Children learn reading and writing within a balanced literacy approach. My favorite time of day is story time. The class and I read a book, share our thinking, learn about ourselves and others, and ultimately create cherished memories around books. During workshop time, children immerse themselves in reading high interest fiction and nonfiction books, poems and song books, or a series/chapter books. Children love to express their ideas by writing their own books! They make connections with reading and writing and begin to develop an identity as a writer.
In math workshop, children explore concepts and skills through games and then come together to share, discuss, and construct meaning as a class. Games are a fun and engaging way for children to practice math. Within researcher's workshop, children investigate topics around social studies, health, and science. With guidance, children choose a topic they're highly interested in, share what they already know or think they know, develop questions and wonderings, seek out information (through observations, interviews, books, videos, etc.), develop new understandings, and then share their learning with others. This project approach supports student choice, motivation, and responsibility in authentic, meaningful ways.
What to Bring Daily
Clean mask If your child does not have a mask or it is dirty, they will be given a new, disposable mask.
Home folder Your child will bring their folder home each night for your review. Please routinely check/take out important papers, homework, and classwork.
Healthy snack and labeled water bottle Suggestions include, crackers, cheese, fruit, etc. Please no nuts.
Backpack large enough for the home folder, small snack, and special projects.
Arrival and Departure
This year's arrival procedures center around health and safety and will therefore take extra time. I kindly ask that children arrive at school by 7:45 a.m. If you are waiting for the doors to open, children are expected to sit and wait on a paw (spaced 6 feet apart). Adults may walk their child to the classroom but be mindful to social distance and wear a mask. Please arrive early so that children have plenty of time to settle into the classroom (temperature check, wash hands, use the bathroom, unpack, and read). If a child’s temperature is over 100 degrees, they will be sent to the health room and the parent will be contacted. Please see Manoa School Reopening Plan for more details.
Everyday, we begin with a morning meeting, starting promptly at 8am. If your child arrives after 8am, please check-in at the office for a tardy slip before reporting to the classroom. If you pick up your child, please be prompt for dismissal outside the classroom at 2:00 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. For late pick up, children will wait up to 15 minutes outside of the classroom and after that, will wait in the office. Thank you for helping your child arrive at school on-time, everyday, ready to learn.
School Hours 8:00am – 2:00pm 8:00am – 1:15pm Wed
Supplies and Donations
All student supplies, materials, and manipulates will be stored individually for your child's use. Children will no longer share classroom supplies. To accommodate this new classroom setup, each child will get a book bin ($3 ea) and a math box ($1.50 ea). You're welcome to make a classroom donation of $4.50 to cover this cost. Otherwise, I'm happy to make this donation myself. We are also looking for a few donations of zip lock baggies (large and small).