Hello Families,
We've had a wonderful first week back! It's so exciting having new friends join us in our classroom space, and watching as the grade 2's undertake mentorship roles to support the learning of routines and expectations.
I look forward to reconnecting and getting to know all of the families over the course of the year. I will keep my blog updated, usually at the end of the week, about our current learning. Please consider "Subscribing" to the blog so that updates are emailed directly to you.
Our work this week has been around building classroom community. We've started exploring the idea of Belonging in connection with the Circle of Courage. One of the ways we develop Belonging in through our Peace Conferences. At the end of the day, we gather as a class and offer "Thank you", "Sorry" and "Congratulations" statements to each other. This is a lovely time to reflect on our day, celebrate each other and mend any differences.
Thank you to those families who have completed and returned their "Guess Who Card". We've enjoyed guessing who each of the facts belong to, and finding connections between us.
We've also begun reviewing letters and sounds using the Animated Literacy program. Through review, I can embed assessment to target each students needs for further programming, as well as build a common understanding of consonant and vowel sounds, as well as the characters and actions that support different learning styles.
Students were introduced to our classroom Peace Corner as a space that they can revisit as needed. They were supported in understanding the expectations for use, including developing self-awareness through various calming techniques. Ask your child about which technique works best for them: closing their eyes, counting, imagining a special place, reading a book, using the Hoberman sphere for breathing, or giving a Cuddle Buddy a squeeze.
Last, we met with Ms. Bouchard's class and were paired up with one or two Big Buddies. This is an especially exciting time for Ms. Thomas, as some of her past students are now our Big Buddies! When our reading routines are established, Buddy reading will be a weekly occurrence. We also get together regularly for other special activities.
Earlier this week, a LBS Student Information package went home. Please complete the forms inside and return at your earliest convenience.
On Friday, your child also brought home their Poetry Folder for the first time. The have illustrated our first poem with two things they are excited to learn at school. Please take some time to read and discuss it with them. Poetry Folders are to be returned by the end of the week please.
Some upcoming important dates:
- Friday, September 20th: PD Day. No school for students.
- Thursday, September 26th: Welcome Back Family BBQ. More information to come!
Coming back to school in an exciting, but tiring, time of year for students and teachers! I hope you all have a restful weekend!
Ms. Thomas
We've had a wonderful first week back! It's so exciting having new friends join us in our classroom space, and watching as the grade 2's undertake mentorship roles to support the learning of routines and expectations.
I look forward to reconnecting and getting to know all of the families over the course of the year. I will keep my blog updated, usually at the end of the week, about our current learning. Please consider "Subscribing" to the blog so that updates are emailed directly to you.
Our work this week has been around building classroom community. We've started exploring the idea of Belonging in connection with the Circle of Courage. One of the ways we develop Belonging in through our Peace Conferences. At the end of the day, we gather as a class and offer "Thank you", "Sorry" and "Congratulations" statements to each other. This is a lovely time to reflect on our day, celebrate each other and mend any differences.
Thank you to those families who have completed and returned their "Guess Who Card". We've enjoyed guessing who each of the facts belong to, and finding connections between us.
We've also begun reviewing letters and sounds using the Animated Literacy program. Through review, I can embed assessment to target each students needs for further programming, as well as build a common understanding of consonant and vowel sounds, as well as the characters and actions that support different learning styles.
Students were introduced to our classroom Peace Corner as a space that they can revisit as needed. They were supported in understanding the expectations for use, including developing self-awareness through various calming techniques. Ask your child about which technique works best for them: closing their eyes, counting, imagining a special place, reading a book, using the Hoberman sphere for breathing, or giving a Cuddle Buddy a squeeze.
Last, we met with Ms. Bouchard's class and were paired up with one or two Big Buddies. This is an especially exciting time for Ms. Thomas, as some of her past students are now our Big Buddies! When our reading routines are established, Buddy reading will be a weekly occurrence. We also get together regularly for other special activities.
Earlier this week, a LBS Student Information package went home. Please complete the forms inside and return at your earliest convenience.
On Friday, your child also brought home their Poetry Folder for the first time. The have illustrated our first poem with two things they are excited to learn at school. Please take some time to read and discuss it with them. Poetry Folders are to be returned by the end of the week please.
Some upcoming important dates:
- Friday, September 20th: PD Day. No school for students.
- Thursday, September 26th: Welcome Back Family BBQ. More information to come!
Coming back to school in an exciting, but tiring, time of year for students and teachers! I hope you all have a restful weekend!
Ms. Thomas
