My School Rocks! 2014-04 Arlene Goldstein | Page 25

TEACHER MSR: What lesson had an unexpected reaction? TAKEAWAYS Roberts: When working with first graders, I think it’s best to always expect the unexpected. MSR: What cultural special does your class respond to most? Mary Rob e r ts Roberts: My class enjoys art and music. I make it a point to include art and music in the regular classroom studies every week. Last week, while studying stars in science, students viewed and discussed “Starry Night” by Vincent Van Gogh. Art and music allow us to learn and enrich our lives. First grade teacher Mary Roberts said she has enjoyed forming deep, caring relationships with students, parents and staff during her 21-plus years teaching first graders at Selwyn. STUDENT STORY MSR: What is your favorite thing at Selwyn? Henri: My favorite thing Henri, Fif about Selwyn th Grade r is that all the teachers, staff members and all the students are friendly. I feel like everyone is accepted and welcomed at school. They also know how to teach kids a lot without overwhelming them. MSR: Do you have a favorite subject in school? MSR: Do you have a favorite lesson plan? Henri: I always love doing math and my teacher, Mrs. Tresino, is really great. Roberts: I feel as if I have favorites each day. A favorite lesson would be one to which the children really respond well. Before the winter break, I read “Flat Stanley.” Students were asked to create a flat version of themselves to mail to a friend or relative. The flat character spent the winter holidays with the host family and then reported about his/her adventures in January. We have great discussions about diversity of family traditions through this project. MSR: Are you in any of the clubs? Henri: I am in a club called FPS (Future Problem Solvers). We read stories about possible events that could affect our world in the future. Together, we write out challenges and come up with solutions. MSR: What’s the coolest thing about the Science Lab? Henri: The coolest things are the charts and fossils in the back of the room. And I really enjoyed the dancing penny experiment. Photos by LunahZ on www.myschoolrocks.com | My School Rocks! 25