The Navigators!

Grades 2-3

Karen Akins, Teacher

Helpful Links:

• Photos from our trip to Nature Bridge 2012
• OPI Clothing & Equipment List (PDF)
• Share Sheet
• 2011-2012 Student Supply List
• Comfort Kit Checklist (PDF)
• Navigators’ Schedule 2011-2012

Welcome to the Navigators, Swan School’s second and third grade class! As in a family with children of various ages, students in our multiage class have opportunities to be part of a cooperative learning community, where they can make contributions as mentors as well as benefit from the expertise of others, each learning at his or her own level.

My first priority with the children is establishing a safe and joyful classroom culture where students can take creative risks and share who they are. Teaching with respect, caring and tolerance sets up an environment in which the children learn and put into practice the values of tolerance and respect.

Each morning after our Swan School Whole School Meeting, the Navigators have a class meeting to read the schedule of the day, share news, and play learning games, often using beanbags or scarves. Each day students work in Math, Reading, and Writing in large or small groups, with partners or individually. Through this flexible grouping, the multiage classroom maximizes learning and promotes cooperation, responsibility and independence.

In Science and Social Studies, our unit studies, we deeply explore a topic for four to eight weeks. Through engaging age-appropriate projects and activities, the children grasp key concepts about the world they live in.

Learning experiences that pique interest, are relevant, and tap into students’ multiple intelligences through hands-on/minds-on activities prepare students for success. In addition to Math, Reading, Writing, Social Studies and Science, the Navigators have regular opportunities to explore the arts and the world around them. Handcrafts, painting and drawing, local field trips, interactions with visiting experts, music, poetry, drama, movement and games are included in the curriculum to broaden and deepen the children’s understanding of topics they study.

I value the opportunity to share the pleasure of educating your children with you, their parents and first teachers, and welcome parent volunteers! Let me know if you would like to help in the classroom, do a special project with the children, or just come in to visit.

Look for weekly email updates on classroom news. Communication is important to keep everything running smoothly, so feel free to contact me via email, in person after school, or by phone if you have questions or ideas to share.

I look forward to sharing the learning journey with each of you and your child.

Email Karen at karen@swanschool.net

Supply List

The children should be informed that the Kleenex and glue sticks will be community property, so do not label them.  All other items should be labelled with the student’s name – even the pencils!

If you do not have a set of usable Pentel markers and a set of Mr. Sketch markers from last year, please notify the office and they will be ordered by the school and billed to your account (approximately $20-25). This will  save you money and ensure that all children have the same markers.

• 1 box of Kleenex to share
• 1 dozen glue sticks to share
• 1 pencil box
• 1 dozen #2 pencils
• Spiral notebook, 70 pages, wide ruled
• 2 pocket folders
• 12-inch ruler with both metric & English systems
• 1 large pink eraser
• Comfort Kit Items (above)

Local art supply store Akamai carries most of our needed supplies.

If you shop for items at Office Depot, please give them our School ID#70104094 or tell them it is for Swan School. Swan School will receive a credit of 5% for qualifying purchases.

Poem of the Month

May

A Swing Song

by William Allingham

Swing, swing,

Sing, sing,

Here’s my throne, and I am a King!

Swing, sing,

Swing, sing,

Farewell earth, for I’m on the wing!

Low, high,

Here I fly,

Like a bird through sunny sky;

Free, free,

Over the lea,

Over the mountain, over the sea!

Up, down,

Up and down,

Which is the way to London Town?

Where, where?

Up in the air,

Close your eyes, and now you are there!

Soon, soon,

Afternoon,

Over the sunset, over the moon;

Far, far,

Over all bar,

Sweeping on from star to star!

No, no,

Low, low,

Sweeping daisies with my toe.

Slow, slow,

To and fro,

Slow — slow — slow — slow.