We didn't let the rain and cool temperatures put a damper on our class Halloween celebration. The two Lower Elementary classes showed off their costumes to each other. Each student also had the opportunity to read a descriptive paragraph written about their character and costume. A class favorite was the questions and comments that followed the reading of each paragraph. We also enjoyed a special snack and drink. Thank you to all who helped with our class celebration. Happy Halloween!
We had a wonderful turn out for our Fall Festival. The games, treats and friends made it special. The Lower Elementary students have been painting Storybook Pumpkins which will be displayed as a part of our Halloween celebration next week. Also the excitement in the Lower Elementary has been building in anticipation of the Matilda production which takes place tonight. It has been impressive to see the level of dedication and hard work the students have put into this event. Even though we have had a multitude of fall festivities, the Lower Elementary has continued with their hard work in the classroom. Presentations were given on physical and chemical changes, parts of a flag, the history of language, grammar, mathematics and of course extended lessons on reading comprehension. It was a fun productive week.
We hope your weekend is peaceful.
Our first quarter ended this week. The Lower Elementary students are now accustomed to a long morning work cycle each day. The work cycle begins after arrival and a short morning meeting. Students that arrive before 8:00 am have ample time to select a job and set it up before the morning meeting. Once the meeting is over, students begin their work. Protection of the work cycle from interruptions is crucial. The purpose of an uninterrupted work cycle is to promote concentration. In a child, the ability to begin and retain concentration takes practice. By limiting interruptions, we are facilitating the development of concentration. If concentration is broken in a young child, it is rare that the child can achieve the same state of concentration in the same work cycle. We strive to keep interruptions to a minimum so that each child can reach his potential. Please help your child arrive by 8:00 each morning. This will give them time to set up their work for the day. If possible schedule all appointments for late afternoon. Thank you in advance for helping us keep interruptions to a minimum.
The big event of the week was the Children's Theater. The bus ride was as entertaining as the theater production. It has been such a long time since we were able to attend a field trip. The actors in the Children's Theater were extremely appreciative of our attendance. A friendly reminder we are closed on Monday for Indigenous People/Columbus Day. We hope each family has a peaceful long weekend.
This week the Lower Elementary students were busy studying the phases of the moon. We were fortunate to see the moon during class on a recent sunny day and determined that it was in the waning gibbous phase. Students later made their own moon phase booklets. Students also learned about weathering, erosion and deposition. Due to the wonderful weather this week we were able to work on several lessons outside. The absolute highlight of the week was the student timeline presentations. We all enjoyed the uniqueness of each timeline and presentation. In preparation for our field trip next week to the Children's Theater, we have reviewed the story line and theater etiquette. We are all really glad to be able to resume the much missed field trip experience. We hope everyone has a lovely weekend.
