Month: May 2018

May 25, 2018

Standard

IMG_8247

Chugging Along at Full Speed

We have been heading toward the last day of school like one of the world’s fastest trains! (Only Noah could tell us which train is currently the fastest in the world!) We are finishing our Mini-Me tree houses, writing fiction and non-fiction stories about them, and working on the final drafts of our story books. We look forward to sharing everything with you on Museum Walk Morning Wednesday, June 6th at 9:00am. 

Museum Walk

On Wednesday, June 6th, Children should arrive as usual to prepare for Museum walk. We will need from 8:30-9:00 to set-up and practice for the sharing, and parents are welcome to wait outside or in the lobby. At 9:00am, we will open our door and share a song or two before children share their projects individually with you. After hearing from your child, parents are encouraged to walk around and hear from the other LE’s as time allows. After enjoying LE, there will be lots of other exciting happenings all over the school! If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to invite a special friend to attend the event in your place. This can be an Aunt, Uncle, Grandparent, or family friend.

Persistance!

Multiple times this week, I have witnessed a greatly increased spirit of persistence among the students in Lower Elementary. Sewing in straight lines and in circles, writing a 5-page long story, building structures with 100’s of Keva planks, and making intricate and beautiful structures out of pattern blocks. This grit and deturmination has really grown since January, and Acera is the perfect place to embrace this growth mindset. Children are encouraged to have an attitude that anything is possible!

IMG_7096.jpgEmotions are Running High… but we are hanging on!

With all the talk of finishing up projects and the end of the year, children have been a bit emotional. I have been trying to spend some more time outside and in snack and lunch with them. Children have been a little more tired from all the playground time, and we have needed to slow down the pace and return to some of the materials that we used in the beginning of January such as Cuisonnaire  rods. Sticking to the routines, keeping things predictable has become even more important! The celebration on June 6th will be wonderful, but don’t be surprised if we see some tears.

I hope that you have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend,

Jen

May 11, 2018

Standard

IMG_9897

Happy Mother’s Day!

We had another wonderful week in Lower Elementary! I just finished reading the children’s journal entries from Friday morning. They wrote about making self-portraits, working on their mini-tree houses, and having great fun in math. One of the biggest observations from the week is the desire to collaborate and connect in all areas of the curriculum from writing to our theme. Students in groups of two and three have been writing book series, and we built a growing greenhouse on Friday afternoon.

Friendships

The children have been interested in more and more in collaborating with classmates. Working together on the “Village”, the collection of mini-treehouses, creating a book store with classmates, and writing book series as a team. In the afternoon, many of the children are self-selecting friends to participate in book clubs. It has been wonderful to see the increased ability to make productive decisions, and the capacity to navigate complex projects and relationships.

Green House Construction

Last Friday in Architecture, the children planted Morning Glories and Nasturtiums which will turn into a greenhouse. The buckets of climbing plants will cover the poles and mesh fencing, creating a leafy structure that the Lower Elementary class will use on the playground in the years to come!!

My Appreciation

20140916072847_file_54188f6f83fc3

Thank you for the outpouring of teacher appreciation last week! The handmade notes from children, thoughtful cards from you, and all the delicious treats were amazing. The climate and culture at Acera has been so warm and welcoming, and the parents are incredibly supportive and generous.

With Appreciation,

Ms. Jen