It’s been a busy couple of days. Here are updates:
Break-in: Your child may have reported that a computer was stolen from our classroom by a burglar on Wednesday night. She or he knocked out a window and took a computer. It’s startling to begin a Thursday morning this way, but “the show must go on.” And on it did….this incident prompted a healthy discussion about perspective taking. Since the quote of the day was “Love is the key to the problems of the world” a connection was made to Martin Luther King Jr., and the fact that he did not act maliciously. Further, we discussed why a person would want to steal; students voiced empathetic responses. Some even wrote a quick write from “the robbers perspective”. Our conversations felt healthy and age appropriate. Students did not react overly concerned or frightened.
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| Strawberry and Cerrito Students Collaborate at this morning's joint morning meeting |
Friday Folders: Every couple of weeks your child brings home their Friday Folder. It contains homework and some school assignments. We will keep assessments, creative writing, and special projects at school. Please sit down with your child and go through their work. Ask questions: What are you proud of? Why are you proud of it? What’s difficult for you? Why? Together, create learning goals for the next two weeks. By doing so, you will further understand what and how your child is learning. She or he will ultimately respect your support and attention.
Jobs and Responsibilities: Your child may come home saying, "I'm a cleaning detective."
One way to learn how to keep the classroom tidy is to make it fun. The students participated in a treasure hunt to collect 'the 18 items that don't belong.' Amazingly, this group found 17 (they were not able to find the orange rind underneath the couch). Ever since, students have taken initiative and responsibility when it comes to classroom jobs. Hopefully, this transfers to the home ;)
Margaux’s birthday: On Thursday Margaux celebrated her birthday. As a Strawberry Creek tradition, the students voiced appreciations. The level of articulation, sincerity and specificity was astounding.
Quotes of the day:
“In a course of a lifetime what does it matter?” –Taken from our read aloud Walk Two Moons
“You can’t stop the birds of sadness from flying over your head, but you can keep them from nesting in your hair.” –Taken from Walk Two Moons
“Love is the key to the problems of the world.” Martin Luther King Junior
Have a wonderful weekend.
Jed
