Second graders organized a class food drive as a way to give back to our community after learning about the needs within it!
We celebrated letter C today in our alphabet countdown. We can't help falling in love with this character! I wonder if he will return tomorrow to dance for letter D
First graders have spent the last few weeks exploring wants vs. needs, and applying that understanding to being stewards of the Earth. A fun art project celebrating Earth Day was the cherry on top!
After working hard on their test this morning, third grade celebrated Earth Day by dissecting a flower!
Family Tip #3 (Elementary): Help kids navigate online friendships
In the beginning, you might limit all communication with strangers online. As kids get older, you can monitor any online chatting. And once they're more independent, you can discuss which methods of communication are appropriate as well as which types of information to keep private from online-only friends.
Pre-K has been learning all about dinosaurs and fossils. Today we started our fossil dig. The students had to dig up the fossils, identify the dinosaur, and then rebuild it!
Today is the last day to send in paper orders for Scholastic book fair books. We have a great selection of books for kids of all ages.
Does your child love nonfiction books? Check out the selection of books at the Scholastic book fair. You can send in orders through this Wednesday, April 21.
First graders at Oly West were in awe today as they learned about coral reefs introduced by the fabulous book The Brilliant Deep: Rebuilding the World's Coral Reefs. Now this is scientific storytelling at its best! #FutureScientists
Does your child need a new book to read this weekend? Check out the Scholastic book fair. Simply mark the books you would like to purchase on the “shopping list” your child brought home and return it along with the payment to the school.
Family Tip #2 (Elementary): Play a game of telephone
Discuss how a message can change depending on the person delivering it or the delivery method. Read a question like "What are you doing?" with different tones of voice. Talk about how emoji and punctuation can help communicate tone and emotion in text messages.
Second Graders used what they’ve learned about 2D shapes to create some chalk art on our sidewalks during a mask break today ☀️
The contactless Scholastic book fair is at West. This is a great opportunity to stock up on books for summer reading.
Games, social media, and other online spaces give kids opportunities to meet and chat with others outside the confines of their real-life communities. But how well do kids actually know the people they're meeting and interacting with? Help students consider whom they're talking to and the types of information they're sharing online.
In this video, kids hear from teens about the benefits and drawbacks of presenting themselves differently (or even anonymously) to others online, and consider what it means to "be yourself" in digital spaces.
Video Link: bit.ly/olyRCv3
*Keeping Games Fun and Friendly*
Social interaction is part of what makes online gaming so popular and engaging for kids. But online communication can come with some risks. Show your kids how to keep their gaming experiences fun, healthy, and positive.
Video: bit.ly/olyRCv1
Last week was National Library Week. Mrs. Lang has transformed our library to library on a cart this year giving students the opportunity to check out books each week. She has checked out 4,816 books so far this year! Thank you Mrs. Lang!
Second Graders have been talking about the effects that water flow has on various landforms. This week we were able to plan and conduct a STEM project building a barrier to save a sand castle from an "ocean tide."
Family Tip #1: Give them the right words.
Kids learn about appropriate verbal and physical communication from watching you. But online conversations can be invisible. Occasionally, narrate as you're writing texts or social media comments when your kids are in earshot.
First graders and Mrs. Ruppert discussed using positive self talk when we are feeling stressed
**Help Kids Make Friends and Interact Safely Online: Elementary**
Soon after kids start reading and writing, they often begin interacting with others online. Whether they're chatting within games or texting family members, kids need the skills to interact respectfully. These skills will help kids -- and the people they're communicating with -- have positive experiences online. Throughout April, be on the lookout for these 4 Family Tips for elementary families who are looking to build a strong foundation for online relationships and communication!
1. Give them the right words.
2. Play a game of telephone.
3. Help kids navigate online friendships.
4. Develop their instincts.
