Dear Parents:
Due to our efforts to implement an integrated curriculum, it is very difficult to give you work in advance when students are on vacation during the school year and work that is directly related to our classroom units or projects. Most of our learning takes place in an integrated way; that is, many subjects are woven together as we learn about a topic or theme, and our focus is on collaboration and communication among students to improve learning. Many times, our planning is done just a day or two in advance because we use what the children are learning and accomplishing to plan our next steps. Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to replace the instruction from a teacher or the work with groups when students are absent.
We do believe that traveling can provide valuable learning experiences for students. The kinds of activities you can do while you are away to support your child’s learning are ones that focus on practicing and using academic skills in a real and meaningful way. For example:
· Use maps to chart your travels
· Keep a journal, write postcards, take notes, and do other “real life” writing
· Coordinate a pictorial and written journal for your child to share with the class upon their return. We love learning about new places and experiences!
· Use math as it relates to your trip: estimate daily distances and costs (fuel, food, lodging, entertainment, admissions, etc.), calculate total altitude change, and calculate time changes.
· Before leaving on your trip, research the history, geography, or interesting sites in the area where you are going.
· Read daily!
I’m sure you can think of many ways to keep your child practicing what they know and making the most of the many learning opportunities as they arise.
John McAndrews
Principal
