ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT – Station Rotation
This year, our 2/3 classroom has implemented a new strategy called Station Rotation, which has proven to be incredibly beneficial. This structured block runs from 11:00 to 12:20 twice or three times a week, featuring a brain/movement/snack break in the middle to keep students energized. During this time, students engage in a variety of reading, writing, and math-focused activities that adapt to the curriculum and meet individual student needs while maintaining the same three categories.
Students are divided into three groups based on grade level or specific needs, spending 20 minutes at each station. I often join students at the writing station, providing differentiated support tailored to the group’s unique dynamics. This approach has fostered greater independence in completing tasks, ensured regular differentiated support throughout the week, and established a consistent routine that enhances the learning environment. Ultimately, Station Rotation has transformed our classroom into a dynamic hub of learning, empowering students to thrive independently and collaboratively.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT – Teamwork in Action!
On October 9th, the 2/3 class embarked on their annual trip to the Jackson Campus to participate in the Doug Walker Challenge Course. This exciting journey aims to cultivate teamwork and collaboration among students through a series of engaging challenges. They began with smaller tasks, such as organizing themselves by birthday, deciphering a number passcode, and untangling human knots. Using their creative thinking skills, they constructed a track for a tennis ball and balanced a large balance beam. The highlight of the day was when the Cutty Buddies tackled the low-level ropes course in small groups, enthusiastically cheering each other on as they swung toward the finish line! This trip is a fantastic way to kick off the school year for second and third graders, providing them with a familiar setting to develop essential skills in resilience, teamwork, and communication while navigating new experiences.
COMMUNITY FOCUS – Little Leaders
Introducing Reading Buddies: a fantastic opportunity for second and third graders to step into leadership roles while fostering a love of reading! In this activity, each student is paired with one or two preschoolers and a 4th or 5th grader, creating a dynamic learning environment. Meeting bi-weekly on Wednesdays, students eagerly share new books, play games, and enjoy snacks with their younger peers. These regular community events not only enhance literacy skills but also strengthen connections between grade levels, making our school community even more vibrant. It is always so fun to see ⅔ students say hello to their preschool buddy at pick up, at community meeting or over the fence at recess! Through Reading Buddies, we’re not just sharing stories—we’re building lasting friendships!
STUDENT CORNER
Cutty Buddies Speak Out: Discover What Our Students Love About School! Students had the chance to express their favorite aspects of school in their own words. Here are some quotes from the Cutty Buddies themselves!
- “My Favorite subject is math because we have nice new folders to help keep stuff organized and a smart and helpful new teacher.” – 3rd Grader
- “I have enjoyed Spanish because it’s fun learning another language” – 3rd Grader
- “I have been feeling happy and, challenged” – 2nd Grader
- “I’ve been making new friends every day… Making friends makes me feel great it feels like a rose blossomed in my heart.” – 3rd Grader
- “Every day I come in with a smile” – 2nd Grader
- “I feel like I have learned a lot more in the last 3 weeks and I have learned that people can be themselves.” – 2nd Grader
Disclaimer: the spelling has been edited for the purpose of this newsletter!
