November 24, 2009

They did put this big pile of snow here for us, right?


The ski lifts open tomorrow.

October 19, 2009

I've been thinking about what all the different kids bring to our class lately. They are all so individual and unique and yet come together to make such a wonderful whole.

Grant is our own first responder. Whenever anyone gets into trouble or stuck he is there. And so sweet with the littlest.

Bella is so focused and determined but it doesn't keep her from being kind and thoughtful.

Luke who won't give anything but the best in everything he does, and loves to compete, but never fails to be a good sport.

Chris who keeps track of us all. If something is lost I know who to ask. He always seems to know what is going on around him.

Alex, the fiercest competator of all. It doesn't matter what it is, he wants to be best. Just today he wanted to know how tall everyone else was and how tall he was in comparrison.

Georgie who has many things where she is top in the class, but what I really admire about her is that she keeps working and trying at those things which are not her strengths. When you are that gifted it would be easy to rest on your talents, but instead she pushes herself in all things.

Lucas has added a new dimension to our class, he's smart and talented and has become a best friend.

Allanna is the glue that keeps us all together. She always recognizes the feelings of others and is the one we all turn to when we need someone to treat us softly.

Jeremy is our busy and happy little third grader. If you ever need cheering up he is the man, He will make you feel like life is good.

And then our littlest kindergartner, Landon. So bright and cute and really makes everyone smile at least once a day.

All individuals for sure, but a community as well.

Everything you want to know about the number 28!

by Georgina Chandler.

Critters

Whitney brought scrap wood, her drill, some glue and paint and let the kids make critters. You can tell by how intently the kids are working that they loved this project. Thanks to Whitney and to ACE who brought another great art project to school!

First Snow!!!

DANCING

ACE provided the funding for a dance teacher this year. Her name is Jenna. Jenna's first visit was last Thursday. It was so fun to see the kids so uninhibited. I knew that they were not just learning about dance and rhythm but about taking risks, trusting each other and being trustworthy.

The Annual Camping Trip

This year the new school district is emphasizing evidence based practices. In other words we need to choose what we teach and how we teach based on research that informs us about what works rather than doing what has always been done. I welcome this change. There has been so much research done and ignored in education and it can be very frustrating.

Sometimes though, we have to do something without evidence. I cannot quantify the benefits that come from our annual camping trip, but I know that when the kids feel a sense of community and connectedness with the school, they try harder. I know that when they know that their parents and the parents of their friends are friendly, they are kinder to each other and feel safer together. And I know that when they connect learning with nature their minds open in ways that they cannot in a classroom.

Thanks to all of you who made the effort to be there, even in the rain. (A special wet welcome to the Briggs.) And thank you again Pam for all the work you put into getting the trip organized.