Little Elk River Update, June 17, 2019: Final Thoughts
- I am working on finishing up the progress reports. They are hard to write ("I am capable of hard work!") and very rewarding ("Hard work pays off!"). They are a challenge to write because there is so much to say, and so little time. And yet taking the time to think intently about each child is a worthy task that leaves me realizing how much we've accomplished together—and how much work lies ahead of us.
- Outdoor Play: A beautiful day was had by all playing Ultimate at McMurray with Ottertail and Shingobee on the penultimate week of school. And on that Friday, swimming, diving, splashing, zip-lining at Como Pool. It was fun to be together simply to play.
- Spelling Bee: Competition is good. Life is competitive. Highly competitive. As long as "competitive" is not equated with "combative" (substitute adversarial, selfish, petty, etc.), I try to encourage it. Competition serves to bring out the best in us, either as individuals or as a team. Being competitive means that we seek something in us that we were not sure, or not aware, that we had. For that reason, I've always found that Montessori children enjoys Spelling Bees.
- The 2019 Spelling Bee was also a success. Children sat attentively for 2 hour supporting each other and cheering for each other. Those who went out in the early rounds got a taste of what they need to work on next year. Those who made it into the later rounds discovered that many English words come from other languages, and that "chandelier" is not as easy to spell as it sounds. (This is what our champion spelled to win in the 14th round).
- Leadership: 5th years and I had a great trip to Groundswell Cafe where we discussed leadership and ways that we, together, can make our learning experience in Little Elk better next year. I hope we can make it a tradition.
- I will not be responding to email communications until mid-August. If you have questions or concerns during that time, please reach out to office@greatriverschool.org.
- A great Summer Book List is attached, courtesy of GRS. Print it out and check off books as you and your family read them!
I hope you enjoy your summer of swimming, biking, gardening, reading and road-tripping as much as I will.
In partnership,
John
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