Quick Request

Friends,

Happy Tuesday to all of you on this cold morning. We had a busy day yesterday full of wonderful learning and exploration. We began our day with a quote from Confucius~ “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” Students pondered the meaning and concluded that self reflection is a critical part of wisdom and learning. They agreed that imitation is often how we learn, yet it may be the easiest way to gain knowledge. We talked about how we learn from other people and that we often imitate people. Students also discussed experience and how that can be bittersweet at times.  We then continued our Curiosity Tournament and sat in awe as we watched an artist from Finland literally paint with light. The class also compared an artist's rendition of an optical illusion.

For mathematics, we continued working on our problem of the month. Students worked collaboratively to communicate their thinking in a  way that others could follow. We continue to find inherent challenge in written explanation of our thinking. We will continue work with these problems and design posters of our "proofs". 

Later, we continued our exploration into Water Scarcity  as we read One Well and responded with an informational essay on information synthesized from two texts. At the end of the day, Olivia began a new read aloud with a beautiful story A Long Walk to Water. This is based on a true story about Salva Hut, who was a refugee in Sudan. The book communicates the struggle that Salva faced when war entered his homeland. The book has a parallel story about Nya, who walks miles each day in a quest for clean drinking water. 

We introduced a book from Jon Muth based on a famous story from Leo Tolstoy. The book, There Questions, follows a young boy as he ponders big questions about life. When is the right time, what is the right thing to do and which is the most important one? Students completed a written response about what they felt were life's biggest and most important questions. After discussion, we concluded that kindness for others is the best thing to do and living in the present is the right time. Reminds me of my favorite quote from Dr. King~ it is always the right time to do the right thing. 

Your children love working on their Mars rovers and spent time today refining their final products and creating presentations about their work. They re also reflecting on the process of their learning. We have found we are in a huge need for double A batteries and hot glue replacement sticks. If you are willing to purchase some double A batteries or hot glue gun sticks, we would be so grateful.

We are so happy to have Olivia back. 

Kindly,

Rebecca and Olivia