Choices make the world go 'round!

Over the past few years at Saint Mary there has been a lot of talk about Differentiated Instruction (DI). As teachers we can differentiate the delivery of instruction, the content of the lesson and even the way that students respond to a lesson. This week alone I have observed lessons in multiple grade levels where students were given choices regarding how they could best express what they learned. In 8th grade religion class, groups of students were assigned topics, relating to Advent, that they were charged to become experts on. I watched as groups put on plays, translated bible passages, made and presented posters and performed skits, to share their research and knowledge with their classmates. Similarly, our 4th grade science class culminated a unit on animals by choosing how they wanted to share their work and information with their teacher and class: some chose animotos, some built board games, other painted murals and some children responded by writing. In each of these cases, allowing students to decide which vehicle they want to use to display information builds confidence, allows children to start with their strengths, and results in increased learning and student engagement.

So much to be excited about!

In the past two weeks a lot has happened at Saint Mary School! We have had Parent-Teacher conferences, report cards, a Read-In and Mini-Courses, we've celebrated Thanksgiving and featured our band, chorus and 4th grade chimes at a very successful Book Fair. It would seem that things would be settling down now, but as we prepare for Christmas and celebrate the Advent season, there continues to be much to be proud of at Saint Mary School! In the next two weeks our 1st and 2nd graders will share their love of God with us through their Advent musical, our 2nd graders will receive their 1st Reconciliation and our Kindergarteners will teach us about the birth of Jesus with their reenactment of the Nativity. Our 7th graders will showcase their hard work and research at the Science Fair on Thursday, our school will come together for Lessons and Carols and the band will put us in the Christmas spirit and share their talents with us at their concert. We are lucky to be a part of such a diverse and talented community!