As the teachers of young people, the excitement
of the holiday season is often amplified as we experience it through the eyes
of our students. Last week we enjoyed our annual inspiring Giving Chapel.
Special holiday moments are treasures that deepen our classroom bond while also
connecting us to the larger school community. Just as we’ve taken the
time to explore seasonal traditions here at school, we encourage you to take
time over vacation to discuss important family traditions with your child. Relish
this time by resting, playing, and reading together.
When we return from winter break the children will begin learning about a variety of heroes both with Mrs. Ingham in the library and in our classroom. We will model research skills by learning about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights leaders as a class before delving into other heroes. Throughout we'll be asking:
When we return from winter break the children will begin learning about a variety of heroes both with Mrs. Ingham in the library and in our classroom. We will model research skills by learning about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights leaders as a class before delving into other heroes. Throughout we'll be asking:
- What should others know about the life of this hero?
- What issue touched this person's heart?
- How did this person use his/her "power for good" to help others or circumstances?
- What qualities or attributes make a person a hero?
You may wish to read some biographies with your child over winter break and start this conversation at home. Just remember, no choosing heroes yet! We want everyone to keep an open mind and learn about many different types of heroes before we start thinking about making selections for our next project. You might choose to start this conversation using a video such as this, which shows the story of a young boy, Campbell, who chooses to use his power for good to give joy to children who are sick in hospitals in a very special way. Ask your child, “What issue touched Campbell’s heart? How does he use his power for good?”
Enjoy the break - it is well deserved after many months of hard work! We’ll see you in 2018.
Best Wishes and Happy Holidays,
Second Grade Teachers
Homework
After the holiday break, please note that we
will increase the number of minutes of reading from 15 per night to 20 beginning
January 8th.
Homework for the week of 1/2, due 1/8
·
Read for at least 15
minutes each night Monday through Friday (weekends are bonus) and fill in the
reading log nightly
·
Conduct the reading
interview questions throughout the week
·
Math Journal: pages 59-60
The Yes Brain Parent-Teacher Discussion Group – SAVE THE DATE
Save the dates for a series of book-based parent and teacher conversations that will build connection and community as we discuss Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson’s newest research around strengthening reliance, balance and social-emotional growth in our children. The Yes Brain is available for pre-order through this form: we expect the books to be delivered to OES by Friday, January 19th.
Dates: Tuesday evenings January 30, February 20 and March 6, 2018
Time: 7:30-9pm
Location: Lower School Library
We hope you can join us!
Happy Holidays!
Illustration by Eric Carle
No comments:
Post a Comment