What is Empathy?

This week the students in Mosaic began our Changing Perspectives unit by creating a working definition for Disability and Empathy. Your students have such amazing thoughts, connections, and questions about these topics. They are now working on creating inspirational posters about this topic to hang around the school in hopes of inspiring empathy in others. Next week we will begin our rotations to learn about specific disabilities and how they affect people's lives. Listen to our thoughts about empathy on this Let's Recap link.

In writing we have learned about the elements of classic fairy tales and how when we adapt a fairy tale those changes create a domino effect. For example, if you change the character or setting it will change the character's motivation, events, and most likely the resolution. Students have chosen to adapt either The Three Billy Goats Gruff or Little Red Riding Hood. Next they thought about parts of the classic tale that they disagreed with and wanted to change. Then they worked to create cohesive scenes to layout their tale with a clear structure. Next week we will begin to draft our first versions. We have some wonderfully creative ideas. Stay tuned for a sneak peek at their writing.

Our last unit in math for the year in Geometry. This particular concept is full of rich, and often confusing vocabulary, so students worked in small groups to create informational posters about what attribute we can use to describe different quadrilateral shapes. Then they presented their work to their classmates to learn from. To read more about the topics that we will cover in this unit read here.

Thank you all so very much for thinking of us with sweet treats, thoughtful goodies, and kind words throughout Teacher Appreciation Week. They were all received with overwhelming gratitude! We feel so lucky to teach in such a supportive community.

Fondly,
Jess and Liz