Little Elk River Update, Dec. 14, 2018
We are hitting our stride in Little Elk. Now that most systems are up and running, it seems that we are using our time more efficiently. In addition to regular Math/Geometry and English Language work, everyone is also involved in one of three lesson series: Water, Maps or Humans. These lesson series will span 5-7 weeks, at which time we students we will switch and join a new group. I assigned the groups this time, but I will be introducing more choice as the months pass.
- Accessing the Public Library: The children's librarian at Hamline Midway library has offered to set up accounts for children who do not have them and to enter accounts from other systems to help speed our check out. In order to do this, she has requested names and addresses of students. If you are uncomfortable with sharing that information, please let me know. Similarly, if your child is adept at bringing his or her own library card to school and using it independently, please let me know. That will expedite the process.
Ideally, a Montessori student checks out books from a library on her own, whenever she needs to. Since we do not have a school library, it is important the children can acquire additional sources on their own. This only makes their research experience deeper and more interesting. Your child may use the classroom computer to request books and have them sent to a library of your choosing. However, they would need to know their library card number, and their PIN.
- Secret Who?: This year Little Elk River students were given the option of playing Secret Santa—with one catch. They voted to call the gift-giving game "Secret Snowplow." Here's how it works: Starting Monday, your child may bring a note, card, clue, trinket or small baked treat to covertly plant in their "snowflake's" cubby or notebook. The goal is to get to Friday without your snowflake guessing who you are. Monday-Thursday are just for tiny items, feelgoodies, poems, notes, etc.. The only aspect that is truly required (for those who opted in), is the final gift. Please do not spend more than $15. Last year a couple people forgot to bring them in, so this year I am encouraging people to start bringing their gifts in on Thursday (12/20). All gifts will be opened on Friday morning (12/21) after each child is asked to guess their snowplow. We are thinking of baking muffins that day as well. Anyone have a great muffin recipe that's good for kids and yummy?
• Homework: I am attaching the homework pdf that I handed out on Tuesday. It can be turned in either before vacation, or after.
• Thank You! Thank you for the great books that we've been getting from the Amazon wish list, and from Usborne Books (purchased at conferences)! They all make great addition to our classroom library. Also, thank you to Julie Lunn for accompanying us on our field trip to Bell Museum. It was a great day.
