The first full week of school has come and gone and it was a glorious week! The children and I have really gotten to know each other through projects, thoughtful inquiry, snack conversations, and problem solving. I am amazed at how quickly they have learned the routines and schedule. They are all so incredibly eager to learn and it was indeed a full week.
In math we are learning to count and compute large numbers. I had a mammoth sunflower and each child had to estimate how many seeds were in the head of the flower. Then we counted, by tens. There were 1,262 seeds. Everett, Bryce, and Max had the closest guess at 1,000. We practiced writing our numbers using chalk, white board, and paper and pencil.
We adopted a sugar maple tree in the courtyard. We first looked at all the trees on campus. BCD has quite a few trees. We selected the maple because we are hoping to tap the tree in the spring and make maple syrup. The science teacher, Mrs. Maloy will be assisting us. We will observe our tree and draw pictures each season. As scientists we want to document the changes throughout the year.
We began Writing Process and we start the year with Personal Narratives. I have to say that I have never had such a prolific group or writers so early in the year. I do beleive we can thank Mrs. Patel, who introduced writing last year to many of the students. The children are writing several pages, putting down detailed sketches and sentences. They love writing and then sharing their work. The process of thinking of an idea, writing a tiny bit about it, and then sharing it with others, helps build risk taking and confidence. Most of their writing is in draft form and we will try to publish one piece per genre. The work stays in school in your child’s writing folder, which he or she may share with you at any time. Come on in!
Each student has a spot on the carpet for read and rest. The lights are turned low, it is quiet, and everyone can read something at this point. In fact many of them are tearing through my book boxes. I am not sure 3,000 books will be enought material for this group! I call students up in pairs or one at a time to work with them at their level. I am teaching them how to self select books that are a “good fit” . Again… very eager group.
I will speak more about the curriculum and the daily routine on the Parent Night, which is Monday, September 16th at 6:15. I hope you will be able to attend.
All in all the transition has gone very well. We have had very few tears and smiling faces coming in the door every morning. Each child made his or her own portrait, which is displayed in the classroom above the meeting area. I am excited about the possibilities this year!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Fondly,
Ms. Milani