Dear Room 12 Families,

 

Throughout the course of the year, your students have been studying a wide array of written works that range from poetry to short novels, picture books to comic strips and authors who have been writing for years to those that have just begun. In February, your students will start a new topic: Survival: Persevering Despite Obstacles.

 

This theme will allow students to think about struggles they have faced in their own lives, how they were overcome and what characteristics it took to do this. They will explore what other characters have faced and how they have overcome situations that seemed impossible. This unit will allow the students in Room 12 to read, write, discuss and present. They will be presented with a variety of books that may be challenging at times. They will be asked to write in a variety of ways, expanding their knowledge and current ability level. And they will be asked to talk about and share material that may be personal to them, challenging them to be open and accepting to one another.

 

To help them do this, the following topics will be addressed throughout the unit to help guide their reading and their understanding:

 

- Students will understand that people who persevere despite obstacles rely on their instincts and have courage.

- Students will learn that being resourceful and innovative is a part of survival.

- Students will understand that perseverance consists of setting goals and dreams and despite setbacks, those goals and dreams can still be accomplished.

 

In Room 12 we continue to grow as a community: accepting and supporting one another through challenges and difficulties. Through the topic of Survival: Persevering Despite Obstacles the students will continue to learn that they are not alone and that the many challenges we face in life are not as difficult as we think they are. I think that this theme is useful for everyone, reminding us to keep perspective, but I think this theme is especially important for these students. It is important to remember that life is a journey, and that journey is different for everyone, but with courage, companionship and the risk to dream, life can be that much easier for us all.

 

I have read many of the books I will be using with your students for the first time, and I am very excited about teaching them to Room 12 students. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. My email address is tiffany.pauletto@shorelineschools.org.

 

Thank you for your continued support,

Tiffany Pauletto