At curriculum night, I mentioned that we were beginning to work on a project in social studies that would require some at-home research. In an effort to complete most of the work at school, we have already done lots of brainstorming together and have compiled lists of important places, important people, responsibilities and significant events in our lives. Students will be able to draw on these lists when putting together the pieces of their project. We have a few more things to talk about before students will begin assembling their project, and one of these is how we show respect for each other. Of course, we would be able to come up with a long list of ways to show respect for each other at school, but I'm curious if there are any special actions that are specific to your family or culture. For instance, in some countries, people do multiple kisses on the cheeks, in other places, people bow to each other. Often, looking at people in the eye is respectful, and in other cultures it is the complete opposite. I invite you to talk to your researcher about what your family does that is very respectful. They can bring these ideas to school for our discussion later this week.
You might also like to start looking through your photos with your child. It will help them start thinking about important people and events in their lives. We will eventually need a picture of your child with their special person (or people), and more for events on their time line. (Don't worry about sending anything yet, I'll let you know when we're ready.) The time line is the other piece of this project that will be done at home. It will need to be completed with your help, and I'll let you know when it's on the way home.
I hope this research provides some enjoyable moments of reflection for you and your family!
Tamara
