The students in Mrs. Weisberg’s Transitional Kindergarten class have been working hard to learn appropriate ways to solve conflicts. They have been practicing many strategies for the Conscious Discipline program (consciousdiscipline.com).

Using the “I Solve” mat is just one of the many tools that they utilize to work out their feelings.

All students . . . → Read More: Shake & Make Up]]>

The students in Mrs. Weisberg’s Transitional Kindergarten class have been working hard to learn appropriate ways to solve conflicts. They have been practicing many strategies for the Conscious Discipline program (consciousdiscipline.com).

Using the “I Solve” mat is just one of the many tools that they utilize to work out their feelings.

All students start by rolling their hands backward signifying going back in time.

The dialog between two students having a conflict went something like this:

Student 1: Are you willing to make up?

Student 2: Yes

Teacher prompts students to “Be a S.T.A.R.” (Smile, Take a deep breath And Relax). Both students step forward on the time machine.

Student 1: I wish you well.

Student 2: I wish you well too.

The entire class say’s “1,2,3 Let’s do it!” to build a sense of unity in the class and with the participants.

Student 1: I don’t like it when you push me. Please don’t do that.

Student 2: Ok, I can do that.

After maintaining eye contact and literally walking through these steps, the  students then showed that there are no hard feelings by sharing a symbolic gesture (handshake).  Transforming conflicts into teaching moments helps students learn life-long communication skills that will ensure a safe, nurturing and respectful classroom.

  . . . → Read More: Are you Prepared?]]> I don’t think I know any other schools who participate in such an extensive emergency drill. We truly appreciate the partnership with have with the county/station 69 and  know that they would make us a top priority in the event of a true emergency!

This week the 2nd grade students of Ms. Denmark visited Turning Point Housing, a homeless shelter in Santa Monica as part of their “We Give Back” curriculum. They  started with an in-depth question & answer session with some poignant questions from our kids,  followed by a tour of the facilities.  The highlight . . . → Read More: We Give Back!]]>

This week the 2nd grade students of Ms. Denmark visited Turning Point Housing, a homeless shelter in Santa Monica as part of their “We Give Back” curriculum. They  started with an in-depth question & answer session with some poignant questions from our kids,  followed by a tour of the facilities.  The highlight of the day was  the teamwork and spirit generated by many hands working together to make over 55 tasty lunches for the residents of the program.  The  children decorated both the paper sacks and water bottles with lovely  pictures and sentiments…we know the many things they experienced  on this field trip will stay with them for a long time to come.  Thanks again to all who worked so hard to make it happen! 

Over 150 children participated in the Keepers of the Earth Drawing and Essay contest for children ages 4-11. The theme, “What it means to you to be a Keeper of the Earth?” was answered with an outpouring of care and concern for . . . → Read More: The Keepers of the Earth]]> The Keepers of the Earth

Drawing & Essay contest results

Over 150 children participated in the Keepers of the Earth Drawing and Essay contest for children ages 4-11. The theme, “What it means to you to be a Keeper of the Earth?” was answered with an outpouring of care and concern for the planet. The children really took to heart this very important question and shared many thoughts and ideas about what it means to be a good steward of planet earth.

All of the essay entries were carefully considered based on how the essay was structurally crafted, the content of the work, and the expression of understanding the importance of connection with the natural world. All of the entries demonstrated real compassion and a heartfelt desire to be a good steward.

The winner of the essay contest is 4^th grade, Topanga Elementary student, Madison Snow. She will receive an 8 week series of Keepers of the Earth outdoor education/nature connection classes.

The 2^nd place winner is 3^rd grade, home schooled student, Aurora Gaines. She will receive 2 Keepers of the Earth classes.

The 3^rd place winner is 2^nd grade, Topanga Elementary student Josephine Hein. She will receive A Keepers of the Earth, local medicinal and edible plant guide.

Many wonderful drawings were submitted for the drawing portion of the contest. The same theme was explored, “What does it mean to you to be a Keeper of the Earth.” More than 40 entries were received.

The winner of the drawing contest is Topanga Elementary kindergarten student, Jovi Bourgeois. Jovi will receive a hand made wooden flower press.

The 2^nd place winner is Topanga Elementary kindergarten student, Neel Joshi. Neel will receive a plaster cast of a mountain lion paw print.

A few other essays and drawings will receive honorable mentions and this work will be displayed at the Topanga Library along with the winning entries. The children’s work will be on display soon in the showcases as you walk in by the main entrance of the library.

Congratulations to all of the children who participated for showing what outstanding Keepers of the Earth they are. All should be very proud of the work they created and know that together they can make a difference.

Keepers of the Earth is an outdoor education/nature connection organization that provides classes and workshops to children, families and individuals in Topanga. Spring classes start March 28^th, 2012. For more information check out www.keepers-of-the-earth.com or email cosmosmama@verizon.net

Once again, our amazing science teacher, Ms. Gibian, takes a fun and hands-on approach to learning!  Most recently, she challenged 3rd graders to determine each planet’s distance from the sun by using toilet paper squares as a means of measurement.  The students had so much fun working together as they rolled out the . . . → Read More: How many squares from the sun?]]>

Once again, our amazing science teacher, Ms. Gibian, takes a fun and hands-on approach to learning!  Most recently, she challenged 3rd graders to determine each planet’s distance from the sun by using toilet paper squares as a means of measurement.  The students had so much fun working together as they rolled out the TP, one planet at a time until they reached the outermost planet in our solar system. 

Do you know which one that is?

If not, just ask a 3rd grader!