Week of August 30th

I love the start of a new school year. It is always filled with so much promise and anticipation for what the year may bring, both on my end and your child's. I love looking closely at the kids' faces as they enter on the first day of school, some wide-eyed and ready for anything and others walking in with trepidation and nerves a plenty. Because of this, I try hard to spend the first several weeks making everyone comfortable in our room and building a community of trust and cohesiveness; looking out for one another and making sure that no one feels excluded. Some years this can be more challenging than others, but I really liked how the kids treated each other this week, interacted as a whole, and the general aura of the room. It is my hope that this continues seamlessly throughout the year as the community within the classroom plays a substantial role in the amount of learning that takes place in that same classroom.

In no particular order, these are some of the activities we participated in this week to make the above hope of building a welcoming, well-functioning community come to fruition. I read several picture books, each with its own message of inclusion, friendship, and opportunity. The kids read letters that I had my class from last year write in order to help this class learn about fourth grade, some of the activities and subjects we study, and to learn a little about me. I gave them an opportunity to 'Ask Mr. Elman', which served to humanize me and allow the kids to get some of their questions about me as an individual answered. We participated in several challenge activities with the express purpose of getting my students to realize the importance of teamwork and inclusion (something that I will continue to offer in various formats throughout the entire school year). I also introduced several game type activities that we will revisit as the year progresses. There was a little curriculum thrown in as well, but we really roll out our curriculum across the subjects over the next several weeks.

I am so excited by the prospects of this class and this school year. I truly believe the social and academic growth you witness throughout the year will amaze you (and your child too). They walked into our room on Wednesday as wide-eyed fourth graders and in a short nine months they will be walking out, I hope, as self-confident Highcrest students. Wishing all of us, your child, you, and me a happy, wonderful, and growth-filled school year. I hope you and your family enjoy the long weekend!