Dear LEW families,
We hope that all of you will get to enjoy the long weekend together. If you get the chance, the A1 show "Migra" will be performed at the Mixed Blood theater this weekend. It was completely written, directed, and produced by the A1 community. Check the GRS website if you'd like more information.
Today, our community had the opportunity to reflect and think on our classroom beliefs we wrote together at the beginning of the year - namely:
1. "We believe we should be kind and help one another."
2. "We believe that our classroom should feel safe and peaceful."
3. "We believe in our work and that we should be allowed to focus on our work."
We had a really nice discussion about how it feels when our beliefs are being followed and what gets in the way of our beliefs being followed. It was not surprising that the students had many of the same observations as the Guides. It is the job of the community to follow our beliefs and it is indeed the Guides job to make sure that the beliefs are being upheld. We'll be using a system school-wide (Sam will be sending an email out with more information) that will make it very clear when a behavior goes against our community's beliefs and very clear what the consequence will be for that. Last thing I'd like to say about this discussion, is that we are coaching the children to understand the meaning of "consequence." A consequence is not synonymous with a punishment. A consequence literally translates into "what comes after." Erik used a nice example - "When you pour water into a glass, then the consequence is that the glass is full of water." Basically, we want the children to understand that we are all here to support one another, that all behaviors (appropriate and inappropriate) have consequences, and that is not a bad thing - it's just a fact. If you have any further questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.
This week in lessons:
First years:
Study of the U.S.A. part II - learning about animals that live in different parts of the country
Stamp Game Addition Word Problems
Absorption Experiment (which paper towel is the quicker picker upper?)
Bird Study
Second years:
Liquid Density Experiment
Bead Frame Multiplication Word Problems
Cursive Practice
Fundamental Needs Chart
Third years:
Our Connected Waterways
Checkerboard Multiplication (Some are creating their own HUGE checkerboard)
Fundamental Needs across Cultures
Study of a Nation Interest Project
Upcoming:
GRS Soiree at Como Dockside - February 11th
The Soiree is a Great River tradition and a way for us to fundraise for opportunities that are important to our mission as a school. This year, we will continue our tradition of creating Homeless Shelter Baskets. During the Soiree, people will bid on the basket, the proceeds will go to GRS, and the person who places the winning bid may donate the basket to a charity of their choice. Please have your child bring donations by February 3rd. We could still use items - our basket looks pretty empty at the moment...
Here are some donation ideas:
- soap
- shampoos/conditioners
- socks
- hair brushes
- toothbrushes
- toothpaste
- floss
- wash clothes
- deodorant
- great clips or target gift card
- diapers
- baby powder
Feeling fortunate for all of you,
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
