During this first two weeks of school, we’ve been busy getting to know each other and establishing our routines. Thank you to parents for sending in requested items (money, biographies, etc). If you haven’t sent your biography of your child or your $25 check for supplies, I’d still like to receive it. I have email addresses for almost every family, so soon I’ll be able to send these newsletters via email.
Math
Workshop
During these first two weeks, the Elmquoias have been busy with a data collection and representation project. Students worked in groups of four to choose a question, design a data collection sheet, gather data, and represent that data in graphs of various types. We’ll wrap up this project next week; be sure to look for the graphs on the walls when you come to school.
The Elmquoias began independent reading right away. I have been conducting individual reading conferences in order to get to know (or get reacquainted with) every child. For writing, we’ve been working in our writer’s notebooks, as well as working on writing our hopes and dreams for the school year. We have also begun the routine of writing weekly book voyage letters.
Read
Aloud
Cathy and I have designated the time slot right after lunch for read aloud, mini-lessons, and discussions of books. Our first read aloud was Seedfolks, which the students enjoyed. It ties well to our theme…
Theme
Work
Our first theme is
the topic of citizenship. We began this
week with three guiding questions: 1) Should Simon become a
Music,
Spanish, and
Art
Specials classes started this week. Bob and Andy will teach music and art, respectively, on the stage on different days of the week. Amy will visit classrooms to offer Spanish classes. We are all excited to work with these wonderful teachers.
Guided
Recess
As you know, during the first six weeks of school, the teachers lead students in cooperative games during recess. Each class gets a chance to play with every other class. This routine helps to establish a common language at recess (“circle up”, “trust the truthful tagger”) and to make the playground a safe and fun place. The Elmquoias have played together, and now the Sequoias and Maples are sharing cooperative games.
Campout
Cathy and I are again planning for a fall campout this year. More information, including the date, will be coming soon.
Happy Fall!
Simon
Calendar
9. 19 Curriculum
Night
9. 22 No School – teachers at conference
9, 25 Goal-setting Conferences
9. 27 Two hour late start
10. 2 Goal-setting Conferences
Honors Project Resources From coming up with a topic to editing, these sites explain it all. Touch Typing from Key Net Simple but effective. This no-frills program will get your fingers moving to the right keys. Click on "Start the Lesson on-line" then "Lessons" to get going. |