I am happy to announce that we began our ambitious undertaking of a new handwork project. Thanks to Amy Chartrey's volunteering, we will make our very own sweater. Or "jumper" as they say in Ireland. This project will test their ability to be persistent and also provide a good socail time for the class. How many people in the world can make their own clothes? I think this is a great opportunity to be self sufficient, have fun and learn useful skills!
If your student is not able to comfortably knit and pearl, they need to practice(more than once). We have two weeks before the next class.
This week our class has been exploring the theme of courage. In addition to hearing stories from parents, we discussed insightful quotes and perspectives. Now I would like them to connect what they learned about courage to their own life in a short in-class writing. These lessons can indirectly address the normal anxiety that can come with starting seventh grade. These difficult teenage years will also require some courage on their part. Courage to risk failure; courage to start again each day; courage to be different; courage to show joy: these are all things we talked about. I hope that by giving some time and thought to the social life of the class, we can grow as a healthy place to share the joy of learning.
Just a reminder that the Cispus ropes course trip is next Thursday Friday; bring permission slips.
School Supplies: I asked the students to have the following by Tuesday: Indoor shoes, last year's dictionaries, last year's recorder, binder (1.5" or larger) with dividers and lined paper, last year's colored pencils (the class can supplement missing colors), calendar planner (to write homework assignments)
It has been a great start on the whole. They may not admit it but they act very happy to be with each other again. I am also so glad to welcome Emma and Ethan into the class. They are fitting in very well and I look forward to seeing them grow into their new school environments.
