Week of 4/20/18
License to Pen
You have probably heard of our famous “License to Pen”, it is a topic of conversation in our classroom, especially as of late.
The License to Pen work is a series of 12 cursive cards that the children must “translate” from print to their cursive. Once the series of 12 cards is completed, with 100% accuracy, the children receive a license to use a pen in our classroom which they are able to pick from, out of a special box.
Having this work as an option has many aims. It provides a goal for the students to work towards. In working towards that goal it encourages concentration. The children have to focus on what it is they are writing, some even have to go double check how a letter is made in cursive. It promotes working slowly, writing neatly and taking their time, something that isn’t always a priority of the second plane child. It also supports peer encouragement. Once one child earns their license, there usually is a chain effect of other people working hard to earn theirs. Lastly, it encourages preserving, not giving up on something. The children work so hard in order to earn their pen.
In the coming weeks, you will be packing for camp. Please allow your child to be a part of this process as much as possible. If they are the ones packing it, they are likely to feel more comfortable at camp. They won’t be so worried about having everything they need, because they will have been the ones who packed it. Also, please be checking the weather for Shelby, Mi (the town, not the township),when you are packing. It is best to dress in layers up there!
If you have any questions about camp or anything else, feel free to send an e-mail, sfranklin@montessoriradmoor.org.
Kindly,
Ms. Sara, Mr. Ben and Ms. Danielle
Week of 4/13/18
Hi Parents,
Third Year Testing
This week the third years have been focusing on test preparation. With this, we are learning test taking strategies. Some things we are focusing on are:
- skimming the test to get an idea of what the questions are
- if you don’t know something, guess and make a tick mark to indicate you need to go back to that question if there is time
- read the questions in their entirety
- try to figure the answer out before reading your options
- for math use logical thinking and estimation to help you.
Some other things we have talked about are making sure to take care of your body and mind. Make sure you are getting enough sleep and having a healthy breakfast.
For the first year that they take the IOWA test, we are really focusing on test taking skills and strategies. What we hope to instill and develop in the children is the practical life skill of taking a standardized test. As I expressed to the children, this year, the test can be used as a tool to see areas of strength and areas for improvement.
Third years will be taking the IOWA test in the library next week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. There will be snacks provided and gum for when they are taking the test. If you would like to send an additional snack, you are more than welcome to. There is no need to send them with additional gum though; there will be plenty of that here.
It is important that your child arrive to school on time next week, no later than 8:45, so the testing can begin on time. If you have additional questions about the test, please feel free to send an e-mail, sfranklin@montessoriradmoor.org.
Have a great weekend! We are looking forward to a wonderful week next week!
Kindly,
Ms. Sara, Mr. Ben and Ms. Danielle