The First Days

The first days and few weeks of school are filled with many words, mostly spoken by me. I spend a lot of time talking, explaining, and introducing. This time is so important and builds a foundation for future successful days and weeks, but I have to say I'm very ready for the children to use their voices more than me when we are done with this time!

We started our first half day with the comparing and contrasting of lower school to upper school, and third grade to fourth. The students were full of excitement as they shared what was different but also the things they were looking forward to. Some were excited to choose from the many books in the upper school library. Others were anticipating what they would learn and create in STEAM. The students were buoyant as they wondered about Spanish, recorders in Music, getting their Bibles at Simchat Torah, and being on the fourth floor. Many shared their sense of accomplishment at being empowered with more independence in Park. I love that in this school we transition from one grade to the next with hope, with joy, and with anticipation of great things ahead.

On Monday students began STEAM, Spanish, Music, and math. We're getting used to our schedules, and our responsibilities as we take care of our classroom through class jobs.

We have spoken about class covenants, brainstorming words for how we will treat one another, our materials, and the space where we work. We've interviewed a member of our community, and are preparing to write our first Google doc for writing.

We have been busy. We are learning much about each other. We are becoming fourth graders!

Students writing interview questions