A prospective parent was remarking on how comfortable and articulate our children are in front of groups.  He asked me how we instill this confidence in our children.  I explained how the children learn from a very early age to speak in front of their classmates as in the kindergarten when they present about their “birthday country,” or when they become the reporter or weather person in 2nd grade.  I then explained how we expanded the children’s arena through drama and music where they perform in front of their parents and eventually to the huge group at the Lower School Spring Concert.  That very day, I was in the hallway as the 2nd graders were practicing their storytelling skills.  The most remarkable part was not the poise with which the children delivered the stories but the in-depth comments from their peers when they were finished:  “I think your tempo was a little fast,” shared one 2nd grader.  “Your volume could be louder,” said another.  As I stopped at each group, I realized that it is not just the experience we provide for the children but the tools to make them successful.  On Friday when the 2nd graders told their stories to small groups around the school, they were confident and poised, and I wished the visitor could have seen them perform.  Kudos go to the 2nd graders and their teachers for a great performance and a wonderful experience.

Make sure to come and enjoy the art show and music performance this evening.  The art show opens at 5:30 p.m., and the children need to be in their classrooms by 6:45 p.m.  Please make sure they have gone to the bathroom and had a drink before they go to their classrooms because it is difficult for them to get out of line once we are lined up and ready to go.  Siblings are welcome, as they make the family unit complete.  If they are older siblings, I know they can remember how important this evening is to the Lower School students, so I am sure they will stay with the family and make a wonderful audience.

The summer brochure is out and registration has begun.  Each week I will focus on a different area of learning and let you know what summer classes we have to remediate or enrich your child in this area.  

I am going to start with reading.  What better way to immerse your child in the world of literature but through a class taught by our Pre-K teacher, Lorraine Anderson?  “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” is a class for Pre-K and K children as they learn about bears through the world of literature.  If your child is presently in kindergarten and is an emerging reader, Barb Meland (who has her doctorate in the teaching of reading) will be offering a class in August called “Get Ready to Read.”  Then there are all those children who either enjoy reading or need a little boost in their reading skills.  There are three great classes for them: “Reader’s Theater” (for students with a flare for drama who are going into 2nd-4th grade) taught by Scott Wilson, one of our 1st grade teachers;  “Adventures in Art and  Literature” (for children who love art and will find the tie between art and literature - grades 2 and 3) taught by one of our 2nd grade teachers Ann Roth; and “Now We’re Cooking….And Writing Too” where children read recipes, and read and write stories and poetry related to food.  They also cook something different each day…..and yes, they do get to eat it.  This class is taught by one of our 3rd grade teachers, Renee Wright.  This is just a glance into the 70 classes that we offer over the summer, so take some time to look over the brochure with your child, and sign up soon. 

Remember that there are no classes on Friday the 13th (I guess we are superstitious) or on Monday the 16th.  Panther Club is available both days with sports as the focus – they are even bringing in an inflatable obstacle course! 

Tuesday the 17th is a duty-free lunch for the teachers.  Join us for lunch and recess, as we can always use extra hands.

Save Saturday the 28th for the spring musical, Crazy For You.  The afternoon matinee is in place precisely for all our Lower School families.