The Navigator Dispatch
Moon Edition
October 14, 2016
Our Noteworthy Week in a Nutshell
The teachers put up big giant wall-sized maps in the hallway, and then we explained to each of our classes that we would be working together to create a map with the other rooms. In each room we had the students construct the different items and then add them to the map. They painted black roads, used wavy rollers with variations of blue for bodies of water, collected leaves on a nature walk to symbolize trees, and then decorated individual houses for themselves. Their creativity and design really make the map unique! Next to the AM map is the PM map, so it is also interesting for both sessions of students to see the other, and it generates good comparing and contrasting conversation.
I am not including pictures of the maps so that you can come and take a look yourself during conferences next week!
The students were thrilled that the easel was open to paint. Since opening the discovery table to practice cutting, many students have gotten much more comfortable cutting. This was helpful when they were working roads, rivers, lakes, and ponds for the map.
In the other centers, maps remained. I kept them engaging by adding different sets of vehicles, people, and animals to explore the maps and towns in different ways. Students seem to deepen their understanding of map keys, and using maps to "travel." You'll hear about their application of these skills during cooking and conversation, which was really amazing to observe!
A word from our Specialists...
Cooking & Conversation with Ms. Gerber
This week in Cooking & Conversation we continued our investigation of maps. The students used maps of the classroom to locate the hidden ingredients necessary for a trail mix recipe. To do this, the children worked in small groups to interpret the map key to identify different furniture and areas of the classroom and then hunted for their ingredients. In completing this task the class reviewed the some of the newer vocabulary such as map key and birds eye view as well as spatial concepts such as next to, in front of, behind, and across from. The Young Explorers really seemed to enjoy this week’s activity and did a great job using their new map skills.
Caring Community with Ms. Gurwin
The Second Step theme of the week is following directions. In Caring Community, we read the book, Know and Follow Rules, which discusses the directions to follow in a variety of areas-school, home, park, etc! We talked about how a direction is usually something we need to do in order to learn and to be safe. We went over a variety of rules we have at school (keep hands to self, listen to the teacher), at home (clean up, be nice to siblings) and at the park (being careful on the equipment, including everyone!) The students chose their own rules for their imaginary castles-discuss the rules in your homes and other ways your children can follow directions (with chores, getting ready in the morning, etc!)
Movin' & Groovin' with Ms. Rachel
This week in Movin and Groovin we went apple picking on scooter boards to work on hand strengthening, shoulder girdle strengthening, and and back extension. We also did yoga to work on balance and to control our bodies!
Next Up!
Snack
Mystery Explorer
Mariel you are being rescheduled to December 9th. Ellen, you are rescheduled to Fri. December 23rd. I'm trying to make sure each student has a parent or family member come in 1 time before any students get a second round. Hope you understand!
Need-to-Know Dates
Conferences October 19 & 20
Thursday October 20th
Friday October 21st
Monday October 24th
- Sherpas will need to be checked into the office by 1:00 AM
- We should be returning to school around 2:30 or 2:45
- Kelly Hamstra thanks for being Sherpa #1
- Dani Berman, I'm hoping you are available to be Sherpa #2. Let me know ASAP!
Monday October 31st
Halloween Room Party from 1:30 to 2
- Party Stewards are Jamie Silva, Mariel Leggin, Nicole Wincek, and Priya Patel.
- These are the only parents allowed to attend the party
- Reminder that there should be no food items specifically for the party. We will be signing up for more weeks of snack at conferences, so who ever signs up for this week is welcome to try and send in something with a theme that meets our guidelines. This is the best loophole I can offer!
- All parents welcome!
Next Week: No Motif!
Time to Reset
Hint: Time to think more globally...