Edgewood's Tiger Talk
April 20, 2018
K5 Engineers
K4 Inquiry
Worms!
Notes from the Principal
In math instruction, we often talk about giving children enough time for "productive struggle" before jumping in and leading them to the answer. When we do that, we just teach them to depend on us or unconsciously give them the message that they can't do it without our help. We try to ask questions like, "Where exactly are you stuck?" "What do you know so far?" "Where have you seen a problem like this before?" Not jumping in is hard. And, if we want kids to be resilient, stick-with-it adults, we need to give them plenty of opportunities to develop the trait as kids.
Here are some other places and ways we can help students to develop resilience, both in and out of school:
- Keep things in perspective and nurture a hopeful, optimistic outlook. "What are you looking forward to?" "This is going to turn out well in the end"
- Have a conversation after he/she finishes something hard. What have they learned? This helps kids begin to realize what they're made of.
- Teach/talk with them about how change is a part of living. Our goals are always changing and adapting, just as we are.
- Think about your child's network--family, friends, etc. We rely on the networks we build to support us when the going gets tough.
- When something goes wrong, like they leave a bike outside and it rains, avoid "why" questions. "Why did you do that?" Instead, go for how. "How will you fix the rusted chain?"
- Don't have all the answers; say "I don't know", and work through the solution with them. This models real-life problem-solving for kids.
Resilience doesn't suddenly develop when kids turn 16 or 18 or 21. It is built gradually over time through hundreds of smaller actions. It's often easier to just answer the question or do it for them, but in the long run, it may not give us the outcome we want. Thinking back on your childhood, what experiences helped you to become a resilient adult?
http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/resilience.aspx
https://psychcentral.com/lib/10-tips-for-raising-resilient-kids/
Spotlight on Second Grade
They used videos, websites, and books to collect information about the 7 different continents.
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PE With Mr. Warneke
EHSA Update
Thank you to those that came out for April EHSA meeting. Mrs. Malkovich and Mrs. Boyd were able to share information about the full day K4 program starting next year, and some of the changes that will be happening at Edgewood to accommodate a second K4 classroom.
Now is a great time to get involved! Our May and June meetings will be very important. We will be planning our end of the year and beginning of the year events- including the back to school picnic and fall fundraisers. We will also be holding board elections for EHSA President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. Meetings begin at 6:30, join us at 6:15 for treats and socializing. Children are welcome.
We are working to increase our parent communication to those that cannot make it to meetings, but would like to stay involved. If you are not on our email list- please email ehsagreenfield@gmail.com and we will add you.
Looking ahead:
May 8th 6:30 PM EHSA Meeting: 2018-2019 Event calendar including fundraisers and volunteer opportunities
May 11th 2 PM - Edgewood Walkathon with the Brewers Racing Sausages (fundraising forms will be in Thursday Folders)
June 12th 6:30 PM EHSA Meeting: EHSA Board Elections and planning beginning of the year events
Know any kids who will be in K4 next year? Or have new kids in the neighborhood?
Do you have a child who will be in K4 in the fall? Do you know anyone who will? Or see new kids in the neighborhood? Please encourage them to enroll early. This helps us to have the right staffing to meet student needs. You can enroll by:
1) Visiting the District Office located at: 4850 S. 60th St., Greenfield, WI 53220
2) Visiting the District Website: http://greenfield1.schooldesk.net/Parents/Enrollment-Information
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Upcoming Dates
4/23-4/24: 4th Grade Forward Testing*
4/25-4/30: 3rd Grade Forward Testing*
*If you're scheduling appointments these days, it'd be helpful to schedule them later in the afternoon so that students have time to complete the exams.
4/27: Coffee with the Principal, 8-8:30am in the Learning Commons--all parents/guardians are welcome!
5/7-5-11: Teacher Appreciation Week
5/11: Walk-a-thon (2:00 at school)
5/25: No School, Professional Learning
5/28: No School, Memorial Day
6/7: Field Day--Mr. Warneke will be sending out a volunteer sign-up in the near future
6/7: Last Day of School for K4
6/8: Last Day of School (Early Release)