Fwd: L.E.R.U.: Lice (and a little homework note)

And about that homework I was going to attach....

L.E.R.U.: Lice (and a little homework note)

Hello All,

I don't usually send you homework in pdf format because I want your children to develop the habit of caring for the paper that I hand them (every other Wednesday). For the most part, they have been doing a great job bringing it home and turning it in 2 weeks later. For some, they've done 

a good job asking me for another copy if they lose it. This is what I prefer. The homework is their responsibility, and they will profit from accepting it. 

However, if for some reason you would like to see it in digital form, please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

And... we learned today that one of our classmates has lice. Please check your child's hair and treat accordingly!

Thank you and stay warm! I will be out looking for the medallion, but only because somebody has to do it.

John

 

--

John Albright

A Quick Hello from Little Elk

Hello Friends of Little Elk,

It was great to see the wonderful, supportive turn out for last week's Work Share! I hope that, for those of you who could attend, you were able to get a meaningful glimpse of our work. Please let me know if you have any questions about what you saw. 

It looks as though I am not going to have the time, this week, to complete an update worthy of the term "newsletter." However, I wanted to ask those of you who donated anything to the classroom in the last 2 months to send me an email listing what you purchased. We received a great outpouring of generosity from our Amazon wish list to paper towels and guinea pig supplies! But I can't keep track of everything that came in. They did not come with notes attached, and for many of the items Heather cannot tell from the wishlist. We would like to send you a 'thank you,' but we need to know who you are! Thanks so much. 

I look forward to writing you more next week.

Sincerely,

John

Little Elk River Update (Jan. 9, 2019)

Dear Families of Little Elk River, 

 

It's great to be back in groove again after a greatly appreciated two-week break! Well, let's just say that sleep patterns are almost re-aligned with the rhythms of the work week.  There's a lot going on. Hopefully you will get a taste of that at next week's Work Share.

• Library Cards Wanted Tomorrow! We will be walking to the Hamline-Midway Public Library tomorrow, Thursday, January 10. Dress your child warm! Also, please send your child with their library card to ease their ability to explore their interests. If you would like me to help your child get their own library card, please send me a separate email and I will start the process. Thank you!

• Upper El Work Share on Tuesday, January 15, 1:30-2:30 pm.  This year's UE Work Share is divided into two days. Little Elk will be sharing on Tuesday, January 15 from 1:30-2:30pm. After the end of work share, children will clean up and finish the day to dismiss at the regularly scheduled time. You are welcome to relax in our newly opened cafe space while you wait!

 

The January work share is an opportunity for children to share their learning process with you. During this time your child will teach you about one or more of their favorite works. Guides will be present, but will intentionally stay in the background, in an effort to make space for your child to lead and shine. We have one afternoon for our whole class to participate in Work Share, so we ask you to observe the following guidelines:

• Please choose one adult to accompany each child. 
• Please do not bring any siblings. This will help give space and attention to the work your child is sharing. 
• While it is tempting to connect with the other parents, or guides, please try to keep your focus on the children. 
• While it is tempting to record for posterity, please leave your phone or camera outside the classroom. Be present with your child. 
• If your child should ask you to do something for them, first ask questions like "what would you do if I wasn't here?" or "I would love to see how you do it, yourself." Remember that your child strives to be independent in their work here at school, and can ask another child for help.

• Gym-Appropriate Indoor Shoes are Required:  This is a reminder that children need to wear tennis shoes for Physical Education in the gym starting Monday, January 14. If your child already wears tennis shoes as their indoor shoes, no adjustment is needed. If your child wears something other than a basic "tenni" or athletic shoe in class—such as a moccasins, Ugg boots, or slippers—please help them find a pair of tennis shoes for gym.  Little Elk has gym every Monday afternoon, and it is required. If you need help finding a pair of tennis shoes, just let us know and we can help out.  

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday around 1:30!

In partnership,

John, Seth and Elizabeth

L.E.R.U. 12/14

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. 

Pre-Conference Questionnaire (for Little Elk Parents)

The purpose of this form is to provide a tool for families to share reflections and observations with the guide. As we will have a limited amount of time during conferences—and as 5th and 6th year students lead their conferences—I would like to provide parents an opportunity to share observations and feedback electronically. This can help us make good use of the short time we have together, and keep our conference focused on your student's work. 

Sharing reflections also helps adults get to know each other and better support the child.  Filling out this form is not required, but I would greatly appreciate hearing from you by Wednesday, November 28. Thank you in advance for your time and effort.

the link—  https://goo.gl/forms/pnMjYMoLht93RXRR2

Thank you!

Just here to report that the potluck feast was a big hit. Thank you for all your contributions!

Happy Thanksgiving,

John & Seth