Dear Salal Families,
As we adjust to a school schedule, we are changing. I, personally, am going to bed earlier and waking up earlier. Both Ellie and I have been drinking more coffee. A lot happens in class as we build our community! We are all focusing on “ground rules.” Ask your child what “ground rules” we have in class. We are currently learning how to interrupt someone without saying a word (hand on a shoulder). We are also refining rolling and unrolling work rugs, returning work to where it belongs on the shelf, walking feet, inside voices, and how to serve ourselves a snack and wash our dishes. If you have older students in our group, consider asking them if they have been helping our newest students or if they chose a nice challenging work. Their time to work with the Montessori materials is not that long, when you consider outside time and circle time. At the beginning of the year there is a lot of front loading of expectations and rules. Good things are being modelled by all the students.
Books are welcome anytime. Stuffies, all toys, and most jewelry should stay in the car or at home. Frequently precious things get misplaced or broken. Generally, we have everything they may need at school, including comfort toys. If your child is having a particularly hard time transitioning from home to school, let’s talk. This is not uncommon and we are here to help. If breakfast and/or toileting has not happened at home, let us know. We can ensure they get a snack and can offer toilet reminders as needed.
A cold has gone around and, hopefully, is coming to an end. We are working with students to blow noses, cover coughs, keeping fingers out of mouths and noses AND thoroughly wash hands (or use hand sanitizer). I had the cold already and Ellie is doing great. Please err on the side of our community’s well-being when your child presents symptoms. With a full class, it is difficult for us to manage germ-control. I promise, as your children grow this gets easier. Thank you for your consideration.
Soon we will be starting a unit on our beautiful biome (temperate forest) with an emphasis on salmon. If you have any environmental interests, passion for anything from the Pacific Northwest, animals of this area, or salmon (including fishing) please come visit our class. I love this unit so much and look forward to sharing my interest with your children.
Sammy’s mom, Kimberly, came into class and showed us how to spin yarn into wool! After carting colors together she spun with children watching in awe. You may have seen a yarn necklace or bracelet come home from the yarn they inspired. What a treasured memory. I hope we inspired future spinners?
Thank you for sharing your wonderful children with Ellie and me. Although the beginning of the year seems very busy after a summer vacation, we are quickly getting into the groove of school and having a great time in the process.
Our Kinders are in full swing with their afternoon work cycle. Monday through Wednesday, we join the other classroom cohorts for Writer’s workshop. We mix-up the classes on Thursdays for Art and Music specialists, and then have our all-Kinder adventure day on Fridays for Outdoor Education. With the three classes together for a time every afternoon, the children are growing their social skills and building friendships with each other and connecting in wonderful ways with all of the Primary Guides.
Warmly,
Cheryl and Ellie
