Classroom Update
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This week flew by, but here are some highlights:
* Junior Great Books - For these read aloud stories we break the children into grade-level groups. Katja takes our first graders, Ann works with second, and I read with the third years. The stories have either a moral or lesson to be learned, or they generate lively discussions about human behavior and choices. Third graders bring a copy of the story home with the questions they asked. Some time during the next week, they are asked to reread it with their families and answer the questions. These should be returned by Thursday, and will be used in a group discussion.
* Spelling - We gave children their first lesson today. First graders worked with Ann to copy their words into their notebooks. They will begin spelling homework in November, after parent teacher conferences. Second and third graders are bringing their lists home today. Please help them study for 5-10 minutes each evening to prepare for their test next Friday.
* Social Issues - Today we read Toni Morrison's Remember, a book about school integration in the 1950s. This book is written for children, but can be appreciated by everyone. I have always felt it critical to address issues of social justice with my students at a level that is appropriate for them, but the current climate in our nation makes it even more urgent. I was amazed at the level of their interest and knowledge about historical figures and events (Rosa Parks, Montgomery bus boycott, Ruby Bridges, and more).
Your children have been begging for lessons faster than I can give them! We focused on lots of math work this week, so next week will be full of language, science, history, and more.
Enjoy the gorgeous weekend ahead,
Kristi
