October 3, 2025

I can't believe I am saying this after just 27 school days but our classroom is running like a well oiled machine. This "state of being" is important when it comes to your child's learning. "Keeping your classroom running like a well-oiled machine is one of the most important things I can do. It is proven that students learn about 20% more in a positive, regulated environment. I have been impressed how quickly the kids have picked up the routines and expectations that comes with being in our classroom.

It was certainly a very busy week, and these students have been engaged in a variety of learning both in and out of the building. Yesterday we had the most PERFECT fall day.  The hike at Mad River was amazing and every student accomplished the hike they set out to do. It was great to see the excitement, the engagement and enjoyment that the kids all shared. I would like to thank all of the volunteers who helped students along and for their support with this activity. We certainly couldn't do it (the way we do) with out all of the extra hands.

This week in math, the 1st graders worked on measuring units with connecting cubes (a non-standard unit of measure). I emphasized the importance of placing measuring tools in a straight line with no gaps or overlaps to ensure accurate results.  Using non-standard units to teach first graders to measure is important because it provides a concrete, hands-on way to introduce the foundational concepts of measurement without the abstract complexity of standard units like inches or centimeters. This method builds confidence, allows for the development of proportional reasoning, and helps students understand that multiple smaller units can be used to measure a larger object, all of which are crucial steps before they transition to standard units. The students also worked on graphing results of a penny/nickel game and continued work with number racks and identifying missing addends.  

Second grade math focused on adding and counting groups of 5s. This is important because it builds number sense, mental math skills, and counting by 5s patterns, which are crucial for mastering more complex math concepts like multiplication, money, and time. This skill improves problem-solving speed and accuracy by freeing up working memory, leading to greater confidence and success in math.

We started our first social studies unit of the year on Thursday. This unit is a Financial Literacy unit and focuses on 3 main academic goals:

1. Compare needs and wants and provide examples of both
2. Identify economic activities that use resources in the local community
3. Explain why people earn, spend and save money

When we are finished with this unit, the students should be able to:

• explain if something is a need or a want, and give examples of both
• give examples of businesses in our community that use local materials and hire local people
• explain why people need to earn money, why they spend money, and why they save money

Today we focused on learning the difference between wants and needs.

This week we made a Class Charter.  This is part of our school's SEL program and each classroom comes up with their own unique charter. The class charter is different from classroom rules because a charter focuses on how we want to feel at school. I always do mine once the classroom rules have been created. It is a great way to connect the relationship between how we act and the effect it has on how we feel. Our new charter is pictured in this post. 

This was also the first full week of direct instruction reading groups. I have 5 different reading groups and break them up to allow for more detailed differentiated instruction. This allows the students to work on the specific skills they need to make forward progress along the reading continuum.  The reading groups are part of the Daily 5 structure that I use.  If you would like to learn more about the "Daily 5 Routine," you can click this link. Please note I modified the routine to fit my teaching and classroom.  

 

This week we read the following books during read-a-loud time (each one is linked if you would like to listen to it with your child:

*The Invisible Boy

*The Rainbow Fish

*The Juice Box Bully

*I am Enough

*The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes

Today the students met with the Waitsfield Fire Department for a presentation on fire safety.  The students learned about ways to stay safe, what to do in an emergency, and what a firefighter looks like with all of their gear on. The students also had the opportunity to explore some of the trucks and the equipment. We are certainly lucky to have a vibrant volunteer squad in our community. 

Today your child has a Weekly News Journal in their plastic homework bag. There is a note inside the cover that explains the purpose and reasoning behind these journals. Please read the note, the entry your child wrote and then initial at the end of their entry. These should come back on Monday, inside the homework bags. 

The parent volunteers will start coming into the classroom this next week. The kids are really excited about this and are set for your arrival. I have talked with them and they know they will treat you like a teacher in the classroom. There are still a few available spots if anyone is interested. If saying goodbye is a challenge for your child, I will help with this (so it is not awkward). Here is the schedule:

KID OF THE WEEK

This week's kid of the week is this spectacular young lady (pictured here). She is a first grader and she has a May birthday. Her favorite food is cotton candy and her favorite color is pink. She has twin baby brothers too. She really wants to go back to the Jay Peak water park. She wants to be herself when she grows up. Her favorite animal is a unicorn and she has lots of unicorn clothing. He favorite unicorn is a Woodland Flower unicorn. Congratulations to this week's KID of the WEEK!

NOTES:

*The book orders have been delayed.  Apparently the box was destroyed during shipping and returned to Scholastic. They are sending a new box out today and sending it two day delivery. Sorry for the wait.

*I wanted to remind you all of how I will handle student absences (This was in the summer letter). Vacation Travel: I understand that kids will miss school for a variety of reasons. Between illnesses, family obligations, vacations, and anything in between, there will be times where your child might miss school. If your child is sick or has an appointment, I will be responsible for getting the make up work together for your child (most likely the next day). If it is possible to do it the same day, I will. However, this isn’t always possible. If your child is missing school for travel, vacation, and/or personal decisions, I will ask that you schedule a time to meet with me upon your child’s return to school. It will be your responsibility to create a plan to make up the missed work. While your child is out, I ask that you have he/she read everyday and write in a journal (about their travel) daily. I will ask that the journal be presented to me upon return. Please understand that some things may not be able to be made up, and your child will simply miss out on some of the opportunities.

*It was so great to see so many of you at Open House this past week. The excitement that the kids have for the evening and the joy in showing you their work and space makes me smile. I hope you found the evening enjoyable.

*The Ski and Skate Sale season has begun and the event is fast approaching. The PTA needs volunteers to make this event happen.  As of this morning, I have 10 of the 15 families (from my classroom) that have signed up top help. I am a little competitive and want to have the most families signed up. The PTA sponsors many events that all of our class accesses. They truly do impact every child with their financial support. I have already signed up for my shift too! I ask that you please find a way to volunteer and help our PTA team with this event.

*As I had mentioned (earlier in the year), one of my goals this year is to help the students focus on the concept of "thinking about others." I am already seeing students do that here at school. I would love to see this extend beyond our classroom walls. If your child starts to do this at home, in the community, or anywhere else, please have them let me know.  I want to share these moments with the class.

That is all for now. I hope you all have a great weekend.


Peace,
Mr. Young