Open Circle Letter 4

Dear Family:

In Open Circle, we have been getting to know each other better. In order for students to become friends and work well together, it is important for them to learn about each other. We played the “Stand Up/Sit Down” game to find out what we have in common, such as how many like to draw, have a sister, like to play with blocks, or know how to swim. Ask your child to tell you what he/she learned from the “Up/Down” game about what the students in the class have in common. You might encourage your child to get to know a classmate they do not know very well during recess or lunchtime.

We also practiced our listening skills and learned the school listening look. The school listening look refers to expectations for listening at school. 

The school listening look means that we:

• sit still.

• sit up.

• look at the person who is speaking.

• pay attention.

It is important to everyone in the class — students, teachers, and visitors — to be listened to when they speak. At home, ask your child to show you the school listening look and teach it to you. Practice it by listening to your child. This is a very important lifelong skill, not only for children to develop but also for adults to learn and practice. You might want to encourage all members of your family to become better listeners.

Yours truly,

 Nicole & Lynne

Literature Connections

Here are some books that relate to the topics we discussed in Open Circle. You might want to check out one or two at the library and read with your child:

*Cummins, Julie. Country Kid, City Kid. Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, 2002.
Even though Ben lives on a farm in the country, and Jody lives in an apartment in the city, they have many things in common, including the camp they attend in the summer.

*Lester, Helen. Listen Buddy. Houghton Mifflin, 1995.
Buddy’s poor listening habits get him into big trouble. After his encounter with the dreaded Scruffy Varmint, Buddy tries harder to pay attention to what his parents say. 

*Walsh, Melanie. My Nose, Your Nose. Houghton Mifflin, 2002.
In very simple language, the author points out that, although people have many differences, they have many things in common.