Wednesday we completed our February social skills challenge. It was a really fun one! In a group of 5, we made human knots by holding hands with people across from us, then we worked as a group to undo the knot without letting go. During this task, we were focusing on participating, listening to our group members and using calm voices. All the groups really worked well and untangled themselves several times. We were able to keep our voices fairly quiet even when we were excited, which is something we need to think about all the time at school - 21 people in a room can make a lot of noise without meaning to if we're not all being careful! The rubrics came home Thursday.
Wednesday we also reflected on our report cards and wrote down one thing we already can do well, and set a goal for the next term. Ask your student what they wrote as the goal they've already scored and what they're going to work on. Thank you for discussing this at home in advance, the goals are all very appropriate for each student.
Today you are receiving a very important letter from our gym teachers - it is also posted on the Dewson blog. To summarize, for the next 2 weeks, all classes will get to participate in a really neat gymnastics unit during their regular gym times. The gym will be set up with tons of climbing and gymnastics equipment and all classes for the next 2 weeks will take place in the gym, not outdoors. There are a few important things to note:
- In order to use the climbing equipment safely, all students must wear shorts and a t-shirt. Students need to have some skin exposed in order to grip the equipment. On gym days, please have your child wear his or her gym clothes under his/her regular clothes. This way they can change quickly in the gym. Nobody should have to visit the washroom in order to get changed for gym. Students will also be removing shoes before using the equipment. Of course, hair needs to be tied back and glasses need to be removed or secured. Thank you for helping your child remember this on the right days - without the appropriate attire, students will not be able to participate fully in the program. OUR GYMNASTICS PERIODS WILL OCCUR ON FEB. 17, 19, 24 & 26. Mark your calendars!
- For the duration of the program, students will be eating an early lunch in classrooms (11:20-11:40) and then going outside for a long recess. Please make sure they have lots of warm clothes to put on!
**I repeat! The first gymnastics period for our class is TUESDAY - the very next day we are at school. PLEASE don't forget the special clothing!**
Enjoy a lovely family day weekend!
Tamara