And The People We Meet...

 Sam, Jason and Gwen came into our classroom this morning to spend time getting to know the Cardinals.  We will be starting resource experiences soon and all of the teachers were eager to begin to develop a rapore with the children before our actual starting date. Becoming acquainted with the children in their own classroom where they are comfortable  was a wonderful way to begin these new relationships.  We were getting ready to begin Morning Meeting when they arrived and we were so happy to have new friends join our meeting time.  Shannon asked if anyone was interested in sharing something that we have been working on at Morning Meeting and Zander volunteered to explain our Cardinals' Caring Contract.  We enjoyed having our new friends join us for a little time during Choice Time as well!

 Our 5th grade buddies also visited our classroom today. They are learning to be writers and their work today was to observe the children and  hopefully be inspired to write in their writers notebook.  The Cardinal friends were very interested in talking to and playing with the students and we  are planning a day where they will come back for time to interact and play with our children!  As you see, the Cardinals are very social children!  They love opening our classroom to new friends and enjoy new experiences!

 

We went on a adventure throughout our AFS school today and met so many new friends!

 Chris Buzby- Upper and Middle School Music Teacher

 

 Barry and Tom- School Maintenance

 Andrew Bickford- Stella's Dad and Upper School Teacher

 Kristin Moyer- Violet's Mom and Middle School Teacher

 Andrew showed us the beautiful stained glass window that Stella's Pop-Pop made for our school.

Erin Timmer- Kate's Mom and Middle School Teacher

 Kristina Denzel- Stella's Mom and Upper School Teacher

 Kristina invited us into her science class to meet her 11th grade students and to see the pet Gecko, Apollo.  The children loved visiting and touching Apollo!

Our days are so full and we are so appreciative of the gifts that our school  community brings to all.  Magical, teaching moments are all around for us to partake and we are truly thankful for them.
 Have a wonderful long weekend with your children!

Exploring Leaves ....Sharing Quiet Places...

Let's take a closer look...

 This week, Wyatt's mom sent in a note with a book that was filled with pressed leaves.  She explained that they had gone on a walk and found beautiful leaves that were changing color in their neighborhood.  She thought the Cardinal class would like to examine them.  

 Wyatt invited friends at Choice Time to visit a table where the leaves were displayed for further investigation.  The children began by sorting and classifying the leaves by shape, color and size.  They asked questions about  "where the leaves came from and what types of trees grow the leaves"

 Interest and discussion emerged as the children had the opportunities to touch, feel and compare the leaves. The children were asked if they thought there was any tool at the Science center that might help them to further investigate.  Wyatt and Samuel decided the magnifying classes would be a good choice to help them look more closely at the leaves.

Interest in the leaves was sparked by this lovely invitation that Wyatt and family brought to our class!  We will be sure to bring our magnifying glasses with us on our campus walks and we will also visit our Lower School library to see if we can find some books about trees and leaves to support this interest.  This feels like only the beginning of wonderful exploration....

     

A Quiet Place, by Douglas Wood

We gathered for Morning Meeting on our Block Area rug this morning and formed a large circle around beautifully lit candles.  The colored lit candles and the soft lights set the tone for a lovely, quiet meeting.  The children were asked to close their eyes and listen...listen to the quiet sounds of our classroom ...
The children were then asked to reflect on how they felt when our space became quiet....what were some of their thoughts.... what were some of the feelings they were feeling as our classroom changed ...
We then introduced the beautifully illustrated book A Quiet Place, by Douglas Wood.   This book draws the reader /listener to places that are far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life-a place that isn't ringing or talking or roaring or playing.  Exploring what it is like to find a special place where we can all think our own thoughts and feel our own feelings is so beautifully highlighted in this special book clearly aligning with Quaker values and Meeting for Worship.

Engage your child in finding their own quiet place at home tonight!