Trip – Oct 12th – Each student is $10. Link for donations: https://secureinstantpayments.com/sip/cart/event.php?EID=1105