We had such a fun week together! Our studies took us into the history of writing and the history of math, where students not only listened to fascinating stories but also experienced history with their hands, experimenting with Mandarin scrolls, writing in cuneiform, making their own paper, and rolling out a Timeline of Math. We also began our first lessons in grammar, math, and science. In Science, students were especially curious as we introduced the scientific method. They’ve already been busy observing, experimenting, and collecting data, which has led to some wonderful discussions. One of the highlights in math this week was “carrying” the million cube. It looks so heavy, but of course it’s not, and the students loved showing their strength for the camera. We also had our first spelling lessons and assessments this week. It’s always a big milestone in Upper when fourth years take their first “test.” (Don’t worry, it’s really more of an assessment after practicing words all week than a test).
Alongside our lessons, we talked about Going Outs, an important part of Montessori Upper Elementary. These are opportunities for students to take something they are learning in class and extend it into the community. If a child feels inspired by a topic and wants to do more research, they can plan a Going Out. It is not required, but it is always an option for those who are eager to explore further.
We also held our first Literature Circle meeting. These will take place every Friday, and students are responsible for coming prepared with both reading and responses to guiding questions. We ask students to finish this before the discussion last Friday (which essentially means have it done by Thursday). Literature Circle is a way to help students develop discussion skills and enjoy reading in a group setting on a regular schedule. Students are welcome to meet this goal in whatever way works best for them (e.g., reading at school, reading at home, reading outside, reading inside, or reading aloud). However, I do have a suggestion that has proven helpful over the years. To help your child stay on track, we suggest creating a nightly routine of reading for 20 minutes before bed. Twenty minutes a night should be more than enough time to finish the week’s reading. Families are encouraged to read together, take turns, or even get an extra copy of the book if you’d like to share the experience. The key is finding what works best for your family while nurturing a love of reading. Then your child can answer reading questions (found in their yellow folder) at school.
Important Dates:
