Monday, September 3, 2018

Monday News

Dear Families,

We had a very successful first week of school! We are definitely feeling the benefits of a comfortable air-conditioned classroom, thanks to the geothermal cooling and heating system. We spent the week establishing expectations and building our classroom community.

This first newsletter will be an introduction to our outdoor classroom on Thursdays.

Thursday Outdoor Schedule:
7:40-8:00
Tea Ritual
8:00-8:40
Project time
8:45-9:30
Physical Education
9:30-9:45
snack
9:45-11:00
Focused
Lesson
11:00-11:25
lunch 11-11:25
11:25-11:55
Free Explore  11:25-11:55
12:00-12:45
Shinrin Yoku
12:45-1:45
Focused Explore/
Sitspots
1:45 - 2:00
Tea Ritual
2:00 - 2:10
Inside for dismissal

Parts of the Day:
Tea Ritual - The students start the day and end the day together with a mindfulness activity. We will be planting a tea garden and tasting different teas every Thursday. The students will have a tea recipe book with a list of ingredients to take home at the end of the school year.
Project Time - Student-centered research topics that change each trimester.
Lesson- Activities that are connected to the curriculum. Last week we created clans for groups of students. Ask your child about their clan animal.
Free Explore- This is during recess, but students can play in the outdoor classroom. There is a mud kitchen and a moving parts playground.
Shinrin Yoku- This is the active movement part of our day. Students will go on a hike every Thursday.   Click here to watch a short video on Shinrin Yoku
Focused Explore - This is connected to the lesson in the morning and the students must respond to the focused explore in their sit spots.
Sit Spots  - Silent reflection time in their science notebooks, followed by a discussion.
Tea Ritual - A wonderful, calming end to our day!

Odds and Ends:

  • Cross-Country Skiing will be in January and February on Thursdays. Students will be provided equipment and group lessons.
  • Please contact me if you'd like to volunteer!

Enjoy your week,

Mrs. Carter

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