| Leonardo is alive and flourishing in the Center these days as we conclude our introduction to Il Maestro and begin an examination of how Curiosita energizes our learning. Children are born with a natural curiosity about the world around them, but Leonardo is showing us how his intense curiosity increases our ability to ask questions and seek answers…which inevitably leads to more questions. We are also examining Leonardo’s ability to observe and communicate his observations in very accurate drawings. The Schizzi pages in our codices are rapidly filling with sketches of our studies of natural objects. This will eventually be joined by observations of our experiments with sound, water, and light. It is an exciting unit!!! Many parents have asked us what they can do at home to reinforce what their children do at the Center. With our focus on Leonardo, the opportunities are endless. A few are to… • Read books on the life and work of famous scientists, inventors, and painters. • Play with toys and games that encourage creative problem solving, critical thinking, or design. • Keep a diary, journal, or sketch book. • Take a walk in the park, or even just around your neighborhood. Sketch what you observe or classify a set of natural objects by a variety of different characteristics. Thank you to all the parents who attended our first Family Night. It was an enormous success. Parents (and teachers) were able to see first-hand the actual day-to–day work of their children (or student) in the Center. Mark your calendars now to attend our next gathering…even if only for a few minutes. Our next Family Night will be Wednesday, December 13. We hope to see you there. |
| December - January |
| Codex Signeticus |
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| Looking ahead, two important events are coming up which offer parents a chance to participate in Center activities. ..
Next semester we plan to do our sheep brain dissection and need parent volunteers to help monitor small groups of future scientists as we follow specific procedures and make observations. You do not need to have experience or even a particularly strong stomach. We will need 4-5 parents for each Center day. If you can help out, please email, send a note, or phone the Center after 2 pm and let us know you are willing and able. Notes and Reminders: • Differentiated Services Plans (DSP) Please make sure that you sign and return the CENTER COPY of your child's Differentiated Services Form as soon as possible. Thank You! • If your child has not brought in a box of tissues, please see that they do so before Winter Break. Cold season has already hit the Center very hard and we are getting desperate. • The cafeteria here at Lake Ridge is a separate account from your child’s home base school. If your child does not attend Lake Ridge Elementary, your child will need either a separate ticket or money to purchase lunches on SIGNET days. • Family Night Calendar: Drop in between 6:30 – 7:30 pm December 13 February 21 April 18 As always, we thank you for your support and send warmest wishes for a happy, healthy New Year. |
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