Liz's Class Notes

Now that apprenticeships are over, the senior learners are reflecting on their work and researching to further their knowledge and understanding of their mentor organizations for their digital portfolios. Much goes into reflecting on their learning experiences, and the senior learners are enjoying the creative freedom of creating a digital portfolio. This process will take a while, and when the portfolios are complete, the students will present them at a gathering.

We are beginning our student-led book clubs next week. The kids selected their books from a selection I compiled for them. We're reading Yes, Chef by Marcus Samuelsson, The Wild Robot by Peter Brown, Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, and Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai by Debbi Michiko Florence. The kids will meet once or twice a week to discuss their reading and will read both at home and in school.

The presidential election marks the end of our exploration of democracy's mechanisms. The kids learned a great deal about the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Three Branches of Government, and the somewhat confusing Electoral College. On election day, they had a much better understanding of the results. The kids were curious and engaged throughout our study, which is important because they will vote in about five years!