Announcements:
I am thrilled to announce our new Class Coordinators, Jim and Joanne (Julien's parents), who will be sharing the duties. They were referred by other parents and teachers from past years and they accepted the position, lucky for us! Thank you to those who offered after the request was put out in the first day letter. I'm sure Jim and Joanne will be seeking your help and ideas soon!
I also want to thank parents for taking the time to thoughtfully fill out the questions about your students. Now that I have a good sense of your students in class, I am excited to read the responses in more detail.
Dates to remember:
Tuesdays- Mindful Mornings with Julietta Skoog (our school psychologist). The session is free and runs from 8:45-9:15. It will take place in the gym (portable). I hope to see your students there!
Sept. 23rd- Curriculum Night - Details about what your student will be learning this year will be shared on this night. There will be two presentations from 6:30-7:10 and 7:20-8:00. I hope to see you there!
Sept. 25th- Kazu Kibuishi, the author of the Amulet Series, will be visiting the upper grade classes!
Oct. 6th-13th - I will be traveling to the Dominican Republic for my sister's wedding. While it is not ideal timing, this is the date she chose. I am thrilled to be with her on her day but will ensure that the class will be cared for while I'm away. There will be a guest teacher, Tammy Foulk, who will be informed of all routines, expectations and lessons beforehand. She has subbed for me in the past and I completely trust her abilities.
Oct. 15th- We have a field trip scheduled for 826 Seattle (A writing center in Greenwood) from 10am-noon. We will need drivers but will not need chaperones to stay. The field trip form will be sent home next week.
Homework:
Your students are encouraged to participate in homework this year. However, homework looks significantly different from years past. There seems to be a fair amount of research focused on showing there is little to no effect on student learning (specifically worksheets).
Therefore, I have decided to create various projects or challenges with a focus on problem solving and creativity. The projects are meant to be intriguing, challenging and fun! Students can work together with other students but each need to create their own solutions.
Creativity involves developing ideas through suggesting hypotheses and applying imagination. Students increase creativity and problem solving skills when ideas are original, have a purpose and are valuable. Feel free to help guide your student along the way but please make sure it is student driven. Asking questions rather than telling or giving ideas is best.
Possible questions you can ask your student (depends on challenge):
- How can it be improved (stronger, detailed, quality, etc.)?
- How can you elaborate or add something else?
- Can parts of it be changed?
- How could you improve of this idea?
- What could you remove or replace?
- Can it be simplified?
- Can you combine ideas?
- Can it be adapted (situations, scenarios, etc.)?
- Can you explain in more detail or elaborate on your thinking?
If the projects require materials that you do not have lying around the house, please ask your student to see me. You should not buy anything!
Students are expected to bring homework back to school on Fridays. We will share ideas in a gallery setting and reflect in a meaningful way.