Walk-a-Thon Moments

Pumpkin Patch Postcards

What a busy couple of months!

Down below is the most recent class newsletter to summarize some of the September and October highlights in Room A. Right here are pictures of four favorite trees we "adopted" on our campus. With each tree is the team of scientists who selected and have begun observing and recording their observations of these trees. They will draw, measure, and write about changes they notice.

From left to right: Strawberry Tree, Pear Tree, Willow Tree, Oak Tree

Dear Families,

Boo! October is almost over already. It’s high time for news from Room A. In the past 41 days of school we have accomplished a lot! There is so much to tell, so here are just a few highlights:

We wrapped up our welcome interviews. Each child had a turn to be in the spotlight, calling on classmates who have up-close and personal questions. We recorded the answers on chart paper so everyone could read about each interviewee. As we reread the interview chorally, we noticed where there were capital letters and periods. We also said words s..l..o..w..l..y to hear all the sounds and which letters were making those sounds. Then the class drew pictures and wrote messages to the person we interviewed that day, showing caring, friendship, and attentive listening. This has been part of our community building work to make sure the students know how to start conversations with their peers and how to discover common interests. Many of the children also worked hard at using the life skill of patience waiting for their turns to be interviewed. Thank you to Sebastian’s mom for typing these interviews up so that we can have a class book to read and posters to take home.

We have also managed to go on three field trip adventures! We have had wonderful chaperones every time. Our Farmer’s Market walk was yummy. Thanks to Joe’s, Chloe’s, Mea’s, Haashim’s, and Theo’s parents for coming along to help guide us shopping and making salsa afterwards. Safety Town was a hit as always. Thank you to Logan’s, Mea’s, Isabella’s, and Sebastian’s moms for coming along. Finally, the big pumpkin patch extravaganza was a real thrill. I’m sure that your children have told you about the gentle ponies, the daunting maze, the endless hay and piles of pumpkins, and the wild tractor ride through the fields of corn and gorilla statues?!! Special thanks to Turean’s auntie, grandma, and mom, Isabella’s mom, and Haashim’s mom for driving the long distance and managing some very excited students.

These trips and our science unit on trees are both connected to our year-long theme: “How Does Your Garden Grow?” We have been studying trees and their parts, their distinct sillouettes, their needs, their benefit to the environment. We have been learning how to be scientists, including what it means to observe closely and record detailed observations with pictures, words and discussion. The students have adopted certain trees on our campus to watch throughout the year for seasonal changes. Now we are focusing on leaves. The samples sent from home have been wonderful for comparing size, shape, texture, and pattern.

Also relating to our garden theme, on Wednesdays, we have begun outdoor lessons with Chloe’s mother. The students are getting a chance to go out in small groups to do some hands-on learning. So far, the students have estimated and investigated how many seeds are in cherry tomatoes like the ones growing in our patch. They also did a super job of clearing out the last of the straggly summer growth, chopping up the old plants, and adding them into our cold compost. To really be able to explore the garden in a thoughtful way, small groups work much better than the whole class. If other parents would like to help get out and grubby, please let me know because the more we can experience of the real critters and living things, the more we will learn.

Another treat we look forward to on Wednesdays is Reading Buddies with Room 3. This time right after lunch is short and sweet, but it is really meaningful to see Ms. Kielty’s third graders being patient and caring, sharing books and bonding with the younger ones. Occasionally this year, we will also plan some special projects for the two classes to spend a little longer working together.

Last but not least, for 4 Wednesday sessions, we will have teaching artist, Lisa Bush Finn coming to our class to work on dance movement and vocabulary with us. This Creative Education Institute was planned to synch up with a wonderful professional dance company performance that we will see at school on November 6^th. The students will go to the Deborah Slater Dance assembly with some experience and information from lessons with Lisa to be able to appreciate and remember more attentively. Then following the assembly, the students will have additional opportunities to reflect upon and re-enact some of what they enjoyed at the performance.

I want to pass on that our music, P.E. and Media Center teachers have complimented Room A on great listening, cooperation, and enthusiastic participation. I am impressed at how quickly our group is learning to be polite, follow directions, and take initiative to help each other. We have class meetings each day after lunch. Many children are articulate problem solvers, explaining to their peers how to include multiple friends in games or how to stand up to someone who is teasing. We have a chart by our door with an “I Message” script for children to use to express their feelings and listen carefully to each other. Class meetings are another time we practice these messages, as well as compliments.

Now, if you are eager to hear more about your own child’s progress – your opportunity is fast approaching! Conferences are coming up November 17-21. These will be individual conferences, so you can ask questions and receive your child’s report card. Please see the attached form to fill out your time preference. Return these ASAP so that I can accommodate your needs. Note on your family calendar that those five days are all 12:30 dismissals.

Sincerely,

Joanna Katz