Class Update

[Michael O'Donnell]

Hi Parents,

We will be finishing up a math block in the week that comes before the one-week 

break.  We continue to march out rhymes, then say the twos, threes, and

fours time tables;  we add and subtract when we look at the number or 

fingers "up" and "down" in the teacher's hands; we use hickory nuts as

manipulatives to add up to twelve or twenty four, or use groups to show

times table elements, and then after we've achieved the whole, we break 

it down again into groups of 2 or 3 or 4 or 6 or 12.  The class continues to 

enjoy fairy tale stories, the most recent ones being King Thrushbeard, the Cat 

and the Fox, and The Three Servants.

The last story mentioned has a special significance because we will be using that story

as the inspiration for our class play (hopefully it's called a "skit" by both the teacher and

the parents so as not to worry the students unduly).  We will practice the "skit" for several weeks 

and then present it to parents, family, and the student's buddies on Thursday, May 22nd.  The students 

have an excellent capacity for memorizing the text of the skit and they are engaging in our practice with 

great enthusiasm.

I look forward to seeing many/all of you at our next Parent Evening, which will be Tuesday,

April 29 at 5:30 pm.  Jen Horn has sent particulars previously; we'll be doing a simple

craft together to prepare for our school's May Day Celebration.

Best regards,

Michael