Getting to know each other in the 1st week

Ms. Cazz giving 5DC students their first art lesson.

Hello!

I must start off my first saying how great your children have been this entire week.  Although I am new to Singapore and this school, your children made me feel like I have known them a lot longer than the 4 days I have spent with them.  Within the class, positivity is king and your children have demonstrated that they can bring this attitude and share it with each other over the course of the day.

During this first week of classes, we had fun learning about one each other.  One such activity that initiated creating awareness of each other was a simple "Find someone who ________ (is left handed)" activity.  In large groups, we also went on to create a book about themselves as a group so we could highlight positive and constructive components of group work.

Looking within is also a skill that we will practice frequently in fifth grade, and this week I started them off with an activity that required them to compare themselves with someone inside a football (soccer) stadium.  It was very refreshing to see that students chose positions ranging from spectator to journalist to midfielders and attackers, demonstrating their ability to reflect on their own strengths.

On Friday, after a week together, we spent the morning writing our classroom essential agreements.  I was very proud to see them work democratically with each other, taking turns sharing and listening to the ideas of others.  It took longer than expected, but it was all done by your children.  I am extremely pleased with the list of agreements that resulted from the session as it also points to many more great moments of collaboration to come throughout the year.

The classroom is looking for a designated class parent who can help in coordinating any class celebrations or events.  It is a voluntary position, though I ask that whoever begins the position is able to commit to it for the remainder of the year.  Please contact me if you are interested.

A class blog is ready to go, however, I am looking for you to give your child permission to participate in the blog.  Full details have gone home with your child today.  Please return the permission slip at your earliest convenience. 

Thank you for:

-turning in all the questionnaire about your child's learning over the next year

-turning in updated contact and mailing address information

-all your support

Next week:

-please continue sending lunches with your children as the canteen menu is finalized

-Art - Monday

-PE - Wednesday, Thursday

-Music - Friday