A Parent Guide to the Classroom



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A Parent’s Guide to our Classroom

Ms. S. Cowan

Montessori

4/5

Welcome

Welcome back to a new school year! For those students returning, they will notice a lot of changes to our classroom as once again I have been inspired! For those students who are new to the class I hope they find this year fun, challenging and that they learn a lot! Grade 5 is very exciting because they are the leaders of the school. That also holds a lot of responsibility because they have to be role models and mentors to the younger students. I know they are all up for the challenge!

About Me [pic]

My name is Ms. Cowan and I’ve been teaching for 17 years. I grew up in the Coquitlam School District and enjoy being able to teach in it as well. Seaview has been my home for the last 14 years. I’ve taught every grade at Seaview and I am well versed in every bit of the K-5 curriculum. I have a Masters in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor’s Degree in English with two minors in Child Psychology and Early Childhood Education. I also hold two Montessori Certificates in both the Fundamental level (3-6) and the Upper Elementary level (9-12).

Classroom Rules

In our classroom the main rule is “Respect”. Students are expected to respect themselves and their peers. All students are given a lot of independence. They are expected to complete work during class time without being prodded to do so. This is a Montessori class so they have a lot of choice. The classroom is set up with tables, carpet and plenty of floor space to decide where work will be done. Students who need more supervision will be given less choice.

In my class students who are disrespectful to others are given a warning with a suggestion of how to change their behaviour. After this warning they will be sent out of the room if they continue the behaviour. Students who hit or use violence in any way will not receive any chances, they will be sent to see Mr. Pierce. Bullying (repeated abusive behaviour) is NOT tolerated in my classroom. If your child tells you of an instance of bullying please let me know. Often things happen outside of the classroom that the students may not tell me about. It’s important that we keep communication open. Students are encouraged to use their WITS, which stands for Walk Away, Ignore, Talk it out or Seek Help. Often problems between students are based on miscommunication but if the behaviour is repeated it is classified as bullying.

My classroom is a busy place and I deal with multiple problems each day. I do not call home every time the student says or does something that could be labelled as “wrong”. I give them chances to correct themselves and prove to me that they are capable of making good decisions. However, if the child is behaving abnormally or I feel a phone call home is warranted I will call. I would like to try to call for positive behaviour as well!

It is the student’s responsibility to bring home notices and any unfinished work. If they have any unfinished work or notices an email will be sent out. It is very important that I have an up to date email address as I do not use planners. I find group email the best source of communication. Planners for students is just repetitive printing for no real purpose, therefore I choose to devote this time to more learning. If you want to send me a message I am easily reached by email at scowan@sd43.bc.ca.

I post and send home a newsletter monthly. This will serve as my September Newsletter.

Language Arts [pic]

At the beginning of the school year students will be tested in Reading. This is so I can create their independent reading programs. In Language Arts students will have a choice of what they want to work on during specified times. In Reading students will complete research and novel study projects.

Students who need extra attention in Reading and Writing will get one on one or small group lessons with me weekly. They will have specific assignments to complete so that they can build their skills in these areas. All students are encouraged to do daily home reading for 45 minutes minimum.

Math [pic]

At the beginning of the school year each student will receive a Math pre-test so that I can create their independent program. Students will have independent programs that involve small group lessons and individual work. Students are also tested weekly in multiplication math facts. It is recommended that they practice their fast facts at home nightly.

Cultural [pic]

Cultural is anything that is Socials, Science, or Art. Students may come home wanting to do research or bring USB sticks to school. I encourage each child to have a USB stick so they can work on our computers as well as at home if they choose. If you see a topic in our newsletter that you have special books for, or you work in that field, please let me know! We could share the books and we would love for you to come in and talk to us about your specialty.

Homework and Montessori

Maria Montessori was a strong advocate of allowing children time to explore and play. Therefore, I do not assign homework (another reason planners are not useful). If students waste their time in class they will have to spend their free time doing their unfinished work, but I do not send work home that has to be taught by parents. I may send unfinished work home if the student has run out of time at school (due to wasting it, I give plenty of time to finish each assignment in class) Students work 5 hours a day and when they get home (like adults) they need down time. Exercise and family time are more important to me then clogging your night lives with worksheets. However, I do feel children should read at night and practice their multiplication and division facts (fun games online work!). Those are the only two skills that need constant reinforcement in grades 4 and 5. If you feel that your child does need extra practice, bookstores have large selections of workbooks and the internet has many printable sheets.

Remember that children progress at their own speed. Comparing your child to any other child is not fair to you or the child. Every child gets to where they are going in their own time.

If you are interested in any Montessori reading I have many books on her theory to share, please ask!

Parent Info

For school information and newsletters go to sd43.bc.ca/seaview

For district information go to sd43.bc.ca

I can be reached by email at scowan@sd43.bc.ca. This is the best way to reach me! I usually return my emails daily.

If you want to reach me by phone please call 604-936-9991. I am available from 8:30 – 9, 10:20 – 10:35 and 12:00 – 12:50. You can also try me afterschool although I am very busy in the district and often have to leave after class for meetings.

That’s it!

Thank you for taking the time to read about our class. I am looking forward to getting to know your child!

Sandra Cowan

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