Our class had a fun and busy (and very hot!) first day of school. We made clay animals, sang "Down By the Bay," wrote about our summer vacations, used a magical tool, and learned what makes a happy marker. We read Kevin Henkes's Chrysanthemum, watching for the problem in the story, his use of interesting words, and how much he loves the number three.
A lot of the beginning of the year involves setting up a common base that we build off of for the rest of the year. We work on establishing a class culture, norms, and community. We develop rules and learn procedures and structures that keep our day flowing smoothly. We learn about each other and build relationships and trust. And we challenge everyone to do their best, setting high standards for everything from passing the door to the person behind you to writing narrative nonfiction. As Paula Denton and Roxann Kriete say in The First Six Weeks of School, "The first week is a time to help children see their school as a place where they belong and where they know and can meet expectations. They need to feel comfortable and supported, excited and challenged."
All of the teachers and staff at the Lowell School are looking forward to all of the learning and growing that lies ahead. We have a lot to do, and we are excited to do it!
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