Exuberant Learning and Spring Break Notes

Once again, your children are amazing everyone with their exuberance toward learning, their “need to know” attitudes, and their growing knowledge of the world around them. They continue to bring in interesting research reports they have done at home. We’ve learned about the Bermuda and Devil’s Triangles, Mt. Everest, the Grand Canyon, Girls’ Day, Chinese New Year, and “freaky” animals of the world, just to mention some of their topics. Add to that the excellent Book Project presentations, magic shows, sharing of favorite books and writings, Inquiry research and projects, and math activities, and we have an extraordinary amount of learning and fun going on in our class! We just need a few more hours in the day to accommodate your childrens’ interest and excitement about learning!

Spring Break is upon us, and the children are looking forward to more time with their families, travel, relaxation, and FUN. There is no “official” homework during the break, but we all know how important it is for the children to read regularly. Some trips to the library might also be good for them and you!

I am sending home their Subtraction Fact Cards. I have assessed all the children on their Addition Facts, and most are well on their way to mastering them. Unfortunately, a few have not yet started practicing them. All 1st Graders should know their addition and subtraction facts to 10 by the end of the year, and all 2nd Graders need to know them to 20. Please help your child practice and master these. It gives them a huge advantage in most of the math work we do and gives them time for other activities.

Please, help your child cut out their fact cards and write answers lightly in one corner on the back. That way, they can practice on their own or with you. We need your help with this!!! Mahalo!

Captain John and I have had our typhoid shots and are nearly packed for our exciting adventure in Peru. Ms. Field, who will be subbing for me from April 2 through April 5, has been in the class working with the children for two weeks, so they will be in excellent, experienced hands. She is a very caring and gifted teacher! If you have any concerns or questions, please contact sfield@midpac.edu or Mrs. Hussey. I will be back in school on Monday, April 9.

The children watched a wonderful presentation on Brazil today by Mrs. Antunes and Vittorio. I had shown them some video footage of the people and regions of Brazil, and Mrs. Antunes took them on an adventure with a big map, animal models, songs, and foods. A special “thank you” to Mrs. Antunes and to all the parents who are sharing their knowledge of the world with me and the children! The week of April 2 - 5, Mr. Trowbridge and Ms. Cheryl Takashige from Preschool will share China with your children.

We have another Observation/Participation student. Her name is Cassandra Verron, she is from Chaminade, and she will be with us on Wednesdays and Fridays until early May. Cassandra will be an asset to our classroom, and we hope she will learn a lot from us about how to make education relevant, exciting, and child-centered.

Have a wonderful Spring Break. See you in April. Happy Easter!!

Posted on March 16, 2007 7:23 AM | Permalink