LEW Newsletter 11-8-2015

Greetings LEW families,

Hoping that all of you have had a chance to enjoy the weekend thus far. 

Work this week

We are beginning a series of science experiments related to water and its vitality. The students were prompted to think about how important water is to our survival - ask your child if they remember how much of our bodies are made up of water or if they've figured out where the wettest and driest places on Earth are... We will also be learning about the importance of water conservation, absorption, and pollution prevention. 

First years are continuing their work with dynamic addition, using the golden bead material. We also learned about articles in grammar and filled in a fun story about a donkey that was missing all of its articles.  We also learned about the year and its parts - years, months, weeks, days --- semesters, trimesters. This group is really getting into timelines and calendars. Thanks to all of you for sending in photos to put on their timelines. They're really incredible.  

Second years are moving from the material more in addition and learning how to add four-digit numbers abstractly with multiple addends. Second years are also practicing and reviewing the preposition grammar boxes, and diagramming sentences like "Lay the pen by the pencil." We are also learning about how other cultures fulfill their needs of food, shelter, clothing, art, love, etc. We're mainly focusing on cultures in North America since we will be studying this continent in depth. 

Third years are working on abstract subtraction with four-digit numbers. We are also doing scientific experiments with rocks and minerals. Each third grader has chosen a research topic and should be able to tell you the difference between a rock and a mineral at this point :) Third years are coming on the end of their grammar study (only need to learn about interjections!) and then we will be diving into logical analysis. Believe it or not, the Montessori material makes learning about predicates, subjects, and adverbial modifiers exciting! 

The Philosophy behind Lower Elementary Celebrations

 

We wanted to take this opportunity to explain the philosophy behind celebrations in lower elementary.  Though there are some differences between the two classrooms, the rationale and the direct aim of the celebration remains the same.  For example, we like to give the students a chance to plan and organize their own celebrations. We may celebrate a big work. We may celebrate right before a holiday. Whatever the children choose, they are completely responsible for coordinating and organizing the event with very little guidance from us. The children truly cherish these celebrations and they take ownership and pride in planning the event. 

 

Both classrooms also use birthdays as a time to honor a child and to give the child the opportunity to celebrate with the community. We look at pictures, share stories, and sing together as a group.  Though there are many similarities between our two celebrations, we acknowledge that there are a few differences. For instance, one classroom invites families and the other classroom has the child prepare a special snack.  Still, at the heart of the celebration, the direct aim remains the same: we honor the child's place in the community. 

 

When we have the opportunity, we also like to celebrate as a whole group. In the past, we've had Thanksgiving Gatherings and Medieval Feasts.  It has also become a tradition that at the end of each year, the entire lower elementary works together across the classrooms to build a museum.   It's easy to find things to celebrate! The students love to plan the events and they learn so much from the experience.  If you are interested in learning more about lower elementary celebrations or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.  

A few friendly reminders

• We have a half-day on Wednesday. 

• Conferences are on Thursday and Friday. If you have a chance, take a look at volunteer opportunities and wish list items we'll have posted. Also, take a look through lost and found if your child is missing a few things :)

• If you haven't had a chance to sign up for conferences, here's the link to sign up: https://greatriverschool.acuityscheduling.com/

• Link to the LEW class blog if you've missed other newsletters: http://grslew.blogspot.com/

Erik and I are looking forward to meeting with all of you this week! Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

With deep gratitude. 

--

Jessy Eaton Fabel

Lower Elementary Guide

"Our aim therefore is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his inmost core." ~ Maria Montessori