Dear Parents,
As we go forward, a rhythm has emerged that I feel will work well for me, and hopefully for you all too. I have spoken to some of you, and have collected feedback and ideas that I’d like to bring into this new process.
Firstly, if you have not signed up for a phone conference yet, please revisit the PTC link. I have extended this schedule for the next three weeks, so that you have a way to easily plan a time to speak with me, and I know who I’ll be hearing from each day.
On Monday March 23
rd
, I will be in the classroom from 12-2pm with new packages for you pick up. Tuesdays-Fridays I will be available between 1-3pm each day for phone calls that you can sign up for ahead of time on the PTC website.
Going forward, pick up might be from a box outside the grade one door.
One parent asked if the children could call me, and I would love that! Staying in touch with me, and each other will be so helpful for them. I would also encourage allowing children to call and speak to each other. Phone calls are recommended over video calls, as they inspire more natural conversations and connections.
Another parent asked for everyone’s address so that their child could mail letters or postcards to the class. This is also a wonderful way for the children to stay connected. I will join them in that project! I will include a list of everyone’s address in the package on Monday so that they can use them to practice their writing skills if they want to.
I am in the process of gathering materials and resources for the Monday pick-up, but the following is what you can expect to receive:
Math Lesson Books
Guidance sheet for bookwork
Math verse sheet
Form drawing packet
Current handwork projects
Blank strips for number line
Watercolor paint set and brushes for sit spot painting
Paper for sit spot painting
Guidance sheet for sit spot painting
Letter sacks
Guidance sheet for letter sack activities
Various dice
Guidance sheet for dice games
Cats Cradle
I will be sending audio files for flute practice and stories.
The materials and guidance sheets are all provided to support you and your children in a learning rhythm at home. Every family has different circumstances, and different needs. I don’t want to make anyone feel overwhelmed by a big list. There is no pressure, just guidance and support.
In my family, we have enjoyed the routine of morning lessons together, and especially taking a family walk every afternoon. Taking things one day at a time.
I want to commend you on all that you are doing for your families right now. These are trying times for us all. If there is anything that I can do to make things easier for you, please do let me know.
With warmth and gratitude,
Ms. Loshak
Other resources:
Lynne Stolfo is the Therapeutic Eurythmist at our school, and gave these great suggestions for getting moving with your children:
Use the natural environment to promote health & wellbeing! Running, jumping, crawling, rolling, skipping, stacking, raking, climbing, balancing on one leg, trees, logs, rocks, etc.
Add to that basic songs, rhymes, poems, stories ... walk the rhythms, run them, skip them, clap them, sing them, play them on the recorder! bean bag games, balance on head? Math games, rhythms, song games, etc. Let children be creative & make up some challenges.
Work the limbs & rhythmic/breathing systems. Include intentional contrasts, like fast slow, loud quiet & practice absolute stillness...breathe, relax & have fun!
I would like to recommend
this book
that, although somewhat dated, has some insightful information about what your children may be going through from developmental, social, and emotional perspectives. I found this series useful as a parent, when my children were being challenged in one way or another. The description, “life in a minor key”, is often fitting for a seven-year old.
