SLIDE 4 and sometimes, we do not even know we are practicing
- something. For example, if we “practice” worrying, we
worry more. If we “practice” rushing, we find we rush more. This is where intention comes in. Ask yourself as you start your day, “What do I want to practice today?” It can be simple like “I want to practice taking my time with tasks.” Or “I want to practice patience with myself and others.” Calling something like that to mind in the morning will help it to be in your mind throughout the day. In the evening, you can think about how you did. It is important not to be judgmental of yourself; remember and accept that you are human! The best part of this practicing thing is that you can do it with your children too. For small children, you can set their intention for them, “Today, let’s practice using kind words.” For older children, they may want to set their own, and you can ask them what it is (“Today I want to practice taking notes in all my classes.”). Then, at dinnertime, or at the end of the day before bed, you can ask them for some examples of living their intention, and share your own. Don’t worry if there are not many examples at first – the more your family practices practicing, the better they will get at it!
School Counselor Thanks to all of you that joined us for our November HSA meeting! Over the next few months, I’d like to share some of the small group/student centered success stories that were highlighted on the slide presentation during that meeting. Many of our teachers have been focused on creating these learning opportunities for your children to be able to take a more active role in their own learning. This month I’ll focus on our primary wing. In our preschool and kindergarten classes, learning lends itself to complete interaction through play situations where children learn so many aspects of physical, mental, and emotional growth. However, there are some really unique activities happening too. The children are using the iPads to scan QR codes which link them directly to a story that they can then listen to – all done independently and with choices of stories to listen to. A “CAFE” board can be found in many of our 1st and 2nd grade classrooms. You won’t find French fries on the menu, but you will find reading strategies! CAFE is an acronym for Comprehension, Accuracy (knowing words), Fluency, and Expand vocabulary. As a teacher introduces a new strategy, (back up and re-read), the strategy is written down and placed under the corresponding skill (comprehension). Teachers conference with students one to one and together they decide which strategy that particular student should focus on for a period of
- time. That student, then, knows that when they are reading that
they should focus on using that particular strategy to become a stronger reader….ownership of learning! Also at the primary level, students begin to make choices in regards to which books they’d like to read along with making choices about how to use their time most productively. The Daily 5 or “D5” is a series of rotations which I had mentioned earlier this year - Read to Self, Read with a Partner, Word Work, Work
Writing, and Listen to Reading. During these rotations, teachers and assistants are working with small groups or continuing to conference with individual students. These rotations are done in conjunction with the curriculum, but applied in a variety of ways where, again, children have
- choices. Students’ academic skills are not only strengthened
but they also begin to understand time management!
Small Group Facilitator-Teacher Mentor Happy New Year from the Home & School Association! The HSA would like to thank our School of the Incarnation Families for their involvement and participation in our community events in 2016. Our children benefit from all of your participation and volunteering.
Christmas Bazaar Wrap-Up
The halls of the School of the Incarnation were decked and packed with children and adults full of Christmas spirit. We thank Meghan Richardson, Kristy Gomez, Brandi Eikenberg, Liz Montante and Meghan Brown for organizing such a wonderful event, and all the volunteers who donated their
- time. The attendees and vendors had a joyous time.
SCRIP Update
Thank you to all of the families who used SCRIP this holiday season! We were excited to see so many new families place
- rders and we were even more excited to see the money that
was raised for the school and for our families! We hope for your continued support in the New Year! SCRIP cards make a great present, but you can also use them for your everyday
- purchases. Grocery shopping, going to the movies, dinner at
your favorite restaurant, buying new shoes for the kids… We have a SCRIP card for that!
Annual Father Daughter Dance
The HSA will be hosting the Annual Father Daughter Dance
- n Friday, February 24, 2017. We are looking for volunteers
to help plan and work the night of this wonderful event. Please contact Liz Montante emtante@gmail.com if you are
Family Bingo
Shake off those winter blues and put on your BINGO shoes! Friday, February 3rd Family BINGO will be held on Friday, February 3rd, at 6:00pm! All are welcome for fun, prizes and lots of laughs. Every child will receive a prize and BINGO winners will receive another special surprise! Prices are low for this family friendly event - only $7.00 per BINGO player. This includes the Bingo cards and STAMPERS. Pizza meals will be available for $3.00, which includes chips and a drink. Reserve your spot today! Don't miss out on this fun event! Please see the attached form. Middle school volunteers are needed to help as well as
- parents. If you are able to help out, we would appreciate it.
HSA News Small Group Shout-Outs
