Ms. Nancy Online

Thursday was our last class in California Indian culture. We all sanded on our soapstone slabs, rounding them into beads using sharkskin (emery boards). The beads can be attached to the twisted rope headbands we made last week. We also played math and phonics games using our acorn spinning tops and sent messages to different “villages” with our rhythm sticks. We found the messages were much clearer when we played together which was really hard. It was hard to ignore our group today as we made a lot of racket. Everyone also had a chance to play on the percussion instruments provided by Yamaha and the Cerritos Performing Arts Center. Any family longing for more noise in the house should contact me for the loan of these instruments.

When one of our children has an opportunity to make an impact on the world, I think we should know about it. I’m sure Stone’s visit to England with his grandmother has created a stir there. How can anyone resist that face that looks you straight in the eye and expects good? So have a conversation with him when you next see him. Ask him about the Tower of London, Canterbury, Big Ben, the people of England. I can’t think of a better ambassador of good will than Stone and I’m sure we will feel the ripples for some time.

Cerritos has invited me to a workshop where I get training in percussion instruments that have been donated by Yamaha. The workshop is next week, so look for a coming adventure for your children that will make some serious noise. I doubt if the library will want us there, so maybe we will have to have to find another venue. Any ideas? Perhaps we can just use the outside patio or the park down the street. Stay tuned!

The month celebrating Hispanic heritage began September 15th and there are some great resources on the web if you need ideas. I particularly like educationworld.com and teacher.scholastic.com/activities/hispanic. Both have numerous activities that are fun and interesting.

For students in high school, The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros would be great reading. For younger students, you might try Love to Mama: A Tribute to Mothers, edited by Pat Mora. She collects pieces from thirteen poets that explore the relationships that are most universal and that tie us all together. Can there ever be enough celebration of mothers?

The first one to leap in the water was Tosh! Not only did he (and mom) read the blog, but they established their own site and Tosh wrote about his trip to the Wild Animal Park. Notice all the rich details in his writing. I could see some of the animals, especially that enormous, blubbery grandpa gorilla. And I could almost taste that yummy dinner, but was annoyed by the buzzing bees. I wonder what sounds were heard when it was night in the big tent? And going up in a hot air balloon that goes higher than the Statue of Liberty? How fun! I can just imagine how tiny everything on the ground appeared. I’m going to try that this year.

You can find Tosh’s entry easily at the right of the screen under Learner Blogs. That’s where I will put all that come in so you can easily respond to other students. I think to respond to anybody you just have to log in first (after you have established a learnerblog).

With the anniversary of 9/11 tomorrow, I imagine you will have many opportunities to discuss this important part of our history. You know your child best and can discern the best way to pass on your impressions and values. Part of why you are doing this is to have a stronger impartation in the character piece, so take advantage of the day.

Mid-learning period visits start on Monday, so I will see all of you in the next two weeks. Have a great weekend!

There was an enthusiastic buzz at the learning center today with Ms. Carla and Ms. Julie as students greeted old friends and made new ones! It will be fun to see the projects that come out of these art and science classes. Melissa Sena is the new coordinator, so direct any learning center issues to her. She will be happy to help you. All of your wonderful kids made the first day successful!

Don’t forget to check the Julian site for field trips. The next one coming up is Butterfly Day at the Monarch Facility in Encinitas, Wednesday, September 20. Details are on the web site.

My hope for this experiment in learning is that it will be beneficial for parents and students and that it will draw our community of learners together. As I learn more about this medium, I intend to post items that I think you can incorporate into your curriculum. Obviously, what you use is up to you, but I would love feedback about what is valuable.

The other major reason I thought this forum would be helpful is that it would allow students to have a bigger audience for their writings. Since writing (and reading) is such a social activity, this place will be open for students to post their writings for comment. Scary? Absolutely! Having others read what you write brings writing up a notch. However, I don’t want this to be a place where any negative experience can happen to your child. All families will receive online safety instructions which I trust you will review with your children. In the world we live in, this is just like teaching them to wear a bike helmut or how to cross the street. While I will review all the posts before they are published, feel free to look over your child’s shoulder. Just like my classroom, this must be a safe environment where everyone feels free to speak.

All of you have my phone number and email address. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I want to help you make this year a successful, fun-filled experience for you and your child!