Hello Blackberry Families,
These past few weeks have been all about building community and routines. We have played games, gotten accustomed to our new room, and also welcomed new friends. We have been familiarizing ourselves with how our days will look and even practicing some new math games. We’ve been coming up with some ideas about different topics we can write about, and learning how to read with a buddy.
So much of our work in the beginning of the year is about getting back into our routines and learning procedures and transitions. We talked about how we want our classroom to feel, look and sound. Our routines help us achieve a classroom that is “peaceful, fun and safe.” We introduced and started our classroom jobs to really build a sense of ownership and responsibility in maintaining our classroom environment.
Our how to writing unit began with us making a cake together. We modeled and shared group writing and practiced using our sequencing words to write out the directions on preparing the cake. We took the children’s words very literally, forcing us to stop often and slow down to remember being specific. We talked about topics we would be comfortable teaching someone else to do, and began our outlines.
As a reminder please remember to send in a family photo. Also, If your child would like a sketchbook they can also bring one in that is labeled with their name.
Communication is an important part of our partnership. In the past we have used ParentSquare to communicate with teachers. Moving forward, the best way to communicate with us is via email. As a reminder our emails are lcruz@theberkeleyschoo.org and apalomar@theberkeleyschool.org please make sure we are both CC’ed in the communication.
At times we get so caught up in making sure our children are the smartest, or kindest, or most well rounded instead of just enjoying them for who they are. We unknowingly project our feelings, fears, and worries to our children. It’s important to remember that they are individuals with their own unique personalities and feelings. We should show up for them as they are and not for who we want them to be.
Upcoming Dates:
9/20-Back to School Night 6-8pm
9/23- Half Day Dismissal at 12:05
10/6-10/7- Fall Conferences
10/10 Indigenous People’s Day-No School
Here are a few snapshots of our first two weeks together:
