Elementary Updates
Elementary students have had a fun-filled week of learning at Beaver Island Community School. Students in grades 2-4 began the Iditarod Reading Race. Jacque LaFreniere gave a mushing talk before students in grades 2-6 got the opportunity to practice being a musher and listening to commands. Usually this is done on the school soccer field, but it was run in front of the library this year due to the amount of snow we currently have.
Students in grades 2-4 had another opportunity at the Beaver Island District Library for Read for the Record Day. They received their own copy of See Marcus Grow by Marcus Bridgewater then read to community members.
The snow and ice encouraged us to find some indoor hobbies this winter. Students have been practicing their sewing skills on paper. Fiddle lessons have been thin due to lack of flying, but Ruby John hopes to make it over a few more times before The Great Day. Our students continue to learn new things from Ruby each lesson. Bridget Wearn has been offering weekly Gaelic dance lessons to the elementary students. A group of students hope to perform during the annual St. Patrick’s Day concert. This year it will be held on Friday, March 13 at 2:00 in the school gym. All are welcome!
In P.E class, the 4th through 6th graders have finished their ‘Game Creation’ unit. Each student created, diagramed, and presented a new (self-made) cooperative or competitive game to their peers. This was really fun! At least one student has not been able to present their game, yet, though, because it needs to be played when there is NOT snow or ice on the ground. Excellent new activities for playtime include: Survival, The Silent Game, Army Crawlers, and A Tight Squeeze. Beaver Island kids ARE SO GOOD at creating new and unique games!
Finally, Second and Third graders have been working with Ms Tuohy on a National Research Study called Learning in Places. Throughout the remainder of our school year, we will continue to be outside often, on hikes and adventures in our school-wood-yard and in our town. We are
paying close attention to changes in the season
looking for and learning about the needs of nature - and
discussing curiosities of nature, itself as well as human-impact around ourselves.
Parents and families have been invited to collect their own data, and complete their own reflections, at home.