May 4, 2008
Dear Small School Families,
As promised, this month’s newsletter will focus on all the great learning experiences happening upstairs. Third grade authors abound. Please notice when you come in to visit the Book Fair this week notice the writings from Ms. Tewhey’s class adorning the library windows. Students were to ask parents how they know it is spring. One of my favorites includes Sofia’s mom knowing spring is here when she “sees the first few motorcycles, red winged black birds, and hearing peepers at night.” Just like this last weekend of rain, the adorning daffodils are a sure indicator that spring has sprung, Mrs. Wentworth’s class has spent considerable time on the writing process as well. I overheard Mrs. Wentworth praising a student’s use of a transitional phrase and the student replied, “Oh, Joy told me to add that.” The fact that students are learning to give each other valuable feedback through peer conferencing is a positive sign that everyone is valued as a writer. And you certainly know students are engaged when they have spent over an hour and twenty minutes writing and not wanting to stop for recess, even after a morning of MEA testing!
I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to facilitate Weekly Shared Reading in Mrs. Dadmun’s class. What I learned from the experience is that by analyzing a passage for a few minutes each day (okay, a lesson that is to last 10 – 15 minutes turned into 25 – 45 with me) absolutely leads to a deeper and richer connection and understanding of the text. The students proved to be empathetic toward the majority of people in the world and their experiences. Also, they appeared more grateful for all they have available to them (like education, housing, and technology). Some students even referenced malnutrition and substandard housing while responding to MEA prompts- ha! All of fourth grade is actively engaged in the planning of the planting of the Small School gardens. Mrs. Cloutier’s class worked diligently at estimating how much they could plant and where. After generating the length and width of the five garden beds, they had to come up with the area they could use to plant when figuring additional factors such as existing plants (like garlic) and trellis work...
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