We have been hard at work -- so much learning packed into five short days!We continue learning routines and procedures that set us up for success all year long. These include choosing just right books, collaborating effectively, finding our best spaces for independent work, using rubrics and criteria to improve the quality of our work, and lots of community-building. We're off to a great start with daily morning meetings, learning the names of all 45 classmates, and organizing our notebooks/supplies. These first two weeks have also included lots of social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons, some of which we've crafted into mantras that help us through the day. Your student knows these two mantras already: I think before I act or speak and I focus when I listen.
We've also talked about how readers, writers, scientists, and mathematicians all learn best with a growth mindset. This means we know that our effort creates our abilities and that all of us have limitless potential. We know that mistakes, challenge, and curiosity are essential parts of learning and we celebrate these values in our classrooms everyday!
One great way you will connect with our classroom is through your child's Take Off and Landing! notebooks. They came home Friday. We'd like you to sit down with your child(ren) and talk through the entries. It's a great opportunity to ask questions like, "How did you feel when you completed your courageous act?" or "How will you pursue your curiosity?" Know that your response as an audience matters so much!
If there are places where you as a reader are confused, simply ask for clarification. "I see this word, but I'd like to really understand it. Can you help me?" If they want to correct it, have them simply write the correct word/add words to explain right there. No need to erase, no need to start the whole thing over. It's a way we can see growth!
Once you have read it together, simply sign your initials so that we know you read it. If you are so inclined, write them back! Be specific -- "I see how you...that really helped me to understand..." Try to steer away from too much general: "Great work! I'm so proud of you!" It's wonderful, and you do think it's great and you are proud...but we want them to know exactly what they are doing in their writing and in their actual lives that is great work and that you are proud of.
Teachers have responded this week, and you can use those as models for types of specific feedback. :)
Have a fantastic 3-day weekend!
Jen and Jewellyn
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