Welcome to our new school year!
As you can see from the photos, we have started the year with 'engineering' challenges, fostering collaborative partnerships and fundamental engineering design principles. The first challenge was to build the tallest structure possible under the constraints of time and materials. The second was to build a structure capable of supporting the weight of at least one dictionary. One idea we will continue to explore is the function of the various parts of their structures. Efficiency of form, designing something that does what you want it to, and sharing ideas are embedded throughout. The kids are very ernest in their collaboration, skills that will help us throughout the year. Most of them initiate their work independently and then jump into partnership. Really interesting to witness!
This coming week we will also begin to look around our immediate natural world and imagine how its earliest inhabitants, the Miwoks, survived. We are so fortunate here at Edna because of our proximity to our amazing early history. Did you know that Edna Maguire sits on top of one of the largest Miwok villages in Mill Valley? And, the rumor is that during the excavation of our building human remains were discovered? And, several stone tools were discovered in our old garden? We have a rich history right here in our own backyard!
We are establishing our classroom routines in the midst of all of this, too. One important routine is homework. Next week's homework will come home Monday. It is simply to bring in a book to read during reading workshop (some have already found a book in class...check with your child) and to establish the all-important nightly reading habit. Third graders are to read between 20-30 minutes nightly.
Lastly, I am so happy to begin the year with this group of kids. They already demonstrate kindness, curiosity, and a willingness to work hard. It is going to be a great year.
Many thanks,
Carrie
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