Hi Students and Families! I hope your child enjoyed their online school day today. I attended a professional development session today where I learned how to incorporate digital writing into the classroom. My brain is on overload with information but I couldn't be more excited to try the new programs and applications I learned today to enhance your child's writing skills. I am really excited to incorporate more QR codes into the classroom, as well as introduce the children to applications on the Ipad where they can write through webs, stories, and photographs.

This week, the children enjoyed preparing for the Fall Harvest Festival. We made a brainstorming web of all the ideas we could make for the festival that involved corn. Aurora came up with the idea of making corn muffins. Luke came up with the idea of making a salad and putting corn kernels on top. Jadon thought we could serve corn and peas mixed together. Sam loved the thought of making corn cookies! Before the children brainstormed ideas, we explored how corn grows, the different ways corn can me prepared, and the different parts of the corn. What better way to explore then by going out into our own garden? The children worked hard at shucking the corn, which required much coordination on their part.

 The children are learning to be independent problem solvers. It is hard to overemphasize the importance of establishing clear structures and routine so children can carry on with independence during writing time. My vision is that children will start, work on, and complete their writing as best as they are able, moving from one text to another with verve and confidence. The message that I am teaching to the children is that they are their own best resource during a writer's workshop. At home, encourage your child to add more to their picture even when they think they have finished. A strategy that I teach them is to point to each thing or object they drew on their page, as ask themselves "How can I make this better?" We are also beginning to label our pictures! Help your child write down the sounds they hear in the word.

I would like to remind you that the Fall Harvest Festival will be on Thursday, October 3rd from 5:00-7:00 here at SCOPE Academy. Come for fun, games, and food! It is an event that you won't want to miss! I am looking forward to another eventful and rigorous week!