• Feb022012

    POSTED AT 12:00 PM

        As I write this message the thermometer reads 52 degrees!  It is hard for me to think of Valentine's Day and Super Bowl games in spite of what the calendar says. None-the-less, it is February. 
       Our class is collecting small boxes to use as Valentine's catchers.  The classic holder is an empty tissue box.  If you have any other vessels that would serve the same purpose, please send them in to class.  If you have extras, please send those as well.  We will be decorating them as the day draws near.
         Please be mindful of how cold our playground can be even on these mild winter/spring days.  The wind blows through with purpose making recess a chilly event.
         Our classroom continues to discuss how we can include all children.  Our class is filled with "friend detectives"  who seek out children on the playground who appear to be alone.  They invite the child to play with them making the world a kinder place to be.  We share these stories, and others of kindness towards others following recess.  It only takes a minute to make someone go from "lonely" to "wanted".
    0 Comments Comments are closed

    Jan122012

    POSTED AT 11:59 AM

        We begin our month by talking of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  He is an inspiration and an American hero.  The children have enjoyed adding to their knowledge base of  Dr. King.  We have likened his teachings to the atmosphere at Cole School where we work to include each other and treat each other with respect.  We have concluded that we are fortunate to be living in a post Dr. King world.  May we never forget his lessons of creating change through peace.
    0 Comments Comments are closed

    Dec012011

    POSTED AT 12:12 PM


           I look forward to seeing you at our conference.  If for some reason you cannot make our time,  please let me know. We can easily reschedule 
          We will have a Solstice Celebration on December 22.  It will involve p.j.'s and flashlights.  Watch for more information as the time draws near. 
         As part of our awareness of others, the Super Stars of room 212 have been charged with being "Friend Detectives."  Ask your child to explain this concept to you.
         Best wishes to you and your family.

     Debbie Holt
    0 Comments Comments are closed

    Oct052011

    POSTED AT 07:34 AM

        Your student may have told you that I want them to make mistakes.  It is true.  I have told them from the first day of first grade that if they do not make mistakes, they are not doing their jobs as learners.  I liken it to the Goldilocks principle: if the work is too easy, no errors; if the work is too difficult, hopelessness; if the work is just right, mistakes are made as risks are taken and thoughts are processed. We celebrate academic risk taking and are champions of errors.  Through our mistakes, we learn so much. 
         Keep your eye out for a notice from Mr. Middleton-Cox about our annual Halloween parade. (Hint: it is on Halloween!)  It will be a goulish time for all!
         Enjoy!
     
    0 Comments Comments are closed