Newsletter: January 25, 2014

Dear Families,

This felt like a quick week. Not only was it a four-day week but we also wrote and prepared our parts for Gathering, rehearsed, had our pictures taken, and walked to the Richland County Public Library. Throw in all the research we've been doing and suddenly it was Friday. Whew!

I want you all to know how thoroughly impressed I've been by the kids' work during these expert projects. I told my wife tonight when I got home "You would just never guess these are second graders - to see them doing this work and taking it so seriously." Their enthusiasm for their country research has been a source of great energy. Particularly for me. Earlier in my career any research I asked my kids to do was very watered down. And even with that I'd often go home with a headache from the daily hour-long chorus of "Mr. Hass, I need you!" Of course, I've learned over the years how to better support the kids so they can be far more independent. And they've responded, in turn, by reminding me how important it is to never underestimate children.

Because of the flow of our week I felt like we didn't get to spend as much time thinking as mathematicians as I would have liked. We'll make the necessary adjustments next week to address this. After spending time working at complex addition problems using the blocks we'll begin to do this work on paper using the traditional method you remember from your own schooling ("carrying the one"). We'll also begin working on subtraction problems that require regrouping. Some of the kids already know how to do this on paper by "crossing out and borrowing." We'll work to make sure everyone understands exactly why it works this way. Better understanding leads to greater flexibility as mathematical thinkers. This, of course, offers the opportunity to develop multiple strategies when encountering a complex problem.

A Few Quick Notes:

1. I have a sign up sheet prepared for our Student Led Conferences the week of Valentine's Day. Dr. Mueller will be putting this up in the front of the school sometime next week. Be on the lookout for it so you can reserve your spot.

2. There is no need to buy all those Valentine cards from your big box store of choice (unless you just really love them).  We'll be doing something a little different to celebrate the day. I'll provide details later but wanted to offer a heads up in case anyone purchases early.

3. Many of the kids have been coming to school without a coat, hat, or gloves. Although we chose to stay in today because the "feels like" temperature was about 10 degrees and we had already walked to the library and back, most days we are out playing. Please help the kids remember to bring all they will need to stay warm.


That's it for this week. Short, but direct - sort of like our Gathering today. Thanks again to everyone who was able to make it out to see us share our learning with the school. For those of you who had conflicts, we'll share highlights during Curriculum Night this Thursday from 6:15 - 7:00 as well as share our latest work as non-fiction writers.

Have a great weekend,
Chris