Integrating Subjects, Working Cooperatively
In addition to being fun, integrating subject matter learning across subjects has many benefits. Students witness teachers cooperating and modeling those skills and their value; students can show what they’ve learned in more than one style or mode of presentation; and students can learn from one another.
The third grade has been studying and researching the Lenape Native Americans. The Lenape lived in our area at the time that European explorers and settlers reached these shores. Recently, third grade teachers came together with art and shop teachers to integrate learning for this social studies project. Third graders used the research they did in class to create a three-dimensional model of an active Lenape village. I had the privilege of listening to the third graders as they gathered last week in research teams (Houses, Food, Hunting and Fishing, Transportation) to discuss their cooperative creation. They were seated in a large square, around their model. One of the first comments set the tone: “This is awesome!” The students’ enjoyment was evident. They proceeded to discuss their learning, listened intently to one another, and marked with interesting questions and suggestions. When asked by Peggy Resnick (woodshop teacher) what the best part of working in a group was, students made observations such as “It’s fun to have help,” and “Things get done faster.”
As we often do at LREI, the talk turned next to focus on “process.” Students were asked what it was like to work in a group, what could have gone better, and what did they notice that other students made. Answers to this last point included, “Details in the long house and wigwam like beds and fires,” and “a person picking berries in a basket and the berries really looking like berries.”
Please attend the opening of the lower school art show on Feb 19-20 to see the Lenape village and other incredible creations in person. See you there.
Warmly,
Namita
LOWER SCHOOL NOTES & ATTACHMENTS
(click on the links below to view and print information from teachers and specialists.)
- Third grade: Please click here for a letter from Celeste, Technology teacher
- All grades: Please click here for the ‘at a glance’ calendar for the 2008-09 school year
UPCOMING PARENT MEETINGS & EVENTS
- Thursday, February 5, 8:00am: Lesbian-Gay-Straight Alliance (LGSA) Meeting
- Tuesday, February 10, 8:45am: LS POCOC Meeting
- Thursday, February12, 8:45am: Adoption Committee Meeting
- For an up-to-date, searchable all school calendar, please visit www.lrei.org/calendar
WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
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LS Reports Update: Dear Parents, Lower School Reports are being prepared as I write this. They will be mailed during the week of February 9; you should receive them in mid-February. – Namita
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Director’s Drop-In: Phil will be available for drop-in conversations in his Sixth Avenue office from 8:45 am – 9:30 am on Friday, January 23rd; Friday, January 30th; Thursday, February 12th; Thursday, February 19th and Friday, March 6th. Drop in, ask a question, and hear about what is going on at LREI. Can’t make these times? Give a call or send an email, 212-477-5316.
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Food Drive Update: Friday, January 30th is the last day to bring in items for the Lower School’s January Food Drive for St. John’s Pantry. Second Graders will be sorting, tallying, and packing the food on Friday afternoon. Parents will deliver it next week. Thanks to all who have already contributed!
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Announcements from the Red is Green Committee
Recycle Updates:During the month of January we teamed up with the Nike Grind Program. We ere able to recycle over 100 pairs of sneakers which will be turned into playgrounds and sports surfaces. If you still have holiday and greeting cards lying around, your last day to drop them off is this Friday January 30. No photo cards please.
In February, we will be partnering with Project KOPEG to recycle cell phones, chargers, ipods, inkjet cartridges and digital cameras. And the best part is we can raise money for LREI by recycling our electronic waste! Look for the drop-off boxes in the 6th Ave lobby and the high school lobby beginning Monday February 2.
Get to School the Green Way: Also beginning in February, we are starting a campaign to encourage everyone at LREI to find an eco-friendly way to get to school. Walk with your kids, ride bicycles, use public transportation or even carpool. Once a month we will have Get to School the Green Way! Reduce greenhouse gases and get the kids involved at the same time. Our first Get to School the Green Way will be Wednesday, February 25, rain or shine!
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Have a Heart, Get a Heart: We’re collecting new and gently used clothes and baby equipment for children 0 to 5 years for donation to “Room-to-Grow” (click here for details on items you could donate). On February 11th, 12th and 13th, when you drop your donations to the Sixth Ave. lobby you’ll get a heart sticker.