I have just spent the last week getting to know a wonderful new group of 3rd graders. I observed many anxious faces as we began our first math and spelling assessments, but I was also happy to catch the smiles of relief as I cracked a joke. Smiles that seemed almost to say, “Mrs. Kenyon’s really not that scary after all!” I am fortunate to have a fabulous co-teacher who is particularly great at setting the tone of the year. One of my favorite quotes of his is, “If you get all of these math problems right – fabulous. And if you get them all wrong – fabulous. Your mistakes help us to teach you better.”

This year (as in years past) we have some ambitious goals. We have new technology (projectors and smart boards) that we intend to put to good use. The whole Lower School has moved to a six day rotational schedule which has made things fresh and opened new opportunities. Also, I worked with a curriculum team this summer to create a Lower School service learning experience which will require having Junior Kindergarten through 5th Grade participation.

But we have also decided to try to get back to the “good old days” from time to time. We are finally setting up the arts-and-crafts center that we have talked about for the past 3 years. We will do more hands-on projects, put drama lesson and games back into our schedule, allow for free choice time, read more books aloud, and use more gluestick.

Yes, we’re really looking forward to a great year.