Current Elementary II Families
Learn more about how to support your children, our students, while classes are suspended.
Below please find reposts of emails that you have received from your classroom teachers. They are posted newest first. Please scroll through to see all correspondence.
Elementary II Gallery
Please use the arrows on the left and right to scroll through the student work. Also please send your teachers and Suzanne any image that you would like posted in the gallery. Greenroom@bridgeviewmontessori.org and Slawson@bridgeviewmontessori.org
June 15, 2020
Good morning,
Today 4th and 5th year families are scheduled to come pick up belongings that were left in cubbies and drop off books that were borrowed from school, including No Talking by Andrew Clements and The Secret School by Avi. There may have been other books students borrowed for independent reading. We don't have a record of those, but we're not worried about it. Please come between 10 - 12. This is a change in time, as Jolie needs to pick up her 6th grade son's belongings and drop his books off at his school at 9. If 10 - 12 does not work for you, that's okay. There is often someone at the school in the mornings, just ring the bell.
We could also do the exchange on Wednesday afternoon if you come for the graduation parade. 6th graders should bring their books to the parade. Thank you.
Here are our scheduled events this week. Please check your emails for the Zoom login information.
Monday, June 15 - 1:00pm Origami lesson with Brennan Carlson - bring some printer paper
Wednesday, June 17 - 10:00am GRADUATION ceremony video. We will watch together, invite your family to join us!
Of course there is also the parade at 3:00 on Wednesday, the video-play on Thursday evening, and the Talent Show on Friday at noon.
Let us know if we can do anything for you this week!
Jolie and Kathleen
June 8, 2020
Good morning, We have arrived at the last week of school! We are so proud of these kids, we just don't want to let them go, as you can see from the schedule of meetings sent in an email.. Plan ahead for these zoom meetings and events through the next two weeks.
Monday, June 15th, 4th and 5th grade students should plan to come to Bridgeview to collect personal items that were left in cubbies and art work that was in the art show between the hours of 9:00 and 12:00. Please let us know if you need a different time to pick up items.
Monday, June 15 - 1:00pm Origami lesson with Brennan Carlson (Zoom instructions sent in an email.)
Wednesday, June 17 - 10:00am GRADUATION ceremony video. We will watch together, invite your family to join us!
Later on Wednesday the 17th, at 3:00, 6ths graders are expected to "parade" (inside their vehicles) through the Bridgeview parking lot. Bridgeview staff will be there to cheer you on and present you with souvenirs. We invite the 4th and 5th grade families to come (arrive at 2:45) and park along the inside of the lot parallel to the street. Everyone will need to stay inside their cars, but it will be so nice to be at school together one last time in celebration.
The final event on the Bridgeview School calendar is the Talent Show video, which goes live on the school website on Friday, June 19th at noon. That's all. Phew.
One more week of work to go! Jolie and Kathleen
June 1, 2020
Dear Elementary II Families,
Here we go! It is time to discuss the end of the year.
As much as we had hoped we could come together to celebrate, we have had to come to terms with finding other ways. The three big end of year items for EII include, senior project presentations, yearbooks, and 6th grade graduation. Senior project presentations begin this week with Livy's History of Chocolate at 10:00 on Thursday. All EII students should come and any parents or Bridgeview staff who would like to join are also welcome. The Zoom meeting information has been sent in an email.
The other three presentations will be scheduled for next week. Yearbooks are being compiled and will be ready for pick up during the final week of school. This will be a good time to drop off any borrowed books and collect items that were left behind in cubbies. We will give more specifics on that next week.
And, finally, graduation. A special video is already in the works. We will invite the school community to a watch party on Wednesday, June 17 at 10:00 am. It can be watched after that point as many times as you wish. Later that same day, we hope the 6th graders are available to drive (be driven) to Bridgeview for a parade through the parking lot. At that time we will present them with the customary tokens representing their completion of sixth grade. We would like to acknowledge how difficult the end of the school year feels for all of us, including your dedicated teachers! Everyone has risen to the challenge of making remote distance learning work, and we thank all the parents and students for their ongoing efforts. But as we approach the end of the school year, I think we feel more acutely how much we miss all of you, and wish this could have been different. Please let us know of any questions or scheduling conflicts.
Have a wonderful week!
Jolie and Kathleen
May 26, 2020
Hello, we hope you had a lovely weekend.
Just a reminder that today is a combination of a Monday and Tuesday since there was no school yesterday. So, 4ths and 5ths have Lit Circle in the morning and everyone has a class meeting in the afternoon at 1:00. Class meeting Zoom code has been sent in an email.
On Thursday, we welcome students who will be new to the EII class next fall to join us for a virtual tour of the Green room. 4th and 5th year students should prepare some details about the classroom, the work cycle, or the rituals of EII to share with our guests. You have also received that meeting Zoom link in an email.
Enjoy your day,
Jolie and Kathleen
May 18, 2020
Greetings,
It was lovely to end our week on Friday with a combined 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th grade meeting joined by Geneva from the National Marine Life Center. We love her enthusiasm and appreciate her willingness to share her knowledge with us and answer all our questions. We were the first class to ever get a virtual "behind-the-scenes" tour of the seal pups and sea turtles in recovery.
With Memorial Day weekend approaching, we will only have one class meeting this week, today at 1:30. The rest of our routine will remain the same, follow student agendas and encourage your child to submit work promptly so we are not chasing everyone for different assignments at the end of the week. Important projects at each grade level are coming to the end and we don't want anyone falling behind.Have a great day, Jolie and Kathleen
May 11, 2020
Dear EII families,
We ended our week last Friday with a very special presentation about migratory birds. Our guests were funny, engaging, and clearly dedicated to the conservation of bird species. They showed slides with photos of birds being tagged, maps of their migratory paths, and diagrams of how scientists keep track of their locations. Our students had excellent questions. Thank you so much Amy and Scott Weidensaul!
In science this week, fourth and fifth year students have been asked to select a bird to study and complete a short research. A bird graphic organizer was mailed to students last week, but please let me know if you did not receive a package. (The mail service has been a bit puzzling in that not everyone receives mail at the same time.)
Three websites are linked to the work agendas to get the bird research rolling. Students may choose other websites as well, but these offered good information on locally found birds. The graphic organizer is due by Friday, and students will organize this information into paragraphs and create a hand made illustration.
Sixth graders are welcome to choose a bird as well, but they will be finishing up their senior project research this week and continuing the study of chemistry.
We so appreciate the effort and discipline involved in completing work independently at home by the students. We recognize that each situation at home is different, and parents are doing their best to assist their children in taking responsibility for assignments, and completing them in a timely fashion. Thank you all for your hard work and commitment. Let us know, as always, if issues arise or if there are questions about the agendas.
We'll see the students at 1:30 for our regular Monday zoom session,
Jolie & Kathleen
May 8, 2020
Dear Elementary II families,
We had special guests today, Amy and Scott Weidensaul, who study birds. They gave an inspiring presentation about how scientists track birds to learn more about migration patterns to protect them.
May 4, 2020
Good morning,
Wasn't it a lovely weekend? Sun shining, breezes blowing, flowers blooming, and birds, birds, birds everywhere! At Jolie's house there are nests at two different entryways:
And speaking of birds, we will be joined by two experts during our Friday afternoon Zoom session this week. Maggie's aunt, Amy, is the Director of the Ipswich River Sanctuary, an Audubon property on the North Shore, and her husband Scott studies and writes about birds. They plan to present some information about Snowy Owls and other migratory birds. Also, they would like to have a conversation about what we have noticed and what we wonder about these fascinating creatures. Therefore, if you haven't been doing so already, get outside and observe bird behavior this week! Come up with some good questions and write them down so you'll be ready.
As always, let us know if you did not receive your work plan (agenda) for Monday and Tuesday, or if you have any questions about assignments. Troubleshooting technology seems to be half the battle these days, but we can usually find a way to solve issues quickly IF we know about them. We appreciate the photos of work done on paper so we can check for understanding, as well as the delightful photos and videos of students in action. Keep them coming.
We miss seeing you in person,
Jolie and Kathleen
April 28, 2020
Dear Sixth Years,
Sixth Grade Six Week Senior Research Project
This is an exciting and challenging project, and a great opportunity to learn about something that you are truly interested in. Each week you will receive specific instructions. This is the general outline of the timeline.
Week 1, April 27: Complete Research Topic and Questions, Kathleen and Jolie will then make suggestions for websites to use for your research. Begin exploring at those sites.
Week 2, May 4: Research! TAKE NOTES about what you read or see in videos on the websites. Send in your notes so we have a record of your process.
Week 3, May11: Second week of research. Start organizing what you have learned into distinct topics, which will become paragraphs in your report. Look back at your original questions to see that you have found answers or have modified the questions.
Week 4, May 18: Complete an outline to show the topics of each paragraph. Write a rough draft of your research report. Turn it in for a teacher edit and revision suggestions.
Week 5, May 25: Revise your paper and turn in a final draft.
Week 6, June 1: Create a project to share with the teachers, parents, and the class on zoom.
Enjoy your exploration! Kathleen and Jolie
April 27, 2020
Hello!
We hope everyone enjoyed the break and explored some different activities during this past week. With steady resolve, we will move forward with our remote learning, adapting to the many challenges ahead with resilience and optimism.
It's time to begin new Literature Circle books! Please let us know if you did not receive yours. Lit Circle zoom times will remain consistent with this week's schedule, so plan ahead and be on time. (All zoom meetings use the same ID: 572-406-3283)
This week marks the end of April, therefore students should be finished with (or finishing) their independent books and watching the movie version. The goal is to write a compare and contrast essay by the end of the week. There is a worksheet to take notes on during the movie if it helps.
Original Movie notes for Compare contrast (Worksheet)
For math this week, students will be completing math assignments sent by mail in an effort to reduce screen time! Please let us know if you did not receive the math package. Students may choose to pursue Khan Academy independently once they have completed the other assigned activities. The instructional videos on Khan Academy may be helpful in answering student questions.
In science, fourth and fifth year students will be exploring bird life on Cape Cod over the next two weeks. Tuning in to the sounds, colors, and movements of birds offers a wonderful opportunity to engage the senses, and develop an awareness of the environment. This first website offers photographs of commonly observed birds on the Cape. This will help provide background knowledge when the students go outside to listen and observe birds. massaudubon.org/spring-summer-birds
This colorful guidebook from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology offers simple accessible activities to promote an awareness of local birds. This guidebook has been offered as a free download to teachers, paid for by a charitable anonymous person. Do not feel obligated to print out all the pages, which would require a great deal of colored ink. Students can read through the assigned pages and create their own observation sheets to accompany them on their bird sleuthing. This could easily be a family outing. BirdSleuth Explorer's Guidebook.
This last site offers real-time viewing of a number of birds within their nests in case the weather is not conducive for an outing or you just don't see many birds when you go. www.allaboutbirds.org
Sixth year students are welcome to check out the websites about birds, but their assignments will be different for the remainder of the year. We will dive further into atoms, elements, and the periodic table. They have received a chemistry textbook entitled Chemical Building Blocks, along with a study guide. Exposure to the use of an intelligent textbook will provide a bridge to future studies. As always, please read through your Monday/Tuesday agenda carefully and make a plan that allows you to be successful in completing all your work and turning it in (take photos, send screen shots, or share Google docs). We look forward to seeing you at 1:30 for a class meeting!
Sincerely,
Jolie and Kathleen
April 13, 2020
Good morning!
We continue to be impressed by the creativity and dedication of the EII class. In particular, they want more opportunities to see each other, so we added an extra Zoom meeting this week. All meetings will be after lunch so they don't conflict with work cycle . Here is the general schedule, which is also reflected on individual work agendas:
Monday @ 1:00 - entire class
Wednesday @ 1:00 - 4th/5th Lit circle (feel free to join us Elijah!)
Thursday @ 1:00 - 6th grade Lit Circle
Friday @ 1:00 - entire class
[The zoom code has been sent in an email.]
For science on Tuesday, please know this is the second video in a series from Stated Clearly about the atom, continuing from the last video. Please watch and respond as indicated on your work plan. For the students that received the reading package entitled Chemistry: Matter and Change, students should re-read and complete the comprehension questions by Friday. The first two pages were assigned last week and should already be done. The questions are straightforward, and intended to reinforce the facts read about in the packet. This assignment is indicated on Thursday, but students can work on it prior to Thursday as time allows.
After this week, Bridgeview Montessori is observing April vacation, so let's put in maximum effort to complete things on time and turn them in promptly! We thank you in advance for that.
Feel free to let us know how things are going and if there is anything we can do to improve the homeschool/distance learning experience for your child or yourself. It isn't realistic for us to expect the same things from every student. So, if your child needs more or less of something, please tell us! In the classroom, we make frequent modifications as we observe your child at work. We can no longer do that, so we spend our days worried about how they are coping. We really do.
You should have received this week's Mon/Tues agenda already, let us know if you didn't.
Have a wonderful day,
Jolie and Kathleen
A message from sandy, our head of school
April, 7 2020
Dear Elementary Families,
First of all, I want to thank you so much for supporting your child's schoolwork at home. We know it's been a big effort. I just want to remind you that your child's teachers are spending hours every day to prepare and coordinate meaningful lessons. It is our expectation that each child will participate wholeheartedly in lessons at home. In addition, it is very important that you document your child's work and regularly send photos and/or links to classroom teachers. This way teachers will know how best to support your child's progress. You will receive a modified progress report at the end of the school year from your child's classroom teachers. These reports will be based on your child's participation, effort and progress. Thank you so much for helping to complete the cycle of learning.
Sincerely,
Sandy Head of School
April 6, 2020
Happy Monday everyone,
We are back at it, ready for another great week of supporting your distance learning! Please let us know if you did not receive your Homeschool Assignments agenda for Monday and Tuesday so we can resend it and you can get started.
There are a few changes for math this week, so please read through your work agenda with care. I tried to identify specific topics on Khan Academy because otherwise it could potentially be overwhelming. Please complete my suggestions, spend at least 20 minutes in one sitting, and you can always do more voluntarily.
Some students received an additional packet of math in the mail. This packet will be part of your daily math work over the next TWO WEEKS. So again, please complete the daily math work as noted on your daily work plan, and do not attempt to complete everything hastily.
Be sure and email us pictures of your math work, and identify what topics you completed on Khan Academy.
For science this week, you will be watching a video about the atom as background information on the study of chemistry. Some of you will respond just to the video, and some students will receive a reading packet along with questions pertaining to Matter and Change. Reading nonfiction requires a slow and steady focus, so please take your time with the reading, and read it through twice. Although the entire assignment is listed for Tuesday, think of it as DUE on THURSDAY. Spread it out over the three days, and you will learn more, and do a better job.
Remember to work on your labeled Spanish primavera picture which is due this Thursday. Two students already completed this ahead of schedule and emailed us a picture. Feel free to add other pictures with Spanish vocabulary related to spring
You will notice on your agenda that our class Zoom meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 10 this week. Please plan to attend. We miss you, and wish you and your families all the best.
Jolie and Kathleen
April 6, 2020
Hello again,
The very first work on your list this week is a writing assignment that should feel familiar. Peace poetry! In fact, we suggested it as a writing prompt on March 23rd, but very few students sent them in. Even if you did write one before, poetry about such a grand topic could fill a book, in fact it has filled many! Every year the Cape Cod Veterans for Peace ask for submissions of poetry to be judged by a panel. They award five or six prizes per grade level from 1st through 12th grades, and even adults. They suggest that the focus be on thoughts of peace or the abolition of war; what you can do to make the world a peaceful place; inner peace with the goal of mercy and forgiveness; or nonviolent attitudes and actions that can lead to friendship, negotiation, and social justice. This is a LOT of material to work with. Choose a topic and explore it. If you don't like your poem, write another!
The deadline for submitting poetry in the contest is not until May 8, so we have plenty of time. Writing a poem (or two or three) IS required, submitting it to the contest is a choice.
Here are some great examples:
Liberty by Janet S. Wong
I pledge acceptance
of the views,
so different,
that make us America
To listen,
to look,
to think, and to learn
One people
sharing the earth
responsible
for liberty
and justice
for all.
Salva Mawien Dut Ariik by Jolie
Salva was a boy at school in Sudan
When shots interrupted the lesson.
“RUN!” yelled his teacher.
So he ran.
Salva felt scared and confused in a war torn country
When countless strangers appeared.
“He is one of us,” a man said.
So he followed.
Salva hadn’t eaten in days
When a boy discovered a bee’s nest dripping with honey.
“Call the others,” he said.
So they ate.
Salva lost his will to carry on in the desert
When thorns tore his bare feet under the relentless sun.
“Walk as far as those bushes,” Uncle urged.
So he put one foot in front of the other.
Salva reached the refugee camp
When he crossed the Nile River into Ethiopia.
“A, B, C,” instructed an aide worker from Ireland.
So he learned English.
Salva was a young man with no future
When he was chosen to move to America.
“Welcome!” said his new family.
So he began a new life.
Dominoes by Anna Grossnickle Hines
What If? by Anna Grossnickle Hines
March 31, 2020
Hello again, we have added some new suggested works to the agendas this week.
Science (Tuesday): It is natural to begin thinking about the botanical marvels of spring. Please watch this delightful video about how orchids attract pollinators. Following this, check out the website that offers origami orchids patterns! Try one, try a bunch. Enjoy!
orchid-gami
The origami orchids each have a difficulty rating, so it is recommended to start with the easiest origami orchid, which the Showy Lady's Slipper. It has a rating of 1 star. The 2 star orchids include the rosebud, chapman's fringed orchid, the worm vine, and the small spreading pogonia.
Also, it is helpful to read the simple directions located on the right hand side of the website before you begin cutting. Hope this is helpful!
Math (any day): After continuing to investigate online math options, it will come as no surprise to many of you already familiar with Khan Academy, that this is one of the best ways to practice math skills. The following link: www.khanacademy.org/ will take you to the extensive suggested at-home schedule for children of all ages. As you scroll down, math is delineated by grade level. And of course, you may choose to adjust the level, up or down, depending on the child.
What makes this site successful is the online video tutoring on each topic, followed by short, but effective, practice. This could be a wonderful opportunity to fill in any math “holes” by working with the previous grade level.
Reading (Wednesday): A new month means it is time for a new independent reading assignment. Students should choose a book that has been made into a movie. We expect that they choose one that they have neither read nor watched before - it must be new to them! Read the entire book first, then watch the movie to compare. Here's a great site with an extensive list: childrens-books-adapted-movies Let me know what you choose and if you need help acquiring the book.
History (Wednesday): Watch this five minute video about the TerraCotta Warriors of the Qin emperor. Write a paragraph to recount what you learned, what surprised you, and what you wonder about this topic.
Grammar (Thursday): If this is on your work plan, please select a passage from your current literature circle book, or independent reading. This passage should contain at least 3 – 5 sentences. Copy the passage using your best cursive writing, and symbolize each word by drawing the Montessori symbol above each word. When in doubt, use the dictionary to identify the part of speech. Be sure and read the examples provided. It can be tricky when it comes to telling the difference between prepositions and adverbs, for example. It depends on how the word is used.
Spanish (Friday): Let's learn vocabulary related to spring. Please record the following words related to spring and identify their meaning by using a google Spanish translator.
PRIMAVERA (SPRING)
el sol
las mariposas
las flores
los dias largos
las noches cortas
los arboles
las plantas
los pajaros
la abeja
las nubes
For review, please also record the colors listed below, and write the Spanish word for each color next to the English.
Los colores: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, black, white.
Now you are ready to draw and label a spring picture, using phrases or simple sentences to identify parts of the picture. Use knowledge of colors and numbers to add variety to your labeling. We did this when learning vocabulary for autumn, and the pictures were beautiful.
For example, Hay tres mariposas naranjas y negras.
Translates: There are three orange and black butterflies.
Lastly: Please emember, if completed on the day each activity is assigned, these should not be overwhelming. Follow the work plan and a consistent routine of a few hours of schoolwork in the morning and an hour or so later in the day. You will feel proud of the work you can accomplish!
Take care,
Jolie & Kathleen
March 31, 2020
Hello Green Room Famlies,
This is no April Fools Joke! Let's get together tomorrow online to see each other and chat. Join us for a quick meeting before lunch on Wednesday.
Topic: EII Class Zoom
Time: Apr 1, 2020 11:30 AM Eastern Time
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/393296105
Meeting ID: 393 296 105
See you soon,
Jolie & Kathleen
March 30, 2020
Happy Monday,
We are all learning to adjust and adapt to our at home learning. Please know that each week we will send a personalized workplan via email. You should receive it today by early afternoon. If you are ready to start working, feel free to read the vocabulary for the next unit in Wordly Wise, complete a page or two within the Keys series, or read and write for your literature circle.
A change for this week will be to schedule more frequent check-ins. Just as during a normal school day, we plan, and have expectations that you will complete the work, the same applies for assignments at home. You will note on the work plan that we are asking students to contact us by email on both Tuesdays and Thursdays concerning completed assignments. If your child prefers a Zoom check-in or Google "meet" session, please let us know, and we can arrange that.
Upon request, we will be holding a ZOOM EII live CHECK-IN meeting this Wednesday, April 1 at 11:30 a.m. (No, this is not an April Fool's joke!) Be on the lookout for your zoom meeting invitation. This will provide an opportunity to communicate with everyone in the class (who attends), and find out what is working at home, what needs improvement, and what the favorite works thus far have been.
Have you checked the enrichment section of the website? Enrichment-for-All Each of your teachers would love to know how you are staying active (Adrienne) or mellow (Tami), if you are singing or practicing your script (Courtenay), or the many ways you are being creative (Sandy). Send them a message or send it through us. We are happy to pass along notes and photos!
Stay tuned as there is more to come; this is a big adjustment for ALL of us.
Jolie & Kathleen
March 25, 2020
I completed this yesterday to pass the time.
Happy Wednesday everyone!
Kathleen and I spoke this morning from opposite ends of the Cape (Eastham to Falmouth). We are equally impressed by the way so many of you are keeping in touch with us. We love your questions, your input, your completed assignments, and we want MORE. Please don't wait until Thursday to send us things. Take more photos, send us more documents. Teaching from a distance is very challenging because we have such limited access to our students and their work. We'd love to know what "nonacademic" activities they are engaged in, as well. Check out the gallery of photos and videos on the website to feel more connected to other Bridgeview families https://www.bridgeviewmontessori.org/current-elementary-ii-families
I bet you have discovered that there are countless resources online. Kathleen and I are inundated with notifications about new online opportunities. Though we are tempted to recommend these, we are dedicated Montessori teachers who feel conflicted about directing you toward screens. On the other hand, we know you can't get out into the world to experience things like you once could. That said, we decided we would draw your attention to just one or two online resources per week. Kathleen provided several for math and language in her last email. And, here is the next Time for Kids magazine that the students might enjoy.
Time for Kids
If they choose to read it, I would love for them to write a response. What did they learn? What do they think about the topic? What more would they want to know? Since this isn't on the work plan this week, it could be done next week if you feel they have enough to do.
Looking forward to hearing from every student tomorrow (or tonight!),
Jolie
March 23,
Dear Elementary II,
Hope everyone is getting in a workable routine at your house for completing assignments. You are all having the opportunity to practice independence and responsibility.
Personally speaking, when I am planning at home, I like to get my "least favorite" activity accomplished first. That way I do not have something hanging over my head; just a suggestion for prioritizing your work and activities at home.
I have been investigating online free math sites that are not overly busy and distracting. For this week, I would like everyone to check out Math Games. Click on your grade level, and you will be given a wide array of topics and activities. It is free, but you have to live with seeing the same graphic uploaded each and every time you select a new activity. You can upgrade and be rid of the graphics for a fee.
For this week, I would like everyone to complete (at least) the first activity under each topic as a sampler. When you identify a topic that you would like to investigate further, please go in order for the simple reason that it will be easier to keep track of what you have accomplished. I would love your feedback about this site. I think it works well with what we are learning in class, and it is rather fun to complete the exercises. There are several levels for each exercise.
As part of your e-mail check-in with us this Thursday, please indicate that you have sampled the variety of topics.
Free Mad Libs can be found by googling Printables: Mad Libs. As we know from school, this is a fun way to practice grammar and laugh. There is a mad lib fortune teller print out that looks fun. Practice with a family member!
Another exercise I would like you to complete is found at Englishlinx.com. On the left hand side is a bar with topics arranged alphabetically. Please go to sentence fragments, a topic we have covered in school. There is one set of exercises for fourths and fifths, and one for sixths and above. Please print out and complete the exercise. It is so important to recognize that a complete sentence must have a subject and a predicate.
And lastly, please go to Research at this same site, Englishlinx. Choose one of the suggested topics, and print out the research sheet as a guide. It follows a familiar format: find three sources on the internet, and combine them in your own words to write a summary. There is one for animal research which you are welcome to choose, or take one of the other suggestions. You could also come up with your own topic, and follow the guidelines on the printed sheet. Use lined paper so you don't feel confined by the printed sheet.
Do your best, and be consistent in your efforts! Be sure and take time to explore a new creative activity (Livy learned to cook rice and chicken), practice your instrument or listen to great music, and do yoga or some other exercise daily!
Please feel free to email with any questions or clarifications.
Take good care of each other; be kind and patient.
Kathleen
March 23, 2020
Good morning!
As I write this, on any typical Monday, I would be greeting you at your car. We would hang out and check in with each other on the playground and then head up the back stairs to settle in for the day. I miss that.
Routine is so important for us! I know that some of you worked hard to establish that last week, while others are still figuring it out. Our suggestion is to have a dedicated work space along with a set amount of time. You can see mine on the website: https://www.bridgeviewmontessori.org/stay-close-gallery
Try to use what you know about yourself! Do you like to do math first? Do you need to set a timer to stay focused? Do you need mini-rewards, like a snack or a walk, for completing tasks? You can do this!
We sent nine out of ten students a package last Friday (sorry Elijah, but you have what you need for now). They have various items, but all include an agenda (written specifically for YOU) for the week that lays out the work by day and subject. Please check in often, like you did last week. Ask questions. Send us samples of your work. And, definitely write to us on Thursday with what you accomplished.
Send us a note when your package arrives. Until then, get started on reading, writing, math, and Wordly Wise if you have it. A sample agenda is attached for Elijah.
Writing prompt ideas for this week:
1) Think back to last week. What was one thing you did that you loved and don't want to forget? Write it like a news article with yourself in third person. "On Tuesday, Jolie played three games of backgammon against her son Gideon...
2) Write a poem about Peace: What does that word mean to you? Where do you find peace? Why is it challenging for the world to be at peace? What gets in our way?
3) Write about your least favorite food, something you would never want to eat. Describe it thoroughly and try to persuade your reader that it should not really be called a food at all.
4) Free choice! Write anything that comes to mind in the moment, but write a lot, fill a few pages!
Take Care, Jolie
March 19, 2020
Happy Thursday!
Wasn't it nice to see the sun yesterday? We hope you got outside to enjoy the fresh air, the bird songs, and a little exercise!
So far, we have received assignments updates from Arden, Dhara, Colin, and Elijah (all the way from Costa Rica!). A few more of you have written to us with great questions. We try to respond as quickly as we can!
At some point today, Jolie is looking forward to reading more lit circle responses from 6th years, and seeing any completed non-fiction "word clouds." Kathleen is eager to know the page numbers that students have completed in their Key to decimals or percents booklets.
Tomorrow we will be at the school preparing new assignments to send your way, so if you need anything in the classroom please let us know! Those of you who have Wordly Wise books at home, aim for completing a lesson per week with a section or two everyday. Writing sentences for section E is practice using the words in context, don't worry whether you have chosen the right vocab word, just trust yourself!
We would love to read your journal prompts. Choose one or two and find a way to send it to us.
Keep up the great work,
Jolie and Kathleen
March 16, 2020
Hello EII families,
A week ago today, without any way of knowing we would be forced to take time away from school, we asked the students: if you could do one thing for an entire day with no interruptions, what would it be?
By the end of the week, however, we had a better understanding of what was to come. On Friday, we prepared the students with a more substantial homework agenda than usual and a pile of books and notebooks to bring home. Now that we know school will be closed for at least three weeks, we plan on supporting your child's education through email check-ins and by providing additional assignments and coursework in the coming weeks. For now, they should follow the agenda this week, completing two pages (or more) of their math booklets, reading, and writing each day. The "page range" section refers to their non-fiction independent reading book. If they can do a little of this work, and later, read their Lit Circle book, that would be ideal. Have them use the agenda to set their own work schedule if it helps, they could even keep track of times like they do in their work cycle planners.
Here are four writing prompts for this week:
1) What is the one thing you could do all day without interruption? Describe it with details. Will you get the chance now? Why or why not?
2) Look out a window and write what you see. Then, imagine something unexpected and write a short story.
3) Write a letter to a friend who you won't see for a while.
4) Choose a tool, any type of tool, and write an article about its purpose: what is for? what does it look like, feel like, does it make a sound? who uses it and when do they need it? how do you think it was invented?
It is not your responsibility to homeschool your children, but we will need your help. We would like your child to check in with us via email by Thursday. They can type us a message, dictate while you type, or write to us on paper (just take a photo and send it). It will be our way of knowing whether they are keeping up, whether they need assistance/clarification with assignments, or whether they would like suggestions for more work to do. After we receive the "check-in" as to how much work was accomplished, we will assess and make a new plan for the second week. This will include mailing additional work as needed. For example, along with continued work in the Key workbook, math assignments will be sent based on what the student has been working on in class.
We will check our email frequently and be available for communication between 3:00 and 5:00 every day. Contact us as often as you wish, but please let us know that you received this email, even if only with a "Got it" reply.
One day at a time,
Jolie and Kathleen
greenroom@bridgeviewmontessori.org