September 20, 2013

Hello Folks,

    Happy Friday! We  hope you are all settling in to the first weekend of Fall-I know I am home and cozy with my dog as the rain arrives at my window. We have had a bustling three weeks of school so far, and we'd like to share with you what has been happening in the classroom! We know you all have been checking in with your child, so here are a few talking points to keep the conversations going at home.

    Yesterday, we had the Third Great Lesson, or The Coming of Humans. Through story and imagination, students learned about the unique aspects of humans and joined the Upper Elementary on the nature trail to discover fire and share some freshly cooked corn.

    Weekly lessons in Grammar begin with The Noun Key and in Geometry students were introduced to the basic concepts of point, line, plane and solid. Students also practiced graphing while playing a game to emphasize the ratio of land to water on earth.

    Your student had a spelling assessment this week, and are bringing home their first homework packet. It includes a list of spelling words and an activity, along with some math practice and a noun activity. Partnering with your child to create time and space for homework will help them build a consistent routine and a positive relationship with homework. Here are a few ways to help your child practice his or her spelling words:

    -have your child write spellings words on an index card and place them at the table to read during breakfast

    -put the index cards on a ring and have your child bring them in the car to practice with to and from school

    -use a program on the computer or tablet to type in spelling words and play a practice game

 *While homework will routinely be on a Friday to Friday basis, we won't have school next Friday and students can bring their finished homework packet in on Thursday, September 26.

     Our new social skills curriculum, Choices, began this week and is focusing on communication. We defined communication as:  giving someone information using our words and behavior. We discussed verbal and non-verbal communication and the different ways in which we communicate. We also began role-playing various scenarios to practice types of communication. Mr. Ben and I have enjoyed getting together on a daily basis to work on these important skills with your child!

    We began our class meetings last week and it's been great to build community through problem-solving and it's been a great chance to practice our verbal communication. We discussed topics like a sharing schedule (more to come on that later) missing pencils and recess rules. Students look forward to these predictable, safe opportunities to share their thoughts and feelings.

    Karolina, parent of Izabela in Grade 3, joined us this morning in making an fresh fruit salad as a farewell to summer. We had great weather this morning as we washed, cut and prepared the salad using the watermelon as presentation bowls. It was a delicious addition to lunchtime and we had enough to share with the Upper Elementary and office staff.

    Next Wednesday we have our first library trip. Be sure to check online at www.kcls.org to make sure your child is ready to check books out. We will head out at 9:45 and return at 11:15. We are still looking for a few more drivers so please let us know if you are available!

    We are really looking forward to this year and all the exciting learning that awaits. And, of course, the new building! Please reach out to us with any questions, concerns or comments. We really enjoy hearing from you-it always helps us become a stronger community of support for your child!

    Have a wonderful weekend and we'll see you next week! Be sure to check out the flyer in your child's folder today on next week Parent Ed event on Early Humans!

Peace,

Ms. Jessie and Mr. Ben