Rethinking Homework

Last Thursday, we had our first brown bag lunch of the year. Parents and teachers met for a casual discussion on the topic of homework and learning extensions families can do at home. We read and discussed this article by Alfie Kohn. In our classroom we want learning at home to be purposeful and meaningful. That is why we don't do "typical" homework.

Older students do Independent Inquiry Projects. These projects take 5 weeks and students research a topic they are interested in. They present their findings to the class. Join us on Fridays (beginning this week) at 8:40 a.m. to see these students' presentations. Younger students participate in the monthly K/1 showcase, where they bring in a project from home to share about. We want our students to love learning at school and at home!

Thinking about Geometry

Aubrielle explains her thinking about determining the area of shapes on a geoboard.

Science Club Information

The students of the Natural Science Department at Stephens College are excited to offer first through fifth graders at SCCS the opportunity to learn more about the world of science through an after school science club! Science club is a great way for the students to interact with science and inspire learning outside of the everyday classroom.

The science club will meet October 11th, November 8th, and December 6th from 3:30pm to 4:30pm in Pillsbury Science Center room 205; you will find a map attached. Topics this semester will include microscopes, light and sound, and Owl Pellet dissection! If you are interested in having your child participate in all three Science Club meetings, please email or speak to Lindsey Clifton by Wednesday, September 29, 2010.

On the afternoon of Science Club, children will be escorted from school to Pillsbury Science Center by a teacher at 3:20pm. At the end of Science Club, families are welcome to pick up children from room 205. If you plan on picking up your child(ren) from Extended day, please inform Mrs. Clifton and she will escort all remaining children to Extended Day.

Any further questions, please contact Lindsey Clifton @ Lriley@stephens.edu.

Stephens College Science Department and Elementary Teaching Team

Introduction from our Spanish teacher, Senora Steelman

I grew up in Columbia and graduated from Mizzou with a degree in elementary education and certifications through junior high in math and Spanish. After teaching middle school and junior high Spanish for Columbia Public Schools, I stayed home with my son until he started preschool at SCCS. I taught Spanish to his class and have continued teaching preschool and elementary Spanish at SCCS since then. My son is now in the fourth grade at Grant School where my husband has been teaching fourth grade for 17 years. We love to play, pray, read, travel, golf, fish, and spend time together. We’re fortunate to have extended family in Columbia, too. Some of our favorite family activities are hanging out, eating, and watching Mizzou basketball and football together. Go Tigers!

Our elementary Spanish classes combine an exploration of the Spanish language with a touch of Hispanic culture. Students will sing, play, read, write and speak while learning the alphabet and basic vocabulary including weather, calendar, numbers, colors, animals, body parts, conversational phases, etc.
- Kristin Steelman (Señora Steelman)

We made the Missourian!

Yesterday, SCCS celebrated our 85th Brithday! The children made party hats, signs, sang happy birthday, and ate cake on the playground. President Lynch, faculty members from campus, teachers, and families gathered together on the playground to celebrate. We look forward to other celebratory events this year. Click on Missourian to follow a link to read the full story.

Literacy

Our classroom is filled with so much great reading and writing! Over the last few weeks, students have been enjoying reading and writing poetry. They have been practicing using all their five senses and emotions for poetic inspiration. We have also practiced using what we call "sparkle words" (e.g., Instead of saying the ocean was pretty, we can say the ocean was breathtaking).

<---Joey and other classmates checking out our Photo Gallery. Students observe photographs and record their thoughts and feelings.

Math

Geometry has been our focus over the last few weeks. The students have been enjoying shape hunts, classifying shapes, and exploring the properties of 2-D and 3-D figures. They have also been writing some great poetry inspried by geometry!

<--Ethan, Jackson, and Natalie building with shapes