Welcome to Jill's Class

Week of January 31, 2012

This week many students began studies of presidents in anticipation of President's Day. It never fails that someone digs up an interesting bit of knowledge that hasn't been presented before. In years past, the lower elementary students have shared their findings during the President's Day gathering. This year we'll be sharing our work amongst ourselves at group. Hopefully, the intimacy of this will entice some of our more reserved students to share their findings.

We began reading The Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell. This is a classic novel about a young girl who finds herself living alone on an island in the Pacific. She keeps herself alive by building shelter, making weapons, finding food and fighting her enemies, the wild dogs of the island. It's a story of survival and personal discovery. I hope the class enjoys it as much as I do.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and we will be sharing cards to celebrate. On Tuesday, February 14th, please send your child with 30 signed, but not addressed, cards to exchange. A special Valentine's "mailbox" will be constructed during art class to accommodate the cards.

Week of January 23, 2012

The extended day's annual Dragon Dance was performed on Thursday to the delight of all in the audience.  It is annual presentation in honor of Chinese New Year.  Each year it's an opportunity for our elementary students to reminisce about their time in extended day and their role in the dance.  Thanks for the memories, extended day!

Our second years studied the difference between compound and simple leaves.  They learned that the leaf begins at the petiole and whether it's compound or simple is determined after that point.  Illustrations were drawn in their cultural books to accompany the name of the tree/plant and type of leaf. 

Last week, the elementary wing began conducting weekly, timed, standardized math tests. In the lower elementary classrooms the tests will be administered only to second and third years.  The tests include an application and a computation section.  Each week the grade level tests include the same types of problems, but reworded and organized differently.  The goal is that at the end of a certain number of weeks, the concepts and processes will be mastered by most students. So far, after two tests, most students enjoy the process and feel a sense of accomplishment when it's over.

Week of January 16, 2012

What is nature? Why is nature important? What do you love about nature? These are some of the questions that were asked of our class during a presentation of a cultural exchange between The Children's House elementary students and Tztotzil Mayan children of Chiapas Mexico. Amalia Fernand is working with the children of Chiapas, answering the same questions. We will be exchanging artist representations of our thoughts on the subject; whether by drawing, poems, songs, stories, etc. The program is an extension of the Nature Explorers program that Amalia directs here at TCH with the goal of fostering a deeper understanding of the environment and a love of nature.

On Wednesday, students from Interlochen Arts Academy shared their music with the school. Our students are an attentive audience who truly appreciate the beauty of music. Thanks to Jeanmarie for arranging this performance.

We began our new unit on magnetism. There are many experiments that accompany the lessons which will undoubtedly spark a great deal of curiosity in our magnetic planet and the properties of magnetism. 

Week of January 9, 2012

We've finished our Nature of the Elements work. This unit concluded with work with solids and their specific shapes; namely elastic, plastic and rigid. We also worked with liquids and learned the difference between viscous and liquid. It's great fun pouring water, oil and molasses onto a clear tray and watching the race down.

Just a reminder to please keep birthday party transportation out of carline. It might make logistical sense but it is a very difficult, and often hurtful, situation for those friends who are not included.

Martin Luther King, Jr. has been a topic of conversation, song and read aloud this week. The beauty of his words and his dream was absorbed by the students. Enjoy the extra day with your child on Monday and remember the good that Dr. King has done for our nation.

Please welcome Kaylee Fitzpatrick who has joined our classroom in the afternoons. You might have met her while she's been on duty in the infant room. Our friend Nicole will still be with us in the mornings, but she will be busy in the afternoons taking over for Emily Ulbrich with reading and extra academic help. 

Week of December 12, 2011

The elementary students did a spectacular job in the annual spelling bee. Kudos goes to the audience who was very encouraging and supportive of the participants. Congratulations to August, Rowan, Carson, McKenzie, Andrew and Ethan for representing our classroom. We're proud of you!

The student's festivals of light studies were wonderful. It's truly a process to take the study books, complete a rough draft in their own words, edit, rewrite and create an artistic prop to accompany the presentation. The final products were impressive. Ask your child what they learned about the celebration they studied.

We ended our week with our annual Holiday sing. It's such a wonderful event that brings our school community together with song and merriment. Thank you for being a part of our school community and sharing your wonderful children. Happy Holidays! 

Week of December 5, 2011

This week we did an experiment that involved moving from a solution to a saturated solution to a supersaturated solution. It always amazes me how much salt we are able to add to the water from the cooler beginning to the warmer end.

We've all been working on studies related to various festivals of light held all over the globe. We have folks learning about topics ranging from Christmas in Germany to Loi Krathong. Your child will be working on the written work in the classroom and might be doing a project in art as well. Some may need a bit of help from home on their project. They will be presenting these projects to our class on Thursday and Friday of next week.

Talking out of turn, interrupting and "blurting" have been topics of discussion lately. We've all noticed that we are guilty of these on occasion. We are trying to be more mindful of waiting patiently for our turn and/or raising our hand when we'd like to say something. Feel free to practice this at home with your child!

Week of November 28, 2011

Our classroom has lost a dear friend, Darwin, our pet guinea pig. On Tuesday we held a very touching memorial service with a good portion of the upper elementary attending along with our classroom. We passed a candle and shared our memories of "DarDar". It was moving to hear what each child had to say. Darwin, you will be missed.

The second years were "stranded" on South Manitou Island and had to fend for themselves without any provisions. We discussed the fundamental needs that we have as humans and how we would provide these for the group. Luckily, we were "rescued" soon after our discussion!

The new math fact practice is going well. Many students are moving steadily through the work. Practicing at home or on the way to/from school has really made a difference for those students who are successful. Thanks for your help!

Week of November 14, 2011

The first years are quickly learning to tell time on an analog clock. Don't hesitate to ask them the time of day as each one has demonstrated some understanding of the concept using both the hour (naming) and the minute (counting) hands.

Second years have experimented with the needs of a plant. They've concluded that plants need light, heat and warmth in order to thrive. This week they also made an observation about sunlight and plants using a box with only a small space open to the sunlight. Ask you child what they observed about the growth of the plants in the box.

We've begun preparing for the Harvest Feast and Thanksgiving by reading and writing "stone soup" stories. It's interesting to hear how each child interprets the story and what they are thankful for. Tuesday, we will be making soup and fruit salad in the kitchen with the ingredients provided by the students. It's a lovely tradition that does, indeed, involve a stone in every pot of soup! 

Week of October 31, 2011

'Tis the season. We had quite a few students out with illnesses this week with symptoms running the entire spectrum. We've been encouraging a lot of hand washing and sanitation of our tables. If your child is feeling ill before school, please check their symptoms carefully and only send them if they are well.

I've been working on conference reports this week and am looking forward to discussing all the wonderful progress that I've seen with your children this Fall. Our conference time is short and some people find it helpful to come prepared with questions while others take the time more casually.

This week in writer's workshop we've been discussing adding more interest to our sentences by adding the senses. How does it feel? smell? look? taste? sound? We used the month of November as an example and came up with some amazing imagery.

Week of October 24, 2011

We're currently reading a wonderful book called Betti on the High Wire, by Lisa Railsback. It chronicles the life of ten year old Babo, who grew up on an abandoned circus camp in a fictional war-torn country. She is adopted by an American couple, who change her name to Betti, and the adventures begin.

The third years are beginning to study the animal kingdom. Prior to this, we have discussed living vs. non-living things and the five kingdoms of life. We will be discussing vertebrates and invertebrates, the specific classes within the vertebrate phylum, and each student will spend some time studying the animal of their choice.

Our first year friends are laying the groundwork for beginning to tell time on an analog clock. Currently we are discussing the order of the months of the year and the days of the week. The fun will soon begin when I introduce the "naming" hand (hour). 

Week of October 17, 2011

As the years have passed, I have struggled with a way to reinforce the memorization of math facts and have not found an effective solution that is truly student initiated. That being said, last week we began being quizzed on math facts on Mondays and Wednesdays. Many students expressed the desire to work on their facts at home so each week they will bring home their current fact sheet and the most recent one tested in class. Hopefully this method will prove effective and our students will know their addition, subtraction and multiplication facts by the time they reach upper elementary. Thanks for your support at home.

Pumpkin Fun Day, Monday, October 31st, is quickly approaching and the events are promising to be a great time. In an attempt to be organized, we're requesting that each child bring a shoe box that day to carry home all the crafts they create. Extra shoe boxes would be appreciated and can always be used in art class if not on Pumpkin Fun Day.

We've been practicing the names, order and spelling of the months of the year. If you have a minute at home, ask your child to recite them in order. The reinforcement from home is always helpful.

We recently read a polish folk tale called the Dragon of Krakow. It told the legendary story of King Krak and how a common shoemaker was able to kill a fiery dragon in his beautiful city of Krakow. As his reward, the modest man only asked for the skin of the dragon to make many pairs of shoes to give to the poor and homeless of their fine city. 

Week of October 10, 2011

We began our school-wide study of Poland with a kickoff presentation by Agnes, a toddler assistant, who was born and raised in Poland. She explained the culture, showed us beautiful pictures and answered a variety of questions from the children. Several students have been inspired to begin studies of Poland. Thank you Agnes for sharing your knowledge with us.

Our friend Miles has written a play based on Greek mythology that he has roles with many of cast his classmates. It has been a great process beginning with research, script writing with Catherine, casting, prop design, practice and ultimately the big show. Currently we're still in the practice stage, but will let you know when we've set a date for the production.

The second years have begun a series of botany lessons. This week we're talking about the needs of a plant. We've taken wheat grass seeds and placed them in a variety of places, some with and some without water, some with and some without heat. We'll be making predictions and observing what happens in each circumstance. 

Week of October 3, 2011

What a beautiful week of weather! With the sun warmly shining and the leaves changing colors, it's hard to think of the cooler days to come. With that in mind, please check the day's weather before sending your child off to school in the morning. This is particularly important if your child is participating in Della Terra for the week. They are most often outdoors learning and working. Layers are always great. Writing your child's name in their clothing also helps if they are misplaced.

We often talk about keeping track of our own things, for using them the appropriate way and then returning them even tidier then we found them. It's difficult sometimes to take the extra step to follow up and make gentle reminders rather than cleaning up the materials ourselves. Try it at home...it's an important step towards independence that can easily be practiced both at home and in school.

Writing numbers can be confusing for some students. Extra time is spent with those who need guidance with proper number formation and orientation. If you notice your child needs support, feel free to help them correct the direction and formation of their numbers. 

I hope you all have a wonderful time and enjoy the beautiful fall day that's forecasted for the Fall Festival. It's always a fun, family gathering with the activities and community meal. Unfortunately, I'm not able to attend this year, but I look forward to hearing all about it on Monday. Have a great time!

Week of September 26, 2011

Geometry was a big topic this week. The third years reviewed the concepts relating to classifying triangles and types of polygons. Second years reviewed types of lines: parallel, perpendicular, divergent, etc. The first years learned about the point, surface, lines, rays and line segments. The lower elementary curriculum is rich with wonderful geometry work.

We're reading Mrs Frisby and the Rats of Nimh during read aloud. I remember listening in wonder myself as a child. Ask your child what is happening in the current chapter.

The Timeline of Life, another "Great Lesson", was presented. It describes the earth from no life to the coming of human life. This wonderful story sparked the interest in many students who have started studies on animals featured on the timeline. 

Week of September 19, 2011

During writer's workshop this week, we talked about the format and content of a friendly thank you letter. We were each able to practice our new skill with a handwritten letter to our friends at LOC. Letter writing is an important skill that seems to be practiced less these days. Don't hesitate to ask your child to write thank you notes to practice this skill and their cursive handwriting.

While the second and thirds are refreshing their memories of the nine parts of speech, the first years have learned the role of nouns and articles. Noun scavenger hunts have been a favorite of many. Ask your first year to show you how they do it.

Over the summer, many students have forgotten their math facts. While we often practice them in the classroom, home is a great place to reinforce the memorization of these important facts. Travel time in the car is a great time to practice. 

Week of September 12, 2011

What a wonderful week of school! We started it off by strengthening our community with a visit to the Leelanau Outdoor Center. Hopefully, you've had a chance to talk to your child about the activities we participated in from the beach hike to pirate compass. Better weather couldn't have been special ordered and our student's behavior was exceptional. A perfect combination!

The History of Writing, one of Maria Montessori's Great Lessons, was presented this week. We learned about the evolution of writing from cavemen sketching on cave walls to our current use of computers. Ask your child if they remember what plant the first paper was made from.

I'm looking for a few parents who would be willing to donate an hour of time a week to read with our emerging readers. If you're interested please email me with your availability. jill@traversechildrenshouse.org

Week of September 5, 2011

It's wonderful to see everyone's smiling face this week. Welcome back to all our old friends and a big welcome to our new friends from primary and afar. While the first years are learning new lessons and becoming acquainted with the classroom, the second and thirds are working on the list they composed at the end of last school year. It's an busy, yet exciting, week resulting in some tired kiddos at the end of the day. This weekend, allow them some time to regroup and reflect on the week.

Both lower elementary classrooms will be visiting The Leelanau Outdoor Center (LOC) on Monday, September . 12th. Please remember that we will be partaking in outdoor activities in rain or shine. Check the weather in the morning and make certain that your child is properly attired for the day. Closed toe shoes with socks are the preferred footwear. We will leave school at 8:30, and arrive back by carline. Transportation is provided by the camp's "blue bus". Snacks and lunch will be provided by the camp.

Save the Date for our Fall Classroom Social on Thursday, September 22nd. The social will take place from 5:30-7:00 at Silver Lake Recreation Area. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Heather Theophilus at 709-0169 or Beverly Gravis at 392-4372.

I'm so happy to be back at school...it's going to be a great year!