“A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dates all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.” -Agatha Christie
Our week started with a cast party for Finding Nemo, Jr. We enjoyed watching a recording of the play and eating the delicious Finding Nemo themed cake Leah (our MS math teacher) made.
We had a multitude of math lessons this week. We have a range of work going on in Upper El, from adding and subtracting fractions to multiplying decimals to working with cubing and cube roots. When possible, students work together with classmates on their lessons, but many times, students work independently since everyone truly moves at their own pace in their math work. This allows each student to spend just the right amount of time on each concept before moving on to a new lesson. Assessment happens continuously through observations, assignments, and meetings with me. Many math concepts that seem complex become simple through the use of materials. As soon as students are ready, we look for patterns in the answers to their written work and discover the algorithm together. They move to work without materials when they are ready and then move onto the next lesson.
Our class meeting this week focused on lunch preparations when a student noticed that people are taking too long at the microwave and sometimes walking away from their food while it is heating. Each student took turns brainstorming solutions, and after a quick discussion, the class made a collective decision about some solutions to the problem. Putting decision making in the hands of the students creates an environment where they feel in control and respected. It also creates a classroom that runs smoothly.
We enjoyed getting back to Book Buddies this week after missing the last two weeks. This is a highlight of the week for Upper El students. They have become excellent teachers to their kindergarten friends.
Wishing a very Happy Mother’s Day to all our moms. You are all amazing!
