This week we completed our Africa reports. I provided an introduction and a conclusion and students each wrote their own body, focusing on how life in Africa is different from that in Vermont. They did a fantastic job on these. We also had several very productive sessions of writer's workshop this week. We have been talking about trying to write sentences, starting with capital letters, and leaving spaces between words. It has been amazing to see the progress everyone has made and the level of independence many children are now showing.

We did another science experiment today. Ask your child to describe what happened when salt and sugar were added to oil floating on water.

Tomorrow we will continue our work on the Pennies for Peace project. We read the book Listen to the Wind today, which tells about the efforts of Greg Mortenson. Please feel free to send in pennies anytime. We have a collection jar in the classroom and soon there will be one in the lobby as well.

The children have so enjoyed the African dance residency this week. We had the added bonus of hearing the drumming throughout the days, as our classroom is so close to the gym. There is a culminating performance for the older students tomorrow morning. Our class will not be part of this, but we will be watching.

It is hard to believe it is time for another vacation, although the illness and fatigue tell me it really is time. I hope you have time to enjoy the week wherever you are.