KA March Newsletter March began with us meeting our buddies for the first time. We have buddied up with Ms Donnay’s third grade class. Once each child was paired up, our children wrote a letter of introduction to their buddy about their interests. I hope you enjoyed the introduction card they made for our children as they recognized what they liked. Everyone had a great time together exploring our classroom and reading stories together. Please see the photo gallery for more photos.

The children’s predicting skills were put to the test as we looked at the different states of water. We wondered how can we change how water feels? We experimented with water, put it in the freezer and felt it the next day. As the children handled the ice they experienced first hand how ice melts and were able to test their theories..

I hope you enjoyed the student led conferences as much as I enjoyed seeing how capably the children were able to share their learning with you. You are also welcome to make an appointment at any time if you want to discuss your child’s individual progress.

I’m sure you are all aware that your children’s thinking featured in an article in the ‘Window’ recently. The children continued their interest in the sculpture by writing an imaginary, collaborative story about the statue. A school in Australia worked on the same project, after I sent them the photo of our statue, also writing a story. We exchanged stories and were amazed at the similar story lines four and five year olds created in two different countries. The children have continued with their interest in composing books and after meeting Margriet, the visiting author, see themselves as writers and continue to experiment with letters. It has been wonderful to welcome parents into our room as your participation enriches the program. Nicholas’ dad made us more aware of global warming as he told us all about using LED lights. He brought some in for us to see. The children were able to see the different type of light and feel the heat from regular lights, understanding that they use more energy. We discussed the importance of trying to save energy to save the earths resources and reduce global warming. The children have become more aware and turn off our classroom lights each time we leave our room in an effort to help. This Saturday night is Earth Hour around the world, at 8.30pm when we are all encouraged to turn off power for an hour to increase awareness for everyone to try and reduce energy use.

Thank you to Anjali Malde who has been coming in this month to cook with the children. Anjali has introduced us to some good choices for fun and healthy eating as the children made their own pizzas and fruit smoothies.

DATES to REMEMBER March 25 to April 5: Spring Break April 16 and 17: No school for KA and K students. April 27: PD day, no school. April 28: PTA Book fair. ** I have submitted an article of the rich discussions the children had on our visit to Taipei 101 with photos of us on the field trip and the learning that followed in the classroom, to an educational journal in Melbourne, Australia. This can be seen on my October newsletter. Please let me know if you do not agree with the article being published. ** Please see the calendar and me if you would like to spend time in our classroom: we would love to see you. We wish you all a safe and happy spring break. Liz Nixon and Doris Chen.