Friday, November 8, 2013

Success in the Savanna, 11/8/13


Dear Parents,

This week has been full of “teachable moments.”  The Outdoor Lab began our week with hands-on-learning about simple machines.  We had a fun time hiking through the woods to the various learning stations.  Ask your child how many third graders it takes to lift up an Outdoor Lab staff member with a lever.  You may be a bit surprised by the answer you get.  After lunch, the children learned about different animals at the Animal Lab.  We talked about the difference between omnivores, carnivores and herbivores as well as adaptations and camouflage for survival.  Thanks to all of the parents who joined us.  On Wednesday we continued our learning in the classroom with lessons on Ancient Greece, rounding, and sentence structure.  We also used a Chris Van Allsburg book to inspire our writing pieces for this week.  Finally, we concluded the week with a hands-on lesson in the Tuckahoe park, guided by our Outdoor Coordinator, Nancy Libson. 

 As you know, Monday was the end of the first quarter.  Overall the children have adjusted to third grade well.  They are taking responsibility for their assignments and their books with ease, and are able to demonstrate what they have learned in a variety of ways.  The pace of our studies will increase (just a bit) during the second quarter. I am confident that the children will be able to meet these new challenges if they keep doing the good job they have done to date. 

         Below are some important November dates to place on your calendars.  If you could please let me know if your child will not be at school on Monday or Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving I would appreciate it. 

Mon. 11/11- Veterans Day Observation- No School
                  Fri. 11/22- Report Cards Issues
                  Wed 11/27-Fri 11/29 Thanksgiving Break

         Enjoy the weekend! 

                                                                                 Sincerely,
                                                                                 Ms. Coffman


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