Newsletter: Friday, January 17

Dear Families,

As you know, we have started work on our expert projects. The theme of these projects is Countries and Cultures of the World. To prepare us for this work the class and I worked collaboratively to conduct an inquiry into China. After finding all sorts of fun facts we worked to organize our information into smaller subtopics. These became: Schools, Language, Places, Food, Clothes, Animals, and Having Fun. The kids have been busy putting together all their information and then creating a poster board display to share out.

 

This shared experience really prepared us for the work we are now doing around our own individual projects. A few days ago I asked everyone to share one of their research books and tell us a little about why they chose the country they did. It was fun to hear all the personal connections ("My family is from there", "My mom was an exchange student there", or "I'm going to be going there this year") as well as the eagerness to learn about somewhere totally unknown ("I don't know anything about it but I thought it would be fun to learn about"). 

These projects are much different than the expert projects you are used to in kindergarten and first grade in that they are not home assignments. Almost all the research will be conducted here at school. The facts will be sorted at school. And the major planning will be conducted at school. The kids are older now than they were before (an obvious statement) and are ready to become more independent in their work. However, the biggest reason we do this work at school is because this process is not about creating a final project to share (although we'll surely do this). No, the reason for our second and third grade expert projects is to allow us to explore science and social studies while also learning about non-fiction texts, non-fiction reading, and non-fiction writing. It's the process of research that allows us to do this. As we work on our projects we'll learn about the features and purposes of the table of contents, italics, bold-face print, maps, photographs, captions, the index, and so much more. We'll discuss the difference between fact and opinion, learn how to take notes, and talk about reading with a purpose in mind. That's a lot, yet there's more that will surely be uncovered along the way.

So...thanks so much for sending in the books. We'll spend the next week or so collecting and sorting facts. The part you will play at home is to help look through their facts with them and find a few elusive answers to their lingering questions. You can expect this in another week or two. After the kids finish all their research and create their boards they'll bring them home to practice their presentations with you. 

They were very excited to begin these projects and continue to cheer when it's time to work on them each day. I love their enthusiasm. These projects will make up the bulk of our Gathering next Friday. Our thought for the week will be "The World is a Beautiful Place to Discover."

Stepping away from our curricular studies...I hope you have heard about our wonderful new MAT. Ms. Nozsa has just completed her first week with us and I can't imagine a better start. Here is a short note of introduction from her: 

Hello!

My name is Nozsa Tinsley and I am the MAT intern in Mr. Hass’ class this semester. I was born and raised in the very small town of Lancaster, SC where my entire family still lives. I have a younger brother who recently turned 17 and whom I adore! I received my undergraduate degree in psychology from USC, so needless to say I am definitely a Gamecock fan. I am a very active person and one of my favorite parts of the day is being outside for recess with the students.

I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to work with Mr. Hass and all of your lovely children. The few days that I have been in the classroom I have learned so much about your children. They each have their own personality and are such fun to be around. I have felt welcomed since the day I walked into the classroom and I believe this will be a great semester for your students and for myself. I can’t wait to start teaching lessons with them and also learning from them. I’m excited about all the possibilities this semester holds and I can’t wait to meet you all. I’m sure that you are all as amazing as you children.

 

 

As always, thanks for all your wonderful support. Have a great long weekend!

Chris