August 27, 2021

 

Good Evening,

  We had a great 1st two days of school.  I am excited for the year and am energized by the potential of the group.  As I mentioned in an earlier email and blog post, I use the Responsive Classroom approach.  This approach is wonderful because it allows for a cooperative room to be created, while being specific on how to use tools, how we function, and how we work as a class.  The primary goal of Guided Discovery is to generate interest and excitement about classroom resources and help children explore their possible uses. Guided Discovery also provides opportunities to introduce vocabulary, assess children's prior knowledge, and teach responsible use and care of materials.  One of the ways we introduced crayons and rulers, was to have each child create a"stained glassed" inspired name card.  I want to fill the room with their names, (early on) and with words that they will recognize.

You may have heard your child talking about Mr. Cadwell.  Parker Cadwell is a student teacher in our room this year.  He will be in our classroom on Tuesdays during the fall semester and full time during the spring semester.  His time will wrap up with us with the start of April break.

Here is an introductory blurb from Parker."Hi everyone! I'm Parker Cadwell, and I'll be working with Tommy as a student teacher this year. I am so excited to be learning from Tommy and teaching at Waitsfield School. I was quickly reminded of what a special place it is on our first day of school on Thursday. I had such fun meeting all of your children. A little about me: I grew up in the Valley, and actually attended both Fayston and Waitsfield School, before going on to Harwood. I graduated from Middlebury College in 2018 and am in the St. Michael's College Master of Arts in Teaching program, fulfilling my lifelong passion for education and drive to be a teacher. I will be in Tommy's room observing for one day a week in the fall, and then I will be working with Tommy full time from the New Year until April."  Below is a picture of Parker and his family.

We also started handwriting instruction today.  Everyone will go through the alphabet again and I will determine what each student needs from their work.  If your child needs continued practice, I will keep working with them as we progress through the fall/winter.  If your child demonstrates that they have good letter formation, they will be able to move onto keyboarding skills.  Once your child demonstrates that they are proficient, they won;t have to go back to handwriting instruction unless their work doesn't represent their ability (meaning, if it is messy and not their best).  

Today we read the story, All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold. "This is a warm, welcoming picture book that celebrates diversity and gives encouragement and support to all kids. Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms.  A school where students grow and learn from each other's traditions and the whole community gathers to celebrate the Lunar New Year. All Are Welcome lets young children know that no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, they are welcome in their school."  If you would like to listen to the story with your child, click on this video.

Notes:

*We will be starting math on Monday next week.  The 1st graders will be with me and the 2nd graders will be with Ms. Figdor.  During conferences, I mentioned that the 2nd graders would be with Mr. Hubabrd.  Due to the size of the class, they are using two teachers to teach the group.  Ms. Figdor is our new math interventionist.  She was also my daughter's 3rd and 4th grade teacher.  Let me say, "she is simply amazing."  We are lucky to have her and I promise you  will be impressed with her work and commitment to your child's learning.  

That is all for now. I hope you all have a great weekend.  If you need anything, please reach out.

Peace,

Tommy