Learning Outside the Box...a.k.a. Classroom

Although I believe fifth grade is a year packed full of learning in our classrooms at Captain, there is so much learning that goes on outside of our classroom that grows our young people all the time.  Your children amaze me with their talents and gifts that they pursue outside the "walls" of our room.  Many of them even carry the learning they do in our space out into the world with them.  You may have even seen some flyers come home with essay contests and a photo contest last week.  Several of our writers entered the "Law Day Essay Contest" sponsored by the National Education Association.  It's exciting to see how what is learned in school is applied beyond it.

Last week, our class enjoyed a sweet moment of learning that occurred outside our room and was brought in to be shared.  Two of our own wrote a song together and were brave enough to perform it for us.  Their joy and excitement, along with some understandable nervousness, bubbled forth before their classmates in song.  The support they received from the other students was just as inspiring.  Talk about mindset - the optimism, perseverance, flexibility, and empathy!  I think it's so important to have these moments together to recognize what happens outside of our classroom and celebrate that learning, too.

This week, our school has another outside the box opportunity for learning as we celebrate Captain's annual Black History Night.  Students have participated in learning since the fall that has lead up to this culminating experience.  There will be art, speaking, singing, and dancing to share our learning about the Harlem Renaissance.  This performance will take place in the Clayton High School Auditorium tomorrow night beginning at 7pm.  I encourage you to arrive early to find a seat as it is always a packed house.  Students who will be on stage should wear some combination of black and white or all black and arrive at 6:45pm.  Teachers will direct students to rooms to gather before the show while families go to the auditorium to find seats.  After the show, students will return to the rooms in which they began and can be picked up by one parent.  I will be there and look forward to seeing everyone on this special night.  See you tomorrow!