Marybeth & Elijah’s Class Notes

Preparations are underway for this week’s Feast of the Remembrance. The children have been exploring the language in Joy Harjo’s poem, Remember, and have created artwork with partners in Tohanash and Lora’s class. The children will share their work at our Feast. They have also written about and illustrated their own memories, which are displayed on our “Wall of Remembrance” in the gathering space—be sure to take a look. We have been reading about the Thanksgiving story from various points-of-view in order to develop a more complete and meaningful understanding of the upcoming holiday.

You will notice that our “Question Wall" is now bare. Last week we removed our questions and sorted them into categories—questions about space, questions about insects, questions about where we come from, etc. We have narrowed the focus of our inquiry down to two general areas. Upon return from the Thanksgiving holiday the children will vote on the project they want to pursue during the second half of the year.

Leading up to our decision making process we enjoyed a mini-study of geology and crystals. The children studied geodes, grew crystals, and sorted and compared an assortment of stones.

Plans for our Mouse Mansion have been sketched, and material lists made. The children will begin building their rooms next week and throughout the month of December.

The entire school is gearing up for our residency with Shakespeare & Co. Some of the children are nervous so we encourage you to de-emphasize the performance and reinforce the fun process we are about to undertake where the children will explore the story of Romeo and Juliet through art and play. We wish everyone a peaceful Thanksgiving!

— November 20, 2023