This week, the K–2 classes gathered for a discussion on inclusivity. In light of the exclusionary rhetoric that has been in the national discussion right now, Karen and the teachers determined that making sure that everyone sees Chicago Friends School as a safe and inclusive environment is of utmost importance now more than ever. Meghan…
Industrial Revolution Social Studies
On Friday, our class wrapped up our lessons on the Industrial Revolution. We had covered the basics of what the Industrial Revolution was earlier in the week, but we hadn’t yet gotten to the Trash and Treasure connection that we’ve looked at with each era of U.S. history: what did people “treasure” at this point…
Honoring MLK’s Legacy in the K–1 classroom
This week my students studied the importance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We read the picture book biography Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport. The book described scenes from King’s life, beginning with his childhood experience of seeing “White Only” signs throughout his hometown. He questions his mother about their meaning, and she assures…
“All About” Writing Unit
We came back to school refreshed and ready to start the new year. With the new year, we begin a new writing unit to create “all-about” books. Students are tapping into their inner-experts. They are thinking about what topics they know enough about in order to be able to write a book with multiple chapters.…
Day of Service
On October 10, Chicago Friends School students participated in Chicago Friends School’s first day of service, presented as an alternative to the Columbus Day holiday. Because we are studying where our food comes from right now, as part of our Trash and Treasure theme, I wanted to do a service day that engaged kids in…
Creating School Rules, as a Community
This week, we started the school year, by engaging students in the creation of rules for this school year. Engaging students in rule-making helps them to enter a community and feel like they have equal stakes in how the community functions. It also allows them to voice their concerns, wishes and ideas about the kind…