==> IN single-classroom-updates.php

Dear Parents,

Thank you for such wonderful conversations at conferences. I hope they were fruitful for you as well. Should you want to touch base or follow-up, I’m always available in person or by phone during office hours on Tuesdays from 3:30-5:00pm, and can be available other times as well.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • First Friday Coffee, April 1, 7:30-8:30am. April’s parent council coffee is special because the first grade will be coming down towards the end in order to share a little something we’re learning in the classroom.
  • Parent Evening, April 4, 7:00-9:00pm. Our last one of first grade! We’ll discuss the class trip, class play, preview next year, and other important and interesting things.
  • Class Trip, April 15 – Do not leave early for any spring break vacations! The class will be taking a day trip. Details will be discussed at the April 4 Parent Evening.

WEEK 25 HIGHLIGHTS

“Plus the Gatherer adds to the basket.” And so we now have addition. This was a, for lack of a better word, jolly experience for them. They all enjoyed the simple idea of things coming together that occurs in addition. Compared to division and even subtraction, addition was a gentle spring breeze filled with the scent of flowers for this class.

In Nature Studies, which is actually our first science block, we’re learning the art of observation. There is more to observing than seeing. How does the wind feel today? Is the grass wet? Is that the same bird call we heard yesterday? We’re using our many human faculties to connect to the world around us. This is a subtle process, and I never ask those pointed questions from above. I guide them during the nature walk, and then when we’re inside children may choose to share something. There have been disagreements, and that has been good, too. “The wind was warm today.” “I thought the wind was cold and never stopped blowing.”

The fairy tale for this week was another Grimms story called the Juniper Tree. This is one you’ve probably heard pieces of at home because it is at times shocking. It is a tale filled with rich and symbolic imagery, with a haunting song. At heart, it is about rebirth, which is the mood of springtime.

FIRST GRADE IMPORTANT DATES

  • April 4 – Parent Evening, 7-9pm
  • April 15 – Class Trip (during school day)
  • June 3 – Class Play – time TBD, but think 5:30 performance for now