I love this time of year. The evening air is turning crisp, beckoning sweaters to come out of hibernation. The multi-colored leaves inspire awe and collection, now more art than chlorophyll. The Swallows (students) have begun to demonstrate ownership of their classroom and comfort in the company of their peers. And it is just going to keep getting better…
This week (for example):
In Readers’ Workshop, we are spending time as both independent readers and writers, while I meet with small groups to assess developmental spelling levels. This week, we will focus on collecting “seeds” for writing projects through reading, and writing our thoughts about the texts we read.
Last week we began creating our characters for our “Three Months on the River..” storyline. This week, we will choose and “purchase” supplies in canoe groups and put in canoes to start our journey. We will explore a virtual trip of a watershed and take “an incredible journey” as a water drop to learn about water cycle.
On Thursday, we will have an In and About “Water Quality Monitoring “ lab. Students will work in groups to explore virtual streams and collect macro samples (indicators of water quality) and test ph and dissolved oxygen (indicators of water quality). This provides the background and practice for our upcoming Jackson Bottom restoration survey on October 21.
Wednesday we will head to our city library to practice selecting “just right books”. If you have not already assisted your Swallow in returning the books checked out during our first visit, send them with your child and we will take them back on Wednesday. A few Swallows chose to leave their library books at school and those will go back on the 6th too.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: I am still holding out to hear from ALL of you regarding your family’s preference for our snack program this year. The two favored options (again) are: 1) Families give money and teacher/students purchase snack OR 2) All Swallows bring their own snack (see last week’s news fro pros and cons).
THE CHOICE IS YOURS FRIENDS… MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD AND VOTE TODAY (if you did not vote at Back to School Night… you know who you are J)
We announced our first all school yearbook at the All School Meeting last Friday. You may pre-order in the Art room or office for just 20.00. Students have been invited to contribute ideas for the cover. Submissions will be selected by vote of the entire student body. Submissions are due the 15th of October.
Support At Home: This week, your Swallow will be bringing home the publication, Time For Kids with directions to share the magazine with family members and talk and write about it.
Please feel free to call or email with questions, comments, compliments or concerns. Happy Week!
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